Codex Junius 11 | Page 8

chains if they lose heaven.
Whoso shall bring this thing to pass shall have reward for ever, of all
that we may win to our advantage, amid these flames.
IX
(ll. 438-441) I will let him sit next me, whoever shall return to hell
proclaiming that they have set at naught, by word and deed, the
counsels of the King of heaven and been displeasing to the Lord."
((LACUNA -- Section missing of indeterminate length.))
XI

(ll. 442-460) Then God's enemy began to make him ready, equipped in
war-gear, with a wily heart. He set his helm of darkness on his head,
bound it full hard, and fastened it with clasps. Many a crafty speech he
knew, many a crooked word. Upward he beat his way and darted
through the doors of hell. He had a ruthless heart. Evil of purpose he
circled in the air, cleaving the flame with fiendish craft. He would fain
ensnare God's servants unto sin, seduce them and deceive them that
they might be displeasing to the Lord. With fiendish craft he took his
way until he came on Adam upon earth, the finished handiwork of God,
full wisely wrought, and his wife beside him, loveliest of women,
performing many a goodly service since the Lord of men appointed
them His ministers.
(ll. 460-477) And by them stood two trees laden with fruit and clothed
with increase. Almighty God, High King of heaven, had set them there
that the mortal sons of men might choose of good and evil, weal and
woe. Unlike was their fruit! Of the one tree the fruit was pleasant, fair
and winsome, excellent and sweet. That was the tree of life. He might
live for ever in the world who ate of that fruit, so that old age pressed
not heavily upon him, nor grievous sickness, but he might live his life
in happiness for ever, and have the favour of the King of heaven here
on earth. And glory was ordained for him in heaven, when he went
hence.
(ll. 478-495) The other tree was dark, sunless, and full of shadows: that
was the tree of death. Bitter the fruit it bore! And every man must know
both good and evil; in this world abased he needs must suffer, in sweat
and sorrow, who tasted of the fruit that grew upon that tree. Old age
would rob him of his strength and joy and honour, and death take hold
upon him. A little time might he enjoy this life, and then seek out the
murky realm of flame, and be subject unto fiends. There of all perils are
the worst for men for ever. And that the evil one knew well, the wily
herald of the fiend who fought with God. He took the form of a serpent,
coiled round the tree of death by devil's craft, and plucked the fruit, and
turned aside again where he beheld the handiwork of the King of
heaven. And the evil one in lying words began to question him:
(ll. 496-506) "Hast thou any longing, Adam, unto God? His service
brings me hither from afar. Not long since I was sitting at His side. He
sent me forth upon this journey to bid thee eat this fruit. He said thy

strength and power would increase, thy mind be mightier, more
beautiful thy body, and thy form more fair. He said thou wouldest lack
no good thing on the earth when thou hast won the favour of the King
of heaven, served thy Lord with gladness, and deserved His love.
(ll. 507-521) "In the heavenly light I heard Him speaking of thy life,
praising thy words and works. Needs must thou do His bidding which
His messengers proclaim on earth. Broad-stretching are the green
plains of the world, and from the highest realms of heaven God ruleth
all things here below. The Lord of men will not Himself endure the
hardship to go upon this journey, but sendeth His ministers to speak
with thee. He sendeth tidings unto thee to teach thee wisdom. Do His
will with gladness! Take this fruit in thy hand; taste and eat. Thy heart
shall grow more roomy and thy form more fair. Almighty God, thy
Lord, sendeth this help from heaven."
(ll. 522-546) And Adam, first of men, answered where he stood on
earth: "When I heard the Lord, my God, speaking with a mighty voice,
He bade me dwell here keeping His commandments, gave me this
woman, this lovely maid, bade me take heed and be not tempted to the
tree of death and utterly beguiled, and said that he who taketh to his
heart one whit of evil shall dwell in blackest hell. Though thou art
come with lies and secret wiles, I know not that thou