back to line 22 In line 48b "mid blode bestemed" and elesewhere similar phrases occur: e.g. Christ 1085b "blode bistemed" (also of the Cross); Andreas 1239b "swate bestemed". This looks like a poetic formula system and the verb is usually in the non-WS form with -e-. However, DR seems unusual in using a preposition rather than a dative/instrumental.