_Abraham._ Lord, already in good fay[69] Blessed be thou, ever and aye; For that men truly know may Thy folk from other men, Circumcised they shall be all Anon for aught that may befall. I thank thee, Lord, thy own thrall, Kneeling on my knee'n. _Expositor._ Lordings all take good intent What betokens this commandment: This was some time a sacrament In th' old law truly ta'en. As followeth now verament,[70] So was this in the old Testament; But when Christ, away it went, And baptism then began. Also God promises here To Abraham, his servant dear, So much seed that in no manere Number'd it might be. And one seed, mankind to forby, That was Jesus Christ witterlye[71] For of his kind was our Lady, And so also was he. _God._ Abraham, my servant Abraham. _Abraham._ Lo, Lord, already here I am. _God._ Take Isaac, thy son by name That thou lovest best of all And in sacrifice offer him to me Upon that hill, beside thee. Abraham, I will that it so be For aught that may befall. _Abraham._ My lord, to thee is my intent Ever to be obedient, That son that thou to me hast sent, Offer I will to thee. And fulfil thy commandment With hearty will, as I am kent High God, Lord Omnipotent, Thy bidding done shall be. My menye[72] and my children each one Lingers at home, both all and one, Save Isaac shall with me gone To a hill here beside. * * * * * [_Enter Isaac._ _Abraham._ Make thee ready, my darling, For we must do a little thing. This wood upon thy back thou bring, We must not long abide. A sword and fire I will take, For sacrifice I must make; God's bidding will I not forsake, But aye obedient be. _Isaac._ Father, I am all ready To do your bidding meekly, To bear this wood full bound am I, As you command me. _Abraham._ O Isaac, Isaac, my darling dear, My blessing now I give thee here. Take up this faggot with good cheer, And on thy back it bring, And fire with me I will take. _Isaac._ Your bidding I will not forsake, Father, I will never slake[73] To fulfil your bidding. [_Isaac takes the wood on his back, and they set out for the hill._ _Abraham._ Now Isaac, son, go we our way To yonder mountain, if that we may. _Isaac._ My dear father, I will essay To follow you full fain. _Abraham._ Oh! my heart will break in three, To hear thy words I have pity. As thou wilt, Lord, so must it be: To thee I will be bane. Lay down thy faggot my own son dear! _Isaac._ All ready, father, lo, it is here. But why make you so heavy cheer? Are you anything adread? Father, if it be your will, Where is the beast that we shall kill? _Abraham._ There is none, son, upon this hill That I see here in this stead. _Isaac._ Father, I am full sore afraid To see you bare this naked sword. I hope for all middle-yard[74] You will not slay your child. _Abraham._ Dread thee not, my child, I read Our Lord will send of his godhead Some kind of beast in thy stead, Either tame or wild.