loweth now verament,[70]
So was this in the old Testament;
But when Christ, away it went,
And baptism then began.
Also God promises here
To Abraham, his servant dear,
So much seed that in no manere
Number'd it might be.
And one seed, mankind to forby,
That was Jesus Christ witterlye[71]
For of his kind was our Lady,
And so also was he.

_God._ Abraham, my servant Abraham.

_Abraham._ Lo, Lord, already here I am.

_God._ Take Isaac, thy son by name
That thou lovest best of all
And in sacrifice offer him to me
Upon that hill, beside thee.
Abraham, I will that it so be
For aught that may befall.

_Abraham._ My lord, to thee is my intent
Ever to be obedient,
That son that thou to me hast sent,
Offer I will to thee.
And fulfil thy commandment
With hearty will, as I am kent
High God, Lord Omnipotent,
Thy bidding done shall be.
My menye[72] and my children each one
Lingers at home, both all and one,
Save Isaac shall with me gone
To a hill here beside.

* * * * *

[_Enter Isaac._

_Abraham._ Make thee ready, my darling,
For we must do a little thing.
This wood upon thy back thou bring,
We must not long abide.
A sword and fire I will take,
For sacrifice I must make;
God's bidding will I not forsake,
But aye obedient be.

_Isaac._ Father, I am all ready
To do your bidding meekly,
To bear this wood full bound am I,
As you command me.

_Abraham._ O Isaac, Isaac, my darling dear,
My blessing now I give thee here.
Take up this faggot with good cheer,
And on thy back it bring,
And fire with me I will take.

_Isaac._ Your bidding I will not forsake,
Father, I will never slake[73]
To fulfil your bidding.

[_Isaac takes the wood on his back, and they set out for the hill._

_Abraham._ Now Isaac, son, go we our way
To yonder mountain, if that we may.

_Isaac._ My dear father, I will essay
To follow you full fain.

_Abraham._ Oh! my heart will break in three,
To hear thy words I have pity.
As thou wilt, Lord, so must it be:
To thee I will be bane.
Lay down thy faggot my own son dear!

_Isaac._ All ready, father, lo, it is here.
But why make you so heavy cheer?
Are you anything adread?
Father, if it be your will,
Where is the beast that we shall kill?

_Abraham._ There is none, son, upon this hill
That I see here in this stead.

_Isaac._ Father, I am full sore afraid
To see you bare this naked sword.
I hope for all middle-yard[7