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:-- * * * * *