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.