Lo, I awhile the story of the saint-- The song of praise of him who did the deeds-- Have set forth here in words, a tale well known, 1480 Beyond my power; much is there yet to tell-- A weary task--what he in life endured, From the beginning on! A wiser man Upon the earth than I account myself Must in his heart invent it, one who knows From the beginning all the misery Which bravely he endured in cruel wars. Yet in small parts we further must relate A portion of that tale. It has been told Already how he suffered many woes 1490 From grievous warfare in the heathen town. Beside the prison-wall set wondrous fast He saw great pillars, work of giants old, All beaten by the storms. With one of these He converse held, mighty and bold of heart; Prudent and wondrous wise, he spake these words:-- "Give ear, thou marble stone, to God's command, Before whose presence all created things-- The heavens and earth--stand trembling, when they see The Father with a countless multitude 1500 Visit the race of men upon the earth! Let streams well forth from out thy firm support, A gushing river; for the King of heaven, Almighty God, commands thee that straightway Upon this stubborn-hearted folk thou send Water wide-flowing for the people's death, A rushing sea. Lo, thou art better far Than gold or treasure! for the King Himself, The God of glory, wrote on thee, and showed 1510 His mysteries forth in words; Almighty God In ten commandments showed His righteous law, Gave it to Moses, and true-hearted men Kept it thereafter, mighty warriors, Joshua and Tobias, faithful thanes, God-fearing men. Now dost thou truly know That in the days of old the angels' King Decked thee more fair than all the precious stones. Now at His holy bidding thou shalt show 1520 If thou hast any knowledge of thy God!"