(ll. 1-7) Lo! far and wide throughout the earth we have heard
how the laws of Moses, a wondrous code, proclaim to men reward of
heavenly life for all the blessed after death, and lasting gain
for every living soul. Let him hear who will!
(ll. 8-22) On him the Lord of hosts, the Righteous King, showed
honour in the wilderness, and the Eternal Ruler gave him might to
work great wonders. He was beloved of God, a lord of men, a wise
and ready leader of the host, a bold folk-captain. Affliction
came upon the tribe of Pharaoh, the enemy of God, when the Lord
of victories entrusted to the bold folk-leader his kinsmen's
lives, and gave the sons of Abraham a dwelling and an habitation.
Great was his reward! The Lord was gracious unto him and gave
him weapon-might against the terror of his foes, wherewith he
overcame in battle many a warrior, and the strength of hostile
men.
(ll. 22-34) And first the Lord of hosts spake unto him and told
him many wonders, how the Triumphant Lord in wisdom wrought the
world, and the compass of the earth, and the arching heavens; and
told His own name, which the sons of men, wise patriarchs of old,
knew not before, though they knew many things. And the Lord
honoured the leader of the host, the foe of Pharaoh, and
strengthened him with righteous strength on his departure, when,
of old, in punishment that mighty host was drenched with death.
(ll. 35-53) Wailing arose at the fall of their princes; their
hall-joys were hushed and their treasure was scattered. Fiercely
at midnight He smote the oppressors, slaying their firstborn,
laying their watchmen low. Wide the destroyer's path, and the
way of the fell folk-slayer! The whole land mourned the dead.
The host departed. Loud was the voice of their wailing, little
their joy! Locked were the hands of the laughter-makers; the
multitude had leave to go its way, a wandering folk. The Fiend
was robbed and all the hosts of hell. Heaven's might came upon
them; their idols fell. That was a glorious day through all the
world when the host went forth! Many a year the vile Egyptians
suffered bondage, because they thought for ever to refuse to
Moses' kinsmen, if God would let them, their longing for the
journey of their heart's desire.
(ll. 54-62) The host was ready. The prince who led them was
stalwart and bold. He passed by many a stronghold with his
people, leaders and lands of many hostile men, by narrow, lonely
paths and unknown ways, until at last they marched, in armour,
against the Ethiopian realm. Their lands were covered with a
cloud, their border-homes upon the mountain-slopes. Past these,
with many a hindrance, Moses led his people.