Codex Junius 11

(Author unknown)

This file contains translations from the Anglo-Saxon of thefollowing works: "Genesis A", "Genesis B", "Exodus", "Daniel", and "Christ and Satan". All are works found in the manuscript ofAnglo-Saxon verse known as "Junius 11. "

These works were originally written in Anglo-Saxon, sometimebetween the 7th and 10th Centuries A. D. Although sometimesascribed to the poet Caedmon (fl. Late 7th Century), it isgenerally thought that these poems do not represent the work ofone single poet. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Other Translations--

Bradley, S. A. J. : "Anglo-Saxon Poetry" (Everyman Press, London, 1982)

Critical Editions--

Doane, A. N. (ed. ): "Genesis A: A New Critical Edition"(University of Wisconsin Press, Madison, 1978)

Doane, A. N. (ed. ): "The Saxon Genesis: An Edition of the WestSaxon Genesis B and the Old Saxon Vatican Genesis" (University ofWisconsin Press, Madison, 1991)

Dobbie, Elliot VanKirk (ed. ): "The Anglo-Saxon Poetic Records, vol. I--The Junius Manuscript" (Columbia University Press, NewYork, 1937)

Farrell, R. T. (ed. ): "Daniel and Azarias" (Methuen & Co. Ltd. , London, 1974)

Tolkein, J. R. R. (ed. ): "The Old English Exodus" (OxfordUniversity Press, Oxford, 1981)

GENESIS (Genesis A & B)

NOTE: This work is generally believed to be a composite of twoseparate poems, usually referred to as "Genesis A" (or "TheEarlier Genesis") and "Genesis B" (or "The Later Genesis"). "Genesis A" is the work at lines #1-234 and #852-2935; "GenesisB" is interpolated into "Genesis A" at lines #235-851. 

The reason for this interpolation is not known. Perhaps theoriginal compiler preferred the version of the story presented in"Genesis B", or perhaps the text of "Genesis A" from which he wasworking with was missing this section. Adding to this confusionis evidence that "Genesis B" appears to be a translation from anearlier and separate Old Saxon retelling of the biblical "Book ofGenesis", a fragment of which (corresponding to lines #791-817 of"Genesis B") survives. 

"Genesis", like the other poems of "Codex Junius 11", is not adirect translation into Anglo-Saxon of the Old Testament "Book ofGenesis". Rather, it is an effort to retell the story in thepoetry and style of the Germanic Epic, a style still popular withthe Anglo-Saxons at the time "Junius 11" was compiled. 

--DBK

CONTENTS

LIBER I

 Genesis (I-IV) Genesis B (IV-XIV) Exodus (XLII-XLIX) Daniel (L-LV)

LIBER II

 Christ and Satan (I-VII) The Harrowing of Hell (VIII-XII) The Temptation

LIBER I

I

(ll. 1-28) Right is it that we praise the King of heaven, theLord of hosts, and love Him with all our hearts. For He is greatin power, the Source of all created things, the Lord Almighty. Never hath He known beginning, neither cometh an end of Hiseternal glory. Ever in majesty He reigneth over celestialthrones; in righteousness and strength He keepeth the courts ofheaven which were established, broad and ample, by the might ofGod, for angel dwellers, wardens of the soul. The angel legionsknew the blessedness of God, celestial joy and bliss. Great wastheir glory! The mighty spirits magnified their Prince and sangHis praise with gladness, serving the Lord of life, exceedingblessed in His splendour. They knew no sin nor any evil; butdwelt in peace for ever with their Lord. They wrought no deed inheaven save right and truth, until the angel prince in pridewalked in the ways of error. Then no longer would they worktheir own advantage, but turned away from the love of God. Theyboasted greatly, in their banded strength, that they could sharewith God His glorious dwelling, spacious and heavenly bright. 

(ll. 28-46) Then sorrow came upon them, envy and insolence andpride of the angel who first began that deed of folly, to plotand hatch it forth, and, thirsting for battle, boasted that inthe northern borders of heaven he would establish a throne and akingdom. Then was God angered and wrathful against that hostwhich He had crowned before with radiance and glory. For thetraitors, to reward their work, He shaped a house of pain andgrim affliction, and lamentations of hell. Our Lord preparedthis torture-house of exiles, deep and joyless, for the coming ofthe angel hosts. Well He knew it lay enshrouded in eternal night, and filled with woe, wrapped in fire and piercing cold, smoke-veils and ruddy flame. And over that wretched realm Hespread the brooding terror of torment. They had wrought grievouswrong together against God. Grim the reward they gained!

(ll. 47-77) Fierce of heart, they boasted they would take thekingdom, and easily. But their hope failed them when the Lord, High King of heaven, lifted His hand against their host. Theerring spirits, in their sin, might not prevail against the Lord, but God, the Mighty, in His wrath, smote their insolence andbroke their pride, bereft these impious souls of victory andpower and dominion and glory; despoiled His foes of bliss andpeace and joy and radiant grace, and mightily avenged His wrathupon them to their destruction. His heart was hardened againstthem; with heavy hand He crushed His foes, subdued them to Hiswill, and, in His wrath, drove out the rebels from their ancienthome and seats of glory. Our Lord expelled and banished out ofheaven the presumptuous angel host. All-wielding God dismissedthe faithless horde, a hostile band of woeful spirits, upon along, long journey. Crushed was their pride, their boastinghumbled, their power broken, their glory dimmed. Thenceforththose dusky spirits dwelt in exile. No cause had they to laughaloud, but, racked with pangs of hell, they suffered pain and woeand tribulation, cloaked with darkness, knowing bitter anguish, agrim requital, because they sought to strive with God. 

(ll. 78-81) Then was there calm as formerly in heaven, the kindlyways of peace. The Lord was dear to all, a Prince among Histhanes, and glory was renewed of angel legions knowing blessednesswith God. 

II

(ll. 82-91) The citizens of heaven, the home of glory, dweltagain in concord. Strife was at an end among the angels, discordand dissension, when those warring spirits, shorn of light, werehurled from heaven. Behind them stretching wide their mansionslay, crowned with glory, prospering in grace in God's dominion, asunny, fruitful land, empty of dwellers, when the accursedspirits reached their place of exile within Hell's prison-walls. 

(ll. 92-102) Then our Lord took counsel in the thoughts of Hisheart how He might people, with a better host, the greatcreation, the native seats and gleaming mansions, high in heaven, wherefrom these boastful foes had got them forth. Therefore withmighty power Holy God ordained, beneath the arching heavens, thatearth and sky and the far-bounded sea should be established, earth-creatures in the stead of those rebellious foes whom He hadcast from heaven. 

(ll. 103-119) As yet was nought save shadows of darkness; thespacious earth lay hidden, deep and dim, alien to God, unpeopledand unused. Thereon the Steadfast King looked down and beheldit, a place empty of joy. He saw dim chaos hanging in eternalnight, obscure beneath the heavens, desolate and dark, until thisworld was fashioned by the word of the King of glory. Here firstwith mighty power the Everlasting Lord, the Helm of all createdthings, Almighty King, made earth and heaven, raised up the skyand founded the spacious land. The earth was not yet green withgrass; the dark waves of the sea flowed over it, and midnightdarkness was upon it, far and wide. 

(ll. 119-134) Then in radiant glory God's holy spirit moved uponthe waters with wondrous might. The Lord of angels, Giver oflife, bade light shine forth upon the spacious earth. Swiftlywas God's word fulfilled; holy light gleamed forth across thewaste at the Creator's bidding. Over the seas the Lord ofvictory divided light from darkness, shadow from radiant light. The Lord of life gave both a name. By the word of God thegleaming light was first called day. And in the beginning ofcreation was God well pleased. The first day saw the dark andbrooding shadows vanish throughout the spacious earth. 

III

(ll. 135-143) The day departed, hasting over the dwellings ofearth. And after the gleaming light the Lord, our maker, thruston the first of evenings. Murky gloom pressed hard upon theheels of day; God called it night. Our Lord sundered them, onefrom the other; and ever since they follow out the will of God todo it on the earth. 

(ll. 143-153) Then came a second day, light after darkness. Andthe Lord of life ordained a pleasant firmament amid the waters. Our Lord sundered the seas and established the heavens. By Hisword the King, Almighty God, raised them above the earth. Thewaters were divided under the heavens by His holy might; thewaters were sundered from the waters, under the firmament. 

(ll. 154-168) Then came hasting over the earth the third fairmorning. Not yet were the wide ways and spacious tracts usefulunto God, but the land lay covered by the deep. The Lord ofangels, by His word, commanded that the waters come together, which now beneath the heavens hold their course and placeordained. Then suddenly, wide-stretching under heaven, lay thesea, as God gave bidding. The great deep was sundered from theland. The Warden of life, the Lord of hosts, beheld the dryground far outspread. And the King of glory called it earth. For the ocean-billows and the wide-flung sea He set a lawful pathand lettered them.... 

((LACUNA--two to three leaves missing))

IV

(ll. 169-191) .... It did not seem good to the Lord of heaven thatAdam should longer be alone as warden and keeper of this newParadise. Wherefore the King, Almighty God, wrought him anhelpmeet; the Author of life made woman and brought her unto theman whom He loved. He took the stuff of Adam's body, andsecretly drew forth a rib from his side. He was fast asleep inpeaceful slumber; he knew no pain nor any pang; there came noblood from out the wound, but the Lord of angels drew forth fromhis body a growing rib, and the man was unhurt. Of this Godfashioned a lovely maid, breathing into her life and an eternalsoul. They were like unto the angels. The bride of Adam was aliving spirit. By God's might both were born into the world inthe loveliness of youth. They knew no sin nor any evil, but inthe hearts of both there burned the love of God. 

(ll. 192-195) Then the Gracious King, Lord of all human kind, blessed these two, male and female, man and wife, and spake thisword:

(ll. 196-205) "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the green earthwith your seed and increase, sons and daughters. And ye shallhave dominion over the salt sea, and over all the world. Enjoythe riches of earth, the fish of the sea, and the fowls of theair. To you is given power over the herds which I have hallowed, and the wild beasts, and over all living things that move uponthe earth; all living things, which the depths bring forththroughout the sea, shall be subject unto you. "

((LACUNA--One or more leaves missing))

(ll. 206-234) And our Lord beheld the beauty of His works and theabundance of all fruits of this new creation: Paradise laypleasant and inviting, filled with goodly store and endlessblessings. Bountifully a running stream, a welling spring, watered that pleasant land. Not yet did clouds, dark with wind, carry the rains across the spacious earth; nathless the land laydecked with increase. Out from this new Paradise four pleasantbrooks of water flowed. All were divisions of one beauteousstream, sundered by the might of God when He made the earth, andsent into the world. And one of these the mortal dwellers ofearth called Pison, which compasseth the land of Havilah aboutwith shining waters. And in that land, as books tell us, thesons of men from far and near find out the best of gold andprecious gems. And the second floweth round about the land andborders of the Ethiopians, a spacious kingdom. Its name isGihon. The third is Tigris, whose abundant stream lieth aboutthe limits of Assyria. Likewise also the fourth, which nowthrough many a folk-land men call Euphrates.... 

((LACUNA--At least one, possibly two, leaves missing))

(Beginning of "Genesis B")

V

(ll. 235-236) "... Eat freely of the fruit of every other tree. From that one tree refrain. Beware of its fruit. And ye shallknow no dearth of pleasant things. "

(ll. 237-245) Eagerly they bowed them down before the King ofheaven, and gave Him thanks for all, for His teachings andcounsels. And He gave them that land to dwell in. Then the HolyLord, the Steadfast King, departed into heaven. And thecreatures of His hand abode together on the earth. They had nowhit of care to grieve them, but only to do the will of God forever. Dear were they unto God as long as they would keep Hisholy word. 

VI

(ll. 246-260) The Holy Lord, All-wielding God, with mighty handhad wrought ten angel-orders in whom He trusted well, that theywould do Him service, and work His will. Therefore God gave themreason, with His own hands shaped them, and stablished them inbliss. But one He made so great and strong of heart, He let himwield such power in heaven next unto God, so radiant-hued Hewrought him, so fair his form in heaven which God had given, thathe was like unto the shining stars. He should have sung hisMaker's praise, and prized his bliss in heaven. He should havethanked his Lord for the great boon He showered on him in theheavenly light, and let him long enjoy. But he turned him to aworse thing, and strove to stir up strife against the HighestLord of heaven, who sitteth on the throne of glory. 

(ll. 261-276) Dear was he to our Lord. Nor could it long be hidfrom God that pride was growing in His angel's heart. He sethimself against his Leader, scoffed at God with boasting, andwould not serve Him. He said his form was beautiful and bright, gleaming and fair of hue. Nor could he find it in his heart toserve the Lord God, or be subject to Him. It seemed to him thathe had greater strength and larger following than Holy God mighthave. Many words the angel spake in his presumption. By his ownpower alone he thought to build a stronger throne and mightier inheaven. He said his heart was urging him to toil, to build astately palace in the north and west. He said he doubted in hisheart if he would still be subject unto God:

(ll. 277-291) "Why should I slave?" quoth he. "I need not serve amaster. My hands are strong to work full many a wonder. Powerenough have I to rear a goodlier throne, a higher in the heavens. Why should I fawn for His favour, or yield Him such submission?I may be God as well as He! Brave comrades stand about me;stout-hearted heroes who will not fail me in the fray. Thesevaliant souls have chosen me their lord. With such peers one mayponder counsel, and gain a following. Devoted are these friendsand faithful-hearted; and I may be their lord and rule thisrealm. It seemeth no wise right to me that I should cringe awhit to God for any good. I will not serve Him longer. "

(ll. 292-298) Now when God had heard all this, how His angel wasbeginning to make presumptuous head against his Leader, speakingrash words of insolence against his Lord, needs must he makeatonement for that deed, endure the woe of strife, and bear hispunishment, most grievous of all deaths. And so doth every manwho wickedly thinketh to strive with God, the Lord of might. 

(ll. 299-319) Then Almighty God, High Lord of heaven, was filledwith wrath, and hurled him from his lofty throne. He had gainedhis Master's hate, and lost His favour. God's heart was hardenedagainst him. Wherefore he needs must sink into the pit oftorment because he strove against the Lord of heaven. Hebanished him from grace and cast him into hell, into the deepabyss where he became a devil. The Fiend and all his followersfell from heaven; three nights and days the angels fell fromheaven into hell. God changed them all to devils. Because theyheeded not His deed and word, therefore Almighty God hurled theminto darkness, deep under earth, crushed them and set them in themirk of hell. There through the never-ending watches of thenight the fiends endure an unremitting fire. Then at the dawncometh an east wind, and bitter frost, ever a blast of fire orstorm of frost. And each must have his share of sufferingwrought for his punishment. Their world was changed when Godfilled full the pit of hell with His foes!

(ll. 320-322) But the angels who kept their faith with God dweltin the heights of heaven. 

VII

(ll. 322-336) The other fiends who waged so fierce a war with Godlay wrapped in flames. They suffer torment, hot and surgingflame in the midst of hell, broad-stretching blaze of fire andbitter smoke, darkness and gloom, because they broke allegianceunto God. Their folly and the angel's pride deceived them. Theywould not heed the word of God. Great was their punishment!They fell, through folly and through pride, to fiery depths offlame in hell. They sought another home devoid of light andfilled with fire--a mighty flaming death. The fiends perceivedthat through the might of God, because of their presumptuoushearts and boundless insolence, they had won a measureless woe. 

(ll. 337-355) Then spake their haughty king, who formerly wasfairest of the angels, most radiant in heaven, beloved of hisLeader and dear unto his Lord, until they turned to folly, andAlmighty God was moved to anger at their wantonness, and hurledhim down to depths of torment on that bed of death. He named himwith a name, and said their leader should be called fromthenceforth Satan. He bade him rule the black abyss of hell inplace of striving against God. Satan spake--who now must needshave charge of hell and dwell in the abyss--in bitterness hespake who once had been God's angel, radiant-hued in heaven, until his pride and boundless arrogance betrayed him, so that hewould not do the bidding of the Lord of hosts. Bitterness waswelling in his heart; and round him blazed his cruel torment. These words he spake:

(ll. 355-367) "This narrow place is little like those otherrealms we knew, on high in heaven, allotted by my Lord, thoughthe Almighty hath not granted us to hold our state, or rule ourkingdom. He hath done us wrong to hurl us to the fiery depths ofhell, and strip us of our heavenly realm. He hath ordained thathuman kind shall settle there. That is my greatest grief thatAdam--wrought of earth--should hold my firm-set throne andlive in joy, while we endure this bitter woe in hell. 

(ll. 368-388) "Alas! could I but use my hands and have myfreedom for an hour, one winter hour, then with this host I would-- Butbands of iron crush me down, the bondage of my chains isheavy. I am stripped of my dominion. Firmly are hell's fettersforged upon me. Above me and below a blaze of fire! Never haveI seen a realm more fatal--flame unassuaged that surges overhell. Ensnaring links and heavy shackles hold me. My ways aretrammelled up; my feet are bound; my hands are fastened. Closedare the doors of hell, the way cut off. I may not escape out ofmy bonds, but mighty gyves of tempered iron, hammered hot, presshard upon me. God hath set His foot upon my neck. So I know theLord of hosts hath read the purpose of my heart, and knew fullwell that strife would grow between our host and Adam over theheavenly realm, had I the freedom of my hands. 

VIII

(ll. 389-400) "But now we suffer throes of hell, fire anddarkness, bottomless and grim. God hath thrust us out into theblack mists. He cannot charge upon us any sin or evil wroughtagainst Him in His realm! Yet hath He robbed us of the light andcast us into utter woe. Nor may we take revenge, nor do Him anyevil because He stripped us of the light. He hath marked out theborders of the world, and there created man in His own image, with whom He hopes again to people heaven, with pure souls. Weneeds must ponder earnestly to wreak this grudge on Adam, if wemay, and on his children, and thwart His will if so we maydevise. 

(ll. 401-407) "No longer have I any hope of light wherein Hethinketh long to joy, in bliss among His angel hosts; nor may weever bring this thing to pass, that we should change the purposeof Almighty God. Let us therefore turn the heavenly kingdom fromthe sons of men, since we may not possess it, cause them to loseHis favour and turn aside from the command He laid upon them. Then shall His wrath be kindled, and He shall cast them out fromgrace. They shall seek out hell and its grim gulf, and in thisheavy bondage we may have the sons of men to serve us. 

(ll. 408-424) "Begin now and plan this enterprise. If ever inolden days, when happily we dwelt in that good kingdom, and heldpossession of our thrones, I dealt out princely treasure to anythane, he could not make requital for my gifts at any better timethan now, if some one of my thanes would be my helper, escapingoutward through these bolted gates, with strength to wing his wayon high where, new-created, Adam and Eve, surrounded withabundance, dwell on earth--and we are cast out hither in thisdeep abyss. They are now much dearer unto God, and own the highestate and rightful realm which we should have in heaven! Goodfortune is allotted to mankind. 

(ll. 425-437) "My soul is sorrowful within me, my heart is sore, that they should hold the heavenly realm for ever. But if in anywise some one of you could bring them to forsake God's word andteaching, soon would they be less pleasing unto Him! If theybreak His commandment, then will His wrath be kindled. Theirhigh estate shall vanish; their sin shall have requital, and somegrim penalty. Take thought now how ye may ensnare them. I shallrest softly in these chains if they lose heaven. Whoso shallbring this thing to pass shall have reward for ever, of all thatwe may win to our advantage, amid these flames. 

IX

(ll. 438-441) I will let him sit next me, whoever shall return tohell proclaiming that they have set at naught, by word and deed, the counsels of the King of heaven and been displeasing to theLord. "

((LACUNA--Section missing of indeterminate length. ))

XI

(ll. 442-460) Then God's enemy began to make him ready, equippedin war-gear, with a wily heart. He set his helm of darkness onhis head, bound it full hard, and fastened it with clasps. Manya crafty speech he knew, many a crooked word. Upward he beat hisway and darted through the doors of hell. He had a ruthlessheart. Evil of purpose he circled in the air, cleaving the flamewith fiendish craft. He would fain ensnare God's servants untosin, seduce them and deceive them that they might be displeasingto the Lord. With fiendish craft he took his way until he cameon Adam upon earth, the finished handiwork of God, full wiselywrought, and his wife beside him, loveliest of women, performingmany a goodly service since the Lord of men appointed them Hisministers. 

(ll. 460-477) And by them stood two trees laden with fruit andclothed with increase. Almighty God, High King of heaven, hadset them there that the mortal sons of men might choose of goodand evil, weal and woe. Unlike was their fruit! Of the one treethe fruit was pleasant, fair and winsome, excellent and sweet. That was the tree of life. He might live for ever in the worldwho ate of that fruit, so that old age pressed not heavily uponhim, nor grievous sickness, but he might live his life inhappiness for ever, and have the favour of the King of heavenhere on earth. And glory was ordained for him in heaven, when hewent hence. 

(ll. 478-495) The other tree was dark, sunless, and full ofshadows: that was the tree of death. Bitter the fruit it bore!And every man must know both good and evil; in this world abasedhe needs must suffer, in sweat and sorrow, who tasted of thefruit that grew upon that tree. Old age would rob him of hisstrength and joy and honour, and death take hold upon him. Alittle time might he enjoy this life, and then seek out the murkyrealm of flame, and be subject unto fiends. There of all perilsare the worst for men for ever. And that the evil one knew well, the wily herald of the fiend who fought with God. He took theform of a serpent, coiled round the tree of death by devil'scraft, and plucked the fruit, and turned aside again where hebeheld the handiwork of the King of heaven. And the evil one inlying words began to question him:

(ll. 496-506) "Hast thou any longing, Adam, unto God? Hisservice brings me hither from afar. Not long since I was sittingat His side. He sent me forth upon this journey to bid thee eatthis fruit. He said thy strength and power would increase, thymind be mightier, more beautiful thy body, and thy form morefair. He said thou wouldest lack no good thing on the earth whenthou hast won the favour of the King of heaven, served thy Lordwith gladness, and deserved His love. 

(ll. 507-521) "In the heavenly light I heard Him speaking of thylife, praising thy words and works. Needs must thou do Hisbidding which His messengers proclaim on earth. Broad-stretchingare the green plains of the world, and from the highest realms ofheaven God ruleth all things here below. The Lord of men willnot Himself endure the hardship to go upon this journey, butsendeth His ministers to speak with thee. He sendeth tidingsunto thee to teach thee wisdom. Do His will with gladness! Takethis fruit in thy hand; taste and eat. Thy heart shall grow moreroomy and thy form more fair. Almighty God, thy Lord, sendeththis help from heaven. "

(ll. 522-546) And Adam, first of men, answered where he stood onearth: "When I heard the Lord, my God, speaking with a mightyvoice, He bade me dwell here keeping His commandments, gave methis woman, this lovely maid, bade me take heed and be nottempted to the tree of death and utterly beguiled, and said thathe who taketh to his heart one whit of evil shall dwell inblackest hell. Though thou art come with lies and secret wiles, I know not that thou art an angel of the Lord from heaven. Lo!I cannot understand thy precepts, thy words or ways, thy errandor thy sayings. I know what things our Lord commanded when Ibeheld Him nigh at hand. He bade me heed His word, observe itwell, and keep His precepts. Thou art not like to any of Hisangels that ever I have seen, nor hast thou showed me any tokenthat my Lord hath sent of grace and favour. Therefore I cannothearken to thy teachings. Get thee hence! I have my faith setfirm upon Almighty God, who with His own hands wrought me. FromHis high throne He giveth all good things, and needeth not tosend His ministers. "

XII

(ll. 547-550) Then turned the fiend with wrathful heart to wherehe saw Eve standing on the plains of earth, a winsome maid. Andunto her he said, the greatest of all ills thereafter would fallon their descendants in the world:

(ll. 551-558) "I know God's anger will be roused against you, when from this journey through far-stretching space I come againto Him, and bring this message, that ye refuse to do His bidding, as He hath sent commandment hither from the East. He needs mustcome to speak with you, forsooth, nor may His minister proclaimHis mission! Truly I know His wrath will be kindled against youin His heart!

(ll. 559-587) "But if thou, woman, wilt hearken to my words, thoumayest devise good counsel. Bethink thee in thy heart to turnaway His vengeance from you both, as I shall show thee. Eat ofthis fruit! Then shall thine eyes grow keen, and thou shalt seeafar through all the world, yea! unto the throne of God, thyLord, and have His favour. Thou mayest rule the heart of Adam, if thou incline to do it and he doth trust thy words, if thouwilt tell him truly what law thou hast in mind, to keep God'sprecepts and commandments. His heart will cease from bitterstrife and evil answers, as we two tell him for his good. Urgehim earnestly to do thy bidding, lest ye be displeasing to theLord your God. If thou fulfill this undertaking, thou best ofwomen, I will not tell our Lord what evil Adam spake against me, his wicked words accusing me of falsehood, saying that I am eagerin transgression, a servant of the Fiend and not God's angel. But I know well the angel race, and the high courts of heaven. Long ages have I served the Lord my God with loyal heart. I amnot like a devil. "

(ll. 588-599) So he urged with lies and luring wiles, temptingthe woman unto sin, until the serpent's counsel worked withinher--for God had wrought her soul the weaker--and her heartinclined according to his teaching. Transgressing God'scommandment, from the fiend she took the fatal fruit of the treeof death. Never was worse deed wrought for men! Great is thewonder that Eternal God, the Lord, would let so many of Histhanes be tricked with lies by one who brought such counsel. Sheate the fruit and set at naught the will and word of God. 

(ll. 600-610) Then could she see afar by gift of the fiend, whoselies deceived and artfully ensnared her, so that it came to passthe heavens appeared to her more radiant, and the earth and allthe world more fair, the great and mighty handiwork of God, though she beheld it not by human wisdom; but eagerly the fienddeceived her soul and gave her vision, that she might see afaracross the heavenly kingdom. Then spake the fiend with hostilepurpose--and nought of profit did he counsel:

(ll. 610-625) "Now mayest thou behold, most worthy Eve, nor needI tell thee, how fair thy beauty and thy form how changed, sincethou didst trust my words and do my bidding. A radiance shinethround about thee, gleaming splendour, which I brought forth fromGod on high. Thou mayest touch it! Tell Adam what vision thouhast and power by my coming. And even yet, if he will do mybidding with humble heart, I will give him of this lightabundantly, as I have given thee, and will not punish hisreviling words, though he deserves no mercy for the grievous illhe spake against me. So shall his children live hereafter! Whenthey do evil, they must win God's love, avert His doom, and gainthe favour of their Lord for ever!"

(ll. 626-635) Then the lovely maid, fairest of women that evercame into this world, went unto Adam. She was the handiwork ofthe King of heaven, though tricked with lies and utterly undone, so that through fiendish craft and devil's fraud she needs mustbe displeasing to the Lord, forfeit God's favour, and lose herglory and her heavenly home. So often evil dwelleth with thatman who doth not shun it when he hath the power. 

(ll. 636-646) Of the fatal apples some she carried in her handsand some lay on her breast, the fruit of the tree of deathwhereof the Lord of lords, the Prince of glory, had forbidden herto eat, saying His servants need not suffer death. The Holy Lordbestowed a heavenly heritage and ample bliss on every race, ifthey would but forgo that fruit alone, that bitter fruit, whichthe mortal tree brought forth upon its boughs. That was the treeof death which the Lord forbade them!

(ll. 647-654) But the fiend, who hated God, and loathed the Kingof heaven, deceived with lies Eve's heart and erring wisdom, andshe believed his words and did his bidding, and came at last tothink his counsels were indeed from God, as he so cunningly hadsaid. He showed to her a token, and gave her promise of goodfaith and friendly purpose. Then to her lord she said:

(ll. 655-665) "Adam, my lord! This fruit is sweet and pleasingto the heart; this radiant messenger is God's good angel! I knowby his attire he is a herald of our Lord, the King of heaven. Better to win his favour than his wrath! If thou to-day hastspoken aught of evil, yet will he still forgive thee, if we willdo his will. Of what avail this bitter strife against the heraldof thy Lord? We need his favour. For he may plead our causebefore Almighty God, the King of heaven. 

(ll. 666-683) "I can behold where in the south and east He whoshaped the world sits veiled in splendour. I see the angelscircling round His throne, in winged flight, unnumbered myriads, clothed in beauty. Who could give me such discernment, except itbe sent straight from God, the Lord of heaven? Widely may I hearand widely see through all the world across the broad creation. I hear the hymns of rapture from on high. Radiance blazes on mysoul without and within since first I tasted of the fruit. Lo!my good lord! I bring thee in my hand this fruit, and give theefreely of it. I do believe that it is come from God, and broughtby His command, as this messenger declared in words of truth. Itis not like aught else on earth except, as this herald saith, itcometh straight from God. "

XIII

(ll. 684-703) Long she pled, and urged him all the day to thatdark deed, to disobey their Lord's command. Close stood the evilfiend, inflaming with desire, luring with wiles, and boldlytempting him. The fiend stood near at hand who on that fatalmission had come a long, long way. He planned to hurl men downto utter death, mislead them and deceive them, that they mightlose the gift of God, His favour and their heavenly realm. Lo!well the hell-fiend knew they must endure God's anger and thepains of hell, suffer grim misery and woe, since they had brokenGod's commandment, when with his lying words he tricked thebeauteous maid, fairest of women, unto that deed of folly, sothat she spake according to his will; and aided her in temptingunto evil the handiwork of God. 

(ll. 704-716) Over and over the fairest of women pled with Adam, until she began to incline his heart so that he trusted thecommand the woman laid upon him. All this she did with goodintent, and knew not that so many evils, such grim afflictions, would come upon mankind, when she was moved to hearken to thecounsels of the evil herald; but she hoped to win God's favour byher words, showing such token and such pledge of truth unto theman, that the mind of Adam was changed within his breast, and hisheart began to bend according to her will. 

(ll. 717-726) From the woman he took both death and hell, although it did not bear these names, but bore the name of fruit. The sleep of death and fiends' seduction; death and hell andexile and damnation--these were the fatal fruit whereon theyfeasted. And when the apple worked within him and touched hisheart, then laughed aloud the evilhearted fiend, capered about, and gave thanks to his lord for both:

(ll. 726-749) "Now have I won thy promised favour, and wroughtthy will! For many a day to come is man undone, Adam and Eve!God's wrath shall be heavy upon them, for they have scorned Hisprecepts and commandments. Wherefore they may no longer holdtheir heavenly kingdom, but they must travel the dark road tohell. Thou needest not feel sorrow in thy heart, as thou liestin thy bonds, nor mourn in spirit that men should dwell in heavenabove, while we now suffer misery and pain in realms of darkness, and through thy pride have lost our high estate in heaven andgoodly dwellings. God's anger was kindled against us because inheaven we would not bow our heads in service before the HolyLord. It pleased us not to serve Him. Then was God moved towrath and hard of heart, and drove us into hell; cast a greathost into hell-fire, and with His hands prepared again in heavencelestial thrones, and gave that kingdom to mankind. 

(ll. 750-762) "Blithe be thy heart within thy breast! For hereto-day are two things come to pass: the sons of men shall losetheir heavenly kingdom, and journey unto thee to burn in flame;also heart-sorrow and affliction are visited on God. Whateverdeath we suffer here is now repaid on Adam in the wrath of Godand man's damnation and the pangs of death. Therefore my heartis healed, my soul untrammelled in my breast. All our injuriesare now avenged, and all the evil that we long have suffered. Now will I plunge again into the flame, and seek out Satan, wherehe lieth in hell's shadows, bound with chains. "

(ll. 762-769) Then the foul fiend sank downward to the wide-flungflames and gates of hell wherein his lord lay bound. But Adamand Eve were wretched in their hearts; sad were the words thatpassed between them. They feared the anger of the Lord theirGod; they dreaded the wrath of the King of heaven. They knewthat His command was broken. 

(ll. 770-790) The woman mourned and wept in sorrow (she hadforfeited God's grace and broken His commandment) when she beheldthe radiance disappear which he who brought this evil on them hadshowed her by a faithless token, that they might suffer pangs ofhell and untold woe. Wherefore heartsorrow burned within theirbreasts. Husband and wife they bowed them down in prayer, beseeching God and calling on the Lord of heaven, and prayed thatthey might expiate their sin, since they had broken God'scommandment. They saw that their bodies were naked. In thatland they had as yet no settled home, nor knew they aught of painor sorrow; but they might have prospered in the land if they haddone God's will. Many a rueful word they uttered, husband andwife together. And Adam spake unto Eve and said:

(ll. 791-820) "O Eve! a bitter portion hast thou won us! Dostthou behold the yawning gulf of hell, sunless, insatiate? Thoumayest hear the groans that rise therefrom! The heavenly realmis little like that blaze of fire! Lo! fairest of all lands isthis, which we, by God's grace, might have held hadst thou nothearkened unto him who urged this evil, so that we set at naughtthe word of God, the King of heaven. Now in grief we mourn thatevil mission! For God Himself bade us beware of sin and diredisaster. Now thirst and hunger press upon my heart whereof weformerly were ever free. How shall we live or dwell now in thisland if the wind blow from the west or east, south or north, ifmist arise and showers of hail beat on us from the heavens, andfrost cometh, wondrous cold, upon the earth, or, hot in heaven, shineth the burning sun, and we two stand here naked andunclothed? We have no shelter from the weather, nor any store offood. And the Mighty Lord, our God, is angry with us. Whatshall become of us? Now I repent me that I prayed the God ofheaven, the Gracious Lord, and of my limbs He wrought thee for myhelpmeet, since thou hast led me unto evil and the anger of myLord. Well may I repent to all eternity that ever I beheld theewith mine eyes!"

XIV

(ll. 821-823) Then spake Eve, the lovely maid, fairest of women. (She was the work of God, though led astray by power of thefiend):

(ll. 824-826) "Well mayest thou upbraid me, my dear Adam! Butthou canst not repent one whit more bitterly in thy heart than myheart repenteth. "

(ll. 826-839) And Adam answered her: "If I but knew the will ofGod, the penalty I needs must pay, thou couldest not find onemore swift to do it, though the Lord of heaven bade me go forthand walk upon the sea. The ocean-stream could never be sowondrous deep or wide that ever my heart would doubt, but I wouldgo even unto the bottom of the sea, if I might work the will ofGod. I have no wish for years of manhood in the world now that Ihave forfeited the favour of my Lord, and lost His grace. But wemay not be thus together, naked. Let us go into this grove, andunder the shelter of this wood. "

(ll. 840-851) And they turned and went weeping into the greenwood, and sat them down apart from one another to wait the fatethe Lord of heaven should assign them, since they had lost theirformer state and portion which Almighty God had given them. Andthey covered their bodies with leaves, and clothed them with thefoliage of the wood, for they had no garments. And both togetherbowed in prayer; and every morning they besought Almighty God, the Gracious Lord, that He would not forget them, but would teachthem how to live thenceforward in the light. 

(End of Genesis B)

(ll. 852-866) Then came Almighty God, the Glorious Prince, walking in the garden after the midday, according to His will. Our Saviour, the Merciful Father, would fain discover what Hischildren did. He knew their glory was gone which formerly Hegave them. Sadly they stole away into the darkness of the trees, bereft of glory, and hid themselves in the shadows when theyheard the holy voice of God, and were afraid. Then the Lord ofheaven began to call the warden of the world, and bade His soncome quickly unto Him. And he made answer unto God, and spake ofhis nakedness with shame:

(ll. 867-871) "I will clothe my nakedness with a garment, my dearLord, and cover my shame with leaves. My heart is troubled andcast down within me. I dare not come before Thy presence, for Iam naked. "

XV

(ll. 872-881) And straightway God made answer unto him: "Tell me, My son, why stealest thou away into the darkness with shame?Thou didst not formerly feel shame before Me, but only joy. Wherefore art thou humbled and abashed, knowing sorrow, coveringthy body with leaves, sad of heart and wretched in thy woe, saying thou needest clothing, except thou hast eaten of the fruitof the tree which I forbade thee?"

(ll. 882-886) And Adam again made answer: "My Lord! this woman, this lovely maid, gave me the fruit into my hand, and I took itin trespass against Thee. And now I clearly bear the token uponme and know the more of sorrow. "

(ll. 887-895) Then Almighty God questioned Eve: "Of what avail, My daughter, were My abundant blessings, the new-created Paradiseand pleasant growing things, that thou shouldest stretch thyhands with yearning unto the tree, and pluck the apples growingon its boughs, and eat the deadly fruit in trespass against Me, and give to Adam, when by My word it was forbidden to you both?"

(ll. 895-902) And the lovely woman, put to shame, made answer:"The serpent, the deadly snake, with fair words tempted me, andeagerly enticed me to that deed of sin and evil appetite, until Ibasely did the deed and wrought the wrong, despoiled the treewithin the wood, as was not right, and ate the fruit. "

(ll. 903-905) Then our Saviour, the Almighty Lord, decreed untothe serpent, the guilty snake, an endless wandering, and said:

(ll. 906-917) "All thy life upon thy belly shalt thou go to andfro upon the fields of the broad earth, accursed, so long as lifeand spirit dwell within thee. Dust shalt thou eat all the daysof thy life for the grievous evil thou hast wrought. The womanshall loathe and hate thee under heaven. Her foot shall crushthy head, and thou shalt bruise her heel anew. There shall bestrife between your seed for ever, while the world standeth underheaven. Now thou knowest clearly, thou foul tempter, what thylife shall be. "

XVI

(ll. 918-924) And unto Eve God spake in wrath: "Turn thee fromjoy! Thou shalt live under man's dominion, sore smitten withfear before him. With bitter sorrow shalt thou expiate thy sin, waiting for death, bringing forth sons and daughters in the worldwith grief and tears and lamentation. "

(ll. 925-938) And on Adam the Eternal God, Author of life, pronounced an evil doom: "Thou shalt seek another home, a joylessdwelling. Naked and needy shalt thou suffer exile, shorn of thyglory. Thy soul and body shall be cleft asunder. Lo! thou hastsinned a grievous sin. Therefore shalt thou labour, winning thyportion on the earth by toil, eating thy bread in the sweat ofthy brow while thou dwellest here, until that grim disease, whichfirst thou tasted in the apple, shall grip hard at thy heart. Soshalt thou die. "

(ll. 939-951) Lo! now we know how our afflictions came upon us, and mortal misery! Then the Lord of glory, our Creator, clothedthem with garments, and bade them cover their shame with theirfirst raiment. He drove them forth from Paradise into a narrowerlife. By God's command a holy angel, with a sword of fire, closed fast that pleasant home of peace and joy behind them. Nowicked, sinful man may walk therein, but the warden has strengthand power, dear unto God in virtue, who guards that life ofglory. 

(ll. 952-964) Yet the Almighty Father would not take away fromAdam and from Eve, at once, all goodly things, though He withdrewHis favour from them. But for their comfort He left the skyabove them adorned with shining stars, gave them wide-stretchingfields, and bade the earth and sea and all their teemingmultitudes to bring forth fruits to serve man's earthly need. After their sin they dwelt in a realm more sorrowful, a home andnative land less rich in all good things than was their firstabode, wherefrom He drove them out after their sin. 

(ll. 965-987) Then, according to the word of God, Adam and Evebegat children, as God had bidden. To them were born two goodlysons, Abel and Cain: the books tell us how these brothers, firstof toilers, gained wealth and goods and store of food. One, thefirst-born, tilled the fields; the other aided with his father'scattle; and after many days they both brought offerings to God. The Prince of angels, Lord of every creature, lifted up His eyeson Abel's offering and would not look upon the gift of Cain. Andthe heart of Cain was bitter; wrath shook his soul, and envyburned within him. Then with his hands Cain wrought a deed ofshame, struck down his brother Abel, and poured his blood uponthe ground. The earth drank in his blood poured out in murder. 

(ll. 987-1001) After that mortal blow came woe and tribulation. From that shoot grew more and more a deadly bitter fruit, and theboughs of sin stretched far and wide among the nations;grievously the twigs of evil touched the sons of men (and do soyet), and from them grew broad blades of wickedness. Withlamentation must we tell that tale of evil fate, not withoutcause. Grievous the ruin the lovely woman wrought us by thatfirst of sins that ever men on earth had sinned against theirMaker since Adam first was filled with breath from the mouth ofGod. 

XVII

(ll. 1002-1005) Then the Lord of glory spake unto Cain, and askedwhere Abel was. Quickly the cursed fashioner of death madeanswer unto Him:

(ll. 1006-1008) "I know not the coming or going of Abel, mykinsman, his lot or portion; I was not my brother's keeper. "

(ll. 1008-1021) And the Gracious Spirit, Lord of angels, madeanswer unto him: "Why hast thou slain that faithful man thybrother in thy wrath, and his blood calleth and crieth unto Me?Accursed for ever, driven into exile, thou shalt be punished forthis deed of death! The earth shall not yield thee of herpleasant fruits for thy daily need, but by thy hands her soil isstained with holy blood. Therefore the green earth shallwithhold from thee her beauty and her delights. In sadness anddishonour shalt thou depart from thy home, because thou hastslain thy brother, Abel. Loathed of thy kinsmen, an exile and afugitive, shalt thou wander on the face of the earth. "

(ll. 1022-1035) And Cain made answer unto Him: ... "I need notlook for pity in this world, High King of heaven, for I have lostThy love and favour and goodwill. Weary the ways my feet mustwander, in dread of woe, whenever one shall meet me in my guilt, near or far, and by his hate remind me of my brother's death. Ished his blood and poured his life-blood on the ground. Fromthis day hast Thou cut me off from good! Thou scourgest me fromhome! Some cruel foe shall slay me. And I must needs go forth, accursed, from Thy sight, O Lord!"

(ll. 1036-1043) And the Lord of victory said unto him: "Thouneedest not yet dread death, nor the pangs of death, though thoushalt wander, far from kinsmen, with thy doom upon thee. If anyman shall slay thee with his hands, on him shall fall aseven-fold vengeance, and torment for that deed of sin. "

(ll. 1043-1054) And God, the Lord of glory, set a mark upon himand a token, lest any foe from far or near should dare to lifthis hand against him; and He bade him go forth in his guilt frommother and kinsmen and from all his tribe. Then with despairingheart, a friendless exile, Cain departed out of the sight of God, and chose a home and dwelling in the eastern lands, far from hisfather's house; and there a comely maiden bare him children afterhis kind. 

(ll. 1055-1073) Enoch was first-born of the sons of Cain. Hebuilt a city with his kinsmen, the first of all those strongholdsunder heaven which sword-girt men established; and in the citysons were born to him. Irad was first-born of the sons of Enoch;and he begat children, and all the tribe and race of Cainincreased. And after Irad Mahalaleel was warden of the treasure, in his father's stead, until he died. Then Methusael dispensedthe treasure to his brothers and his kinsmen, man for man, till, full of many years, he died. 

(ll. 1073-1081) And at his father's death Lamech succeeded to thetreasure and the household goods. Two wives bare children to himin his home, Adah and Zillah. Now one of the sons of Lamech wascalled Jabal; and he was first of all men by his skill to stirthe harp to music and its strings to song. 

XVIII

(ll. 1082-1089) And there was also in that tribe another son ofLamech, called Tubal Cain, a smith skilled in his craft. He wasthe first of all men on the earth to fashion tools of husbandry;and far and wide the city-dwelling sons of men made use of bronzeand iron. 

(ll. 1090-1103) Then to his two beloved wives, Adah and Zillah, Lamech rehearsed a tale of shame: "I have struck down a kinsmanunto death! I have defiled my hands with the blood of Cain! Ismote down Enoch's father, slayer of Abel, and poured his bloodupon the ground. Full well I know that for that mortal deedshall come God's seven-fold vengeance. With fearful tormentshall my deed of death and murder be requited, when I go hence. "

(ll. 1104-1111) Then another son was born to Adam in Abel'sstead; and his name was Seth. He was a righteous son andblessed, a solace to his parents, his father and mother, Adam andEve. And he filled the place of Abel in the world. Then Adamspake, the first of men:

(ll. 1111-1116) "The eternal God of victory, the Lord of life, hath vouchsafed me another son in place of my beloved whom Cainslew. So our Lord hath stilled the sorrow of my heart. To Himbe thanks!"

(ll. 1117-1127) Now, when Adam begat another son to be his heir, that sturdy man had lived an hundred and thirty winters of thislife in the world. The writings tell us that Adam increased histribe on earth, begetting sons and daughters eight hundred years. And all the years of Adam were nine hundred and thirty winters, and he died. 

(ll. 1128-1142) And Seth succeeded Adam: at his father's deaththe well-loved son possessed the treasure, and took himself awife. And Seth lived an hundred and five winters in the worldand increased his tribe, begetting sons and daughters. Enos wasfirst-born of the sons of Seth; and he was first of all the sonsof men to call upon the name of God since Adam, first a livingspirit, set foot on the green earth. Seth prospered, eighthundred and seven winters begetting sons and daughters. And allthe years of Seth were nine hundred and twelve winters, and hedied. 

(ll. 1143-1154) And after he went hence, and the earth receivedthe body of seed-bearing Seth, Enos was warden of the heritage. Dear was he unto God! He lived for ninety winters in the world, and begat children. And Cainan was first-born of the sons ofEnos. Eight hundred and fifteen winters the man of wisdom lived, at peace with God, begetting sons and daughters. And all theyears of Enos were nine hundred and five winters, and he died. 

(ll. 1155-1166) And after Enos Cainan ruled the tribe as lord andleader. He lived seventy winters, and begat a son. An heir wasborn unto his house, and his name was Mahalaleel. Eight hundredand forty winters Cainan lived, and increased his tribe. And allthe years of the son of Enos were nine hundred and ten winters, and he died, and his appointed days beneath the heavens werefulfilled. 

XIX

(ll. 1167-1180) And after Cainan Mahalaleel possessed the landand treasure many a year. The prince lived five-and-sixtywinters, and begat a son. An heir was born unto his house, andhis kinsmen called him Jared, as I have heard. Mahalaleel livedlong, enjoying bliss on earth, the joys of men, and worldlytreasure. And all the years of Mahalaleel were eight hundredfive-and-ninety winters, and he died, and gave the land and ruleunto his son. 

(ll. 1180-1196) A long time Jared dealt out gold to men. He wasa righteous prince, a noble earl, dear to his kinsmen He livedan hundred five-and-sixty winters in the world, and, when hertime was come, his wife brought forth her first-born, a goodlyson. And his name was Enoch. Eight hundred years his fatherlived, and increased his tribe. And all the years of Jared werenine hundred five-and-sixty winters, and he died, and gave theland and rule unto his son, the wise and well-loved prince. 

(ll. 1197-1217) And Enoch ruled the folk, led them in ways ofpeace, and no wise let his sway and power lessen, while he waslord over his kinsmen. Now Enoch prospered and increased histribe three hundred years. And God, the Lord of heaven, wasgracious unto him! In his natural body he entered into heavenlyjoy and the glory of God, dying no mortal death as men do here, the young and old, what time God taketh from them wealth andsubstance and earthly treasure and their life; but with the Kingof angels he departed still alive out of this fleeting life, inthe same vestments which his soul received before his mother barehim. He left the people to his eldest son. And all the years ofEnoch were three hundred five-and-sixty winters, and he died. 

(ll. 1217-1224) Then Methuselah held sway among his kinsmen, andlongest of all men enjoyed the pleasures of this world. He begata multitude of sons and daughters before his death. And all theyears of Methuselah were nine hundred and seventy winters, and hedied. 

(ll. 1224-1236) And Lamech, his son, succeeded him and kept thetreasure. Long time he ruled the land. He lived an hundred andtwo winters, and begat children. And the lord and leader of thefolk lived five hundred five-and-ninety years, enjoying manywinters under heaven, ruling the folk with wisdom. And Lamechincreased his tribe, begetting sons and daughters. He called thename of the first-born Noah; and Noah ruled the land after thedeath of Lamech. 

(ll. 1237-1247) Now Noah, the lord of men, lived five hundredwinters, as the books say, and begat children. The first-bornson of Noah was Shem, and the second Ham, and the third Japheth. And the folk grew in number under heaven, and the multitude ofthe race of men increased throughout the earth. The tribe ofSeth, the well-loved prince, was still exceeding dear to God, andblessed in His love!

XX

(ll. 1248-1254) Then the sons of God began to take them wivesfrom the tribe of Cain, a cursed folk, and the sons of men chosethem wives from among that people, the fair and winsome daughtersof that sinful race, against the will of God. Then the Lord ofheaven lifted up His voice in wrath against mankind, and said:

(ll. 1255-1262) "Lo! I have not been unmindful of the sons ofmen, but the tribe of Cain hath sorely angered Me. The sons ofSeth have stirred My wrath against them; they have taken themwives from among the daughters of My foes. Woman's beauty andwoman's grace and the eternal fiend have taken hold upon thispeople who dwelt of old in peace. "

(ll. 1263-1284) An hundred and twenty numbered winters in theworld that fated folk were busied in evil. Then the Lordresolved to punish those faithless spirits, and slay the sinfulgiant sons, undear to God, those huge, unholy scathers, loathsometo the Lord. The King of victory beheld how great was thewickedness of men on earth, and saw that they were bold in sinand full of wiles. He resolved to bring destruction on thetribes of men, and smite mankind with heavy hand. It repentedHim exceedingly that He had made man, and the first of men, whenHe created Adam. He said that for the sins of men He would laywaste the earth, and all that was upon the earth, destroyingevery living thing that breathed the breath of life. All thiswould the Lord destroy in the days that were coming on the sonsof men. 

(ll. 1285-1295) But Noah, the son of Lamech, was good and dear toGod, exceeding blessed, just and meek. And the Lord knew thatvirtue flourished in the heart of Noah. Wherefore God, the HolyLord of every creature, spake unto Noah, declaring His wrath andvengeance on the sons of men. For He saw that the earth was fullof wickedness, and its broad and fertile meadows filled with sinand defiled with uncleanness. And the Lord our God spake untoNoah, and said:

(ll. 1296-1313) "I will destroy this people with a flood, man andevery living thing that the air and the seas bring forth andnourish, birds of the air and beasts of the field. But thou, andthy sons with thee, shall have mercy when the black waters, thedark, destroying floods, shall overwhelm the hosts of sinful men. Begin to build thee a ship, a mighty seahouse, and in it makeabiding-room for many, and set a rightful place for every tribeof earth. Build floors within the ark, dividing it in stories. And thou shalt build it three hundred cubits long and fiftycubits wide and thirty cubits high, and fasten it firmly againstthe might of the waves. And thou shalt take within the ark theseed of every living thing, and the offspring of all flesh uponthe earth. And the ark must hold them all. "

(ll. 1314-1319) And Noah did according as God commanded him. Hehearkened unto the Holy King of heaven, and began straightway tobuild the ark, a mighty sea-chest. And unto his kinsmen heproclaimed destruction coming upon men, and bitter vengeance. And they heeded him not. 

(ll. 1320-1326) Then after many winters the Faithful Lord beheldthe greatest of ocean-houses, Noah's vessel, towering up, madetight with the best of pitch within and without against thefloods. And it was best of all its kind, growing more hard themore the rough waves and the black sea-streams beat up againstit. 

XXI

(l. 1327) Then our Lord said unto Noah:

(ll. 1328-1355) "I give thee My pledge, dearest of men, that thoumayest go thy way, thou and the seed of every living thing whichthou shalt ferry through the deep water for many a day in thebosom of the ship. Lead on board the ark, as I bid thee, thyhousehold, thy wife and thy three sons, and thy sons' wives withthee. And take within that sea-home seven of every kind ofliving thing that serve as food for men, and two of every otherkind. Likewise of all the fruits of the earth take food for thecompany upon thy ship, who with thee shall be saved from theflood! Care well for every creature until I shall cause food togrow again beneath the heavens for the survivors of the oceanfloods. Depart now with thy household and thy host of guests, embarking on the ship. I know that thou art good, and of asteadfast mind. Thou art worthy of grace and mercy, thou and thychildren. Lo! for seven nights I shall let the rains descendupon the face of the broad earth. Forty days will I visit Mywrath upon men, with a deluge destroying the riches of the worldand the tribes of men, save what shall be upon the ark when theblack floods begin to rise. "

(ll. 1356-1371) And Noah departed, as the Lord commanded, embarking his household upon the ark, leading up his sons intothe ship, and their wives with them. All that Almighty God wouldhave for seed went in under the roof of the ark unto theirfood-giver, even according as the Mighty Lord of hosts gavebidding by His word. And the Warden of that heavenly kingdom, the God of victories, locked the door of the ocean-house behindhim with His hands, and our Lord blessed all within the ark withHis blessing. Now Noah, the son of Lamech, had lived six hundredwinters, wise and full of years, when he went up with the youngmen, his beloved sons, into the ark, as God gave bidding. 

(ll. 1371-1399) Then the Lord sent the rains from heaven, andcaused the black sea-streams to roar, and the fountains of thedeep to overflow the world. The seas surged up over the barriersof the shore. Mighty in His wrath was He who rules the waters!And He overwhelmed and covered the mortal sons of sin with ablack deluge, laying waste the native land and homes of men. Godvisited their offences upon them. Forty days and forty nightsthe sea laid hold on that doomed folk. Dire was that disasterand deadly unto men. The stormy surges of the King of gloryquenched the life from out the bodies of that sinful host. Theflood, raging beneath the heavens, covered over all high hillsthroughout the spacious earth, and lifted up the ark from theearth upon the bosom of the waters, and all within the ark, whomthe Lord our God had blessed when He locked the door of the ship. Then far and wide that best of ocean-houses and its burdenfloated beneath the heavens over the compass of the sea. Theraging terrors of the deep might not lay hold on ship ormariners, but Holy God ferried them upon the sea and shieldedthem. Fifteen cubits deep upon the hills the deluge lay. Thatwas a grievous fate!

(ll. 1400-1406) But no harm came nigh unto the ark, save that itwas lifted up to heaven, when the flood destroyed all creatureson the earth; but Holy God, the Eternal King, the Lord of heaven, stern of heart, preserved the ark when He unleashed the oceancurrents and their changing streams. 

XXII

(ll. 1407-1412) And God, the Lord of victory, was mindful ofthose mariners, of the son of Lamech, and all the living thingswhich the Author of life and light had locked within the bosom ofthe ship against the waters' might. The Lord of hosts guided thewarriors by His word across the world. 

(ll. 1412-1421) Then the welling floods began to lessen and theblack tides ebbed beneath the heavens. The Just God turned thewaters again from His children and stilled the downpour of therains. Foamy-necked the ship fared on an hundred and fiftynights beneath the heavens, after the flood had lifted up thatbest of vessels with its well-nailed sides--until at last theappointed number of the days of wrath were passed away. 

(ll. 1421-1430) And the ark of Noah, the greatest of seahomes, with its burden, rested high upon the hills which are calledArmenia. There the holy son of Lamech waited many days for God'sfaithful covenant to be fulfilled, when the Warden of life, theLord Almighty, would give him respite from the perils he hadsuffered while the black waves bore him far and wide upon thewaters over the spacious earth. 

(ll. 1431-1448) The floods receded, and those sea-tossed men, together with their wives, longed for the hour when they mightleave their narrow home, and step across the well-nailed sidesupon the shore, and from their prison lead out their possessions. And Noah, the helmsman of the ark, made trial whether theseafloods yet were ebbing under heaven. After many days, whilethe high hills yet harboured the seed and treasure of the tribesof earth, the son of Lamech let a dusky raven fly forth from theark over the deep flood. And Noah was sure that in its need, ifso be it should find no land upon this journey, the raven wouldreturn to him again within the ark across the wide water. ButNoah's hope failed him! Exulting the raven perched upon thefloating bodies of the dead; the black-winged bird would notreturn. 

(ll. 1449-1463) And seven days after the dusky raven he let agrey dove fly forth from the ark across the deep water, makingtrial whether the high and foaming floods had yet receded fromany region of the green earth. Widely she sought her heart'sdesire, circling afar, but nowhere finding rest. Because of thefloods she might not set foot upon the land, nor settle on thebranch of any tree because of the ocean-streams. The high hillswere covered by the deep. And so at evening over the dusky wavethe wild bird sought the ark, settling hungry and weary into thehands of that holy man. 

(ll. 1464-1476) And again after seven days a second dove was sentforth from the ark. The wild bird circled widely till she founda refuge and a pleasant resting-place, and settled in a tree. Blithe of heart, she rejoiced that in her weariness she mightfind rest upon its pleasant branches. She shook her feathers andflew back with a gift, bearing as she flew a branch of an olivetree with its green blades. And the prince of shipmen knew thatcomfort was at hand, and a requital of their toilsome voyage. 

(ll. 1476-1482) And again after seven days the blessed man sentforth a third wild dove. And she flew not back unto the ark, butcame to land and the green forests. Her heart was glad; neveragain would she appear under the black roof of the ark. Nor wasthere need!

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(ll. 1483-1484) Then our Lord, the Warden of the heavenlykingdom, with holy word spake unto Noah:

(ll. 1485-1492) "For thee again on earth a fair abiding-place isfounded, blessings upon the land, and rest from far sea-wandering. Depart in peace out of the ark; go forth upon the bosom of the earth. And from the high ship lead thy household, and all the living thingswhich graciously I shielded against the flood, so long as the seaheld sway and covered thy third home. "

(ll. 1493-1511) And Noah hearkened unto God with great rejoicing, and did according as the Voice commanded. And he went out uponthe shore, and led forth from the ark all who had survived thattime of woe. Then Noah, wise of counsel, began to offersacrifice to God. And for an offering he took a part of all hisgoods which God had given him to enjoy, and, great in wisdom andin glory, made sacrifice to God, the King of angels. Andstraightway our Lord made known that He had blessed Noah, andNoah's children, because he had offered that thank-offering, andin his youth by good deeds had deserved the bounteous mercieswhich Almighty God in majesty bestowed upon him. And God, theLord of glory, spake unto Noah and said:

(ll. 1512-1531) "Be fruitful and multiply, enjoying honour, delighting in peace. Fill all the earth with your increase. Toyou is given the home of your fathers, dominion over the fish ofthe sea, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts of the field, over all the green earth and its teeming herds. Never shall yeeat in blood your shameful feasts through sin defiled with blood. For most he injureth himself and his soul's honour whoso shallslay another with the sword. Verily! in no wise shall his hearthave joy in his reward! For many times more heavily will Iavenge man's life upon his murderer, because his sword hathprospered in violence and blood, and his hands in death. Man wasfirst fashioned in the image of God. Each hath the form of Godand of the angels, whoso will keep My holy laws. 

(ll. 1532-1542) "Be fruitful and multiply, enjoying grace onearth and every pleasant thing. Fill all the regions of theearth with your increase, your issue, and your seed. And untoyou I give My covenant that never again will I bring the watersupon the earth or a flood on the wide-stretching land. Oft shallye behold the token of My promise in the heavens, when I showforth My rainbow, that I will keep this covenant with men whilethe world standeth. "

(ll. 1543-1554) And the wise son of Lamech, the warden of wealth, came forth from the ship as the flood receded, and his three sonswith him. And their four wives were called Percoba, and Olla, and Olliva, and Ollivani. The Faithful Lord had saved them tosurvive the flood. And Noah's stout-hearted sons were Shem andHam, and the third was Japheth. From them sprang many peoples, and all the earth was filled with the sons of men. 

(ll. 1555-1561) Then a second time Noah began to establish a homewith his kinsmen, and to till the earth for food. He toiled andwrought and planted a vineyard and sowed seed, and laboured thatthe green earth might bring forth her shining harvests, hergleaming crops, in every season. 

(ll. 1562-1576) And it came to pass upon a time that the blessedman lay drunk with wine in his dwelling, and slumbered heavy withfeasting, and cast off his robe from his body, as was not seemly, and lay there naked of limb. Little did he know what evil plightwas his in his dwelling, while drunkenness had hold upon hisheart within him in its holy house. But his soul was fast boundin slumber, so that in his stupor he might not cover himself witha garment, nor hide his shame, as was decreed for man and womanwhat time the thane of glory with a sword of fire behind ourfirst great parents locked the gates of life. 

(ll. 1577-1588) Then Ham, the son of Noah, went in where his lordlay sleeping, and would not look with reverence upon his father, nor cover his shame. But he laughed, and told his brothers howtheir lord lay sleeping in his home. And straightway, coveringtheir faces with their cloaks, they went in unto the well-belovedto bring him succour. For both were good of heart, both Shem andJapheth. 

(ll. 1588-1603) Then the son of Lamech awoke from his slumber, and learned that Ham had failed to show him reverence or lovewhen he had greatest need. And the holy man was grieved in hisheart, and set a curse upon his son, saying that Ham should be anoutcast under heaven and servant to his kinsmen on the earth. And the curse lay heavy upon him and on all his tribe. And Noahand his sons as freemen ruled a wide-stretching realm for threehundred and fifty winters of this life, after the flood. Then hewent hence. And his sons possessed his wealth, and begatchildren and prospered. 

(ll. 1603-1616) Children were born unto Japheth, a gladhearth-band of sons and daughters. He was a godly man, enjoyingbliss and blessing with his children, until his soul within hisbreast, ready to depart, must needs go forth unto the glory ofGod. And Gormer, Japheth's son, dispensed his father's treasureamong his friends and kinsmen, near and dear. And no littleportion of the earth was filled with their increase. 

(ll. 1616-1628) Likewise sons were born unto Ham. The names ofthe eldest were called Cush and Ham, two goodly youths, hisfirst-born sons. And Cush was ruler of his tribe, dispensing joyand worldly wealth and treasure unto his brothers in his father'sstead, after Ham died, and his soul departed from this earthlybody. He ruled his tribe and gave them laws until his days wererun. Then he gave over earthly riches and sought another lifeand his Father's bosom. 

(ll. 1628-1636) And the first-born son of Cush, a far-famed man, held his ancestral seat. The writings tell us that of all menthen alive his strength and power were greatest. He was lord ofthe kingdom of Babylon, and first of princes to exalt her glory. He enlarged her borders and brought her fame. 

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(ll. 1637-1639) Now there was yet one common tongue for all menon the earth. And a great tribe was born of the stem of Ham anda mighty people spreading far and wide. 

(ll. 1640-1660) And Shem begat a host of free-born sons anddaughters, and, after many winters, went to his last rest. Inthat tribe men were good! One of the sons of Shem was Eber, andfrom him sprang a countless race which all men dwelling in theearth call Hebrews. They departed out of the east, taking withthem all their substance, their cattle and their goods. That wasa dauntless folk! The heroes sought a roomier land, a wanderingfolk, in mighty multitudes, and chose at last a fixed abodewherein to settle. Far and wide in days of old the leaders ofthat people, with their well-loved men, possessed the land ofShinar, a land of green plains and pleasant valleys. And at thattime they prospered greatly, and had abundance of all goodthings. 

(ll. 1661-1678) Then many a man besought his friend, and onestout warrior urged another, that, before their multitude and thetribes of their people should be scattered again over the face ofthe whole earth in search of land, they should build a city totheir glory and rear a tower unto the stars of heaven, to be asign that they had sought the land of Shinar, where of old themighty leaders of the folk had lived at ease. And they soughtout men for this work and deed of sin, in rash pride showingforth their strength. Greedy for glory, they reared a city withtheir hands, and raised a ladder up to heaven, and in their vainstrength built a wall of stone beyond the measure of men. 

(ll. 1678-1701) Then came Holy God to look upon the work of thechildren of men, the citadel and the tower which the sons of Adamwere beginning to rear unto heaven. Stern of heart, the Kingreproved their folly, and in His wrath confounded the tongues ofthe dwellers of earth, and they might not prosper in theirspeech. Then the leaders of the work in pride of strength mettogether about the tower in many bands. But no one band couldunderstand another. And they left off to build the wall ofstone, and were wretchedly sundered into tribes divided by theirspeech. And every tribe became alien to every other tribe, whenthe Lord in His might sundered the speech of men. So the dividedsons of men were scattered on four ways in search of land. Andbehind them the steadfast tower of stone, and the high citadel, stood unfinished together in the land of Shinar. 

(ll. 1702-1718) Now the tribe of Shem increased and flourishedunder heaven. And a certain man of that tribe, of thoughtfulheart and given to virtue, had noble children. Two goodly sonswere born to him, and bred in Babylon, great-hearted princesnamed Abraham and Haran. And the Lord of angels was their guideand friend. Now Haran had a noble son, whose name was Lot. AndAbraham and Lot throve excellently before the Lord as was theirnature from their elders. Wherefore men proclaim their virtuesfar and wide upon the earth. 

XXVI

(ll. 1719-1729) Then was the time fulfilled, and Abraham broughta wife unto his home, a fair and comely woman to his dwelling. And her name was Sarah, as the writings tell us. Many a winterthey enjoyed the world, prospering in peace for many a year. Butit was not given unto Abraham that his comely wife should bearhim children, or an heir unto his house. 

(ll. 1730-1743) And Abraham's father went out with his household, and with all their substance, journeying through the realm of theChaldeans. Fain would the wise lord with his kinsfolk seek theland of Canaan. And Abraham and Lot, his kinsmen, dear to God, departed with him out of that country. The noble sons of menchose them a dwelling in the land of Haran, and their wives withthem. And Abraham's father, the faithful, died in that land. And all his years were two hundred and five winters, and hedeparted, full of years, to see God. 

(ll. 1744-1766) Then the Holy Warden of the heavenly kingdom, Eternal God, said unto Abraham: "Go forth from this place, andlead thy household and thy cattle with thee. Get thee out of theland of Haran, and from thy father's home. Journey as I bidthee, dearest of men; hearken to My teachings, and seek the landof green, wide-stretching plains, which I shall show thee. Blessed shalt thou live in My protection. If any of the dwellersof earth greet thee with evil, him will I curse for thy sake; andI will set My anger upon him and My enduring wrath. But untothem that honour thee will I be gracious and give them all theirheart's desire. Through thee all nations dwelling in the earthshall have My peace and friendship, My bliss and blessing in theworld. The number of thy tribe, thy sons and daughters, shall beincreased beneath the heavens, until the earth and many a landshall be filled with thy seed. "

(ll. 1767-1786) And Abraham, great in virtue and blessed withgold and silver, departed with much substance out of the land ofHaran, leading his herds and his possessions, even unto theborders of the Egyptians, according as our God, the Lord ofvictory, commanded by His word, and sought a dwelling in the landof Canaan. Beloved of God, he came with gladness to that land, and his wife with him, the dear companion of his bed, and thewife of his brother's son. And his years were five-and-seventywinters when he went out from the land of Haran, and from hiskinsmen. And Abraham was mindful of the words of the AlmightyFather, and journeyed through all the borders of that people, athis Lord's behest, to view the land afar, and came at last insafety, with undaunted heart, to Sichem and the Canaanites. Andthe Just Lord, the King of angels, revealed Himself to Abrahamand said:

(ll. 1787-1790) "This is the roomy land, the beautiful, greenrealm, adorned with increase, which I will give thy seed torule. "

(ll. 1790-1804) And there the prince builded an altar to theLord, and offered up a sacrifice to God, the Lord of life, Protector of all souls. And Abraham departed again out of theeast to view with his eyes this best of lands (and he was mindfulof the gracious promise which the Heavenly Warden, the Lord ofvictory, had given by His holy word) until they came with theirmultitudes unto a village called Bethel. Out of the east theirleader, blithe of heart, and his brother's son, Godfearing men, journeyed with all their substance through far-famed lands, andover high, steep hills, and chose a dwelling where the fieldsseemed wondrous fair. 

XXVII

(ll. 1805-1810) And again Abraham builded an altar, callingearnestly on God, and offered sacrifice unto the Lord of life. And God was gracious, and with unsparing hand granted him rewardupon the altar. 

(ll. 1811-1823) And for a time thereafter the prince abode in hisdwellings, and his wife with him, enjoying all good things, untila grievous famine fell upon the tribes of Canaan, and bitterhunger, grim as death to men within their homes. Then Abraham, wise of heart, and chosen of the Lord, betook him into Egypt toseek a place of refuge. The faithful hero fled from thataffliction; too bitter was the woe. And, in the wisdom of hisheart, when he beheld the gabled palaces and high-walled towns ofthe Egyptians gleaming brightly, Abraham began to speak unto hiswife and counsel her:

(ll. 1824-1843) "Lo! many a proud Egyptian shall behold thybeauty, maiden of elfin grace! And if one look upon thee withdesire, thinking thou art my wife, I fear lest, in his longingfor thy love, some foe may slay me with the sword. Therefore, Sarah, say thou art my sister and my kin, if any strangerquestion what the bond may be between us two of alien race anddistant home. Conceal the truth! So shalt thou save my life ifGod, our Lord Almighty, who sent us on this journey, that wemight strive for honour and advantage among the Egyptians, willgrant me His protection as of old, and longer life. "

(ll. 1844-1872) So Abraham, the dauntless earl, came journeyingwith all his substance into Egypt, where men were alien to himand friends unknown. And many a proud earl, great in glory, found the woman fair; to many a bold thanes of the king sheseemed of royal beauty; and this they told their lord. Theylittle thought of any fairer maid, but praised the winsomeloveliness of Sarah more highly to their prince, until he badethem bring the lovely woman to his hall. And the lord of men, dispenser of treasure, bade them show honour upon Abraham. Butthe Lord God visited His anger upon Pharaoh because of his loveof the woman; bitterly the prince of men atoned, and all hishousehold. He knew why the Lord afflicted him with plagues!Then the prince of Egypt called Abraham before him, who was soreafraid; and he gave him his wife again and his consort, and badehim seek friends elsewhere, other princes and another folk. Andhe bade his thanes and serving men conduct him, uninjured andwith honour, out from among that people, that he might be atpeace. 

(ll. 1873-1889) So Abraham took his possessions and went out fromthe land of Egypt. Brave men conveyed the maiden, the bride withrings adorned, and they led their flocks and earthly riches untoBethel to their olden dwellings again, wife and wealth andworldly treasure. They began to build there, to found a city, and renew their halls and establish a home. And they builded analtar in the plain near that which Abraham had built aforetime tohis God, when he came out of the west. And there the blessed manof noble heart gave praise anew unto the name of the EternalLord, offering sacrifice unto the Prince of angels, and givingthanks abundantly unto the Lord of life for all His grace andmercy. 

(ll. 1890-1900) Then Abraham and Lot abode in that place, havingthe fullness of their desires, enjoying bliss, until no longercould they prosper in that land together, with their possessions, but those righteous men must needs seek elsewhere some roomierdwelling-place. For often quarrels rose between the followers ofthese faithful men, and strife among their shepherds. Then holyAbraham, mindful of honour, spake fairly unto Lot:

(ll. 1900-1919) "I am thy father's brother in blood kinship, andthou my brother's son. No strife shall rise, no feud grow up, between us two. God will not suffer that. We two are kinsmen;naught else shall there be between us save goodness and enduringlove. Now, Lot, take thought how strong men dwell about ourborders, mighty tribes with thanes and allies, men of valour, thetribe of the Canaanites and the tribe of the Perizzites. Theywill not give us of their land! Therefore let us go forth fromthis place, and seek out roomier fields. I give good counsel, son of Haran, for us both, and speak the truth. I give theechoice, my son! Take thought, and ponder in thy heart on whichhand thou wilt bend thy course, thou and thy cattle. The choiceis thine!"

(ll. 1920-1944) Then Lot departed to view the green earth and theland that lies by Jordan. And it was watered with rivers, andcovered with pleasant fruits, bright with running streams, andlike the Paradise of God before our Lord gave over Sodom andGomorrah unto fire and black flame, because of the sins of men. And there the son of Haran chose him a dwelling and a settlementin the city of Sodom. And thither he took from Bethel all hissubstance, rings and household treasure and riches and twistedgold. And he abode by Jordan many a year. The place was fair, but those that dwelt therein were impious and hateful unto God. The race of Sodomites were bold in sin, in deeds perverse, working eternal folly. Lot would not adopt the customs of thatpeople, but turned him from their practices, their sin and shame, though he must needs dwell in the land. He kept him pure andspotless and of patient heart among that people, mindful of God'scommands, most like as if he knew not what that nation did. 

(ll. 1945-1959) And Abraham abode thenceforth in the dwellings ofthe Canaanites. And the Lord of men, the King of angels, was hisdefender, granting him his heart's desires and worldly wealth andlove and favour. Wherefore the tribes of men, the children ofbaptism, exalt his praise full widely under heaven. He servedthe Lord with gladness while he lived on earth, holy and wise ofheart. Never need any man lack shelter or defence, nor be afraidand fearful before God, whoso, in return for His protection, withdiscerning heart, with wit and word and understanding, in thoughtand deed will serve Him till his death!

XXVIII

(ll. 1960-1972) Then, as I have heard, Chedorlaomer, king of theElamires, a bold folk-captain, marshalled an army, and Amraphelof Shinar and a mighty host were joined with him. Four kingswith a great multitude departed into the south against Sodom andGomorrah. And all the land about Jordan was overrun with armedmen and hostile bands. Many a trembling maiden, pale with fear, must needs endure a foe's embrace. Many a warrior perished, sickwith wounds, guarding their wives and treasure. 

(ll. 1973-1989) Against them from the south five kings went forthto war with battle-hosts and marching squadrons. Fain would theyguard the city of Sodom against the foe. Twelve winters longthat folk had given toll and tribute to the Northmen, and wouldno more enrich the lord of Elam with their treasure, but theyrebelled against him. Onward the hosts advanced, intent ondeath. (Loud sang the javelins. ) Amid the spears the blackbird, dewy-feathered, croaked in hope of carrion. In multitudes, withsteadfast hearts, the warriors hastened till the hosts weregathered from afar, from south and north, helmeted men. 

(ll. 1989-2003) Then was hard hand-play; crashing of weapons, storming of death-darts, tumult of battle. From out the sheathsmen snatched their ring-decked, keen-edged swords. There mightan earl have his fill of fighting, whoso was not yet sated withwar. The Northmen smote the people of the south. In the shockof shields the men of Sodom and Gomorrah, dispensers of gold, lost many a well-loved comrade. And they fled away from theplace of battle and saved their lives. Behind them, slain withspears and smitten with the swordedge, their well-loved comrades, sons of princes, fell in death. 

(ll. 2003-2017) And the lord of Elam had the victory, and heldthe place of battle; and those who escaped the sword fled away toseek a stronghold. The foemen took their gold and sacked theirsplendid treasure-cities, Sodom and Gomorrah. Women were tornfrom their sheltering homes, widow and maid, bereft of friends. And the foe led Abraham's kinsman captive out of the city ofSodom, with all his substance. But truly may we tell these warwolves' fate after the battle, boasting their victory, leadingLot captive away, and with him the goods of the people and goldof the Southmen. 

XXIX

(ll. 2018-2038) For a certain man who survived the battle and thesword came running unto Abraham, the Hebrew prince, and told himthe disaster, the fate of Lot, and how the men of Sodom, andtheir strength, were sorely smitten. And Abraham told thesetidings to his friends; the faithful man besought his well-lovedcomrades, Aner and Mamre and Eshcol, to bear him aid, saying thatit was grievous to his heart and greatest of all sorrows, thathis brother's son should suffer thraldom. He bade those valiantmen devise a plan to free his kinsman, and his wife with him. And quickly the three brothers spake, and healed the sorrow ofhis heart with manful words, and pledged their faith to Abrahamto aid him, and avenge his wrath upon his foes, or fall in death. 

(ll. 2039-2059) Then the holy man bade his hearth-retainers taketheir weapons. Three hundred and eighteen wielders of the ashenspear he gathered, loyal-hearted men, of whom he knew that eachwould stoutly bear his linden shield to battle. And Abraham wentout, and the three earls who had pledged their faith, togetherwith a great company of their people. He would fain redeem hiskinsman, Lot, from his distress. Brave were the warriors, stoutly bearing their bucklers upon the march. And when thesewar-wolves had journeyed nigh unto the camp, the son of Terah, wise of heart, bespake his captains (great was his need that theyshould wage grim war on either flank, and hard hand-play againstthe foe) and said that easily the Holy, Everlasting Lord couldspeed their fortunes in the spear-strife. 

(ll. 2060-2083) Then, in the shades of night, as I have heard, the warriors dared the battle. In the camp rose din of shieldsand spears, death of bowmen, crash of battle arrows. Bitterlythe sharp spears pierced the hearts of men. In throngs theirfoemen, warriors and comrades, fell in death, where laughing theyhad borne away the spoil. And victory and glory of war forsookthe strife of the Northmen. No twisted gold did Abraham offer inransom for his brother's son, but battle; he smote and slew thefoe in war. And the Lord of heaven smote in his behalf. Fourarmies fled, the kings and captains of the folk. Behind them laythe goodly host of hearth-retainers, cold in death, and in theirtrack lay those who sacked the homes of Sodom and Gomorrah, andbore away the young men and the gold. Lot's uncle gave them grimrequital! And the lords of the army of Elam, shorn of theirglory, continued in flight until they came nigh unto Damascus. 

(ll. 2083-2095) Then Abraham betook him to the track of theirretreat, and beheld the flight of the foe. Lot was redeemed, andhis possessions; the women returned with joy. Far and wide uponthe field of slaughter the birds were tearing at the bodies ofthose foemen of the free. And Abraham brought the treasure ofthe Southmen, their wives and children, unto their homes again, and maidens to their kinsmen. Never did any man of living menwith tiny band go forth more worthily to battle than those whorushed against that mighty host. 

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(ll. 2096-2106) Southward the tidings of battle were borne to thepeople of Sodom: news of their fierce foes' flight. The lord ofthe folk, bereft of earls and desolate of friends, went out untoAbraham, to meet him. And with him journeyed Salem'streasure-warden, Melchizedek the mighty, the bishop of the folk. He came with gifts, gave Abraham fair greeting, the lord of armedmen, and blessed him with God's blessing, and said:

(ll. 2107-2120) "Well hast thou borne thee among men, before Hiseyes who gave thee glory in the battle--that is, God the Lord, who brake the power of thy foes, and let thee hew thy way tosafety with the sword, regain the spoil, and fell thine enemies. They perished in the track of their retreat. The marching hostthrove not in battle, but God put them to flight. With His handsHe shielded thee against the force of greater numbers in thebattle because of the holy covenant which thou dost keep with theLord of heaven. "

(ll. 2121-2125) And the prince laid his hand upon him and blessedhim, and Abraham gave a tenth part of all the booty unto thebishop of God. Then unto Abraham spake the battle-king, theprince of Sodom, bereft of his warriors (he had need of favour):

(ll. 2126-2135) "Restore me now the maidens of my people whomthou hast rescued with thy host from evil bondage. Keep thou thetwisted gold that was my people's, the wealth and treasure. Butlet me lead again in freedom to their native land and wasteddwellings the children of my people, the women and lads andwidows in their affliction. Our sons are dead and all ournobles, save a few only who must guard with me the marches of ourland. "

(ll. 2136-2138) And straightway, crowned with valour and victoryand glory, Abraham made answer before the earls. Right noblyspake he:

(ll. 2139-2160) "I say to thee, O prince of men, before the HolyLord of earth and heaven, there is no worldly treasure I willtake, nor scot nor shilling of what I have redeemed for theeamong the bowmen, great prince and lord of men, lest that thouafterward shouldest say that I grew rich with the riches of Sodomand its olden treasure. But thou mayest take hence with thee allthat booty which I won for thee in battle, save only the portionof these lordly men, of Aner, and of Mamre, and of Eshcol. Iwill not willingly deprive these warriors of their right, forthey upheld me in the shock of battle and fought to thineadvantage. Depart now, taking home the well-wrought gold, andlovely maidens, the daughters of thy people. Thou needest not todread the onrush of thy foes, or war of the Northmen, but theblood-stained birds of prey are resting on the mountain slopes, gorged with the slain of their armies. "

(ll. 2161-2167) Then the king departed to his home with the bootywhich the holy Hebrew prince, mindful of honour, had given him. And the Lord of heaven appeared again unto Abraham, comfortingthe noble man of heart with holy speech, and said:

(ll. 2168-2172) "Great shall be thy reward! Let not thy heart beshaken, doing My will. Thou needest have no whit of dread ifthou wilt keep My precepts, but I will shield thee with My hands, and shelter thee from every evil, so long as thy life endureth. Be not afraid. "

XXXI

(ll. 2173-2186) And Abraham, full of years and noble deeds, madeanswer to his Lord and asked: "What comfort canst Thou give me, Lord of spirits, who am thus desolate? No need have I to heap uptreasure for any child of mine, but after me my kinsmen shallenjoy my wealth. Thou grantest me no son, and therefore sorrowpresseth on my heart. I can devise no counsel. My steward goethto and fro rejoicing in his children, and firmly thinketh in hisheart that after me his sons shall be my heirs. He seeth that nochild is born to me. "

(ll. 2187-2215) And straightway God made answer unto him: "Nevershall son of thy steward inherit thy goods; but thine own sonshall have thy treasure when thy flesh lieth cold. Behold theheavens! Number their jewels, the shining stars, that shed theirwondrous beauty far and wide, and blaze so brightly over thespacious sea. So shall thy tribe be and thy seed for number. Let not thy heart be troubled. Yet shall thy wife conceive andbear a son, great in goodness, to be warden of thy wealth, whenthou art gone. Be not cast down. I am the Lord who, many a yearago, brought thee forth from out the land of the Chaldeans, withbut a few, and gave thee this wide realm to rule. I give theenow My promise, prince of Hebrews, thy seed shall settle many aspacious kingdom, the regions of the world from the Egyptianborders even unto Euphrates, and where the Nile hems in a mightyland and the sea limits it. All this shall thy sons inhabit;each tract and tribal realm and lofty stone-built city, whatsoever those three waters and their foaming floods encirclewith their streams. "

(ll. 2216-2219) Now Sarah's heart was heavy that she bare nogoodly son to gladden Abraham; with bitter grief she spake untoher husband:

(ll. 2220-2233) "The Lord of heaven hath denied me to increasethy tribe, or bear thee children under heaven. I have no hopethat we shall have a son to stay our house. My heart is sad. Mylord, do now according as I bid thee. Here is a virgin subjectunto thee, a comely maid, a daughter of the Egyptian people. Bidher go quickly to thy bed and thou shalt prove if by this womanthe Lord will send an heir unto thy house. "

(ll. 2234-2246) And the blessed man gave ear unto the woman'scounsels, and bade his handmaid go unto his bed, according as hiswife had counselled him. And the maiden conceived by Abraham, and her heart grew arrogant. She stubbornly began to vex hermistress, was insolent, insulting, evil-hearted, and would notwillingly be subject to her, but straightway entered into strifewith Sarah. Then, as I have heard, the woman told her sorrow toher lord, speaking with bitter grief:

(ll. 2247-2255) "Thou hast not done me right or justice! Sincefirst my handmaid, Hagar, knew thy bed, according as I counselledthee, thou sufferest her to vex me day by day in word and deed. But her atonement shall be bitter if I may still rule over my ownmaid, dear Abraham. And may Almighty God, the Lord of lords, bejudge between us. "

(ll. 2256-2260) And straightway Abraham, wise of heart, madeanswer: "Never will I let thee be dishonoured while we two live. But thou shalt deal with thine handmaid even according as itpleaseth thee. "

XXXII

(ll. 2261-2270) Then was the wife of Abraham hard of heart andhostile-minded, ruthless, and merciless against her handmaid, andbitterly declared her hate. And the maiden fled from thraldomand oppression, and would not brook punishment or retribution forwhat she wrought against Sarah. But she fled into the wilderness. And there a thane of glory, an angel of the Lord, found her sad ofheart and questioned her:

(ll. 2271-2272) "Whither art thou hastening, unhappy girl, handmaid of Sarah?"

(ll. 2273-2279) And straightway she answered him: "Devoid of allgood things, in misery, I fled away out of my dwelling, from thehate of my lady, from injury and wrong. Here in the wildernesswith tear-stained face I shall abide my doom, when from my heartgrim hunger or the wolf shall tear my soul and sorrow. "

(ll. 2280-2295) And the angel answered her: "Seek not to fleeaway and leave thy lord, but return again, deserve honour, be ofhumble heart, constant in virtue, and faithful to thy lord. Thou, Hagar, shalt bring forth a son to Abraham. And I say untothee that men shall call him Ishmael. He shall be terrible, andswift to war; his hand shall be against the tribes of men, hiskinsmen. Many shall war upon him bitterly. And from that princeshall spring a race and an unnumbered tribe. Return again toseek thy lord, and dwell with them that have thee in possession. "

(ll. 2296-2305) And she hearkened unto the angel's counsel, andreturned again unto her lord, according as the holy messenger ofGod commanded in words of wisdom. And Abraham had lived forsix-and-eighty winters in the world when Ishmael was born. Andthe boy grew strong and throve according as the angel, thefaithful minister of peace, had told the maid. And afterthirteen years the Lord, Eternal God, said unto Abraham:

(ll. 2306-2325) "Dearest of men, keep well our covenant as Ishall show thee, and I will prosper thee and honour thee in everyseason. Be swift to work My will. I will be mindful of thecovenant and pledge I gave thee to thy comfort, because thy soulwas sad. Thou shalt sanctify thy household, and set a victor-signon every male, if thou wilt have in Me a lord or faithful friendunto thy people. I will be lord and shepherd of this folk if yewill serve Me in your hearts, and keep My laws. And each male childthat cometh into the world, among this people, shall be devotedunto Me in seven nights' time, by the victor-token, or else cut offfrom all the world with persecution, and exiled from all good. 

(ll. 2325-2337) "Do as I bid thee: I will be gracious unto you ifye will use that token of true faith. Thy wife shall bear a son, and men shall call him Isaac. Thou shalt not need to shame theefor him, but I will grant him grace divine, by My great might, and many a friend. He shall receive My blessing and My bliss, Mylove and favour. From him shall spring a mighty people and manya valiant leader, rulers of kingdoms, lords of the world, renowned afar. "

XXXIII

(ll. 2338-2347) Then Abraham laid his face upon the ground andpondered these sayings in his heart with scorn. For he deemedthat never the day would come when Sarah, his greyhaired wife, would bear a son. Full well he knew that she had lived anhundred winters in the world. And full of years he spake untothe Lord:

(ll. 2348-2352) "May Ishmael live according to Thy laws, O Lord, and render Thee a thankful and a steadfast spirit, an earnestheart to do Thy will, by night and day, in word and deed. "

(ll. 2353-2354) And graciously Eternal God, Almighty Lord, madeanswer:

(ll. 2355-2369) "Yet shall Sarah bear a son, though old inwinters, and fate shall be fulfilled according to My word. Iwill bless Ishmael, thy firstborn, with My blessing as thou dostask, that his days may be long in the land, and his race maymultiply. This will I grant thee. So also will I prosper Isaac, thy younger son, who is not yet born, with every good andpleasant thing all the days of his life. And I will surely keepMy covenant with him and holy faith, and show him favour. "

(ll. 2370-2381) And Abraham did even as Eternal God commanded, and, in accordance with his Lord's behest, he set the sign of thecovenant upon his son, and bade his bondmen also bear that holytoken. He was wise of heart, and mindful of the covenant andpledge which God had given him, and he himself received theglorious sign. God, the Mighty King, increased his glory in theworld. And he strove in all his ways to work the will of hisLord.... 

((LACUNA--One leaf missing))

(ll. 2382-2389) But the woman laughed at the Lord of hosts withderision; full of years, she pondered those sayings in her heartwith scorn. She had no faith that His words would be fulfilled. And when the Lord of heaven heard that in her bower the wife ofAbraham laughed in unbelief, then spake the Holy God:

(ll. 2390-2398) "Lo! Sarah trusteth not My word. Yet all shallbe fulfilled according as I promised thee in the beginning. Itell thee truly, at this self-same season thy wife shall bear ason. And when I come again unto this dwelling My word shall befulfilled, and thine eyes shall behold thy son, dear Abraham. "

XXXIV

(ll. 2399-2407) And alter these words they departed swiftly awayfrom the place of oracle. The holy spirits turned their steps(and the Prince of light was their companion) till they beheldhigh Sodom's city-walls. They saw high halls towering aboveprecious treasure and mansions above ruddy gold. And theRighteous Lord of heaven held long discourse with Abraham:

(ll. 2408-2418) "I hear loud tumult in this city and brawling ofsinful men, the boastful words of tipplers drunk with ale, andevil speech of multitudes within their walls. Heavy are the sinsof this people and the offences of these faithless men. But Iwill search out what this people do, O Hebrew prince, and whetherthey sin so greatly in their thoughts and deeds as their eviltongues speak fraud and guile. Verily brimstone and black flame, bitter and grim and fiercely burning, shall visit vengeance onthese heathen folk.... "

((LACUNA--One leaf missing. ))

XXXV

(ll. 2419-2437) And so these men abode their punishment and woewithin their walls, and their wives with them. Proud in theirstrength, they repaid God evil for good until the Lord ofspirits, Prince of life and light, could no longer withhold Hiswrath. Stern of heart, God sent two mighty messengers among themwho came at even-tide unto the city of Sodom. They came upon aman sitting in the gate of the city, even the son of Haran, andthey appeared as young men before the eyes of the sage. Then theservant of the Lord arose and went unto the strangers, andgreeted them with kindness; he was mindful of what is right andfitting among men, and offered them a shelter for the night. Andthe noble messengers of God made answer:

(ll. 2438-2440) "We thank thee for the favour thou hast showedus. Yet do we think to bide here quietly beside this streetuntil the time of the dawn, when God shall send again the sun. "

(ll. 2441-2453) Then Lot fell at their feet, and knelt upon theground before his guests, and offered them food and rest, theshelter of his house, and entertainment. And they accepted thekindness of the prince with thanks, and went in quickly with himunto his dwelling as the Hebrew earl pointed them the way. Andthe lordly hero, wise of heart, gave them fair entertainment inhis hall, until the evening light vanished away. Then nightcame, hard upon the heels of day, and clothed the ocean-streamswith darkness, and all the glory of the world, seas andwide-stretching land. 

(ll. 2453-2466) Then in great throngs the dwellers of Sodom, young and old, undear to God, came to demand the strangers, inmultitudes encompassed Lot about, and his guests. They bade himlead the holy heralds out from the lofty hall into their power. Shamelessly they said that they would know these men. Of decencythey had no heed. Then swiftly Lot arose, deviser of counsel, and went forth from his dwelling; the son of Haran, mindful ofwisdom, spake unto all that gathering of men:

(ll. 2467-2476) "Within my house two stainless daughters dwell. (Neither of them yet has known a man. ) Do now as I bid you andforsake this sin. Them will I give you rather than that ye workthis shame against your nature, and grievous evil against thesons of men. Take now the maidens and leave my guests in peace, for I will defend them against you before God, if so I may. "

(ll. 2477-2484) And all that multitude of godless men with oneaccord made answer unto him: "This seemeth meet and very right:that thou leave this land! An exile, from afar thou camest tothis country, desolate of friends, and lacking food. And nowwilt thou be judge over us, if so may be, and teach our people?"

(ll. 2485-2499) Then, as I have heard, the heathen leaders laidhand on Lot and seized him. But his guests, the righteousstrangers, brought him aid, and drew him within his dwelling fromout the clutches of these cruel men. And straightway the eyes ofall those standing round about were darkened; and suddenly thehost of city-dwellers became blind. They might not storm thehalls, with savage hearts against the strangers, as they stroveto do, but stoutly the ministers of God withstood them. Lot'sguests had sturdy strength, and smote the host with vengeance. Fairly the faithful ministers of peace spake unto Lot:

(ll. 2500-2512) "If thou have any son, or kinsman dear among thispeople, or any friend of these maidens whom we here behold, leadforth in haste from the city those dear to thee, and save thylife, lest thou too perish with these faithless men. Because ofthe sins of Sodom and Gomorrah the Lord hath bidden give themover to fire and black flame, to smite the people in theirdwellings with the pangs of death, and work His vengeance. Thehour is nigh at hand. Flee upon the paths of earth, and save thylife. To thee the Lord is gracious.... "

((LACUNA--One leaf missing. ))

XXXVI

(ll. 2513-2526) And straightway Lot made answer unto them: "I maynot wander so far hence, afoot, in search of safety, with thesewomen. But ye may fairly show me love and friendship, and grantme grace and favour. I know a little high-built town not farfrom here; there grant me rest and respite, in Zoar to findsafety. If ye will shield that lofty stronghold from the flame, we may abide there for a time secure, and save our lives. "

(ll. 2526-2534) And friendly was the righteous angels' answer:"Thou shalt receive this boon, since thou hast spoken of thecity. Go quickly to that stronghold, and we will grant theepeace and our protection. We will not wreak God's vengeance onthese faithless men, nor slay this sinful race, till thou hastbrought thy children unto Zoar, and thy wife with them. "

(ll. 2535-2547) Then Abraham's kinsman hastened to thestronghold. He swiftly journeyed with his women, and stayed notfoot until he led his children into Zoar, under the city-gates, and his wife with them. And when the sun arose, peace-candle ofmen, then, as I have heard, the Lord of glory sent brimstone outof heaven, black fire and raging flame, in vengeance upon men, because so long in days gone by they had displeased the Lord. The Ruler of spirits gave them their reward!

(ll. 2547-2561) And a great fear gripped the heathen race; dinarose in their cities, wailing of sinful men, a wretched peopleat the point of death. All that was green in the golden citiesthe flame devoured; likewise no little portion of the wide landround about was covered with flame and terror. Fair groves andfruits of the earth were turned to ash and glowing ember, even asfar as that grim vengeance swept the broad land of men. Aroaring flame, destroying all things high and spacious, consumedthe wealth of Sodom and Gomorrah. All this the Lord Goddestroyed, and the people with it. 

(ll. 2561-2575) But when Lot's wife heard the rushing flame, anddying men within the city, she looked behind her to that place ofdeath. Straightway, the writings tell us, she was changed intothe likeness of a pillar of salt; and ever since, the image(far-famed is the story) has stood in silence where that bittervengeance came upon her, because she would not heed the biddingof the thanes of glory. Hard and high-towering in that spot ofearth she must abide her fate, the doom of God, till time shallcease and the world vanish away. That is a wonder which the Lordof glory wrought!

XXXVII

(ll. 2576-2599) And Abraham, the man of wisdom, went out alone atdawn and came again unto the place where he had spoken with hisLord. Far and wide he saw the fatal smoke curling upward fromthe earth. Pride had come upon that people and drunkenness, andthey became too insolent in evil and bold in sin. God'sjudgements they forgot, and truth, and Him who gave them wealthand blessing in their cities. Wherefore the Prince of angelssent a consuming flame in punishment upon them. But our FaithfulLord was gracious, and remembered Abraham, His beloved, as oft Hedid, and delivered Lot, his kinsman, when the multitude wereslain. Now Lot, the valiant, durst no longer dwell in thatstronghold for fear of God, but he departed out of the city, andhis children with him, to seek a dwelling far from the place ofslaughter, and found, at last, a cave upon the slope of a highhill. And Lot, the blessed, dear unto God and faithful, abodethere many a day, and his two daughters with him.... 

((LACUNA--One leaf missing. ))

(ll. 2600-2620) Thus did they, and the elder daughter went infirst unto their father's bed, as he lay drunk with wine. Andthe old man knew not when the maidens came unto his bed, but hismind and wit were clouded within him, and, drunk with wine, heknew not the coming of the maids. And the lovely sistersconceived, and bare sons unto their aged father. Lot's olderdaughter called her son's name Moab. And the younger called herson's name Ammon, as the sacred writings say. Of these princessprang a countless folk, two famous peoples. One tribe men callthe Moabites, a far-famed race; the other tribe men call theAmmonites. 

XXXVIII

(ll. 2621-2627) Then the brother of Haran departed with his wifeand household and with all his substance to be subject untoAbimelech. And Abraham said unto men, of Sarah, his wife, "Sheis my sister, " and thereby saved his life. For well he knew hehad few friends or kinsfolk among that people. And the princesent forth his thanes and bade them bring him Abraham's wife. 

(ll. 2628-2637) Then a second time, while dwelling among alienpeople, Abraham's wife was taken from her husband, and given intoa stranger's arms. But the Eternal Lord sustained them as He ofthad done. Our Saviour came at night unto the king as he laydrunk with wine. The King of truth spake unto the prince in adream, and in anger denounced him:

(ll. 2638-2641) "The wife of Abraham hast thou taken from him, and for this deed of evil death shall smite thy soul within thybreast. "

(ll. 2641-2652) And, heavy with feasting, the lord of sin beganto speak in his slumber: "O Prince of angels, wilt Thou ever, inThine anger, suffer a life to fail which liveth with righteousways and upright heart, and seeketh mercy at Thy hands? Iquestioned not the woman, but she said that she was Abraham'ssister. And I have wrought no evil against her, nor any sin. "

(ll. 2653-2666) Then again a second time the Righteous Lord, Eternal God, spake unto him in his dream, and said: "O prince ofmen, if thou reck aught of longer living in the world, restorethis woman unto Abraham to be his wife. He is wise andrighteous, and may behold the King of glory and speak with Him. But thou shalt perish with thy goods and treasure, if thouwithhold this woman from the prince. But if that just andpatient man will intercede for thee, he may prevail with Me tolet thee live unharmed, enjoying blessings, friends, and treasureall the days of thy life. "

(ll. 2666-2674) Then in fear the warden of the people awoke fromhis slumber, and bade summon his counsellors. Smitten withtenor, Abimelech told them the words of God. And they fearedGod's vengeance on that deed, according to the dream. Then theking in haste called Abraham before him. The mighty prince saidunto him:

(ll. 2675-2690) "Tell me now what evil I have done thee, Hebrewprince, since first thou camest to our land with thy possessions, that now so fiercely thou shouldest lay a snare before me. Lo, Abraham! a stranger to this people, thou wouldest entrap us, anddefile with sin. Thou saidest Sarah was thy sister and thy kin!Through her thou wouldest have done me grievous hurt and endlessevil. We harboured thee with honour, in friendly wise allottingthee a dwelling in this realm, and lands for thine enjoyment. But in no friendly way dost thou reward or thank us for ourfavours. "

XXXIX

(ll. 2691-2716) And Abraham answered: "I did it not in guile orhatred, nor yet to work thee any woe. But I was far from mineown people, prince of men, and shielded me by craft from, violence and death. Since Holy God first led me forth of oldfrom the home of my lord and father, desolate of friends, I havevisited many a people, many an alien race, and this woman withme. And ever this fear was in my heart, seeing I was a stranger, lest some foe should slay me, and take this woman to himself. Wherefore I said that Sarah was my sister, and this I told thewar-smiths everywhere on earth where we two homeless needs mustdwell with strangers. And so I did in this land also, mightyprince, when I came under thy protection. I knew not if the fearof God Almighty was among this people, when first I came here. Therefore, with care, I hid from thee and from thy thanes thetruth, that Sarah was my wife and shared my bed. "

(ll. 2717-2722) Then Abimelech began to endow Abraham withtreasure, and gave him his wife again; and because he had takenhis wife he gave him, to boot, wandering herds and servants andgleaming silver. And the lord of men said also unto Abraham:

(ll. 2723-2726) "Abide with us and choose thee a dwelling in thisland, and an abode whereso it pleaseth thee; thee must I keep. Be thou a faithful friend, and we will give thee riches. "

(ll. 2727-2735) And the dispenser of treasure spake also untoSarah, and said: "No need hath Abraham, thy lord, to reproachthee, O maiden of elfin beauty, because thou hast trod my halls. With gleaming silver will I make requital for this wrong. Carenot to go forth from this folk-land, seeking elsewhere unknownfriends, but dwell ye here. "

(ll. 2736-2741) And Abraham did according to the bidding of theprince, accepting the friendship offered by his lord, with loveand favour. Dear was he unto God; knowing great blessedness andpeace, and walking in his Lord's protection and under the shelterof His wings, so long as his life endured. 

(ll. 2742-2759) Yet was God still angered against Abimelech forthe wrong he had wrought against Sarah and against Abraham, insevering the bonds of these beloved, man and wife. He sufferedwoe and bitter punishment; the maidens, slave nor free, might notbear children to their lords, but God denied them, till holyAbraham prayed his Lord, Eternal God, for mercy. And the Lord ofangels granted him his prayer, and for the king restoredfertility to man and maid, to slave and free. The Lord of heavensuffered again their number to increase, their riches andpossessions; and the Almighty Warden of mankind was merciful ofheart unto Abimelech, as Abraham besought Him. 

(ll. 2760-2771) Then the Almighty Lord came unto Sarah, accordingto His word; our God, the Lord of life, fulfilled His promise toHis dear ones, the man and woman. His wife brought forth a sonto Abraham, and, ere his mother had conceived him, the Prince ofangels called him Isaac. And Abraham with his own hand set theglorious sign upon him within the week his mother bare him. 

XL

(ll. 2772-2777) And the boy grew strong and throve and his naturewas noble. Now Abraham had lived an hundred winters in the worldwhen his wife, with thankful heart, brought forth a son. And hehad waited long for that event since first the Lord, by His ownword, announced the day of joy. 

(ll. 2778-2783) And it came to pass upon a time that the womansaw Ishmael playing before Abraham as they sat with holy heartsat meat together, and all their household drank and revelled. Then said his wife, the noble woman, to her lord:

(ll. 2783-2791) "Beloved lord, and warden of treasure, grant me aboon! Bid Hagar go forth from among us, and Ishmael with her. No longer shall we dwell together, if I may rule and have mywill. Never shall Ishmael, after thee, divide the heritage withIsaac, my son, when thou hast given up the ghost from out thybody. "

(ll. 2791-2796) Then it grieved Abraham in his heart that he mustdrive his own son into exile; but God, the Just and Righteous, succoured him. He knew that the heart of the man was heavy withsorrow. The King of angels, the Eternal Lord, said unto Abraham:

(ll. 2797-2803) "Let care and sorrow vanish from thy heart, andhearken unto the woman, thy wife. Bid Hagar go forth from thisland, and Ishmael, the lad, with her. And I will multiply hisrace, and stablish them with ample blessings, as I have promisedby My word. "

(ll. 2804-2806) And the man hearkened unto his Lord, and drovethem forth in sadness from his dwelling, the woman and hisson.... 

((LACUNA--One leaf missing. ))

(ll. 2807-2831) "Clear is it that the Just God, Lord of heaven, is with thee, granting thee triumph by His might and wisdom, andstrengthening thy heart with grace divine. Therefore ye throvein all your dealings, with friend or foe, in word or deed. WithHis hands the Lord God prospered thee in all thy ways. That isfull widely known unto the city-dwellers! Graciously grant menow, I pray thee, Hebrew prince, thy promise and thy pledge, thatthou wilt be a faithful friend to me, according to the kindness Ihave done thee since, wretched and in exile, thou camest fromafar unto this land. Requite it now with kindness that I grudgedthee not of land or favour. Be gracious to this nation, mypeople, if the Lord our God, who ruleth the fates of men, willgrant thee to extend the borders of this people, dealing outwealth to warriors of the shield, and treasure to the brave. "

(ll. 2832-2833) And Abraham gave a pledge unto Abimelech that hewould do according to his prayer. 

XLI

(ll. 2834-2845) And the Hebrew prince, the blessed son of Terah, abode a long time in the land of the Philistines, wretched and inexile. And the Lord of angels assigned him a dwelling-place, andthe city-dwelling sons of men call that land Beersheba. Therethe holy man built a lofty city wherein to dwell, and planted agrove and raised an altar, and on the altar made ample offeringsand sacrifice to God, who granted him life and blessing underheaven. 

(ll. 2846-2849) Then the Mighty Lord made a trial of the prince, and proved his strength, and sternly spake unto him, saying:

(ll. 2850-2859) "Abraham! Betake thee quickly on a journey, andwith thee lead thine only son. Thou shalt offer thy son Isaacunto Me in sacrifice. When thou hast mounted the steep downs andthe slope of the high land which I will show thee, there shaltthou build an altar, and kindle a flame, slay thy son with thesword, and burn his body with black flame, and offer it asacrifice to Me. "

(ll. 2860-2877) He delayed not the journey, but swiftly made himready. For the word of the Lord of angels was terrible to him, and his Lord was dear. The blessed Abraham rested not nor sleptnor spurned his Lord's behest, but the holy man girded him with agrey sword, and showed that fear of the Lord of spirits abode inhis heart. The aged dispenser of gold began to saddle his asses, and bade two young men journey with him; his son was the third, and he the fourth. And he went out from his house with Isaac, the lad, according as God commanded. He went with speed andhastened on the paths of earth, according as the Lord marked outthe way across the waste, until, in gleaming glory, the dawn ofthe third day arose over the deep water. 

(ll. 2877-2880) Then the blessed man beheld the high hillstowering up, as the Lord of heaven had told him. And Abrahamsaid unto his servants:

(ll. 2881-2884) "Abide ye here in this place, and we two willcome again, when we have worshipped God. "

(ll. 2885-2889) And the prince and his son departed across theweald to the place which the Lord had showed him; the lad carriedwood, and the father bare fire and sword. And the lad, young inwinters, spake unto Abraham and said:

(ll. 2890-2892) "Here have we fire and sword, my lord! But whereis the fair burnt-offering thou thinkest to sacrifice to God?"

(ll. 2893-2896) And Abraham answered (firm was his resolve to doas God had bidden): "That will the Righteous Lord, the Warden ofmankind, provide as seemeth right to Him. "

(ll. 2897-2908) Stout of heart he mounted the high downs, and hisson with him, according as Eternal God commanded, until he stoodupon the ridge of the high land in the place which the Firm andFaithful Lord had showed him. And there he built a pyre andkindled a flame and bound his son, hand and foot, and laid Isaac, the lad, on the altar, and seized his sword by the hilt. Withhis own hand he would have slain him, and quenched the flame withthe blood of his son. 

(ll. 2908-2913) Then a thane of God, an angel from on high, called unto Abraham with a loud voice. In stillness he abode theherald's message and answered the angel. Swiftly the gloriousminister of God addressed him from the heavens:

(ll. 2914-2922) "Slay not thy son, dear Abraham, but take the ladfrom the altar alive. The God of glory is gracious unto him!Great shall thy reward be, Hebrew prince, true meed of victoryand ample gifts, at the holy hands of the Heavenly King. TheLord of spirits will bless thee with His blessing because Hislove and favour were dearer unto thee than thine own son. "

(ll. 2923-2936) The altar-fire stood kindled. The Lord of menhad gladdened the heart of Abraham, kinsman of Lot, when Herestored to him his son, alive. And the blessed man, brother ofHaran, looked over his shoulder and beheld a ram standing not faroff, caught fast in the brambles. And Abraham took it, and laidit upon the altar in the stead of his son, and drawing his swordmade ready an offering and an altar smoking with the blood of theram, and sacrificed that offering to God, and gave Him thanks forall the loving kindness which the Lord had showed him, early andlate. 

EXODUS

XLII

(ll. 1-7) Lo! far and wide throughout the earth we have heardhow the laws of Moses, a wondrous code, proclaim to men reward ofheavenly life for all the blessed after death, and lasting gainfor every living soul. Let him hear who will!

(ll. 8-22) On him the Lord of hosts, the Righteous King, showedhonour in the wilderness, and the Eternal Ruler gave him might towork great wonders. He was beloved of God, a lord of men, a wiseand ready leader of the host, a bold folk-captain. Afflictioncame upon the tribe of Pharaoh, the enemy of God, when the Lordof victories entrusted to the bold folk-leader his kinsmen'slives, and gave the sons of Abraham a dwelling and an habitation. Great was his reward! The Lord was gracious unto him and gavehim weapon-might against the terror of his foes, wherewith heovercame in battle many a warrior, and the strength of hostilemen. 

(ll. 22-34) And first the Lord of hosts spake unto him and toldhim many wonders, how the Triumphant Lord in wisdom wrought theworld, and the compass of the earth, and the arching heavens; andtold His own name, which the sons of men, wise patriarchs of old, knew not before, though they knew many things. And the Lordhonoured the leader of the host, the foe of Pharaoh, andstrengthened him with righteous strength on his departure, when, of old, in punishment that mighty host was drenched with death. 

(ll. 35-53) Wailing arose at the fall of their princes; theirhall-joys were hushed and their treasure was scattered. Fiercelyat midnight He smote the oppressors, slaying their firstborn, laying their watchmen low. Wide the destroyer's path, and theway of the fell folk-slayer! The whole land mourned the dead. The host departed. Loud was the voice of their wailing, littletheir joy! Locked were the hands of the laughter-makers; themultitude had leave to go its way, a wandering folk. The Fiendwas robbed and all the hosts of hell. Heaven's might came uponthem; their idols fell. That was a glorious day through all theworld when the host went forth! Many a year the vile Egyptianssuffered bondage, because they thought for ever to refuse toMoses' kinsmen, if God would let them, their longing for thejourney of their heart's desire. 

(ll. 54-62) The host was ready. The prince who led them wasstalwart and bold. He passed by many a stronghold with hispeople, leaders and lands of many hostile men, by narrow, lonelypaths and unknown ways, until at last they marched, in armour, against the Ethiopian realm. Their lands were covered with acloud, their border-homes upon the mountain-slopes. Past these, with many a hindrance, Moses led his people. 

XLIII

(ll. 63-67) And two nights after they escaped their foes God badethe noble prince to make encampment about the town of Etham inthe marchlands, with all his force, a mighty army, and tumult ofthe host. 

(ll. 68-88) With anxious hearts they hastened on their northwardway; they knew that southward lay the Ethiop's land, parchedhill-slopes and a race burned brown by the heat of the sun. ButHoly God shielded that folk against the fiery heat, stretching acovering over the flaming heavens, and over the burning air aholy veil. A cloud widestretching severed earth from heaven, andled the host; burning and heavenly bright the fiery flame wasquenched. The warriors marvelled, most joyous of hosts. Theshelter of the day-shield moved across the heavens; God in Hiswisdom had covered the course of the sun with a sail, thoughearth-dwelling men knew not the mast-ropes, nor might behold theyards, nor understand the way in which that greatest of tents wasfastened. So He showed honour and glory upon the faithful!

(ll. 88-97) Then was a third encampment to the comfort of thefolk. The army all beheld the holy sail, the gleaming marvel ofthe sky, towering above them. And all that folk, the men ofIsrael, perceived that there the Lord of hosts was present tomeasure out a camp. Before them moved two columns in theheavens, fire and cloud, sharing alike the service of the HolySpirit, the journey of brave-hearted men, by day and night. 

(ll. 98-106) And in the dawn, as I have heard, the valiant-heartedblared forth their trumpetcalls, in peals of thunder. And all thehost, the band of the brave, arose and made them ready, accordingas Moses, their glorious leader, gave bidding to God's people. They beheld their guide go forth before them measuring out the pathof life. The sail governed their journey, and after it, with joyfulhearts, the seamen trod their path through the great waters. Loudwas the tumult of the host. 

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(ll. 106-134) Each evening rose a heavenly beacon, a secondwondrous marvel after the setting of the sun, a pillar of flameshining in splendour over the hosts of men. Bright were itsshining beams above the warriors; their bucklers gleamed, theshadows vanished away. No secret place could hide the deepnight-shadows. Heaven's candle burned. Needs must this newnight warden watch above the host, lest in the stormy weathergrey heath and desert-terror should overcome their souls withsudden fear. Streaming locks of fire had their guide, andshining beams, menacing the host with flame and terror, andthreatening destruction to that people in the waste, except theyswiftly hearkened unto Moses. Armour gleamed, and bucklersglistened as the warriors took their steadfast way. And over thetroops and high above the host stood the banner, moving as theymoved, even unto the stronghold of the sea at the land's end. And there they pitched a camp and rested, for they were weary. Stewards brought the warriors food and strengthened them. Andwhen the trumpet sang they stretched themselves upon the hills, shipmen within their tents. That was the fourth encampment andpause of the shield-men by the Red Sea. 

(ll. 135-141) There dread tidings of inland pursuit came unto thearmy. A great fear fell upon them, and dread of the host. Sothe exiles abode the coming of the fierce pursuers, who long hadcrushed those homeless men and wrought them injury and woe. Theyheeded not the covenant which the ancient king had givenaforetime.... 

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(ll. 142-153) .... Who became the people's heir and had theirtreasure, and greatly throve. All this the Egyptian race forgotwhen their wrath was stirred by a quarrel. They wrought greatwrong to Moses' kinsmen, broke the covenant, and slew them. Their hearts were filled with faithlessness and rage, the mightypassions of men. They would fain requite the gift of life withevil, that the people of Moses might pay for that day's work inblood, if almighty God would prosper their destructive journey. 

(ll. 154-169) Then the hearts of the earls were hopeless withinthem as they beheld the shining bands, the hosts of Pharaoh, marching from out the south, uplifting a forest of lances, withbanners waving above them, a great host treading the border-paths. Their spears were in array, shields gleamed and trumpets sang; thebattle line rolled on. Over dead bodies circling screamed the birdsof battle, dewy-leathered, greedy for war, dark carrion lovers. Inhope of food, the wolves, remorseless beasts of slaughter, sang agrim eveningsong; dogging the march of the foe, they abode thecoming of death; the march warders howled in the midnight. Thedoomed soul fled; the host was compassed about. 

(ll. 170-199) Now and again the proud thanes of the host measuredthe mile-paths on their steeds. The prince of men rode forthbefore the troops, the war-king raised the standard; thebattle-warden bound on helm and chinguard (banners gleamed) inexpectation of war, shook his armour, and bade his warlike host, his firm-ranked cohorts, go boldly into battle. The foe beheldwith hostile eyes the coming of the landsmen. About him fearlessfighters moved; grey wolves of war went forward to the onslaughtthirsting for battle, loyal of heart. He chose the flower of hispeople for that service, two thousand far-famed heroes of highbirth, kings and kinsmen. And each led out his men, and all thewarriors that he well could muster in the appointed time. Theyoung men were gathered together, the kings in their pomp. Frequently sounding, the well-known voice of the horn signalledthe host where the war-troop of heroes should bear their arms. So the dark horde was marshalled; throng after throng, inthousands, hasted thither, a countless host. They were resolved, in vengeance for their brothers, to slay the tribes of Israelwith the sword, at the break of day. 

(ll. 200-208) Then a sound of wailing arose in the camp, anevening-song of woe. A great fear was upon them; the nets ofdeath encompassed them about. The fatal tidings flew abroad;tumult arose. The foe were resolute, a horde in armour gleaming, until the mighty angel who upheld that host scattered the proudand hateful multitude, so that no more might one behold another'sface; but their journey was divided. 

(ll. 209-220) All that long night the fugitives had respite, though foes beset them upon either hand, on the one side thatgreat host, on the other side the sea. They had no way of escapenor any hope of their inheritance, but halted on the hills inshining armour with foreboding of ill. And all the band ofkinsmen watched and waited for the coming of the greater hostuntil the dawn, when Moses bade the earls with brazen trumpetsmuster the folk, bade warriors rise and don their coats of mail, bear shining arms, take thought on valour, and summon themultitude with signal-beacons unto the sandy shore of the sea. 

(ll. 220-232) The leaders bold obeyed the battle-signal; the hostmade ready. The seamen heard the trumpet-summons, and strucktheir tents upon the hills. The army was astir. They numberedoff twelve companies of valiant men to form the van of battleagainst their foes' grim wrath. The host was in an uproar. Fromevery noble tribe among that people were chosen fifty cohorts, under shield, the flower of the folk. And every cohort of thatfamous army was of a thousand warriors, far-famed wielders of thespear. 

(ll. 232-251) That was a warlike band. The leaders of the armywelcomed not among that number the weak, who yet because of youthcould not defend them under board and byrnie against a wily foe, who never yet had known the baleful thrust, the bitter wound, theinsolent play of the spear over the edge of the linden shield. Nor might the aged, grey-haired warriors be of service in thebattle if their strength had failed them. But according to theirstrength they joined the fray, even according as their valourwould endure with honour among men, and their strength suffice toundergo the spearstrife. The army of these sturdy men wasmustered, and ready to advance. Their banner rose on high, agleaming column, and all abode there nigh unto the sea untiltheir guiding beacon pierced the clouds, and shone upon theirlinden shields. 

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(ll. 252-258) Then a herald rose before the warriors, a valiantleader, and, lifting up his shield, he bade the captains of thehost make silence, that all the multitude might hear the words oftheir brave lord. The shepherd of the kingdom fain would speakwith holy voice unto his legions. The leader of the host inwords of worth addressed them:

(ll. 259-275) "Be not afraid though Pharaoh leadeth hither thismighty host of sword-men, a multitude of earls. Upon them allthis day Almighty God will give requital by my hand, that theymay live no longer to vex the tribes of Israel with woe. Yeshall not dread doomed armies and dead men. Their fleeting lifehath run unto the end. The knowledge of God hath vanished fromyour hearts. I give you better counsel, to serve the God ofglory, and pray the Lord of life for victory and grace andsafety, wherever ye may journey. He is the Eternal God ofAbraham, Creation's Lord, magnanimous and mighty, who with Hisstrong hand guardeth all this host. "

(ll. 276-298) Then the lord of men spake with a loud voice beforethe multitude and said: "Look now, dearest of people, with youreyes and behold a marvel! In my right hand grasping this greenrod I smote the ocean depths. The waves rise up; the waters forma rampartwall. The sea is thrust aside. The ways are dry: greyarmy-roads, ancient foundations (never have I heard in all theworld that men before set foot thereon), shining plains, imprisoned deep sea-bottoms over which of old the great wavesfoamed. The south wind, breath of the ocean, hath driven themback. The sea is cleft asunder; the ebbing waters spewed upsand. Well I know Almighty God hath showed you mercy, yebronze-clad earls. Most haste is best now, that ye may escapethe clutch of foes since God hath reared a rampart of the redseastreams. These walls are fairly builded to the roof ofheaven, a wondrous wave-road. "

(ll. 299-309) And after these words the multitude arose, the hostof the valiant. The sea lay tranquil. Upon the sand the legionsraised their standards and shining linden shields. And overagainst the Israelites the wall of water stood firm and uprightfor the space of one whole day. Of one mind was that company ofearls. The wall of water shielded them with sure defence. In nowise did they scorn their holy leader's counsels as the time fordeeds drew near, when the words of their well-loved lord wereended, and the voice of his eloquence was still. 

(ll. 310-318) The fourth tribe led the way, a throng of warriors, marching through the sea upon the green sea-bottom. The tribe ofJudah trod that unknown road alone, before their kinsmen, and GodAlmighty gave them great reward for that day's work, grantingthem glory of triumphant deeds, that they might have dominionover kingdoms and sway their kinsmen. 

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(ll. 319-330) As they descended on the oceanbottom that mightytribe had lifted up their standard mid the spear-host, high abovetheir shields their battle ensign, a golden lion, bravest ofbeasts. Not long would they endure oppression by the lord of anypeople while they might live and lift their spears to battle. Inthe van were strife and stubborn hand-play, warriors valiant inthe weapon-struggle, fearless fighters, bloody wounds and clashof helmets, onrush of a battle-host, as Judah's sons advanced. 

(ll. 331-339) Behind that army proudly marched the seamen, sonsof Reuben; the vikings bore their bucklers over the saltsea-marsh, a multitude of men, a mighty legion, advancingunafraid. For his sin's sake Reuben yielded his dominion andmarched behind his kinsmen. From him his brother took his rightas first-born in the tribe, his eminence and wealth. Yet was heready. 

(ll. 340-253) And after them with thronging bands the sons ofSimeon marched, the third division. Banners waved above themarching warriors; with flashing spears the battle troop pressedon. Over the ocean's bosom dawn arose, God's beacon, radiantmorning. The multitude went forth, the host advanced, onemail-clad band behind another. And one man only led this mightyfolk, tribe after tribe, upon their march beneath the pillar ofcloud, whereby he won renown. And each observed the right ofnations and the rank of earls, as Moses gave them bidding. 

(ll. 253-361) One father had they all, one of the patriarchs, awell-loved leader, wise of heart and dear unto his kinsmen, whoheld the landright and begat a line of valiant men, the tribe ofIsrael, a holy race, God's own peculiar people. So ancientwriters tell us in their wisdom, who best have known the lineageof men, their kinship and descent. 

(ll. 362-376) Noah, the great prince, sailed over unknown waters, deepest of floods that ever came on earth, and his three sonswith him. Within his heart he cherished holy faith. Whereforehe steered across the oceanstreams the richest treasure whereof Iever heard. To save the life of all the tribes of earth the wisesea-prince had numbered out a lasting remnant, a first generation, male and female, of every living kind that brought forth offspring, more various than men now know. And likewise in the bosom of theirship they bore the seed of every growing thing that men enjoybeneath the heavens. 

(ll. 377-396) Now Abraham's father, as the wise men tell us, wasninth from Noah in lineage and descent. This is the Abraham theGod of angels named with a name, and gave the holy tribes intohis keeping, far and near, and made him mighty over nations. Helived in exile. Thereafter, at the Holy One's behest, he tookthe lad, most dear of all to him, and they two, son and father, climbed together a high land unto the hill of Sion. And there, so men have heard, they found a covenant and holy pledge, and sawGod's glory. And there, in after years, the son of David, thegreat king, the wisest of all earthly princes, according to theteaching of the prophets, built a temple unto God, a holy fane, the holiest and highest and most famous among men, the greatestand most splendid of all temples the sons of men have built uponthe earth. 

(ll. 397-416) Abraham took Isaac, his son, and went to the placeappointed, and kindled the altar flame. The first of murdererswas not more doomed. As a bequest to men he would havesacrificed his well-loved son with fire and flame, his only heiron earth, the best of children, the lasting hope and comfort ofhis life, for which he long had waited. The farfamed man laidhand upon the lad and drew his ancient sword (loud rang theblade), and showed he held his son's life not more dear than toobey the King of heaven. Up rose the earl. He would have slainhis son, and put the lad to death with blood-red blade, if Godhad not withheld him. The Glorious Father would not take his sonin holy sacrifice, but laid His hand upon him. And out of heavena restraining Voice, a Voice of glory, spake, and said to him:

(ll. 417-445) "Abraham! Put not the lad, thy son, to death, norslay him with the sword! The Lord of all hath proven thee, andtruth is known, that thou hast kept the covenant with God, afaithful compact. And that shall be to thee an everlasting peacethrough all the days of thy life for ever. Doth the son of manrequire a greater pledge? Heaven and earth may not cover thewords of His glory, which are ampler and greater than the regionsof earth may include, the orb of the world, and the heavensabove, the ocean depths and the murmuring air. The King ofangels and Wielder of fates, Lord of hosts, Dispenser of victory, sweareth an oath by His life, that men on earth with all theirwisdom shall never know the number of thy tribe and kinsmen, shield-bearing men, to tell it truly, except someone shall growso wise of heart that he alone may number all the stones on earthand stars in heaven, sand of the sea-dunes, and salt waves of thesea. But thy tribe, the best of peoples, free-born of theirfathers, shall dwell in the land of Canaan between the two seaseven unto the nations of Egypt.... "

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(ll. 446-457) Then all that folk was smitten with terror; fear ofthe flood fell on their wretched hearts. The great seathreatened death. The sloping hills were soaked with blood; thesea spewed gore. In the deep was uproar, the waves were filledwith weapons; a death-mist rose. The Egyptians turned and fledaway in fear, perceiving their peril. They were shaken withhorror and fain to reach their homes. Their boasting washumbled. The dreadful rushing sea swept over them. Nor did anyof that army come ever again to their homes, but Fate cut offretreat and locked them in the sea. 

(ll. 457-470) Where before lay open roads the ocean raged. Thehost was overwhelmed. The seas flowed forth; an uproar rose toheaven, a moan of mighty legions. There rose a great cry of thedoomed, and over them the air grew dark. Blood dyed the deep. The walls of water were shattered; the greatest of sea-deathslashed the heavens. Brave princes died in throngs. At the sea'send hope of return had vanished away. War shields flashed. Thewall of water, the mighty sea-stream, rushed over the heroes. The multitude was fettered fast in death, deprived of escape, cunningly bound. The ocean-sands awaited the doom ordained whenthe flowing billows, the ice-cold, wandering sea with its saltwaves, a naked messenger of ill, a hostile warrior smiting downits foes, should come again to seek its ancient bed. 

(ll. 470-491) The blue air was defiled with blood. The roaringocean menaced the march of the seamen with terror of death, tillthe Just God swept the warriors away by Moses' hand. The floodfoamed, hunting them afar, bearing them off in its deadlyembrace. The doomed men died. The sea fell on the land; theskies were shaken. The watery ramparts crumbled, the great wavesbroke, the towering walls of water melted away, when the MightyLord of heaven with holy hand smote the warriors and that haughtyrace. They could not check the onrush of the sea, nor the furyof the ocean-flood, but it destroyed the multitude in shriekingterror. The raging ocean rose on high; its waters passed overthem. A madness of fear was upon them; deathwounds bled. Thehigh walls, fashioned by the hand of God, fell in upon themarching army. 

(ll. 491-515) With ancient sword the foamy-bosomed ocean smotedown the watery wall, the unprotecting ramparts, and at the blowof death the great host fell asleep, a sinful throng. Fast shutin they lost their lives, an army pale with terror of the flood, when the brown waste of waters, the raging waves, broke overthem. The flower of Egypt perished when the host of Pharaoh, amighty multitude, was drowned. The foe of God discovered as hesank that the Lord of the ocean-floods was mightier than he, and, terrible in wrath, with deadly power would end the battle. TheEgyptians won a bitter recompense for that day's work. Nevercame any survivor of all that countless host unto his home againto tell of his journey or rehearse to the wives of heroes, throughout the cities, the grievous tidings, the death of theirtreasure-wardens; but a mighty sea-death came upon them all andswallowed their legions, and slew their heralds, and humbledtheir boasting. For they had striven against God!

(ll. 516-531) Then on the shore of the sea Moses, thenoble-hearted, preached to the Israelites, in holy words, eternalwisdom and enduring counsels. They name it the day's work! Andstill men find in Scripture every law which God, in words oftruth, gave Moses on that journey. If life's interpreter, theradiant soul within the breast, will unlock with the keys of thespirit this lasting good, that which is dark shall be made clear, and counsel shall go forth. It hath the words of wisdom in itskeeping, earnestly teaching the heart, that we may not lack thefellowship of God, or mercy of our Lord. He giveth us, aslearned writers say, the better and more lasting joys of heaven. 

(ll. 531-547) This earthly joy is fleeting, cursed with sin, apportioned unto exiles, a little time of wretched waiting. Homeless we tarry at this inn with sorrow, mourning in spirit, mindful of the house of pain beneath the earth wherein are fireand the worm, the pit of every evil ever open. So nowarch-sinners win old age or early death; then cometh the Day ofJudgment, the greatest of all glories in the world, a day ofwrath upon the deeds of men. The Lord Himself, in the assembly, shall judge the multitude. Then shall He lead the souls of therighteous, blessed spirits, to heaven above, wherein are lightand life and joy of bliss. In blessedness that host shall praisethe Lord of hosts, the King of glory, for ever and for ever. 

(ll. 548-552) So spake the mildest of men, in a loud voice, mindful of counsel, and made great in strength. In silence thehost awaited his fixed will, perceiving the wonder, the hero'swords of goodly wisdom. And he spake unto the throng and said:

(ll. 553-563) "Mighty is this multitude and great our Leader, astrong Support who governeth our march. He hath given the tribesof Canaan into our hands, their cities and treasure, andwide-stretching realms. If ye will keep His holy precepts, theLord of angels will fulfil the promise which He sware to ourforefathers, in days of old--that ye shall vanquish every foeand hold in victory the banquet hails of heroes between the twoseas. Great shall be your fortune!"

(ll. 564-579) And at these words the host was glad. The trumpetssang their song of triumph, and banners tossed to strains ofjoyous music. The folk had reached the land. The pillar ofglory had led the host, the holy legions, under God's shelteringhand. They rejoiced that their lives were saved from the clutchof the foe, though boldly had those warriors ventured under theroof of the waves. They beheld the walls upstanding. All theseas seemed bloody unto them through which they bore theirarmour. They rejoiced with a song of battle that they were safe. The army legions lifted up their voice and praised the Lord forthat great work. The mighty host in chorus, man and maiden, sangpsalms and battle anthems, with reverent voices chanting allthese wonders. 

(ll. 580-590) Then could be seen on the shore of the sea Africanmaidens adorned with gold. They raised their hands in thanks fortheir deliverance; they were blithe beholding their safety; theytook heed of the spoils; their bonds were broken. On thesea-shore they dealt out the booty among the standards, ancienttreasure and raiment and shields. They divided the gold and thewoven cloth, the treasure of Joseph, the riches of men. Buttheir foes, the greatest of armies, lay still in that place ofdeath. 

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(ll. 1-21) In Jerusalem, as I have heard, the Hebrews prospered, dispensing treasure and holding kingly sway, as well was meet, when by the might of God the host and all the battle legion weregiven into Moses' hand, and in a multitude they got them forthfrom Egypt. That was a valiant race so long as they might ruletheir realm and sway their cities! As long as they kept thecovenant of their fathers, great was their prosperity! And God, the Warden of the heavenly kingdom, the Holy Lord, the Prince ofglory, the Lord of every creature, watched over them, and gavethem strength and courage, so that in war they conquered manynations who rose against them, until at last pride came upon themat their wine-feasts, drunken thoughts and devilish deeds, andthey forsook the teachings of their law, and the might of God. So should no man sunder his soul's love from God. 

(ll. 22-32) Then I beheld that nation walking in ways of error, the tribe of Israel following after sin, and doing evil. Thatwas a grief to God! The Warden of the heavenly kingdom oft sentHis holy prophets, proclaiming knowledge to the people, andwisdom to the host. A little time they trusted in His counsels, till longing for the joys of earth defrauded them of lastingwisdom, and in the end they turned them from the laws of God, andchose the Devil's craft. 

(ll. 33-56) Then the Lord became displeased and angered with thatpeople whom He had prospered. To them, a wandering folk, whoonce were dearest of mankind to God, dearest of all peoples andbest loved of the Lord, He had showed a highway to their loftycity and their native land, where Salem stood, wailed round aboutand girt with battlements. Thither the wise men, the Chaldeanpeople, came up against the city within whose walls their wealthwas stored. A host rose up to smite them, a great army, eagerfor deeds of blood. Nebuchadnezzar, the lord of men and princeof Babylon, stirred up strife against them in his city. Inenmity he searched the thoughts of his heart how he most easilycould smite the Israelites and take them captive. From south andnorth he mustered savage legions, faring westward with a band ofheathen princes against that lofty town. The rulers of Israelprospered as long as the Lord would let them!

(ll. 57-78) Then, as I have heard, these mortal foes, a host ofunbelievers, sacked their city. From Solomon's temple, thatglorious building, they took red gold and jewels and silver. They plundered the treasure under the walls of stone, all such asthose earls possessed, till they had razed and wasted everystronghold which stood for a protection to that people. Theycarried off as spoil the treasure of princes, as much as wasfound there, cattle and men; and so returned, with greatpossessions, over the eastern roads, leading the tribe of Israel, a countless host, on a long journey unto Babylon, into the powerof heathen judges. And Nebuchadnezzar showed no pity on thetribe of Israel, but made them subject unto him to be his slaves, all such as had escaped the sword. And he sent a great host ofhis thanes into the west to take possession of their kingdom andtheir wasted realm, after the Hebrews. 

(ll. 79-87) He bade his prefects seek among the wretched remnantof the tribe of Israel which of the young men they had broughtthere were wisest in the books of the law. He wished the youthsto grow in knowledge, that they might teach him wisdom, but notat all because he could or would be mindful to thank God for allthe gifts which He had given him to his comfort. 

(ll. 88-103) And they found three wise and noble youths, devoutand young, and with the fear of God. One was Hananiah; thesecond, Azariah; the third was Mishael, chosen of the Lord. Stout of heart and thoughtful-minded the young men came beforethe king, where the heathen ruler sat rejoicing in his splendourin the city of the Chaldeans. And the Hebrew men with holyhearts spake words of wisdom and great learning unto the proudprince. Then the lord of Babylon, the haughty king, bade histhanes and princes on their lives see to it that the three youthsknew no lack of food or raiment all their life long. 

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(ll. 104-115) Now the famous lord of Babylon was great andglorious over all the earth, and terrible to the sons of men. Helived in insolence and heeded not the law. And there came to thegreat king in his slumber, when the prince had gone to his rest, a terrible dream that hovered about his heart, how wondrously theworld was wrought, unlike for men, until the world's redemption. Truth was revealed as he slumbered, that there would come abitter end to every rule and to the joys of earth. 

(ll. 116-129) Then the wolf-hearted lord of Babylon awoke fromhis wine-flushed slumber. His heart was not blithe; but a fearwas upon him, and dread of the dream. Yet he could not recallwhat the vision had been. And he summoned his people, all suchas were skilled in magic, and asked the men so gathered what hisdream had been, while men lay sleeping. He was shaken withterror and knew no beginning nor word of the dream; but he badethem tell it to him. Troubled, the sorcerers answered (forwisdom was not given them to tell his dream unto the king):

(ll. 130-133) "How may we divine so secret a thing in thy soul, Oking! how thy dream hath run, or knowledge come to thee ofFate's decrees, except thou tell us first the beginning of thydream?"

(ll. 134-144) And the wolf-hearted king was vexed, and answeredhis wise men: "Ye were not so wise above all men as ye told me, saying ye knew my fate as it should fall, or I should find it inthe future, nor do ye know the dream that bringeth wisdom beforethis people. Ye shall die the death except I know the import ofthe dream that lieth heavy on my heart. "

(ll. 145-157) But the company there gathered might not divine orsearch out knowledge, for it was denied them to tell the king hisdream, or the mysteries of fate, until Daniel, the prophet, wiseand righteous, and beloved of God, came to the palace tointerpret the vision. He had pre-eminence among that wretchedremnant who needs must serve the heathen king. God gave himgrace from heaven through the communion of the Holy Spirit; andan angel of the Lord rehearsed to him all the dream, even as theking had dreamed it. 

(ll. 158-177) Then went Daniel at the dawn of day to tell thedream unto his lord, recounting wisely the decrees of fate; andsoon the haughty king knew all the dream, its end and itsbeginning, that he had dreamed. And Daniel had great honour andreward in Babylon among the scribes, after he showed the dreamunto the king which the prince of Babylon had not been able toremember because of his sins. Yet could not Daniel bring him tobelieve in the might of God, but he began to build an idol in theplain which men called Dura, which was in the land of the mightyBabylonians. The city-warden, the ruler of the realm, reared anidol before men, a golden image displeasing unto God; he was notwise, but redeless, reckless, heeding not the right.... 

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(ll. 178-187) The warriors listened; and when the sound of thevoice of the trumpet came to the city-dwellers, the heathenpeople fell upon their knees before the image, and bowed themdown before the idol, and worshipped it, knowing no betterwisdom. Wickedness they wrought and sin, with hearts perverted, even as their king. As their lord before them, the people turnedto folly. Grim the reward that came on him thereafter! For hehad sinned. 

(ll. 188-208) Now there were three men of Israel in the city ofthe king who would not heed their lord's decree, nor offer uptheir prayers unto the idol, though trumpets sang aloud among thehost. They were of the stock of Abraham's children, faithful menwho served Almighty God, the Everlasting Lord in heaven above. The royal youths gave men to know they would not have or hold thegolden image as a god, but only the Great King, Shepherd ofsouls, who granted them His grace. Oft they said boldly thatthey recked naught of the idol, nor could the leader of theheathen people constrain them unto prayer, nor compel them to gobefore the golden image which he had set up as a god. Thesethanes said unto their lord that this was their resolve: thatthey were subject to a higher power in this lofty city, "nor willwe ever work idolatry, nor worship the image which thou hast madeto be thy god. "

(ll. 209-223) Then the prince of Babylon was angered with them, and in wrath gave them savage answer: grimly said that theyshould quickly worship, or suffer pain and torture, the cruelsurge of flame, except they sought protection of that worst ofdemons, the golden image which he had made his god. Yet wouldthe youths not hearken in their hearts unto his heathen counsels. They were resolved to keep the law of God and not forsake theLord of hosts, lest that their virtue turn to heathen folly. They had no longing to seek shelter with false gods, thoughbitter the death proclaimed!

LII

(ll. 224-241) Then the fierce king was moved to anger, and badethem kindle a furnace to torture the youths to death, becausethey withstood his will. The furnace was heated, as fiercely asmight be, with cruel flames of fire. And the lord of Babylon, savage and grim, assembled the people, and bade his servants bindthe prophets of God, and cast the young men in the flames. ButHe was ready who wrought them help! Though the prince sofiercely thrust them into the heart of the flame, yet a mightymessenger of God preserved their lives, and brought them helpfrom heaven, as many learned. From heaven above the GraciousLord of men sent unto them His Holy Spirit. An angel passedwithin the furnace, wherein they suffered torment, and coveredthe noble youths with sheltering arms under the roof of fire. And the heat of the quivering flame could not mar their beauty;but God preserved them. 

(ll. 242-250) Then the heart of the heathen prince was hardened;he bade them quickly be burned with fire. The flame rose high, the furnace was heated; through and through the iron glowed. Many a slave cast wood therein according to command. Brands theybore to the ruddy blaze. The ruthless king would fain have builtan iron wall about those righteous men, but the flame passed overthem, beloved of God, and with joy slew more than was meet. 

(ll. 251-268) The flame passed by the holy men and fell upontheir heathen foes. The youths were blithe of heart! Roundabout the furnace burned the slaves; the fire took hold uponthose evil men to their hurt, and the prince of Babylon beheldit. Blithe were the Hebrew earls, praying to God with zeal andgladness in the furnace, offering their accustomed praise, because their lives were spared. With joyful hearts theyworshipped God, in whose protection the fierce heat of the flamewas turned away. The noble youths were sheltered from theflames' assault, and suffered naught of evil. The roaringfurnace was no more grievous unto them than the shining of thesun. The fire harmed them not, but in their hour of danger theflames passed over them, and fell on those who did them evil. The heathen slaves departed from the holy youths. And the beautyof those cursed men was lessened, whoso had rejoiced in thatwork!

(ll. 269-278) Now when the haughty king beheld how in thattorture a miracle was come to pass, and believed his senses, itseemed to him a wondrous thing. The righteous men, all three, were walking unharmed in the fiery furnace, and one was seenthere walking with them, an angel of Almighty God. No whit ofharm had come upon them, but within the furnace it was most likeas when in the summer season the sun shineth, and the dewfallcometh at dawn, scattered by the wind. It was the God of glorywho saved them from that peril. 

(ll. 279-282) Then in the hot flame the holy Azariah, eager-hearted, sang an inspired hymn. The sinless man praised Godand spake this word:

(ll. 283-295) "O Lord of all! Thy might is strong to save!Excellent is Thy name in all the earth, sublime and great inglory! Thy laws are always sure and just and mighty, even asThou art mighty. Wise and righteous is Thy will, O Lord ofheaven! O God of spirits, grant us help and favour! Save us, OHoly Lord! Wrapped in flame, we pray Thee for Thy mercy on ourwoe, our thraldom and humiliation. 

(ll. 295-308) "As we have wrought, so hath it come to pass. Ourfathers also, city-dwellers, in pride have sinned, and broken Thycommandments, and scorned a holy life. We are scattered over allthe spacious earth and driven asunder, cast out from grace. Inmany lands and under many peoples our life is infamous and vile, and we are subject to the worst of earthly kings, and captive togrim-hearted men; in heathen lands we suffer thraldom. 

(ll. 309-332) "Thanks be to Thee, O Lord of hosts! that Thouhast laid this punishment upon us. Forsake us not, O LordEternal, for Thy mercy's sake which men attribute unto Thee, andfor the covenant, O Lord of glory, Shaper of spirits, Saviour ofmen! which Thou didst give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Thou didst promise them in days of old that Thou wouldest blesstheir seed, and that a mighty nation should be born of them, arace to be exalted as the stars of heaven that trace theirwandering courses even to the strand of ocean, and the sands ofthe sea-shore that form the foundations of the deep throughoutthe salt sea; even so should they be numberless for untold years. Fulfil Thine ancient promise now, though few are living! Showforth Thy glory and Thy word upon us! Make known Thy strengthand power, that the Chaldean race and many nations living heathenlives may learn Thy glory under heaven, and know Thou only artEternal God, Wielder of victory, Lord of hosts and all creation, the Righteous God. "

(ll. 333-344) So the holy men praised the loving-kindness of theLord, rehearsing the strength of His might. Then was a gleamingangel sent from heaven above, with shining face and clothed inglory, who came to comfort and deliver them with loving favour. Holy and heavenly bright, he cast aside the blaze of the hotflame; with mighty strength he swept away and quenched the flameof fire so that their bodies were not harmed a whir. But in hiswrath he hurled the fire upon their foes, because of their deedsof evil. 

(ll. 345-361) Then in the furnace, when the angel came, the airwas cool and pleasant, most like the weather in the summerseason, when rain falleth during the day and warm showers fromthe clouds. As is the best of weather, so was it in the furnacefor their comfort through the holy might of God. The burningflame was quenched and scattered where Hananiah, Azariah, andMishael, with brave hearts, were walking in the furnace, and theangel with them who preserved their lives, who was the fourth. Devout of heart, the three youths praised the Lord, and calledupon the sons of Israel and all created things of earth to blessthe Everlasting God, the Lord of nations. With understandinghearts they spake with one accord:

LIII

(ll. 362-408) "O let the beauty of the world, and all Thy works, bless Thee, our Gracious Father, the heavens and all the angels, and the shining waters! Let all, who in Thy great creation dwellin heavenly glory, bless the Lord of might! Let all things made, the shining orbs that circle through the heavens, the sun andmoon, praise Thee in their degree. Let the stars of heaven, anddew and the fierce storm, praise Thee. O let the souls of menbless the Lord of might! Let burning fire and radiant summerpraise Thee. Let night and day and all lands, light anddarkness, heat and cold, praise Thee in their degree. Let frostand snow and wintry weather and the flying clouds bless the Lordof might! Let the swift, shining lightnings bless Thee! Let allthe earth, the hills and plains and lofty mountains, the saltsea-waves and ocean, and the welling springs, praise theEverlasting God, the Righteous Lord! Let the whales, and thebirds of the air that fly in the heavens, praise Thee. Let allthat move in the water, wild beasts and all cattle, bless Thyname! Let all men praise Thee, yea! let Israel bless the Lord, who giveth all good things. Let holy men of heart, the spiritsand souls of the righteous, praise the Everlasting God, the Lordof life, who giveth a reward to all. Let Hananiah and Azariahand Mishael praise the Lord! We worship Thee and bless Thee, Lord of men, Almighty Father, and Thee, True Son of God, Saviourof souls and Helper of mankind, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, the Godof wisdom. We praise Thee, Holy Lord, and worship Thee withprayer. Blessed art Thou, and adorned with holy might for ever, above the world's roof reigning King of heaven, and Lord of lifein every land. "

(ll. 409-415) Then Nebuchadnezzar, the lord of that people, spakeunto the princes who stood nigh unto him and said: "Ye beheld, myprinces, how we cast three men to a fiery death in the blazingflames. And now, in truth, I see four men therein, except mysense deceive me. "

(ll. 416-429) Then spake a counsellor of the king, wise of heartand prudent of speech: "This is some marvel which we behold withour eyes. Bethink thee now, my lord, of what is fitting. Knowwho it is hath showed this grace upon the youths. They worshipOne Eternal God, and call on Him with zeal by every name. Witheager words they praise His Majesty, and say that He alone is GodAlmighty, Wise King of glory, of earth and heaven. Call thesemen forth from out the furnace, prince of the Chaldeans! In nowise is it well that they should linger in that torture longerthan thou hast need. "

(ll. 430-439) Then the king bade the young men come before him. Boldly the noble youths obeyed His word and came as they werebidden. The young men rose and went before the heathen king. Their fetters were burned away and the bonds of the king whichwere laid upon them, but their bodies were saved from harm. Fortheir beauty was no wise injured, nor was any harm come upontheir garments, nor their hair singed by the fire, but in God'sprotection they came forth gladly from that gruesome horror, wiseof heart and favoured by the Holy Ghost. 

(ll. 440-457) Then the angel, a faithful servant to the HolyLord, departed up to seek eternal bliss on the high roof of theheavenly kingdom. And by that marvel he had honoured those whohad deserved it. The young men praised the Lord before theheathen host, exhorting them with words of truth, rehearsing manytruthful tokens before the king, until he too believed this was aGod of wonders who freed them from the darkness. And the mightylord of Babylon, the haughty king, decreed among his people thathe was guilty unto death whoso denied this was a glorious God ofmight who freed them from that death. He gave back unto God theremnants of His captive people and granted favour to his oldenfoes. And their prosperity in Babylon was great and their famewas known throughout the nation, after they endured that trial byfire, and obeyed their Lord. Mighty were their counsels afterGod, the Holy Warden of the heavenly kingdom, had shielded themfrom harm. 

(ll. 458-471) Then, as I have heard, when the lord of Babylonperceived the marvel that was come to pass within the flames, hewas fain to know how the youths had passed through the blaze offire, and overwon the terror of the heated furnace and theflames, so that the fury of the burning brands and raging furnacehad wrought God's prophets naught of harm, but His defence hadshielded them against that fearful peril. And the princecommanded a council, and summoned his people, and there, beforethe multitude so gathered, rehearsed the event as it had come topass, and the miracle of God made known upon the youths:

(ll. 472-485) "Consider now the holy might and wondrous works ofGod. We saw how He shielded the young men in the furnace fromdeath and the leaping flames, because they served Him. He onlyis the Lord, Eternal and Almighty, who gives them glory andabundant weal who preach His gospel. And He reveals Himself bymany a wonder to holy hearts who seek His favour. It is wellknown that Daniel showed me the interpretation of a secret dream, which formerly perplexed the minds of many men among my people, because Almighty God had given him an understanding spirit in hisheart, and strength of wisdom. "

(ll. 486-494) So spake the leader of the host, the lord ofBabylon, when he perceived the miracle and God's clear token. And yet he wrought no whit the better; pride ruled the prince. His heart was insolent and the thoughts of his heart werethoughts of pride, more than was meet, until the Lord Almightyhumbled him, as He humbleth many who walk with arrogance. 

LIV

(ll. 495-522) Now a dream came unto Nebuchadnezzar in his sleepand troubled him. It seemed to him that there stood a tree uponthe earth, wondrous fair, deeply rooted and gleaming with fruit. Nor was it like to other trees, but it towered unto the stars ofheaven, so that it overshadowed the regions of the world and allthe earth with its boughs and branches, even unto the shores ofthe sea. And as he gazed it seemed to him that the tree madeshelter for the wild beasts, and that it held food for them all, and likewise that the birds of the air found sustenance in thefruit of the tree. And it seemed to him that an angel descendedfrom the heavens, and spake with a loud voice, commanding thetree to be cut down, and the wild beasts and the birds to fleeaway, when its fall should come. And he bade that its fruit becut off and its branches and boughs, but that the roots of thetree should abide fast in the earth as a token, until greenshoots should spring again when God granted. And he bade bindthe mighty tree with brazen fetters and fetters of iron, and thusbound cast it into torment, that his heart might know that amightier than he had power of correction, against whom he mightnot prevail. 

(ll. 523-537) Then the earthly king awoke from his slumber, andhis dream was ended. But fear of it was upon him, and terror ofthe vision which God had sent him. And the haughty king badesummon his people together, and the leaders of the people, andasked them all the import of his dream, in no wise thinking thatthey knew; but he made trial of them how they would answer. ThenDaniel, the prophet of God, was called unto judgment, and theHoly Ghost was sent to him from heaven to strengthen his heart. In him the lord of men perceived an understanding spirit anddepth of counsel, strength of wisdom, words of judgment. Andonce again he showed forth many a wonder, the mighty works ofGod, before the eyes of men. 

(ll. 538-550) Then the proud, heathen leader of the host began totell his fearful dream, and all the horror of the vision that hadvexed him, and bade him tell the import of this secret thing, bidding him speak in holy words and search his heart to tell withtruth the meaning of the tree which he saw gleaming, and declareto him the decrees of fate. Then he fell silent. Yet Danielclearly saw in the assembly that his prince, the lord of men, wasguilty before God. The prophet paused; then God's herald, skilled in the law, made answer to the king:

(ll. 551-579) "This, O prince of men, is no little wonder, whichthou hast seen in thy dream, a tree as high as heaven, and theholy words, wrathful and full of terror, which the angel spake--thatthe tree should be stripped of its branches and fall, whereformerly it stood fast, lying joyless with the beasts, abiding ina desert place, its roots to remain fast in the earth instillness for a season where it stood, as the Voice declared, andthen after seven years to receive increase again! So shall thyfortune be brought low! As the tree grew high unto heaven so artthou lord and ruler over all the dwellers of earth, and there isnone on earth to withstand thee save God alone. He shall cutthee off from thy kingdom and drive thee into exile withoutfriends, and thy heart shall be changed so that there shall be nothought in thy heart of worldly joys, nor any reason in thy mindsave the ways of the wild beasts, but thou shalt live a long timein the forest ranging with the deer. Thou shalt have no foodsave the grass of the field, nor any fixed abiding-place, but theshowers of rain shall drench thee and harass thee even as thewild beasts, until after seven winters thou shalt believe thereis One God for all mankind, a Lord and Ruler dwelling in theheavens. 

(ll. 580-592) "Yet is it pleasing unto me that the roots remainedfixed in the earth, as the Voice declared, and after sevenseasons received increase. So shall thy kingdom stand unharmedof men until thou come again. Take now, my lord, firm counsel inthy heart; give alms; defend the needy, and make atonement beforeGod, ere yet the hour cometh when He shall drive thee from thineearthly kingdom. Oft for many peoples God abateth pain and woe, if they but earnestly repent them of their sins, ere His avengingwrath, with fatal doom, hath laid them low. "

(ll. 593-597) But Daniel was not able to speak these many wordsof truth, with craft of wisdom, to his lord, so that the mightyruler of the world would heed; but pride ruled his heart. Andbitter was his atonement!

(ll. 598-607) And as the king of the Chaldeans ruled his realm, and beheld the city of Babylon in its prosperity towering up toheaven, the city which the prince had built with many a wonderfor his people, and the fields of the Shinarites wide-stretchinground about, then the king began to utter boastful words. Hebecame perverse and arrogant of heart, beyond all men, because ofthe special gifts which God had given him, a mighty kingdom andthe world to rule in the life of men:

(ll. 608-611) "Thou art the mighty city, famed afar, which I havebuilded to my honour, a spacious kingdom. I will have rest inthee, a dwelling and a home. "

(ll. 612-621) Then the lord of men was smitten for his boasting, and driven into exile, arrogant of heart beyond all men. Even asin the days of strife, when God's swift wrath and anger smote himfrom the heavens, Nebuchadnezzar trod the bitterest path untoGod's vengeance that ever living men have trod. Seven winterstogether the king of that fair city suffered torment, adesert-life with beasts. 

(ll. 622-639) Then the wretched man, companion of the beasts, looked up through the flying clouds; and he knew in his heartthat there was a Lord and King of heaven, and one Eternal Spiritruling over the sons of men. And he was recovered from themadness which long had been upon him, vexing the heart and soulof the king. His heart was turned again unto men and his mindunto thoughts of God, after he came to know Him. And thewretched man rose up and came again among men, a naked wandereracknowledging his sin, a strange exile without clothing, and ofhumbler heart than the lord of men had been in his boasting. Behind its lord the world had stood, behind the prince his homeand native land, unchanged for seven winters together, so thathis kingdom had not lessened under heaven until its ruler cameagain. 

(ll. 640-656) Then was the lord of Babylon once more seated uponhis throne; he had a better heart, a clearer faith in the Lord oflife, knowing that God dealeth unto every man weal or woe as Hedesireth. The lord of nations was not slow to heed the counselsof his wise men, but far and wide rehearsed the might of God, where he had power of proclamation. He told his people of hiswanderings, his far journeys with the beasts, until the spirit ofthe Lord God came upon him and thoughts of wisdom, when he lookedup to heaven. Fate was fulfilled, the wonder come to pass, thedream come true, the punishment endured, the doom awarded, evenas Daniel said aforetime that the king would suffer downfall forhis pride, and earnestly proclaimed it before men, by the mightof God. 

(ll. 657-674) Then for a long time Daniel gave judgment andcounsel in Babylon unto the city-dwellers. And afterNebuchadnezzar, comrade and companion of the wild beasts, returned from his wandering exile, the prince of the Chaldeans, the wise and mighty leader of the folk, ruled his spaciouskingdom, guarding his treasure and the lofty city, until deathcame upon him. And there was no man to withstand him upon earthtill God through death took his high kingdom from him. Thereafterhis descendants prospered greatly in that mighty stronghold, inthe city of earls, enjoying wealth and twisted gold, a mightytreasure, when their lord lay dead. 

LV

(ll. 675-685) And after him among that people arose a thirdgeneration, and Belshazzar ruled the city and the kingdom untilhis heart grew great with insolence and hateful pride. And theChaldean rule was ended! For the Lord bestowed the kingdom uponthe Medes and Persians for a space of time, and let the might ofBabylon diminish, which the heroes should have held. But He knewthat they were sinful men who would have ruled the realm. 

(ll. 686-702) The lord of the Medes, as he sat in his stronghold, resolved on that which none had done before him, that he wouldlay waste Babylon, the city of earls, where the princes withinthe walls dispensed the treasure. Now the city of Babylon wasthe most famous of all the fortresses of men, the mightiest andmost widely known of all that men inhabit, until Belshazzar inhis boasting tempted God. They sat at wine within their walls, fearing not the hate of any foe, though a hostile folk withmighty hosts in armour were coming up against them, even againstthe city of Babylon to destroy it. And the Chaldean king and hiskinsmen sat feasting on the last day. 

(ll. 703-711) Now when the leader of the host was drunk with winehe bade them bring the treasure of Israel, the holy vessels ofthe sacrifice, and the gold which the Chaldean warriors and theirlegions had captured in Jerusalem, when they destroyed the mightof Judah with the sword, boasting exceedingly, with tumultseizing on the kindly folk and gleaming treasure, as theyplundered the temple and the shrine of Solomon. 

(ll. 712-726) Then was the lord of cities blithe in his heart, boasting fiercely and defying God, and said his gods weremightier to save, and greater, than the Eternal Lord of Israel. But, as he gazed, there came a dreadful token before men withinthe hall, that he had spoken a lie before his people. The handof an angel of God appeared within the lofty hall, a sight ofterror, and wrote before the eyes of men upon the wall in scarletletters and words of mystery. Then the heart of the king wastroubled within him and sore afraid because of the sign; withinthe hall he beheld the hand of an angel writing the doom of theShinarites. 

(ll. 727-736) But the multitude, the host within the hall, debated what the hand had written for a sign to the city-dwellers. And many came to see the wonder. They searched the thoughts oftheir hearts to know what the hand of the angel had written. Norcould the nobles and magicians read the angel's message tillDaniel, wise and righteous, loved of God, came to the hall. Andhis heart was filled with wisdom sent from God. 

(ll. 737-742) Then, as I have heard, the city-dwellers sought totempt Daniel with gifts to read the writing and tell the importof the mystery. But the prophet of God, skilled in the law andwise of heart, made answer to them:

(ll. 743-765) "Not for gain do I pronounce God's judgments to thepeople, nor of mine own strength, but freely will I tell thyfate, and the meaning of the words thou shalt not change. Inthine insolence thou hast given into the hands of men the vesselsof the sacrifice, and in them drunk to devils, which formerly theIsraelites employed in holy rites before the ark of God, tillpride seduced them and drunken thoughts. So shall it be withthee! Never would thy lord before thee lay hands of insolenceupon God's golden vessels, nor boast thereof, although it was hislegions that plundered Israel's treasure. But after the Lord ofglory showed forth His wonders upon him, the lord of nationsoften spake before his people in words of truth, and said thatHe alone was Lord and Ruler of creation who gave him blamelessglory in his earthly kingdom and great prosperity. But thoudeniest that He is the Living God who ruleth over devils... "

((LACUNA of indeterminate length))

CHRIST AND SATAN

LIBER II

I

THE LAMENT OF THE FALLEN ANGELS

(ll. 1-18) It is revealed to those who dwell on earth that Godhad strength and power when He wrought the borders of the world. By His wondrous might He established the sun and moon, the rocksand earth and the oceanstream, water and clouds. By His strengththe Lord upholdeth all the deep expanse, and middle-earth. TheSon of God beholdeth from the heavens the sea and its foundations:He numbereth every drop of the showers of rain. By His wondrouspower He hath ordained the number of the days. Even so in sixdays, by His spirit's might, the Lord in heaven devised the valleysof the world and the high hills, and founded them. Who is therethat clearly knoweth all that mighty work except Eternal God?

(ll. 19-33) Joys He dealeth out and riches. He first createdAdam, and a noble race, the angel princes, which later perishedutterly. For, it seemed to them in their hearts it well might bethat they themselves were lords of heaven, princes of glory. Then a worse fate befell them, and they went to find a home inhell, the foul abyss, where they must needs endure grim woe andsurging flame, no more possessing radiance of glory or high-builthalls in heaven; but they must needs plunge downward to thosedepths of fiery flame, down to the bottomless abyss, insatiateand rapacious. God only knoweth how He hath condemned thatguilty host. 

(ll. 34-50) The Old One crieth out of hell, with horrible voiceuttereth words accursed: "Whither is fled the glory of theangels, which we should have in heaven? This is a home ofdarkness, terribly bound with fettering bonds of fire. The floorof hell is ablaze, and flaming with poison. The end is now notfar when we must suffer torment, pain, and woe, no whitpossessing bliss in heavenly glory, nor joy, in her high halls. Lo! once we knew great bliss before the face of God, and songsof praise in heaven in happier hours, where now stand noblespirits round about Eternal God in His high hall, worshipping theLord with words and works. And here in torment I must needsabide in bonds, nor ever hope for any better home, because of myinsolent pride. "

(ll. 51-64) Then answered the foul fiends, black and sinful, chained in torment: "Thou with thy lies didst teach us not toserve the Saviour! To thee alone it seemed that thou hadst powerof all things in heaven and earth, that thou wert Holy God, eventhe Creator. Now thou art bound, thou wretched fiend, with bondsof flame. In thy splendour thou didst think the world was thine, and power of all things, and we, the angels, with thee. Loathsome is thy face! Sorely have we suffered for thy lies!Thou saidest that thy son was Lord of men. Now is thy woe thegreater. "

(ll. 65-74) So with bitter words and moaning voices the sinfulspirits spake unto their lord. Christ had cast them out, andbanished them from joy. They had lost the radiant light of Godin heaven through overweening pride. For all their joy they hadthe floors of hell and burning pain. Pale, their beauty marred, the fallen angels, miserable wretches, wandered through thatloathsome pit, because of the presumptuous deeds which formerlythey wrought. 

II

(ll. 75-80) Then once more spake the leader of the fiends; he waschastened anew, and racked with pangs of torment. Black withfire and poison, he began to speak; no pleasant joy was this ashe poured forth his words in pain:

(ll. 81-92) "I was once a holy angel, dear unto God in heaven, and knew great joy before the face of the Lord God, likewise thismultitude. But I resolved in my heart to overthrow the Lord ofglory, the Son of God, and have myself the power to rule theworld, and all this wretched host which I have led unto a home inhell. Bethink ye of the token and the curse, that I wasbanished, deep below the earth, in the bottomless abyss. I haveled you all from out your native home unto a house of bondage. 

(ll. 92-105) "Here is no glory of the blessed, neither wine-hallsof the proud, nor worldly joys nor angel throngs, nor may we havepossession of high heaven. This loathsome dwelling burns withfire. I am God's foe. Dragons dwell ever at the gates of hell, inflamed and furious; they may not help us! This woeful house isfilled with torment. In this deep darkness there is yet no placeto shelter us, that we may hide therein. Here is the adder'shiss; here serpents dwell. Firmly the bonds of torment arefastened upon us. Fierce are the fiends, swarthy and black. Here never gleameth day in the gloom of hell-shadows, nor theradiant light of God. 

(ll. 106-124) "Once I had power and glory, before I earned God'sjudgment on my sin in this loathsome realm, upon the floor ofhell. Now I have come, and brought a host of fiends, unto thishome of darkness. But, flying forth from hell from time to time, I needs must visit every land, and others of you also, who hadpart in our presumptuous deeds. We need not hope the King ofglory will ever grant us a home and dwelling, as He did of old, and everlasting power. For the Son of God hath power of allthings, of glory and affliction. Wherefore, downcast andwretched, I must wander far, an exile journey, stripped of glory, shorn of virtue, bereft of joy in heaven among the angels, because I said of old that I was King of glory and Lord of all. "

III

(ll. 125-128) But a worse fate befell him! So the accursedspirit, doomed to woe, lamented his afflictions. (And through thefoul abyss a flame of fire raged, with venom mingled):

(ll. 129-141) "I am so large of limb there is no place in thiswide hall to hide me, sore wounded with my sins. Both heat andcold by turns are mingled here. At times I hear the hell-slaveshowling, mourning these realms of pain beneath the earth; attimes men naked strive with serpents. All this windy hall isfilled with horror! Never shall I know a happier home, nor anytown or mansion; nor ever shall mine eyes behold the shiningworld again. 

(ll. 142-157) "Worse is it now for me that ever I knew the lightof glory with the angels, or melody in heaven, where blessedsouls are lapped in music by the Son of God. I may not injureany soul save those alone which He rejecteth. Those may I leadhome into bondage, and bring them to their dwelling in the grimabyss. Changed are we all from what we were of old on high, inbeauty and in honour. Oft, as disciples round our well-lovedLord, we brought the sons of glory to the Saviour's arms, andlifted up our songs of praise, and worshipped Him. But now I amstained with evil, and wounded with my sins. In hell-fireburning bonds of pain shall sear my back, nor may I ever hope forany future good. "

(ll. 158-162) Then once more the loathsome fiend from hell, accursed in his woe, bewailed his endless torment. His wordsflew up like sparks, most like to poison, as he hissed themforth:

(ll. 162-175) "O! the majesty of God, the might of the Creator!O! Thou Lord of heavenly hosts! Farewell to earth, and thegleaming light of day! Farewell the bliss of God, the angelhosts, the heavens above! Alas! that I have lost eternal joy, that never again with my hands may I lay hold on heaven, northitherward lift up mine eyes, nor hear in mine ears the ringingvoice of the trumpet, because I would have driven from His thronethe Lord, the Son of God, and seized myself the power of majestyand joy and bliss. 

(ll. 176-188) "Then a worse fate befell me than I could wellforesee! I am rejected from the heavenly host, cast out fromlight into this loathsome home. I may not well bethink me how Ifell thus low, into this deep abyss, stained with my sins, andcast out from the world. Now I know that he will forfeit alleternal joy who thinketh not to serve the King of heaven andplease the Lord. Needs must I undergo correction, vengeance andpunishment and pain, stripped of every good, stained by my formerdeeds, because I thought to drive God from His throne, the Lordof hosts. Now, sorrowful and full of care, I needs must go anexile-journey, a wandering wide. "

IV

(ll. 189-208) Then God's foe went to hell, wherein he was abased, and his thanes with him, covetous and greedy, when the Lord Godhurled them down into that burning house whose name is hell. Wherefore let every man take thought in his heart that he may notbe displeasing to the Son of God, remembering how the blackfiends were undone by pride. And let us choose as our delightthe Lord of hosts, the Prince of angels, and eternal joy inheaven above. He showed that He had strength and wondrous power, when from His lofty throne He drove that great host into bondage. Let us be mindful of the Holy Lord, eternal in glory, and choosea home on high with Christ, the Lord of all, the King of kings. With blithe thoughts in our hearts, and peace and wisdom, let usbe mindful of righteousness and truth, when we think to kneelbefore His royal throne, and pray the Lord for mercy. 

(ll. 209-223) It behooveth him who dwelleth in these worldly joysto shine in beauty when he seeketh another life, and a land muchfairer than this earth. That is a land of beauty and of joy, with fruits that brightly gleam among the cities. That is aboundless realm, the home of the blessed in heaven, acceptable toChrist. Let us turn thither where, in that dear home, theSaviour sitteth, Lord of victories, and round about His throne inradiant whiteness stand angel legions and all blessed souls, theholy heavenly hosts, and praise the Lord with words and works. Their beauty gleameth with the King of glory, world without end. 

V

(ll. 224-227) And further still, as I have heard, the fiendsconfessed. Their sin and punishment lay heavy on them. In theirpresumptuous pride they had forgot the King of glory. Straightwayin other words they spake:

(ll. 228-244) "Now is it seen that we have sinned in heaven, andnow must ever wage a hapless war against the might of God. Wemight have had our dwelling in the light of glory, in thousandsserving Holy God, and chanting hymns about His throne. And whilewe dwelt there, and abode in bliss, came strains of heavenlymusic on our ears, and the voice of the trumpet. Bright of wordarose the Prince of angels, and all His saints bowed down beforeHim. The Eternal Lord Triumphant rose and stood above us, andeach day blessed that gentle throng, and His beloved Son, Shaperof souls. And God Himself was merciful to all who came withinthat kingdom, and had believed in Him on earth. 

(ll. 245-247) "But it seemed to me that the Prince was stern andhard of heart; and I began to go forth alone among the angels, and said unto them all:

(ll. 248-253) "'I can show you enduring counsel, if ye will trustmy strength. Let us scorn this mighty Prince, the Lord of hosts, and possess us of the radiance of His glory to be our own. Forthis is empty boasting which we have borne so long. '

VI

(ll. 254-268) "And so it was we strove to drive the Lord from Hisdear home, the King from out His city. But widely is it knownthat we must dwell in exile, in the grim depths of heil. Godholdeth His kingdom. He only is the King, Eternal Lord, Creatorstrong and mighty, whose anger smote us down. Henceforth thishost must lie here in their sin, some flying in the air andspeeding over earth. But round about each spirit fire burneth, though he be up on high. Yet may he never lay his hand uponthose souls who from the earth in blessedness seek heaven. But Imay seize God's foes, all heathen slaves, and drag them down intothe pit. 

(ll. 269-278) "Some must needs wander through all lands, sowingdissension in the tribes of men throughout the earth. But I mustsuffer all things, in the pangs of flame, sick and sorrowful, lamenting here my lost possessions, which once I owned, whilestill my home was in the heavens. Will the Eternal grant us everagain a home and dwelling in the heavenly kingdom, as He did ofold?"

(ll. 279-297) So wailed God's adversaries, as they burned inhell. God, the Lord, was moved to wrath against them for theirblasphemy. Wherefore should every living man, whose heart isgood, resolve to banish sinful thoughts and loathsome evil. Letus be ever mindful in our hearts of the Creator's might, andprepare a green path before us unto the angels. There isAlmighty God, and the Son of God will fold us in His arms, if weon earth take thought of this beforehand, and trust His holyhelp. Then will He not forsake us, but will grant us life amongthe angels, and blessed joy. The radiant Lord will show usstable dwellings, and gleaming city-walls. Brightly shine thesouls of the blessed, freed from sorrow, evermore possessingcities and a kingly throne. 

(ll. 297-314) O may we all proclaim it, ere it be too late, andrehearse it unto men upon the earth, unlock with skill themysteries of God, and wisely understand them! A thousand angelsshall come out to meet us, if thitherward we take our way, andhave deserved this bliss on earth. He shall be blessed whososcorneth evil and is pleasing unto God, overcoming sin as He hathsaid. The righteous, crowned with beauty, in their Father'skingdom, shall shine like to the sun in the City of Refuge, wheretheir Lord, the Father of mankind, shall fold them in His arms, and lovingly uplift them to the light of heaven, where they maydwell for ever with the King of glory, possessing joy of joyswith the Lord God, for ever and for ever without end. 

VII

(ll. 315-333) Alas! how rashly did the cursed fiend resolve todisobey the King of heaven, the Comfort-bringing Father. Withvenom burned and blazed the floor of hell beneath the captive'sfeet. The fiends went howling through those windy halls, wailingtheir woe. The sin and evil of that multitude were fiercelypurged by fire. Grievous their fate! And their prince, who camethere first of all the host, was lettered fast in fire and flame;that was unending torment! For ever must his thanes inhabitthere that loathsome realm, nor ever in heaven above hear holyjoy, where they had long had pleasant service with the angels;all good things had they lost, and might not dwell save in thepit of hell, in that accursed hall where sounds of weeping areheard afar, gnashing of teeth and lamentation. 

(ll. 334-354) They have no hope but only frost and fire, tortureand pain and swarming serpents, dragons and adders and a house ofdarkness. He who stood within twelve miles of hell might hear agnashing of teeth, loud and full of woe. God's adversarieswandered throughout hell, burning with flame above and below (onevery side was torture); oppressed with pain, bereft of joy, andshorn of glory, they bitterly lamented that ever they had plannedto strip the Saviour of His heavenly kingdom, when they had theirhome on high. But He held rightfully the courts of heaven andHis holy throne. 

(ll. 355-364) No one is so cunning or so wise, or hath suchunderstanding, save God alone, that he may describe the radiantlight of heaven; how, by the might of God, the sun there shinethround about that splendid host, where angels have eternal joy, and saints chant hymns before the face of God. And there areblessed souls, who come from earth bearing in their bosomsfragrant blossoms and pleasant herbs--these are the words ofGod. The Father of mankind shall fold them in His arms, and withHis right hand bless them and lead them to the light, where theyshall have eternal life, a heavenly home, a radiant city-dwelling, for ever and for ever. He shall have bliss whoso inclineth toobey his Saviour. Well shall it be with him who may obtain it!

VIII

THE HARROWING OF HELL

(ll. 365-376) Within God's kingdom in the days of old the angelprince was called "Light-bearer, " Lucifer. But he stirred upstrife in heaven and turned to insolence and pride. Darkly Satanplanned to build a lofty throne in heaven, with the Eternal God. He was their lord, the prince of evil. But he repented when heneeds must sink to hell, and with his thanes must feel theSaviour's wrath; never thereafter might they look upon EternalGod for ever. 

(ll. 377-384) Then terror came upon them, and crashing thunderwent before the Judge, who bowed and burst the doors of hell. And bliss came unto men when they beheld their Saviour's face. But the hearts of that doomed folk, that dread host namedaforetime, were sore afraid. They were smitten with terrorthroughout their windy hall, and wailed aloud:

(ll. 385-397) "Bitter is this Storm that burst upon us, the AngelPrince, the Warrior with His legions. Before Him shineth afairer light than ever our eyes beheld, save when we dwelt inheaven among the angels. Now will He end, by power of His glory, the torment we inflict. Lo! this Terror cometh, with thundersbefore the face of God, and soon this wretched throng shall knowaffliction. It is the Son of God, the Lord of angels. Heleadeth souls up out of hell, and we shall be abased hereafter byHis avenging wrath. "

(ll. 398-407) By His might the Lord descended into hell, unto thesons of men. For He was fain to lead forth countless thousandsto their native home. Then came the sound of angel legions, andthunder at the blush of dawn. The Lord Himself had overcome theFiend; the deadly strife began at dawn when the terror fell uponthem. He let the blessed souls, the race of Adam, mount upwardunto heaven. Yet Eve might not see heaven until she spake:

(ll. 408-419) "I, only, brought Thy wrath upon us, Eternal Lord, when we two ate the apple through the serpent's guile, Adam andI, as we should not have done. The fiend, who now doth burn forever in his bonds, told us that so we should have blessing and aholy home, and heaven to rule. And we believed the words of theAccursed, and stretched our hands unto the holy tree and pluckedits shining fruit. Bitter the price we paid, when we must needssink downward to this flaming pit, and there abide for manythousand winters, dreadfully burning. 

(ll. 420-434) "Now I beseech Thee, Lord of heaven, by this host, the angel legions which Thou leadest hither, that I may bedelivered out of hell, with all my kindred. Three nights ago aservant of the Saviour came to hell. Now is he fast in bondage, spent with pain, for the King of glory was incensed against himbecause of his presumption. Thou saidest unto us in truth thatGod Himself would come to all who dwell in hell. Then everyonearose, and leaned upon his arm, and rested on his hand; thoughracked with pangs of hell, yet in their torment they rejoicedbecause their Lord was coming unto hell to bring them aid. "

(ll. 435-440) And she lifted up her hands unto the King ofheaven, beseeching mercy of the Lord for Mary's sake: "Lo! Of mydaughter wast Thou born, O Lord, to help mankind on earth. Nowis it seen that Thou art God indeed, the Everlasting Source ofall creation. "

IX

(ll. 441-454) Then the Eternal Lord let all that host mountupward unto glory. But on the fiends He fastened bonds oftorment, and thrust them down into the depths of darkness, bitterly abashed, where darkly Satan rules, a woeful wretch, andwith him the foul fiends, forspent with pain. Never may they seethe light of glory, but only bell's abyss, nor ever hope fortheir return, because the Lord God was incensed against them, andgave them bonds of torment for their portion, and gruesomehorror, death-shadows dark and dim, the burning pit of hell, andfear of death. 

(ll. 455-467) Then was there gladness when the host returned untotheir native home, and with them the Eternal Lord of men, untoHis glorious city. With their hands the race of Abraham, theholy prophets, bore Him up unto His home. Even as the prophetshad foretold in days of old, the Lord had conquered death, andovercome the Fiend. All this befell at dawn before the blush ofday, when thunder came, loud crashing from the heavens, and Godbowed down and brake the doors of hell. The fiends' strengthlessened when they saw the radiant light. 

(ll. 468-478) And the Son of God was sitting with His host, andspake with words of truth: "Wise spirits! By My might I wroughtyou--first Adam and this noble woman. And they begat, by God'swill, forty children, so that a multitude were born thereafter onthe earth, and many a winter men dwelt in their home, until itcame to pass the fiend by deeds of evil brought God's mercy to anend. Now sin has spread through all the world!

(ll. 479-486) "For in the new Paradise I placed a tree withspreading branches, whose boughs bore apples, and ye two ate thegleaming fruit according as the fiend, the thane of hell, gavebidding. Wherefore ye journeyed to the burning depths of hell, because ye disobeyed the word of God, and tasted of this horror. The foul fiend stood beside you, and gave you evil thoughts. 

(ll. 487-498) "But My heart repented that My handiwork shouldsuffer prison-bondage! There was no power of men, nor might ofangels, no work of the prophets, nor wisdom of mortal men, thatcould bring you help, but only God, the Saviour, who had ordainedthat punishment in vengeance. And from His home on high He cameto earth, being born of a virgin, and suffered many tortures inthe world, and much affliction. And many men, the rulers of thestate, conspired against Me night and day, how they might slayMe. 

(ll. 499-511) "Then was the time fulfilled, and I had lived forthree-and-thirty winters in the world before My passion. Longwas I mindful of this multitude and of My home, that I might leadthem up from bondage to their native land, where they may haveGod's judgments, and the glory of the heavenly hosts, dwelling injoy and knowing bliss of heaven, a thousand fold. Upon thecross, when sharp spears pierced Me, and the young man smote Me, hanging on the tree, yea! even then I interceded for you; and Icame again unto eternal joys, and to the presence of the HolyLord. "

X

(ll. 512-523) Thus spake the Lord of glory, Maker of mankind, early in the morning when the Lord God rose from death. Therewas no stone so firmly fastened, though it were bound about withiron, that might withstand His wondrous might; but the Lord ofangels went forth from His prison, and bade bright angels tellHis eleven disciples, and say especially to Simon Peter that hemight see God, Steadfast and Eternal, in Galilee, as he had doneaforetime. 

(ll. 524-534) Then the disciples, as I have heard, were filledwith the Spirit, and went together into Galilee unto the Holy Sonof God, beholding where the Son of the Creator, the Eternal Lord, was risen. And the disciples ran and came where the Eternal Lordwas standing, and fell upon the ground, and knelt before Hisfeet, giving thanks to God because once more, as it was come topass, they might behold the Prince of angels. And straightwaySimon Peter spake:

(ll. 535-539) "Is it Thou, O Lord God, crowned with glory? Alittle while ago we saw how heathen men laid grievous bonds uponThee! And bitterly shall they repent, when they behold theirend. "

(ll. 540-556) But some could not believe it in their hearts. Andone, called Didymus, was dear before he laid his hand upon hisSaviour's side wherefrom His blood had fallen to the ground, abath of baptism. That was a glorious deed, the passion of theLord our God. He mounted up upon the tree, and with His greatheart shed His blood upon the cross. Wherefore at all times menshould thank their Lord by words and works, because He led us outof bondage to our home and native land, where we may have God'sjudgments and the glory of the heavenly host, and dwell in joy. To us the radiant light of glory is revealed, to such as havegood thoughts. 

XI

(ll. 557-567) Then was the Lord Eternal forty days on earth, followed of the people and revealed to men, before the Prince ofcity-dwellers brought the Holy Spirit to the great creation, theheavenly kingdom. The King of angels and the Lord of hostsascended up on high. Then came celestial melodies in holinessfrom heaven. The hand of God appeared and He received thePrince; the Lord of heaven led Him to His holy home. And roundabout Him throngs of angels flew in thousands. 

(ll. 568-578) And it befell, while yet the Saviour Christ abodewith men, that on the night before the last He strengthened withHis spirit His disciples, the twelve apostles. The Living Godordained unnumbered souls. Of these was Judas, who betrayed theGlorious Lord, our Saviour, to be a sacrifice. Little did thatundertaking prosper when he sold the Son of God for silvertreasure. The foul fiend gave him grim requital, deep in hell. 

(ll. 579-596) The Son now sitteth on the right hand of theFather; each day the Lord of hosts giveth help and healing to thesons of men throughout the earth. Full widely is it known tomany men that He alone, by power of His glory, is Maker and Rulerof all created things. The Holy Lord of angels sitteth with theprophets in heaven above; the Son of glory hath His throne amidthe heavens, and by His healing leadeth us up thither to thelight, where we may sit with God on high among the angels, andhave that radiance where His holy host now dwelleth, and live injoy. There is the blessedness of glory radiantly revealed! Letus take thought to serve the Saviour gladly and be pleasing untoChrist! There is more glorious life than we may ever gain onearth. 

XII

(ll. 597-607) Now hath the Great Prince, the Almighty Lord, madeintercession for us. On the day of doom God biddeth thearchangels, with a mighty blast, to sound the trumpet over thecity-dwellings, through all the borders of the world. Then shallmen wake from the earth; the dead shall arise from the dust, through the might of God. Longest of days shall that be, greatest of tumults, heard afar, when the Saviour cometh, theLord, with clouds surrounded, descending upon earth. 

(ll. 608-615) Then will He separate the fair and foul, the goodand evil, into two companies. And the righteous shall mount totheir rest at the right hand of God, they shall be blithe as theyenter the city, the kingdom of God. With His right hand the Lordof creation shall bless them, and say before all:

(ll. 615-618) "Ye are welcome! Enter now the heavenly kingdom, into the light of glory. There shall ye rest for ever withoutend. "

(ll. 619-625) But the guilty souls that have sinned shall standand tremble when the Son of God shall judge them by His wondrousmight; they shall hope they may ascend to that fair city with theangels, as the others did. But the Eternal Lord shall speak tothem, and say before them all:

(ll. 626-627) "Descend now quickly, ye accursed, into the houseof pain. I know you not. "

(ll. 628-646) And straightway at these words hell's captives, cursed spirits, shall drag them down by thousands, leading themthither to the home of fiends, and thrust them deep down in thenarrow pit. Never may they return, but there they needs mustsuffer torturing pain, imprisonment, and bonds, and the coldground, endure the depths of hell and devils' discourse, blackfiends with hate reviling them for sin, because they often haveforgot the Lord, Eternal God, who should have been their hope. Wherefore let us resolve while in the world to serve the Saviourgladly by God's grace, be mindful of the spirit's joy, and howthe blessed sons of God abide on high in radiant glory. 

(ll. 647-655) There is a golden gate adorned with gems, enwreathed with joy, for those who enter in God's kingdom, andwin the light of glory. About the walls stand radiant angelspirits and blessed souls who pass from earth to heaven. Thereare martyrs pleasing unto God, and patriarchs with holy voicespraising God, the King within His city, saying:

(ll. 656-658) "Thou art the Lord of men, the Heavenly Judge andPrince of angels! Thou hast led the sons of earth unto thisblessed home!"

(ll 659-662) So the thanes about their Prince shall praise theLord of glory. There shall be song and splendour round Histhrone. For He is King indeed, and Lord of all things in theeternal creation!

THE TEMPTATION

(ll. 663-673) He is the Lord, the Prince of angels, who died forus; and, in the fullness of His mercy, the Maker of mankind oncefasted forty days. And it came to pass that the Accursed Fiend, who was driven out of heaven and sank to hell, tempted the Lordof all creation, bringing in his arms great stones, and biddingHim make loaves to stay His hunger, "if Thou have so much power. "But the Eternal Lord made answer unto him:

(ll. 674-675) "Knowest thou not, accursed, it was written.... "

((LACUNA of indeterminate length. ))

(ll. 676-678) ".... Save Me alone? But Thou, O Lord of victory, hast ordained the light for living souls, reward unending in theheavenly kingdom, and holy joys. "

(ll. 679-682) Then the malicious, evil spirit in derision liftedHim up in his hands, and set Him upon his shoulder, and ascendeda high mountain, and placed the Lord God on a peak thereof:

(ll. 683-688) "Gaze now full widely over the dwellers of earth. The world and the inhabitants thereof will I give into Thy hand. Take now from me the city and the shining home which I will giveThee in the heavenly kingdom, that Thou mayest truly be the Kingof men and angels, as Thou hast thought. "

(ll. 689-709) Then answered the Eternal Lord: "Depart, thoucursed Satan, into the house of pain; for thee is punishmentprepared, and not God's kingdom. By most high might I bid theebring no hope to such as dwell in hell, but tell them now ofthis, thy greatest woe, that thou hast met the Maker of creation, the Lord of men. Get thee behind Me! Know, accursed fiend, howmeasureless and wide and dreary is the pit of hell! Measure itwith thy hands, take hold upon its bottom. Go, then, until thouknowest all the circle of it; measure it first from above evenunto the abyss. Measure how broad the black mist stretches. Then shalt thou know more clearly that thou strivest against God, when thou hast measured with thy hands how high and deep is hell, the grim grave-house, within. Go quickly, that thou measure, eretwo hours are past, the home allotted thee. "

(ll. 710-728) Then vengeance came upon the fiend. Satan, thecursed monster, fled away and sank to hell. And first hemeasured with his hands its torment and its woe. The black flameleaped against the evil spirit; and he beheld the captives asthey lay in hell. And there rose a howling throughout hell, whentheir eyes fell on the fiend. God's foes had striven... Theblack evil spirit, so that he stood upon the floor of hell, andit seemed to him that from the pit to the doors of hell was anhundred thousand miles in reckoning, as the Almighty Lord hadbidden him, for his sin, to measure all his torment. And heremembered as he stood in the depths of hell! The foul fiendwith his eyes gazed through the loathsome den, until itsoverwhelming horror, the host of devils... Then mounted up... With words of malice the accursed fiends began to speak and say:

(ll. 728-730) "Lo! thus may evil be upon thee always! Thou didstnot wish for good!"

FINIT LIBER II. AMEN.