Amen.'

During this speech Alf was suffering a severe mental conflict. Too
readily would he once have measured himself with the episcopalians,
whom in his fanaticism he fiercely hated; and nevertheless he had a
decided aversion to the prophet under whom he must fight. He was
finally decided by the hope of the reception which he should meet with
from the fair Eliza, returning home a conqueror; and, as the amen of
the prophet was heard, he stepped forth into the centre of the circle.
His journeymen and all those who were armorers by trade followed him.
To these were joined the other workers in iron, from connection in
business. The butchers attached themselves to the nephew of their
chief; and, this example being actively imitated, the number of five
hundred volunteers was soon more than complete and ready for the field.

'Thou wast the first to step forth,' said Matthias to Alf; 'therefore
be thou the first in the army, after me, and lead it on as my general.'

The orator Rothman then embraced the youth, saying: 'Thou shouldst
surely this day be taken up into our band through the holy baptism--but
now, proceed to the greater business to which the Lord hath called
thee;--and shouldst thou even fall in the field in the cause of God, so
wilt thou win the baptism of blood, which is still more efficacious for
the remission of sin, according to the doctrines of the oldest church.'

'Come holy spirit, O Lord God!' sang Matthias, the whole multitude
joining him in chorus; and brandishing his spear, singing with a louder
voice, with uncovered head, and without protective armor, the prophet
led to the gates. Alf followed him with the singing host. No sooner had
they left the last outworks behind them, than they were met by a
portion of the enemy's forces, who were making an attempt to win the
city by surprise. The episcopalians were not a little startled when
they perceived so stout a band, which, in consequence of the shining
mail of the armorers in the front ranks, seemed to them extremely well
accoutred.

'Now ask we the Holy Spirit!' exclaimed Matthias, commencing anew the
harsh chant, in which his troops joyfully joined. The prophet plunged,
singing, spear in hand, into the enemy's ranks. Near him fought Alf,
who, more than true to the duty he had undertaken, made of his armor a
shield for the protection of the defenceless body of the prophet. The
troops, all singing, followed them with the impetuosity of fanaticism.
Th