Metrical Preface to the Pastoral Care

This message Augustine over the salt sea brought from the south to the islanders, as the Lord's champion had formerly decreed it, the pope of Rome. The wise Gregorius was versed in many true doctrines through the wisdom of his mind, his hoard of cunning thoughts. For he gained over most of mankind to the Guardian of heaven, best of Romans, wisest of men, most gloriously famous. Afterwards king Alfred translated every word of me into English, and sent me to his scribes south and north; ordered more such to be brought to him after the example, that he might send them to his bishops, for some of them needed it, who knew but little Latin.