Cædmon

Cædmon (flourished c. 670, said to have died c. 680) is the earliest English poet whose name is known. An Anglo-Saxon herdsman attached to the double monastery of Streonæshalch (Whitby Abbey) during the abbacy of St. Hilda (657 - 680), he was originally ignorant of "the art of song" but supposedly learned to compose one night in the course of a dream. He later became a zealous monk and an accomplished and inspirational religious poet.

Quotes

 * Light was first Through the Lord's word Named day: Beauteous, bright creation!
 * Creation. The First Day (c. 670).


 * The fiend with all his comrades Fell then from heaven above, Through as long as three nights and days, The angels from heaven into hell; And them all the Lord transformed to devils, Because they his deed and word Would not revere.
 * Creation: The Fall of the Rebel Angels (c. 670).


 * I am in charity, my children, with all the servants of God.
 * Last words (c.680), reported by Bede.