meet and very right:
that thou leave this land! An exile, from afar thou camest to
this country, desolate of friends, and lacking food. And now
wilt thou be judge over us, if so may be, and teach our people?"

(ll. 2485-2499) Then, as I have heard, the heathen leaders laid
hand on Lot and seized him. But his guests, the righteous
strangers, brought him aid, and drew him within his dwelling from
out the clutches of these cruel men. And straightway the eyes of
all those standing round about were darkened; and suddenly the
host of city-dwellers became blind. They might not storm the
halls, with savage hearts against the strangers, as they strove
to do, but stoutly the ministers of God withstood them. Lot's
guests had sturdy strength, and smote the host with vengeance.
Fairly the faithful ministers of peace spake unto Lot:

(ll. 2500-2512) "If thou have any son, or kinsman dear among this
people, or any friend of these maidens whom we here behold, lead
forth in haste from the city those dear to thee, and save thy
life, lest thou too perish with these faithless men. Because of
the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah the Lord hath bidden give them
over to fire and black flame, to smite the people in their
dwellings with the pangs of death, and work His vengeance. The
hour is nigh at hand. Flee upon the paths of earth, and save thy
life. To thee the Lord is gracious...."

((LACUNA--One leaf missing.))

XXXVI

(ll. 2513-2526) And straightway Lot made answer unto them: "I may
not wander so far hence, afoot, in search of safety, with these
women. But ye may fairly show me love and friendship, and grant
me grace and favour. I know a little high-built town not far
from here; there grant me rest and respite, in Zoar to find
safety. If ye will shield that lofty stronghold from the flame,
we may abide there for a time secure, and save our lives."

(ll. 2526-2534) And friendly was the righteous angels' answer:
"Thou shalt receive this boon, since thou hast spoken of the
city. Go quickly to that stronghold, and we will grant thee
peace and our protection. We will not wreak God's vengeance on
these faithless men, nor slay this sinful race, till thou hast
brought thy children unto Zoar, and thy wife with them."

(ll. 2535-2547) Then Abraham's kinsman hastened to the
stronghold. He swiftly journeyed with his women, and stayed not
foot until he led his children into Zoar, under the city-gates,
and his wife with them. A