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