Chapter 3

Again the Ruler of the waves unlocked The treasure of His words, and boldly spake:-- "That I may truly know, I pray thee tell Whether thy Lord showed forth His miracles-- Which on the earth for comfort of mankind Full many times He worked--before men's sight, Where bishops, scribes, and princes held discourse Sitting in council. For it seems to me That out of envy they contrived this guile, 610 Led by deep error and the Devil's lore; Those men foredoomed to death too readily Gave ear to wicked traitors; their ill fate Deceived, misled them, gave them counsel false; Weary 'mong weary men they soon must bear Torments and biting flames in Satan's arms."

Straightway did Andrew answer him again:-- "I tell thee truly that He ofttimes worked Wonder on wonder in the sight of men, 620 Before their rulers; and in secret too The Lord of men did deeds of public good, Which he devised for their eternal peace."

Him answered then the sure Defense of kings:-- "Couldst thou, wise hero, warrior strong of heart, Tell me in words the wonders that He showed In secret, when, as oft, ye sat alone In converse with the Lord who rules the skies?"

Straightway did Andrew answer him again:-- "Why dost thou question me with crafty speech, My dearest lord, thou who dost truly know 630 By virtue of thy wisdom every hap."

The Ruler of the waves replied to him:-- "'Tis not in blame that I thus question thee, Nor to insult thee on the ocean-road.[1] My mind is blithe and blossoming with joy At thy most noble speech; not I am blithe Alone, for every man is glad in heart And comforted in soul who far or near Remembers in his heart what that One did, God's Son on earth. Souls unto Him were turned; 640 With eagerness they sought the joys of heaven, The angels' home, by aid of His great might."

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

Straightway did Andrew answer Him again:-- "In thee I see an understanding heart Of wondrous power, the gift of victory; With wisdom blooms thy breast, with brightest joy. Lo, I will tell to thee from first to last The words and wisdom of the noble Lord, 650 As I have heard it oft from His own mouth When He conversed with men upon the earth. Oft did great multitudes, unnumbered throngs, Assemble to the council of the Lord, And hear the teachings of the Holy One. The Shield of kings, bright Giver of all bliss, Went to another house, where many men, Wise elders, came to meet Him, praising God; And ever men were joyful, glad of heart, At the Lord's coming.

Likewise it befell 660 That once of yore the Lord of victory, The mighty King, went on a pilgrimage; Eleven glorious champions alone Of His own people on that journey went; He was Himself the twelfth. When we were come Unto the kingly city where was built The temple of the Lord with pinnacles High towering, famous 'mong the tribes of men, Beauteous in splendor--with reviling words The high priest straight began to mock at Him 670 Insultingly, from out his wicked heart; He oped his inmost thoughts and mischief wove; For in his heart he knew we followed aye The footsteps of our ever-righteous Lord, His teachings we performed; straightway he raised His baneful voice infect with wickedness:-- 'Lo, ye are wretched more than all mankind; Ye go upon wide wanderings, and ye fare On many toilsome journeys; ye give ear Unto a stranger's teachings 'gainst our law; A prince without a portion ye proclaim; 680 Ye say, in sooth, that with the Son of God Ye daily converse hold! The rulers know From what beginning his high race is sprung. In this land he was nourished, and was born A child among his kindred; at their home Thus are his father and his mother called-- As we have learned by prudent questioning-- Mary and Joseph; other children twain Were born his brothers in that family, 690 Simon and Jacob--Joseph's sons they are.' So spake the counsellors of men, the lords Ambitious, and they thought to hide the might Of God; their sin returned to them again From whom it rose, an everlasting bane.

Then did the Prince, the Lord of hosts, depart With all His thanes from out the council-hall, Strong in His might, to seek an unknown land. By wonders manifold and mighty deeds In deserts wild He showed that He was King 700 By right throughout the world, made strong with power, Ruler and Author of bright majesty, Eternal God of all created things. Likewise He showed before the sight of men Unnumbered other works miraculous.

Upon another journey then He went With a vast throng, and in the temple stood, The glorious Prince. The sound of words arose Within the lofty building; sinful men Would not receive the holy Savior's words, Though He had shown so many tokens true 710 While they looked on. Upon the temple wall On either side the Lord victorious saw An image of His angels wondrous carved, Brightly adorned and beautifully wrought; Then to the multitude he spake in words:-- 'This is the likeness of the angel-race Most widely known to dwellers in this town. In Paradise their names are Cherubim 720 And Seraphim; before the face of God They stand, strong-souled, and with their voices praise In holy song the might of Heaven's King, And God's protecting hand. Here is carved out The holy angels' form; the thanes of glory Are chiseled on the wall by handicraft.'

The Lord of hosts, the Holy Spirit of heaven, Spake yet again unto the multitude:-- 'Now I command a sign to be disclosed, A miracle before the throng of men, 730 That from the wall this image shall descend All beautiful to earth, and speak a word, Shall tell them truly of My parentage, That men throughout the land may then believe!'

The ancient image durst not disobey The Savior's words, but leapt from off the wall, Stone cleft from stone; upon the earth it stood, A wonder in the sight of all the throng; Then came a voice loud sounding from the stone, 740 Rebuking them in words; and wondrous seemed The statue's speech to those proud-hearted men. With tokens manifest it taught the priests, Warned them with wisdom; thus it spake in words:-- 'Accursed are ye and wretched in your thoughts, Deceived with tricks, or else with clouded mind No better do ye know. Ye call God's Son Eternal but a man--Him who marked out With His own hands the sea and solid ground, Both heaven and earth, the stormy ocean-waves, The salt sea-streams, and the high firmament. 750 He is that self-same God all-powerful Whom in the early days your fathers knew; To Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob He gave His grace, and honored them with wealth; To Abraham He first declared in words The covenant of his race, that of his seed The God of glory should be born; this fate Is now fulfilled among you, manifest; And lo! your eyes can now behold the God Of victory, who rules the heavens on high.' 760

After these words the crowd stood listening; All silent were they through the spacious hall. The elders then began again to say, Those sinful men--the truth they did not know!-- That it was magic art and sorcery That made the shining stone to talk to men. Evil was blossoming in their hearts, and hate Welled hot as fire within their wicked breasts, A serpent, foe to joy, a poison dire; 770 And by their words of mocking were revealed Their doubting hearts and thoughts of wickedness, With murder girt about. Then did the Lord Command the stone, that mighty work, to go Along the way, from out the open place, To tread the paths of earth, the meadows green, To bear God's message into Canaan land, And in God's name command that Abraham And his descendants twain should rise again From out their sepulchre, and leave their place 780 Of rest beneath the earth, take up their limbs, Receive a soul again and youth's estate; That those wise patriarchs should come once more Among mankind, to tell the folk what God It was that they had known by His own might.

It went and journeyed on the border-paths As mighty God, Creator of mankind, Commanded it, until it came to Mamre All dazzling bright, as God had bidden it. There had the bodies of those patriarchs 790 Long time lain hid. It bade them straight arise From out the earth, those princes, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, leaving their deep sleep To meet their God; it bade them to prepare To come before the presence of the Lord; For they must tell the folk Who at the first Brought forth this earth all-green, and heaven above, And where that Ruler was who stablished firm All that great work. They durst not long delay Fulfilment of the glorious King's command. 800 So went those prophets three, those valiant men, And trod the earth; they let their sepulchres Stand open, for they would straightway proclaim The Father of creation. Then the folk With fear was stricken, when those Princes old Honored the King of glory with their words. The Lord of might bade them forthwith return To blessedness, to seek a second time The happiness of heaven in holy peace, And there to live in bliss for evermore. 810

Lo, thou mayst hear, dear youth, how He performed By His commands full many miracles; Yet even so those people blind of heart Did not believe His teachings. I could tell Many more deeds which He, the Prince of heaven, Wrought on the earth--a great and famous tale: Such deeds as thou couldst never understand, Nor comprehend in heart, though thou art wise." Thus Andrew all day long showed forth the lore Of holy Jesus in his words, until A sleep came sudden o'er him as he sailed 820 Upon the whale's road nigh to Heaven's King.

The Lord of life then bade His angels bear That saint beloved over the beating waves, And gently carry him upon their breasts Under the Father's care across the floods, While sleep was on him weary of the sea. So journeying through the air he reached the land And came unto the city, which the King Of angels bade him seek; the messengers Departed joyful to their home on high. 830 They left the holy man, that gracious saint, Beside the highway, 'neath the vault of heaven, Peacefully sleeping near the city wall And near his foes malignant all night long, 'Till God sent forth the candle of the day Brightly to shine. Vanished the shadows dark Beneath the welkin; then the torch of heaven, The clear light of the sky, came forth and shone Above the town. The warrior brave awoke And gazed upon the fields; before the gates 840 Steep hills high towered; about the hoary cliff Stood buildings wrought of many-colored tiles, Great towers, and wind-swept walls. The sage straight knew That he had reached the Mermedonian land, E'en as the Father of mankind declared, When He prescribed that journey. On the ground He saw his own disciples, valiant men, Beside him deep in sleep. He straight began To wake the warriors; thus he spake in words:-- 850 "Lo, I can tell you one truth manifest, That yesterday upon the ocean-stream A noble Hero bore us o'er the sea. The Glory of kings, the Ruler of mankind, Was sailing in that ship; I knew His words, Though He did hide the beauty of His face."

His noble followers answered him again, Giving reply from out their inmost souls:-- "Our journey, Andrew, will we tell to thee, That wisely thou mayst understand in heart:-- 860 A sleep came o'er us weary of the sea, And eagles came across the struggling waves In flight, exulting in their mighty wings, And while we slept they took our souls away; With joy they bore us flying through the air, Gracious and bright, rejoicing in their speed; And gently they caressed us, while they hymned Continual praise; there was unceasing song Throughout the sky; a beauteous host was there, 870 A glorious multitude. The angels stood About the Prince, the thanes about their Lord, In thousands; in the highest they gave praise With holy voice unto the Lord of lords; The angel-band rejoiced. We there beheld The holy patriarchs and a mighty troop Of martyrs; to the Lord victorious That righteous throng sang never-ending praise; And David too was with them, Jesse's son, The King of Israel, blessed warrior, 880 Come to Christ's throne. Likewise we saw you twelve All standing there before the Son of God, Full glorious men of great nobility; Archangels holy throned in majesty Did serve you; happy is it for the man Who may enjoy that bliss. High joy was there, Glory of warriors, an exalted life; Nor was there sorrow there for any man. Drear exile, open torment is the lot Of him who must be stranger to those joys, 890 And wander wretched when he goes from hence."

Exceeding glad was holy Andrew's heart Within his breast, soon as he heard the speech Of his disciples, that above all men God should so high esteem them, and this word Spake then the brave defense of warriors:-- "Lo, now I clearly see, Lord God, that Thou, Glory of kings, wast very nigh to me On the ocean-road, when on that ship I went; Though on the beating sea I did not know 900 The Lord of angels, Savior of men's souls! Be gracious unto me, Almighty God, Bright King of mercy! on the ocean-stream Full many words I spake; but now I know Who bore me o'er the sea-floods on His ship With honor high; He is for all mankind A Spirit of comfort; there is ready help, And mercy from the Highest unto all Who seek of Him--the gift of victory."

Straightway before his eyes the Lord appeared, 910 The Prince of glory, King of all that lives, Like to a youth in form, and thus he spake:-- "Hail to thee, Andrew, and thy faithful band; Rejoice in heart, for I am thy defense, That wicked foes may never harm thy soul, Fierce-hearted workers of iniquity."

Then fell to earth that hero wise in words, Begging protection, and he asked his Lord:-- "How did it happen, Ruler of mankind, 920 That, sinning 'gainst the Savior of men's souls, I knew Thee not upon the ocean-way Good as Thou art? there spake I many words, More than I should in presence of my God."

Him answered straightway God all-powerful:-- "Thou didst not sin so grievously as when Thou madest protest in Achaian land That on far journeyings thou couldst not go, Nor come unto the town, accomplishing Thy way within three days, the time ordained, 930 As o'er the struggling waves I bade thee fare. Thou knowest better now that easily I can advance and further any man Who is My friend whithersoe'er I will. Quickly arise, and straightway learn My will, Man highly blessed; so shall the Father bright Adorn thee with His wondrous gifts, with strength And wisdom unto all eternity! Go thou into the town, within the walls, Where bides thy brother; for I know full well 940 Matthew thy kinsman is afflicted sore With deadly wounds at wicked traitors' hands, Beset with cunning snares. Him shalt thou seek And loose from hate of foes, with all that band Who dwell with him in strangers' cruel chains Balefully bound. Forthwith he shall receive In this world recompense, and high reward In heaven, as I have promised unto him. Now, Andrew, thou shalt straightway risk thy life 950 Into the foeman's grasp; for thee is war Ordained with grievous sword-blows; with sore wounds Thy body shall be rent; thy blood shall flow In floods like water. But those foes may not Give o'er thy life to death, though heavy strokes, The blows of sinful men, thou undergo. Endure that grief; let not the heathens' might Turn thee aside, nor bitter strife of spears, That thou depart from God who is thy Lord. Be eager aye for glory, bear in mind 960 How it was widely known to many men, Through many lands, that sinners mocked at Me Bound fast in chains, reviled Me with their words, Struck Me and scourged Me; with their taunting speech Those sinful men could not declare the truth. When 'mong the Jews I hung upon the cross, When high the rood was raised, a certain man Let forth the blood from out My wounded side Upon the ground. Full many grievous woes I suffered on the earth; I wished to give 970 A high example to you by My grace, Which shall be known 'mong men of foreign land. Many there are within this famous town Whom thou shalt turn unto the light of heaven In My name, though they have in days gone by Accomplished many deeds of violence." The Holy One departed, King of kings, In blessedness to seek the heavens above, That purest home; there is for every man Glory enow, for those who can attain. 980

That much-enduring man, brave for the fight, Obeyed God's word; he went into the town Forthwith, that steadfast warrior, with might Endowed, courageous-hearted, true to God; He walked along the street, the path his guide, In such wise that no one could him behold, No sinful man could see, for on the mead The Lord victorious had covered him, That chief beloved, with His protecting care And His high favor. So the noble saint 990 Nigh to the prison pressed his way in haste, The champion of Christ. He saw a band Of heathens gathered, seven warders there Before the gate; death snatched them all away; They perished powerless; the fierce rush of death Clutched them all bloody. Then the holy saint Prayed to the gracious Father in his heart; He praised on high the goodness and the power Of Heaven's King. The door forthwith gave way At holy Andrew's touch; then entered in 1000 The hero brave with thoughts of courage bold. The heathens there were sleeping drunk with blood; With their own blood they stained the field of death.

Matthew he saw within that murderous den, The warrior stout, within the prison mirk, Singing the praise of God, and worshiping The angels' King. Alone he sat in grief In that drear dwelling. On this earth once more His brother dear he saw--a holy saint Beheld a holy saint--and hope grew strong. 1010 Up rose he quick to meet him, thanking God That 'neath the sun they had at last beheld Each other hale and sound. New joy and love Dwelt with those brethren twain; each in his arms Enclosed the other; they embraced and kissed. Unto the heart of Christ both saints were dear. A holy radiance bright as heaven above Shone round about them, and their hearts welled up With joy. Then first did Andrew greet in words 1020 His noble comrade, that God-fearing man: He told him of the battle that must come, The fight of hostile men:--

* * * * *

After these words those brothers knelt and prayed, Those thanes of glory, and they sent their prayer Up to the Son of God; and Matthew too Within the prison called upon his God, 1030 Sought from the Savior succor and relief Before he should be slain by battle-might Of heathen men. Then from the prison strong, Freed from their bonds, protected by the Lord, He led two hundred men and forty-eight Rescued from woe; not one he left behind Within the prison-walls fast bound in chains; And women too, besides this multitude, Fifty less one he saved, o'erwhelmed with fear. 1040 Glad were they to depart, in haste they went, Nor waited longer in that house of woe The outcome of the struggle. Matthew went Leading that multitude, as Andrew bade, Under God's keeping; on that longed-for way He covered them with clouds, lest enemies, Their ancient foes, should come to work them harm With arrows' flight; there did those valiant saints Take counsel with each other, faithful friends, Before they parted; each of those brave men 1050 Stablished the other with the hope of heaven; The pains of hell they warded off by words. So did the warriors with them, battle-brave, Tried champions, with their holy voices praise The Lord of fate, whose glory ne'er shall end.

Glad-hearted, Andrew walked about the town Unto the place where he had heard was met A concourse of his cruel enemies, 1060 Until he found beside the border-path A brazen pillar standing near the road. He sat him by its side; pure love had he And contemplation high, the angels' bliss; There waited he, within the city-walls, What deed of war should be vouchsafed to him.

Then gathered straight the leaders of the folk Their mighty troops; unto the prison strong The faithless host of heathen warriors Came fully armed, where late their captive thralls 1070 Had suffered woe within the prison mirk. They weened and wished, those stubborn-hearted foes, That they might make those foreign men their meat, Food for the multitude; their hope was vain, For, coming with their troops, those spearmen fierce Found prison-doors wide open, and the work Of hammers all unloosed, the watchmen dead. So back they turned, those luckless warriors, Robbed of their joy, to bear the tidings sad; They told the folk that of the stranger men, 1080 The men of foreign speech, not one they found Remaining in that prison-house alive; But there upon the ground all stained with gore, Lifeless the watchmen lay, robbed of their souls, Mere slaughtered bodies. At that sudden news Dismayed was many a captain of the host, Sad and cast down at thoughts of famine stern, That pale guest at the board. No better way They knew than on the dead to make their feast For their own sustenance; in a single hour 1090 The bed of death was spread by cruel fate For all those watchmen.

Then, as I have heard, A gathering of the townsmen was proclaimed; The heroes came, a host of warriors Riding on horses, brave men on their steeds Exchanging speech; skilled were they at the spear. So in the meeting-place the people all Were gathered, and they bade the lot decide Among them, who should first give up his life 1100 For food unto the rest; they cast the lots With hellish craft; before their heathen gods They counted them. Behold, the lot did fall Upon an aged chieftain, one who was A counselor among the noble lords, In front rank of the host. Soon was he bound In fetters fast, despairing of his life.

Then cried that chieftain fierce with voice of woe, Proclaiming he would give his own young son Into their power as ransom for his life. 1110 With thankful hearts they took his offering, For greedily they lusted after food, Sad-minded men; no joy had they in wealth, Nor hope in hoarded riches; they were sore Oppressed with hunger, for the famine dire Held cruel sway. Then many a warrior And hero battle-bold was fired in heart To struggle for the life of that young man; The sign of woe was published far and wide Throughout the town to many a hero brave, 1120 That they should seek in troops the young man's death, That, young and old, they should receive their share As food to keep their lives. The heathen priests Straightway collected there a multitude Of dwellers in that town; loud shouts arose.