E06923: Aldhelm, in his poem On the Altars of the Twelve Apostles, records the dedication of an altar to *John (the Apostle and Evangelist, S00042), presumably in Britain. Written in Latin in southern Britain, c. 670/710.

Aldhelm, Carmina Ecclesiastica, 4.5

V. IN SANCTI IOHANNIS APOSTOLI ET EVANGELISTAE
Nec minus interea glomeretur virgo Iohannes,
Quem germana simul iunxit concordia Christo,
Dum pandam vetulo liquit cum patre carinam
Retibus aequoreas claudentem marmore praedas;
Qui prius algosis verrebat caerula remis
Piscibus insidias nectens sub gurgite ponti;
Sed clamante Deo luctantes litore limphas
Retiferamque ratem caro cum fratre relinquit
Et Dominum sequitur, caeli qui regnat in arce.

Hic fuit egregius Christi regnantis alumnus,
Omnibus anterior, magno dilectus amore;
Quem rex extorrem, Romae qui regna regebat,
Trusit in exilium cumba trans caerula vectum,
Exul qua positus rerum spectacula plura
Crevit in extasi caelesti numine fretus,
Quae modo membranis per mundum scripta leguntur.
Pausat in Effeso praefatus corpore praesul
Praemia sumptums , cum clanget classica salpix,
Ultima dum priscis labuntur tempora saeclis.


'v. On St John the Apostle and Evangelist
No less was the virgin John recruited at that time, whom brotherly love [for his brother St James] joined to Christ, when John too abandoned his ageing father in the curved boat, which contained in its nets the watery catch (taken) from the sea [Mt. 4:21-2]. John formerly used to sweep along the blue waters with oars dripping sea-weed, weaving snares for fish beneath the water's surface; but when Christ called to him, he left the waves beating against the shore and the net-filled boar and, together with his dear brother, followed the Lord Who reigns in the citadel of Heaven.

John was the outstanding disciple of Christ the King, coming before all the others, beloved (by Christ) with great affection. The Emperor [i.e. Domitian] who ruled the Roman Empire forced John as an outcast into exile, transporting him by boat across the seas (to Patmos). Stationed there as an exile, he saw in a trance – aided by the heavenly will – many visions of things, which are now written on parchment and read throughout the world [i.e. in the biblical Apocalypse]. This aforementioned apostle lies buried at Ephesus, ready to receive the rewards when the battle-trumpet resounds as the last days (of the world) pass away with former ages.'


Text: Ehwald 1919, 23-4. Translation: Lapidge and Rosier 1985, 52-3.