Early Medieval Latin Poetry of Mary
Walter Berschin
In the tenth century Gandersheim was a small, proudly independent principality ruled by women. All who belonged to (except for servants) were of noble birth, taking vows as canonesses - that is, free leave abbey, if they wanted. Hrotsvit, born around 935, one these canonesses. She well aware her talent writing Latin and she confessed later in rhyming prose-preface ‘was not lie sluggish heart’s dark cavern be destroyed rust negligence, but rather struck hammer unfailing diligence, echo some small ringing note divine praise.’ ‘In complete secrecy’ began write poems based on writings had found library Gandersheim.
Studies in Church History