Andreas: The Legend of St. Andrew | Page 5

himself declared to them by lot,?High King of heaven above. Renownèd men?Were they through all the earth, and leaders bold,?Brave in the battle, warriors of might,?When shield and hand the helmet did protect 10?Upon the field of fate. Of that brave band?Was Matthew one, who first among the Jews?Began to write the Gospel down in words?With wondrous power. To him did Holy God?Assign his lot upon that distant isle?Where never yet could any outland man?Enjoy a happy life or find a home.?Him did the murderous hands of bloody men?Upon the field of battle oft oppress?Right grievously. That country all about,?The folkstead of the men, was compassèd?With slaughter and with foemen's treachery, 20?That home of heroes. Dwellers in that land?Had neither bread nor water to enjoy,?But on the flesh and blood of stranger men,?Come from afar, that people made their feast.?This was their custom: every foreigner?Who visited that island from without?They seized as food--these famine-stricken men.?This was the cruel practice of that folk,?Mighty in wickedness, most savage foes: 30?With javelin points they poured upon the ground?The jewel of the head, the eyes' clear sight;?And after brewed for them a bitter draught--?These wizards by their magic--drink accursed,?Which led astray the wits of hapless men,?The heart within their breasts, until they grieved?No longer for the happiness of men;?Weary for food they fed on hay and grass.
When to this far-famed city Matthew came, 40?There rose great outcry through the sinful tribe,?That cursed throng of Mermedonians.?Soon as those servants of the Devil learned?The noble saint was come unto their land,?They marched against him, armed with javelins;?Under their linden-shields they went in haste,?Grim bearers of the lance, to meet the foe.?They bound his hands; with foeman's cunning skill?They made them fast--those warriors doomed to hell-- 50?With swords they pierced the jewel of his head.?Yet in his heart he honored Heaven's King,?Though of the drink envenomed he had drunk,?Of virtue terrible; steadfast and glad,?With courage unabashed, he worshiped still?The Prince of glory, King of heaven above;?And from the prison rose his holy voice.?Within his noble breast the praise of Christ?Stood fast imprinted; weeping tears of woe,?With sorrowful voice of mourning he addressed 60?His Lord victorious, speaking thus in words:--?"Behold how these fierce strangers knit for me?A chain of mischief, an ensnaring net.?Ever have I been zealous in my heart?To do Thy will in all things; now in grief?The life of the dumb cattle I must lead.?Thou, Lord, alone, Creator of mankind,?Dost know the hidden thoughts of every heart.?O Prince of glory, if it be thy will 70?That with the sword's keen edge perfidious men?Put me at rest, I am prepared straightway?To suffer whatsoever Thou, my Lord,?Who givest bliss to that high angel-band,?Shalt send me as my portion in this world,?A homeless wanderer, O Lord of hosts.?In mercy grant to me, Almighty God,?Light in this life, lest, blinded in this town?By hostile swords, I needs must longer bear?Reviling words, the grievous calumny?Of slaughter-greedy men, of hated foes. 80?On Thee alone, Protector of the world,?I fix my mind, my heart's unfailing love;?So, Father of the angels, Lord of hosts,?Bright Giver of all bliss, to Thee I pray,?That Thou appoint me not among my foes,?Artificers of wrong forever damned,?The death most grievous on this earth of Thine."
After these words there came to his dark cell?A sacred sign all-glorious from heaven,?Like to the shining sun; then was it shown 90?That holy God was working aid for him.?The voice of Heaven's Majesty was heard,?The music of the glorious Lord's sweet words,?Wondrous beneath the skies. To His true thane?Brave in the fight, in dungeon harsh confined,?He promised help and comfort with clear voice:--?"Matthew, My peace on earth I give to thee;?Let not thy heart be troubled, neither mourn?Too much in mind; I will abide with thee,?And I will loose thee from these bonds that bind 100 Thy limbs, and loose all that great multitude?That dwells with thee in strait captivity.?To thee I open by My holy power?The meadow radiant of Paradise,?Brightest of splendors, dwelling-place most fair,?That home most blessèd, where thou mayst enjoy?Glory and bliss to everlasting life.?Suffer this people's cruelty; not long?Can faithless men afflict thee sinfully?With chains of torment by their crafty wiles.?Straight will I send unto this heathen town 110 Andrew to be thy comfort and defense;?He will release thee from thine enemies.?Thou hast not long to wait; in very truth?But seven and twenty days fulfil the time,?When, sorrow-laden, thou shalt go from hence,?Under God's care, with victory adorned."?The Holy One, Defense of all mankind,?The angels' Lord, departed to the land?High in the heavens--He is the King by right, 120 Steadfast He rules supreme in all the world.
Exalted high was Matthew at the voice?New-heard. The veil of darkness slipped away,?Vanished in haste; and straightway came the light,?The murmuring sound of early reddening dawn.?The host assembled; heathen warriors?Thronged in great crowds;