f heaven above. Renowned men
Were they through all the earth, and leaders bold,
Brave in the battle, warriors of might,
When shield and hand the helmet did protect 10
Upon the field of fate. Of that brave band
Was Matthew one, who first among the Jews
Began to write the Gospel down in words
With wondrous power. To him did Holy God
Assign his lot upon that distant isle
Where never yet could any outland man
Enjoy a happy life or find a home.
Him did the murderous hands of bloody men
Upon the field of battle oft oppress
Right grievously. That country all about,
The folkstead of the men, was compassed
With slaughter and with foemen's treachery, 20
That home of heroes. Dwellers in that land
Had neither bread nor water to enjoy,
But on the flesh and blood of stranger men,
Come from afar, that people made their feast.
This was their custom: every foreigner
Who visited that island from without
They seized as food--these famine-stricken men.
This was the cruel practice of that folk,
Mighty in wickedness, most savage foes: 30
With javelin points they poured upon the ground
The jewel of the head, the eyes' clear sight;
And after brewed for them a bitter draught--
These wizards by their magic--drink accursed,
Which led astray the wits of hapless men,
The heart within their breasts, until they grieved
No longer for the happiness of men;
Weary for food they fed on hay and grass.

When to this far-famed city Matthew came, 40
There rose great outcry through the sinful tribe,
That cursed throng of Mermedonians.
Soon as those servants of the Devil learned
The noble saint was come unto their land,
They marched against him, armed with javelins;
Under their linden-shields they went in haste,
Grim bearers of the lance, to meet the foe.
They bound his hands; with foeman's cunning skill
They made them fast--those warriors doomed to hell-- 50
With swords they pierced the jewel of his head.
Yet in his heart he honored Heaven's King,
Though of the drink envenomed he had drunk,
Of virtue terrible; steadfast and glad,
With courage unabashed, he worshiped still
The Prince of glory, King of heaven above;
And from the prison rose his holy voice.
Within his noble breast the praise of Christ
Stood fast imprinted; weeping tears of woe,
With sorrowful voice of mourning he addressed 6