Form of man they give to Matthew, 'Neath the veiling of the law. Mark, the lion, through the desert Fourfold in their forms, these creatures Born as Man, He is depicted, ALANUS INSULANUS Alanus de Insulis, or Insulanus, is supposed to have been born in L'Isle, or Lille, in Flanders, in the year 1114. He died, says Trench, about the beginning of the next century. He was known as Doctor Universalis, from his wide learning and his great ability. It is difficult to determine whether he is the same person who is known as the friend of Bernard, and bishop of Auxerre. He was the author of a book of parables, and of many poems and hymns of great merit. His poem "Est locus ex nostro," is exceedingly beautiful, and reminds one of Bernard of Cluny. ALANUS INSULANUS DE VITA NOSTRA Vita nostra plena bellis: Nulla lux it absque pugna, Sed timoris omnis expers, ALAN OF L'ISLE OUR LIFE This life of ours is full of strife, As they who spend their restless hours No day without a conflict goes, No night without its woe, Our safety like the gamester's chance, The hazard of a throw. But, free from every craven fear, |