Introduction
In The Phoenix, the author (possibly Cynewulf, certainly an admirer of his work) mused on the legend of the firebird that dies in its nest, and is reborn in fire. A godly man builds himself a nest out of his repentance and his love and charity with all men; in life the nest protects him from spiritual enemies, and in death the nest is consumed in fire so that the man may be reborn in a mansion of glory.
Précis
In the Anglo-Saxon poem ‘The Phoenix’, the author reminds us that the phoenix is reborn in a bonfire of its own nest. The Christian, he says, weaves himself such a nest out of almsgiving, clean living and prayer, a nest wich in this life protects him against spiritual assault, and in the next becomes the foundation of a veritable mansion. (60 / 60 words)
In the Anglo-Saxon poem ‘The Phoenix’, the author reminds us that the phoenix is reborn in a bonfire of its own nest. The Christian, he says, weaves himself such a nest out of almsgiving, clean living and prayer, a nest wich in this life protects him against spiritual assault, and in the next becomes the foundation of a veritable mansion.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, besides, despite, if, may, otherwise, ought, whether.
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