_Abraham._ Ah! thou high God, granter of grace That ending nor beginning has, I thank thee, Lord, that to me has To-day given victory. Lot, my brother, that taken was, I have restored him in this case, And brought him home into his place Through thy might and mastery. To worship thee I will not wond,[54] That four kings of uncouth land To-day hast sent into my hand, And of riches great array. Therefore of all that I can win To give thee tithe I will begin, When I the city soon come in, And share with thee my prey. Melchisedec, that here king is And God's priest also, I wis, The tithe I will give him of this, As just is, what I do. God who has sent me victory O'er four kings graciously, With him my spoil share will I, The city, when I come to. _Lot._ Abraham, brother, I thank it thee, Who this day hast delivered me From enemies' hands, and their postye,[55] And saved me from woe! Therefore I will give tithing Of my goods while I am living, And now also of his sending, Tithe I will give also. [_Then comes a knight to Melchisedec._ _Knight._ My lord, the king's tidings aright Your heart for to gladden and light: Abraham hath slain in fight Four kings, since he went. Here he will be this same night, And riches with him enough dight. I heard him thank God Almight For grace he had him sent. _Melchisedec_ (_stretching his hand to heaven_). Ah! blessed be God that is but one! Against Abraham I will be gone Worshipfully, and then anon, My office to fulfil, Will present him with bread and wine, For, grace of God is him within; Speeds fast for love mine! For this is God's will. _Knight_ (_with a cup_). Sir, here is wine withouten were,[56] And thereto bread, both white and clear, To present him in good manere That so us helped has. _Melchisedec._ To God, I know he is full dear, For of all things his prayer He hath, without danger, And specially great grace. _Melchisedec_ (_coming to Abraham and offering him a cup of wine and bread on a plate_). Abraham, welcome must thou be, God's grace is fully in thee, Blessed ever must thou be That enemies so can make. I have brought, as thou may'st see, Bread and wine for thy degree; Receive this present now from me, And that I thee beseke.[57] _Abraham._ Sir king, welcome in good say, Thy present is welcome to my pay. God has helpéd me to-day Unworthy though I were. He shall have part of my prey That I won since I went away. Therefore to thee thou take it may The tenth I offer here. [_He delivers to the King a laden horse._ _Melchisedec._ And your present, sir, take I, And honour it devoutly, For much good it may signify In time that is coming. Therefore horse, harness, and peryé,[58] As falls to my dignity, The tithe of it I take of thee, And receive thy off'ring. [_Abraham receives the bread and wine, and Melchisedec the laden horse as tithe from Lot._