Then Andrew knew the purpose of the folk Within his heart; he knew the warriors' might, 1570 The pride of valiant men, was humbled low. The waters compassed them about, and fierce The rushing torrent flowed, the flood rejoiced, Until the welling sea o'ertopped their breasts, And reached their shoulders. Then the noble saint Bade the wild flood subside, the storms to cease About the stony cliffs. Straight walked he out And left his prison, valiant, firm of soul, Wise-hearted, dear to God; for him forthwith A way was opened through the spreading stream; 1580 Calm was the field of victory, the earth Was dry at once where'er he placed his foot. Blithe-hearted waxed the dwellers in that town, And glad in soul; for help was come to pass After their grief. The flood subsided straight, And at the saint's behest the storm was stilled, The waters ceased. Then was the mountain cloven-- A frightful chasm--into itself it drew The flood, and swallowed up the fallow waves, The struggling sea--the abyss devoured it all. 1590 Yet not the waves alone it swallowed up; But fourteen men, worst caitiffs of the throng, Went headlong to destruction with the flood Under the yawning earth. Then sore afraid Was many a heart at that calamity; They feared the slaughter both of men and wives, A yet more wretched season of distress, When once those sin-stained cruel murderers, Those warriors fierce, plunged headlong down the abyss. 1600 Straightway then spake they all with one accord:-- "Now is it plain to see that one true God, The King of every creature, rules with might-- He who did hither send this messenger To help the people! Great is now our need That we should follow righteousness with zeal." Then did the saint give comfort to those men, He cheered the throng of warriors with his words:-- "Be not too fearful, though the sinful race Sought ruin, suffered death--the punishment 1610 Due to their sins. A bright and glorious light On you is risen if ye but purpose well." His prayer he sent before the Son of God, And begged the Holy One to give His aid Unto those youths who in the ocean-stream Had lost their life within the flood's embrace, So that their souls, forsaken by the Lord, Shorn of their glory, had been borne away To death and torments in the power of fiends.