(ll. 2419-2437) And so these men abode their punishment and woe
within their walls, and their wives with them. Proud in their
strength, they repaid God evil for good until the Lord of
spirits, Prince of life and light, could no longer withhold His
wrath. Stern of heart, God sent two mighty messengers among them
who came at even-tide unto the city of Sodom. They came upon a
man sitting in the gate of the city, even the son of Haran, and
they appeared as young men before the eyes of the sage. Then the
servant of the Lord arose and went unto the strangers, and
greeted them with kindness; he was mindful of what is right and
fitting among men, and offered them a shelter for the night. And
the noble messengers of God made answer:
(ll. 2438-2440) "We thank thee for the favour thou hast showed
us. Yet do we think to bide here quietly beside this street
until the time of the dawn, when God shall send again the sun."
(ll. 2441-2453) Then Lot fell at their feet, and knelt upon the
ground before his guests, and offered them food and rest, the
shelter of his house, and entertainment. And they accepted the
kindness of the prince with thanks, and went in quickly with him
unto his dwelling as the Hebrew earl pointed them the way. And
the lordly hero, wise of heart, gave them fair entertainment in
his hall, until the evening light vanished away. Then night
came, hard upon the heels of day, and clothed the ocean-streams
with darkness, and all the glory of the world, seas and
wide-stretching land.
(ll. 2453-2466) Then in great throngs the dwellers of Sodom,
young and old, undear to God, came to demand the strangers, in
multitudes encompassed Lot about, and his guests. They bade him
lead the holy heralds out from the lofty hall into their power.
Shamelessly they said that they would know these men. Of decency
they had no heed. Then swiftly Lot arose, deviser of counsel,
and went forth from his dwelling; the son of Haran, mindful of
wisdom, spake unto all that gathering of men:
(ll. 2467-2476) "Within my house two stainless daughters dwell.
(Neither of them yet has known a man.) Do now as I bid you and
forsake this sin. Them will I give you rather than that ye work
this shame against your nature, and grievous evil against the
sons of men. Take now the maidens and leave my guests in peace,
for I will defend them against you before God, if so I may."
(ll. 2477-2484) And all that multitude of godless men with one
accord made answer unto him: "This seemeth meet and very right:
that thou leave this land! An exile, from afar thou camest to
this country, desolate of friends, and lacking food. And now
wilt thou be judge over us, if so may be, and teach our people?"
(ll. 2485-2499) Then, as I have heard, the heathen leaders laid
hand on Lot and seized him. But his guests, the righteous
strangers, brought him aid, and drew him within his dwelling from
out the clutches of these cruel men. And straightway the eyes of
all those standing round about were darkened; and suddenly the
host of city-dwellers became blind. They might not storm the
halls, with savage hearts against the strangers, as they strove
to do, but stoutly the ministers of God withstood them. Lot's
guests had sturdy strength, and smote the host with vengeance.
Fairly the faithful ministers of peace spake unto Lot:
(ll. 2500-2512) "If thou have any son, or kinsman dear among this
people, or any friend of these maidens whom we here behold, lead
forth in haste from the city those dear to thee, and save thy
life, lest thou too perish with these faithless men. Because of
the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah the Lord hath bidden give them
over to fire and black flame, to smite the people in their
dwellings with the pangs of death, and work His vengeance. The
hour is nigh at hand. Flee upon the paths of earth, and save thy
life. To thee the Lord is gracious...."
((LACUNA--One leaf missing.))