The pattern changes in this section, on alleluia according to the Latinos, or inhabitants of Latium, the region of Italy containing Rome. The second line begins with the nomina sacra abbreviation XPS, for CHRISTUS. This also appears reading downward using the first letters of each line. It is very peculiar that after all this intricate layout work, the heading for the next section of text, on the interpretation of gloria according to the Chaldeans, is squashed into the second half of the bottom line of the page.
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Vespasian Psalter, 8th century (British Library, Cotton Vespasian A1 f.6r, f.259). All photographs by permission of the British Library.

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Medieval Writing
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