eath; then cometh the Day of
Judgment, the greatest of all glories in the world, a day of
wrath upon the deeds of men. The Lord Himself, in the assembly,
shall judge the multitude. Then shall He lead the souls of the
righteous, blessed spirits, to heaven above, wherein are light
and life and joy of bliss. In blessedness that host shall praise
the Lord of hosts, the King of glory, for ever and for ever.
(ll. 548-552) So spake the mildest of men, in a loud voice,
mindful of counsel, and made great in strength. In silence the
host awaited his fixed will, perceiving the wonder, the hero's
words of goodly wisdom. And he spake unto the throng and said:
(ll. 553-563) "Mighty is this multitude and great our Leader, a
strong Support who governeth our march. He hath given the tribes
of Canaan into our hands, their cities and treasure, and
wide-stretching realms. If ye will keep His holy precepts, the
Lord of angels will fulfil the promise which He sware to our
forefathers, in days of old--that ye shall vanquish every foe
and hold in victory the banquet hails of heroes between the two
seas. Great shall be your fortune!"
(ll. 564-579) And at these words the host was glad. The trumpets
sang their song of triumph, and banners tossed to strains of
joyous music. The folk had reached the land. The pillar of
glory had led the host, the holy legions, under God's sheltering
hand. They rejoiced that their lives were saved from the clutch
of the foe, though boldly had those warriors ventured under the
roof of the waves. They beheld the walls upstanding. All the
seas seemed bloody unto them through which they bore their
armour. They rejoiced with a song of battle that they were safe.
The army legions lifted up their voice and praised the Lord for
that great work. The mighty host in chorus, man and maiden, sang
psalms and battle anthems, with reverent voices chanting all
these wonders.
(ll. 580-590) Then could be seen on the shore of the sea African
maidens adorned with gold. They raised their hands in thanks for
their deliverance; they were blithe beholding their safety; they
took heed of the spoils; their bonds were broken. On the
sea-shore they dealt out the booty among the standards, ancient
treasure and raiment and shields. They divided the gold and the
woven cloth, the treasure of Joseph, the riches of men. But
their foes, the greatest of armies, lay still in that place of
death.
DANIEL
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