That no lock should be lost from off our heads, If we would keep Thy teachings faithfully. My sinews now are loosed, my blood is spilled My hair lies scattered wide upon the ground, And death were dearer far than this sad life." Then spake a voice unto that steadfast man; The King of glory's words resounded clear:-- 1430 "Weep not, O man beloved, at this thy woe; Too hard it is not for thee; with My aid, With My protection, I will hold thee up, And compass thee about with My great might. All power is given to Me upon this earth, And glorious victory. Full many a man Shall bear Me witness at the judgment day, That all this beauteous world, the heavens and earth, Shall fall in ruin, before a single word Which I have spoken with My mouth shall fail. 1440 Look now where thou hast walked, and where thy blood Was spilled, where from thy wounds the path was stained With spots of blood. No more harsh injury Can they do unto thee by stroke of spears Who most have harmed thee by their cruel deeds." Then looked behind him that dear champion, Even as the glorious King commanded him; Fair flowering trees beheld he standing there, With blossoms decked, where he had shed his blood. Then spake in words that shield of warriors:-- 1450 "Ruler of nations, thanks and praise to Thee And glory in heaven both now and evermore, For that Thou didst not leave me in my woe, Alone, a stranger, Lord of victory!" So to the Lord that doer of great deeds Gave praise with holy voice until the sun In glorious brightness went beneath the waves. Then yet a fourth time those fierce-hearted foes, The leaders of the folk, brought back the prince Unto his prison; for they hoped to turn 1460 In the dark night the hero's mighty soul. Then came the Lord unto that prison-house, Glory of warriors, and with words of cheer The Guide of life, the Father of mankind, Greeted His thane and bade him once again Soundness enjoy:--"From henceforth and for aye Thou shalt no more bear woe from armed men." Freed from the bondage of his grievous pains, 1470 The mighty saint arose and thanked his God. His beauty was not marred, nor was the hem Loosed from his cloak, nor lock from off his head; No bone was broken, and no bloody wounds Were in his body, and no injured limb Wet with his blood through wounding stroke of sword; But there he stood by God's most noble might Whole as before, giving to Him the praise.