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Quotation from Ecclesiastical History of the English People by Bede

““Cædmon, sing me something.” But he answered, “I cannot sing, and for this cause I left the banquet and retired hither, because I could not sing.””

Bede (spoken by A figure in Caedmon's dream; Caedmon)

Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Book IV, Chapter XXIV, trans. A. M. Sellar

Portrait of Bede

Asleep in the cattle stable after leaving a feast, Caedmon is bidden to sing and answers that he cannot; he is then told to sing the beginning of creation.

Citation: "“Cædmon, sing me something.” But he answered, “I cannot sing, and for this cause I left the banquet and retired hither, because I could not sing.”" — Bede, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Book IV, Chapter XXIV, trans. A. M. Sellar. (id bede-ecclesiastical-history-q6)

Virtues: Humility

Portrait: The Venerable Bede translates John 1902, James Doyle Penrose, Public domain.

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Quote card: “Cædmon, sing me something.” But he answered, “I cannot sing, and for this cause