the swelling ocean knew thee straight,
The circuit of the raging ocean knew 530
That thou didst have the Holy Spirit's gifts.
The sea, the mingling waves, turned back again;
Still grew the Terror, the wide-bosomed flood;
The waves subsided straightway when they saw
That God had girt thee with His covenant,
He who did stablish by His own strong might
The blessedness of glory without end."

Then spake with holy voice the champion
Valiant of heart; he magnified the King
Who rules in glory, speaking thus in words:-- 540
"Blest art Thou, King of men, Redeeming Lord;
Thy power endureth ever; near and far
Thy name is holy, bright with majesty,
Renowned in mercy 'mong the tribes of men.
There lives no man beneath the vault of heaven,
Ruler of nations, Savior of men's souls,
No one of mortal race, who can declare
How gloriously Thou dealest Thy good gifts,
Or tell their number. It is manifest
That Thou has been most gracious to this youth. 550
And hast adorned him with Thy holy grace,
Young as he is; for he is wise in wit
And in discourse of words. I never found
A mind more prudent in a man so young."

The Glory of kings, the Source and End of all,
Gave answer from the ship and boldly asked:--
"Tell, if thou canst, O prudent-minded thane,
How on the earth it ever came to pass
That faithless men, the nation of the Jews,
Raised blasphemy against the Son of God 560
With hearts of wickedness. Unhappy men,
Cruel, malicious, they did not believe
In Him who gave them life, that He was God,
Though many miracles among the tribes
He showed full clear and manifest; but they,
Guilt-laden men, knew not the Royal Child,
Him that was born a comfort and defense
Unto mankind, to all who dwell on earth.
In wisdom and in power of speech increased
The noble Prince; and aye the Lord of might 570
Showed forth his wonders to that stubborn folk."

Straightway did Andrew answer him again:--
"How could it happen 'mong the tribes of men
That thou, my friend, hast never heard men tell
The Savior's power, how He made known His grace
Throughout the world--Son of the Mighty One.
Speech gave He to the dumb; the deaf did hear;
The halt and lepers He made glad in heart,
Those who long time had suffered, sick of limb,
Weary and weak, fast bound in misery. 580
Througho