The place is shown where those idols formerly stood, not far from York, at the source of the river Derwent, and is at this day called Gormund Gaham ubi pontifex ille, inspirante Deo vero, polluit ac destruxit eas, _quas ipse sacraverat aras_.' The last expression is a pleasing proof that the venerable monk of Wearmouth was familiar with the poetry of Virgil.
342.

'_Near fresh Streams_.' [Sonnet XVII.l.

12.] The early propagators of Christianity were accustomed to preach near rivers for the convenience of baptism.
343.

_The Clergy_.

[Sonnet XIX.] Having spoken of the zeal, disinterestedness, and temperance of the clergy of those times, Bede thus proceeds:--'Unde et in magna erat veneratione tempore illo religionis habitus, ita ut ubicunque clericus aliquis, aut monachus adveniret, gaudeutur ab omnibus tanquam Dei famulus exciperetur.