Chapter 2

After these words there came to his dark cell A sacred sign all-glorious from heaven, Like to the shining sun; then was it shown 90 That holy God was working aid for him. The voice of Heaven's Majesty was heard, The music of the glorious Lord's sweet words, Wondrous beneath the skies. To His true thane Brave in the fight, in dungeon harsh confined, He promised help and comfort with clear voice:-- "Matthew, My peace on earth I give to thee; Let not thy heart be troubled, neither mourn Too much in mind; I will abide with thee, And I will loose thee from these bonds that bind 100 Thy limbs, and loose all that great multitude That dwells with thee in strait captivity. To thee I open by My holy power The meadow radiant of Paradise, Brightest of splendors, dwelling-place most fair, That home most blessèd, where thou mayst enjoy Glory and bliss to everlasting life. Suffer this people's cruelty; not long Can faithless men afflict thee sinfully With chains of torment by their crafty wiles. Straight will I send unto this heathen town 110 Andrew to be thy comfort and defense; He will release thee from thine enemies. Thou hast not long to wait; in very truth But seven and twenty days fulfil the time, When, sorrow-laden, thou shalt go from hence, Under God's care, with victory adorned." The Holy One, Defense of all mankind, The angels' Lord, departed to the land High in the heavens--He is the King by right, 120 Steadfast He rules supreme in all the world.

Exalted high was Matthew at the voice New-heard. The veil of darkness slipped away, Vanished in haste; and straightway came the light, The murmuring sound of early reddening dawn. The host assembled; heathen warriors Thronged in great crowds; their battle-armor sang; Their spears they brandished, angry in their hearts, Under the roof of shields; they fain would see Whether those hapless men were yet alive, Who fast in chains within their prison-walls 130 Had dwelt a while in comfortless abode, And which one they might first for their repast Rob of his life after the time ordained. They had set down, those slaughter-greedy foes, In runic characters and numerals The death-day of those men, when they should serve As food unto that famine-stricken tribe. Then clamored loudly that cold-hearted brood; Throng pressed on throng; their cruel counsellors Recked not at all of mercy or of right. Oft did their souls, led by the devil's lore, 140 Under the dusky shadows penetrate, When in the might of beings ever-cursed They put their trust. They found that holy man, Prudent of mind, within his prison dark, Awaiting bravely what the radiant King, Creator of the angels, should vouchsafe. Then was accomplished, all except three nights, The appointed time, the season foreordained, Which those fierce wolves of war had written down, At end of which they planned to break his bones, 150 And, parting straight his body and his soul, To portion out as food to old and young The body of the slain, a welcome feast; They cared not for the soul, those greedy men, How after death the spirit's pilgrimage Might be decreed. So every thirty nights They held their feast; most fierce was their desire To tear with bloody jaws the flesh of men 160 To be their food. Then He, who with strong might Stablished this world, was mindful how that saint Abode in misery 'mongst stranger men, Fast bound in chains--that saint who for His sake Had suffered from the Hebrews, had withstood The magic incantations of the Jews.

Where in Achaia holy Andrew dwelt, Guiding his people in the way of life, 170 A voice was heard from out the heavens above. To him, that steadfast saint, the Lord of hosts, Glory of kings, Creator of mankind, Unlocked the treasure of His heart, and thus In words He spake:--"Thou shalt go forth and bear My peace, and journeying shalt fare where men, Devourers of their kind, possess the land, And hold their home secure by murderous might. This is the custom of that multitude: Within their land they spare no stranger's life, But when those evil-doers chance to find A helpless wight in Mermedonia, 180 Death must be dealt and cruel murder done. I know that 'mongst those townsmen, fast in chains, Thy brother dwells, that saint victorious. It lacks but three nights of the time ordained, When, midst that people, by the hard-gripped spear, In struggle with the heathens, he must needs Send forth his soul all ready to depart; Unless thou come before the appointed time."

Straightway did Andrew answer him again: "My Lord, how can I o'er the ocean deep 190 My course accomplish, to that distant shore, As speedily as Thou, O King of glory, Creator of the heavens, dost command? That road thine angel can more easily Traverse from heaven; he knows the watery ways, The salt sea-streams, the wide path of the swan, The battle of the surf against the shore, The terror of the waters, and the tracks Across the boundless land. These foreign men Are not my trusty friends, nor do I know In any wise the counsels of this folk; 200 To me the cold sea-highways are unknown."

Him answered then the everliving Lord:-- "Alas, O Andrew, that thou shouldst be slow To undertake this journey, since for God, Almighty One, it were not hard to bring That city hither, 'neath the circling sun, Unto this country, o'er the ways of earth-- The princely city famous, with its men-- If He, the Lord of Glory, with a word 210 Should bid it. So thou mayst not hesitate To undertake this journey, nor art thou Too weak in wit, if thou but keepest well The faithful covenant with thy Lord. Be thou Prepared against the hour, for there can be No tarrying on this errand. Thou shalt go And bear thy life into the grasp of men Full violent, where 'gainst thee shall be raised The strife of warfare, with the battle-din Of heathens, and the warriors' martial might. Even to-morrow with the early dawn, 220 At the sea's border thou shalt straightway go On shipboard, and upon the waters cold, Over the ocean[1], break thy speedy way. Thou hast My blessing over all the earth, Wherever thou shalt fare!" The Holy One, Ruler and Guardian, archangels' King, The world's Defense, betook Him to His home, That glorious home, where souls of righteous men After the body's fall shall life enjoy. So in that town this mission was decreed 230 Unto the noble champion; not abashed In mind was he, but steadfast for the deed Heroic; hardy-hearted, firm in soul, No skulker he from battle, but prepared For warfare, in God's struggle stout and bold.

[Footnote 1: Lit. "bath-road."]

So at the dawning, when the day first broke, He gat him o'er the sand-downs to the sea, Valiant in heart, and with him went his thanes To walk upon the shingle, where the waves Loud thundered, and the streams of ocean beat Against the shore. Full glad was that brave saint To see upon the sands a galley fair 240 Wide-bosomed. Then, behold, resplendent dawn, Brightest of beacons, came upon her way, Hasting from out the murky gloom of night, And heaven's candle shone across the floods. Three seamen saw he there, a glorious band, Courageous men, upon their ocean-bark Sitting all ready to depart, like men Just come across the deep. The Lord himself It was, the everlasting Lord of hosts, Almighty, with His holy angels twain. In raiment they were like seafaring men, 250 These heroes, like to wanderers on the waves, When in the flood's embrace they sail with ships Upon the waters cold to distant lands.

Then he who stood there, eager, on the shore, Upon the shingle, greeted him and said:-- "Whence come ye, men in seamanship expert, Seafaring on your ocean-coursing bark, Your lonely ship? whence has the ocean-stream Wafted you o'er the welter of the waves?"

Then answered him again Almighty God, 260 In such wise that the saint who heard His words Wist not what one of speaking men it was With whom he was conversing on the strand. "From the land of Mermedonia are we come, Borne hither from afar; our high-prowed ship Carried us o'er the whale's road with the flood, Our sea-horse fleet, all girt about with speed, Until we reached the country of this folk, Sea-beaten, as the wind did drive us on."

Then Andrew humbly answered him again:-- 270 "I fain would beg thee, though but little store Of jewels or of treasure I can give, That thou wouldst bring us in thy lofty ship, Over the ocean[1] on thy high-beaked boat, Unto that people; thou shalt meed receive From God, if kindness thou but show to us Upon our journey."

[Footnote 1: Lit. "whale's home."]

The Defense of kings, Maker of angels, answered from His ship:-- "Wide-faring foreigners can never dwell There in that country, nor enjoy the land; 280 But in that city they must suffer death Who thither bring their lives from distant shores. And dost thou wish to traverse the wide main, That thou mayst spill thy life in bitter war?"

To him did Andrew answer give again:-- "Our hearts' strong hope and yearning drives us forth To seek that country and that far-famed town, If thou, most noble sir, wilt show to us Thy gracious kindness on the wave-tossed deep."

Then from His vessel's prow, the angels' Lord, 290 The Savior of mankind, replied to him:-- "Gladly and freely we will carry thee Across the ocean[1], e'en to that far land Which thy desire doth urge thee so to seek, When thou shalt give us the accustomed sum, Thy passage-money; so upon our bark We seamen will grant honor unto you."

[Footnote 1: Lit. "fish's bath."]

Then straightway Andrew spake to him in words, That friendless saint:--"I have no beaten gold, 300 No treasures, neither wealth nor sustenance, No golden clasps, no land, nor bracelets woven, That thy desire I now may satisfy, Thy worldly wishes, as thou sayst in words." The Prince of Men gave answer where He sat Upon the gangway, o'er the dashing surge:-- "How comes it thou wouldst visit, my dear friend, The sea-hills, boundaries of the ocean-streams, To seek a vessel by the cold sea-cliffs 310 All penniless? Hast thou no store of bread To comfort thee upon the ocean-road, Or pure drink for thy thirst? The life is hard For him who journeys far upon the flood."

In answer then did Andrew, wise in wit, Unlock to him the treasure of his words:-- "It is not seemly that with arrogance And words of taunting thou demand reply, When God hath given thee abundant wealth And worldly fortune; better for each man 320 That with humility he kindly greet A traveler bound to other lands far off, As Christ commanded, Lord most glorious. We are His thanes, chosen as champions; He is the King by right, Author and Lord Of wondrous glory, one eternal God Of all created things; by His sole might He comprehendeth all the heavens and earth With holy strength, Giver of victory. He spake the word himself, and bade us fare 330 Throughout the spacious earth, converting souls:-- 'Go now to all the corners of the earth, Far as the waters compass it about, Far as the meadows lie along the roads, And preach the glorious Faith throughout the towns Upon earth's bosom; I am your defense. No gold nor silver treasures need ye bear Upon this journey. I will freely give All things that ye may need.' Lo, thou thyself Mayst hear the story of our journeying 340 With thoughtful mind. Right quickly shall I learn What kindness thou wilt show us on our way."

The Lord eternal answered him again:-- "If ye are thanes of Him who did exalt His glory o'er the world, as ye declare, And ye have kept the Holy One's commands, I'll gladly bear you o'er the ocean-streams, As ye do beg me."

Then upon the bark They went, bold, valiant men; the heart of each 350 Was filled with joy upon the tossing main. Then Andrew, on the rolling of the waves, Begged for that seaman mercy from the King Who rules in glory; thus he spake in words:-- "May God, the Lord of men, give unto thee Exceeding honor--happiness on earth, Riches in glory--since thou hast made known Thy goodness to me on my journeying!" He sat him by the Guardian of the sea, That noble saint beside his noble Lord. I never heard men tell of comelier ship 360 Laden with sumptuous treasures. In it sat Great heroes, glorious lords, and beauteous thanes. Then spake the ever-living noble Lord, Almighty King; he bade his angel go, His glorious retainer, go and give Meat to the desolate to comfort him Upon the seething flood, that he might bear The life upon the rushing of the waves With greater ease. Then was the ocean[1] stirred And deeply troubled, then the horn-fish played, 370 Shot through the raging deep; the sea-gull gray, Greedy for slaughter, flew in circling flight. The candle of the sky grew straightway dark, The winds waxed strong, the waves whirled, and the surge Leapt high, the ropes creaked, dripping with the waves; The Terror of the waters rose, and stood Above them with the might of multitudes. The thanes were sore afraid, not one of them Dared hope that he would ever reach the land, Of those who by the sea had sought a ship With Andrew, for as yet they did not know 380 Who pointed out the course for that sea-bark.

[Footnote 1: Lit. "whale-sea."]

When he had eaten, then the faithful thane, Saint Andrew, thanked the noble Counselor, Upon the ocean, on the oar-swept sea:-- "For this repast may God, the righteous Lord, Ruler of hosts, who sheds the light of life, Grant thee reward, and give thee for thy food The bread of heaven, e'en as thou hast shown Good will and kindness to me on the deep. 390 My thanes, these warriors young, are sore afraid; Loud roars the raging, overwhelming sea; The ocean is all troubled, deeply moved; And weary is my band, my company Of valiant-hearted men, afflicted sore." The Lord of men gave answer from the helm:-- "Our ship shall bear us back across the flood Unto the land, and there thy men can wait Upon the shore until thou come again." 400 Straightway those men gave answer unto him, Thanes much-enduring; they would not consent To leave alone upon the vessel's prow Their master dear, and choose themselves the land. "O whither shall we turn us, lordless men, Mourning in heart, forsaken quite by God, Wounded with sin, if we abandon thee? We shall be odious in every land, Hated of every folk, when sons of men, Courageous warriors, in council sit 410 And question which of them did best stand by His lord in battle, when the hand and shield, Worn out by broadswords on the battle-plain, Suffered sore danger in the sport of war."

Then spake the noble Lord, the faithful King; Straightway He lifted up His voice and said:-- "If, as thou sayst, thou art indeed a thane Of Him who sits enthroned in majesty, All-glorious King, expound His mysteries, How 'neath the sky He taught speech-uttering men. 420 Long is this journey o'er the fallow flood; Comfort the hearts of thy disciples; great Is yet our way across the ocean-stream, And land is far to seek; the sea is stirred, The waves beat on the shore. Yet easily Can God give aid to men who sail the deep."

Then Andrew wisely stablished by his words His followers, those heroes glorious:-- "Ye did consider when ye put to sea That ye would bear your life unto a folk 430 Of foemen; ye would suffer death for love Of God, would give your life within the realm Of dark-skinned Ethiopians. I know Myself that there is One who shieldeth us, The Maker of the angels, Lord of hosts. Rebuked and bridled by the King of might, The Terror of the waters shall grow calm, The leaping sea. So once in days of yore Within a bark upon the struggling waves We tried the waters, riding on the surge, And very fearful seemed the sad sea-roads. 440 The ocean-floods beat fierce against the shores; Oft wave would answer wave; and whiles upstood From out the ocean's bosom, o'er our ship, A Terror on the breast of our sea-boat. There on that ocean-courser bode His time The glorious God, Creator of mankind, Almighty One. The men were filled with fear, They sought protection, mercy from the Lord. And when that company began to call, The King straightway arose, and stilled the waves, 450 The seething of the waters--He who gives Bliss to the angels; He rebuked the winds; The sea subsided, and the boundaries Of ocean-stream grew calm. Then laughed our soul, When under heaven's course our eyes beheld The winds and waves and Terror of the deep Affrighted by the Terror of the Lord. Therefore I say to you in very sooth, The ever-living God does not forsake A man on earth, if courage fail him not." 460

Thus spake the holy champion, wise of heart, He taught his thanes, that blessed warrior; He stablishèd his men, till suddenly Sleep came upon them weary by the mast. The sea grew still, the onset of the waves Turned back again, rough tumult of the flood. Then was the soul of that brave saint rejoiced, After that time of terror; wise in wit, In counsel prudent, he began to speak And thus unlocked the treasure of his words:-- 470 "I never found a better mariner, More skilled than thou in sea-craft, as I think, A stouter oarsman, one more wise in words, Sager in counsel. I will beg of thee Yet one more boon, hero most excellent; Though little treasure I can give to thee, Jewels or beaten gold, I fain would win Thy friendship, if I might, most glorious lord. So shalt thou gain good gifts, and blessed joy 480 In heavenly glory, if of thy great lore Thou'rt bountiful to weary voyagers. One art I fain would learn of thee, brave sir; That since the Lord, the Maker of mankind, Hath given might and honor unto thee, Thou shouldst instruct me how thou pointest out The course of this thy billow-riding ship, Thy sea-horse wet with spray. Though sixteen times, In former days and late, I've been to sea, 490 And rowed with freezing hands upon the deep, The ocean-streams--this makes one voyage more-- Yet even so mine eyes have ne'er beheld A mighty captain steering at the stern Like unto thee. Loud roars the surging flood, Beats on the shore; this sea-boat is full fleet; It fareth foamy-necked most like a bird, And glides upon the deep. I surely know, I never saw upon the ocean-road Such wondrous skill in any seafarer. 500 It is as though the ship were on the land, Where neither storm nor wind can make it move, Nor water-floods can break it, lofty-prowed; Yet on the sea it hasteth under sail. And thou art young, defense of warriors, Not old in winters, rider of the surge; Yet in thy heart thou hast the noble speech Of princes, and dost wisely understand All words employed by men upon the earth."

Him answered then the everlasting Lord:-- 510 "Full oft it happens when we sail the sea That with our ships, our ocean-coursing steeds, We break our way across the watery roads[1]-- We and our seamen--when the tempest comes, And many times we suffer sore distress Upon the waves, though sailing bravely on We end our journey; for the seething flood Can hinder no man 'gainst the Maker's will. The power of life He holds--He who doth bind The billows, and doth threaten and rebuke The dusky waves. With justice He shall rule 520 The nations--He who raised the firmament, And made it fast with His own hands; who wrought And did uphold; and with His glory filled Bright Paradise--so was the angels' home Made blessèd by His sole eternal might.

[Footnote 1: Lit. "bath-road."]

The truth is manifest and clear to all, That thou art thane most excellent of Him, The King who sits enthroned in majesty; Because the swelling ocean knew thee straight, The circuit of the raging ocean knew 530 That thou didst have the Holy Spirit's gifts. The sea, the mingling waves, turned back again; Still grew the Terror, the wide-bosomed flood; The waves subsided straightway when they saw That God had girt thee with His covenant, He who did stablish by His own strong might The blessedness of glory without end."

Then spake with holy voice the champion Valiant of heart; he magnified the King Who rules in glory, speaking thus in words:-- 540 "Blest art Thou, King of men, Redeeming Lord; Thy power endureth ever; near and far Thy name is holy, bright with majesty, Renowned in mercy 'mong the tribes of men. There lives no man beneath the vault of heaven, Ruler of nations, Savior of men's souls, No one of mortal race, who can declare How gloriously Thou dealest Thy good gifts, Or tell their number. It is manifest That Thou has been most gracious to this youth. 550 And hast adorned him with Thy holy grace, Young as he is; for he is wise in wit And in discourse of words. I never found A mind more prudent in a man so young."

The Glory of kings, the Source and End of all, Gave answer from the ship and boldly asked:-- "Tell, if thou canst, O prudent-minded thane, How on the earth it ever came to pass That faithless men, the nation of the Jews, Raised blasphemy against the Son of God 560 With hearts of wickedness. Unhappy men, Cruel, malicious, they did not believe In Him who gave them life, that He was God, Though many miracles among the tribes He showed full clear and manifest; but they, Guilt-laden men, knew not the Royal Child, Him that was born a comfort and defense Unto mankind, to all who dwell on earth. In wisdom and in power of speech increased The noble Prince; and aye the Lord of might 570 Showed forth his wonders to that stubborn folk."

Straightway did Andrew answer him again:-- "How could it happen 'mong the tribes of men That thou, my friend, hast never heard men tell The Savior's power, how He made known His grace Throughout the world--Son of the Mighty One. Speech gave He to the dumb; the deaf did hear; The halt and lepers He made glad in heart, Those who long time had suffered, sick of limb, Weary and weak, fast bound in misery. 580 Throughout the towns the blind received their sight, Full many men upon the plains of earth He woke from death by His almighty word; And many another miracle He showed, Royally famous, by His mighty strength. Water He blessed before the multitude, And bade it turn to wine, a better kind, For happiness of men. Likewise He fed Five thousand of mankind with fishes twain 590 And with five loaves; the companies sat down With hearts fatigued, rejoicing in their rest, All weary after wandering; on the ground Where pleased them best the men received their food. Lo, thou mayst hear, good sir, how, while He lived, The Lord of glory by His words and deeds Showed love to us-ward, led us by His lore To that fair home of joy where men may dwell Freely with angels in high blessedness-- Even they who after death go to the Lord." 600