om the earth in blessedness seek heaven. But I
may seize God's foes, all heathen slaves, and drag them down into
the pit.

(ll. 269-278) "Some must needs wander through all lands, sowing
dissension in the tribes of men throughout the earth. But I must
suffer all things, in the pangs of flame, sick and sorrowful,
lamenting here my lost possessions, which once I owned, while
still my home was in the heavens. Will the Eternal grant us ever
again a home and dwelling in the heavenly kingdom, as He did of
old?"

(ll. 279-297) So wailed God's adversaries, as they burned in
hell. God, the Lord, was moved to wrath against them for their
blasphemy. Wherefore should every living man, whose heart is
good, resolve to banish sinful thoughts and loathsome evil. Let
us be ever mindful in our hearts of the Creator's might, and
prepare a green path before us unto the angels. There is
Almighty God, and the Son of God will fold us in His arms, if we
on earth take thought of this beforehand, and trust His holy
help. Then will He not forsake us, but will grant us life among
the angels, and blessed joy. The radiant Lord will show us
stable dwellings, and gleaming city-walls. Brightly shine the
souls of the blessed, freed from sorrow, evermore possessing
cities and a kingly throne.

(ll. 297-314) O may we all proclaim it, ere it be too late, and
rehearse it unto men upon the earth, unlock with skill the
mysteries of God, and wisely understand them! A thousand angels
shall come out to meet us, if thitherward we take our way, and
have deserved this bliss on earth. He shall be blessed whoso
scorneth evil and is pleasing unto God, overcoming sin as He hath
said. The righteous, crowned with beauty, in their Father's
kingdom, shall shine like to the sun in the City of Refuge, where
their Lord, the Father of mankind, shall fold them in His arms,
and lovingly uplift them to the light of heaven, where they may
dwell for ever with the King of glory, possessing joy of joys
with the Lord God, for ever and for ever without end.

VII

(ll. 315-333) Alas! how rashly did the cursed fiend resolve to
disobey the King of heaven, the Comfort-bringing Father. With
venom burned and blazed the floor of hell beneath the captive's
feet. The fiends went howling through those windy halls, wailing
their woe. The sin and evil of that multitude were fiercely
purged by fire. Grievous their fate! And their prince, who came
there first of all th