, my son, when thou hast given up the ghost from out thy
body."

(ll. 2791-2796) Then it grieved Abraham in his heart that he must
drive his own son into exile; but God, the Just and Righteous,
succoured him. He knew that the heart of the man was heavy with
sorrow. The King of angels, the Eternal Lord, said unto Abraham:

(ll. 2797-2803) "Let care and sorrow vanish from thy heart, and
hearken unto the woman, thy wife. Bid Hagar go forth from this
land, and Ishmael, the lad, with her. And I will multiply his
race, and stablish them with ample blessings, as I have promised
by My word."

(ll. 2804-2806) And the man hearkened unto his Lord, and drove
them forth in sadness from his dwelling, the woman and his
son....

((LACUNA--One leaf missing.))

(ll. 2807-2831) "Clear is it that the Just God, Lord of heaven,
is with thee, granting thee triumph by His might and wisdom, and
strengthening thy heart with grace divine. Therefore ye throve
in all your dealings, with friend or foe, in word or deed. With
His hands the Lord God prospered thee in all thy ways. That is
full widely known unto the city-dwellers! Graciously grant me
now, I pray thee, Hebrew prince, thy promise and thy pledge, that
thou wilt be a faithful friend to me, according to the kindness I
have done thee since, wretched and in exile, thou camest from
afar unto this land. Requite it now with kindness that I grudged
thee not of land or favour. Be gracious to this nation, my
people, if the Lord our God, who ruleth the fates of men, will
grant thee to extend the borders of this people, dealing out
wealth to warriors of the shield, and treasure to the brave."

(ll. 2832-2833) And Abraham gave a pledge unto Abimelech that he
would do according to his prayer.

XLI

(ll. 2834-2845) And the Hebrew prince, the blessed son of Terah,
abode a long time in the land of the Philistines, wretched and in
exile. And the Lord of angels assigned him a dwelling-place, and
the city-dwelling sons of men call that land Beersheba. There
the holy man built a lofty city wherein to dwell, and planted a
grove and raised an altar, and on the altar made ample offerings
and sacrifice to God, who granted him life and blessing under
heaven.

(ll. 2846-2849) Then the Mighty Lord made a trial of the prince,
and proved his strength, and sternly spake unto him, saying:

(ll. 2850-2859) "Abraham! Betake thee quickly on a journey, and
with thee lead thine only son. Thou s