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."