Saint Andrew's prayer was pleasing unto God, 1620 Almighty One, the Counselor of men; He bade the youths, those whom the flood had slain, Rise up unscathed in body from the ground. Then straightway stood there up among the throng Many an ungrown child, as I have heard; Body and soul were joined again in one, Though but a short time gone in flood's fierce rush They all had lost their lives. Then they received True baptism and the covenant of peace, 1630 The pledge of glory, God's protecting grace, Freedom from punishment. The valiant saint, The craftsman of the King, then bade them build A church, and make a temple of the Lord Upon the spot where those young men arose By baptism, even where the flood sprang forth. From far and wide the warriors of that town Gathered in throngs; both men and women said That they would faithfully obey his word, Receive the bath of baptism joyfully 1640 According to God's will, and straightway leave Their devil-worship and their ancient shrines. Then noble baptism was exalted high Among that folk, the righteous law of God Established 'mong those men--a mighty boon Unto their country--and the church was blessed. The messenger of God appointed one, A man of wisdom tried, of prudent speech, To be a bishop in that city bright Over the people, and he hallowed him By virtue of his apostolic power 1650 Before the multitude for their behoof,-- His name was Platan. Strictly Andrew bade That they should keep his teachings zealously, And should work out salvation for their souls. He told them he was eager to depart, And fain would leave that city bright with gold, Their revelry and wealth, their bounteous halls, And seek a ship beside the breaking sea. Hard was it for the multitude to bear That he, their leader, would no longer dwell 1660 Among them there. But as he journeyed forth The glorious God straightway appeared to him, The Lord of hosts, and to His thane He said:-- "[Why dost thou leave this people in such haste? For hardly have they turned them from their sin], This nation from their crimes. Their minds for death Are longing, sad of heart they go about, Their grief bemoaning, men and women both; Weeping has come among them, woful hearts, [Since thou across the floods in thy sea-bark] Wilt haste away. Thou shalt not leave this flock In joy so new, but in My holy Name 1670 Fast stablish thou their hearts! Within this town, Abide, O shield of warriors, in their halls Richly adorned, the space of seven nights, Then with My favor thou shalt go thy way."