Straightway did Andrew answer him again:-- "Why dost thou impudently teach this folk, And urge them unto battle? Hast thou felt The fiery torment hot in hell, and yet Leadest an army forth, a troop to war? Thou art a foe to God, the Lord of hosts; Why dost thou thus heap up thy wretchedness? Shaft of the devil, whom Almighty God 1190 Bent humble down and into darkness hurled, Where the King of kings did cover thee with chains; And they who keep the covenant of God Have called thee Satan ever since that hour." Again the Adversary by his words, With fiendish craft urged on the folk to fight:-- "Now do you hear the foeman of your tribe, Him who has wrought most harm unto this host! Andrew it is, who thus disputes with me In cunning words before the throng of men." 1200 Then to the townsmen was the signal given; Up leaped they valiant with the shout of hosts, And to the city-gates the warriors thronged Bold 'neath their banners; with their spears and shields, In mighty troops they pressed unto the fight. Then spake the Lord of hosts, Almighty God, And said these words unto His valiant thane:-- "O Andrew, thou shalt do a deed of might; Shrink not before this host, but thy brave heart Strengthen against the strong! The hour is nigh 1210 When these blood-thirsty men shall weigh thee down With torments and cold chains. Reveal thyself, Make firm thy soul, and strengthen thy brave heart, That they may recognize My power in thee! They cannot and they may not, crime-stained men, Deal death unto thy body 'gainst My will, Though thou shalt suffer many evil blows From murderers. Lo, I abide with thee!" After these words there came a countless throng, False leaders with their troops of shield-clad men, 1220 Angry at heart. Straight rushed they out and bound Saint Andrew's hands, soon as the joy of lords Revealed himself, and they could see him there Boldly triumphant. Many a warrior Lusted for battle on that field of death, Among the host of men. Little they cared What recompense hereafter they should find. They gave command to lead their hated foe Over the country, and from time to time 1230 To drag him fiercely as they could contrive. Savage, they haled him, cruel-hearted foes, Through mountain-caves, about the stony cliffs, Far as their stone-paved streets and highways stretched-- The ancient work of giants--through the town. A tumult and a mighty outcry rose Within the city from the heathen host. With grievous wounds was Andrew's body pained, Broken and wet with blood, which welled in streams 1240 All hot with gore; yet had he in his breast Courage undoubting; and his noble mind Was free from sin, though he was doomed to bear Such bitter suffering from his heavy wounds.