(ll. 63-67) And two nights after they escaped their foes God bade
the noble prince to make encampment about the town of Etham in
the marchlands, with all his force, a mighty army, and tumult of
the host.
(ll. 68-88) With anxious hearts they hastened on their northward
way; they knew that southward lay the Ethiop's land, parched
hill-slopes and a race burned brown by the heat of the sun. But
Holy God shielded that folk against the fiery heat, stretching a
covering over the flaming heavens, and over the burning air a
holy veil. A cloud widestretching severed earth from heaven, and
led the host; burning and heavenly bright the fiery flame was
quenched. The warriors marvelled, most joyous of hosts. The
shelter of the day-shield moved across the heavens; God in His
wisdom had covered the course of the sun with a sail, though
earth-dwelling men knew not the mast-ropes, nor might behold the
yards, nor understand the way in which that greatest of tents was
fastened. So He showed honour and glory upon the faithful!
(ll. 88-97) Then was a third encampment to the comfort of the
folk. The army all beheld the holy sail, the gleaming marvel of
the sky, towering above them. And all that folk, the men of
Israel, perceived that there the Lord of hosts was present to
measure out a camp. Before them moved two columns in the
heavens, fire and cloud, sharing alike the service of the Holy
Spirit, the journey of brave-hearted men, by day and night.
(ll. 98-106) And in the dawn, as I have heard, the valiant-hearted
blared forth their trumpetcalls, in peals of thunder. And all the
host, the band of the brave, arose and made them ready, according
as Moses, their glorious leader, gave bidding to God's people.
They beheld their guide go forth before them measuring out the path
of life. The sail governed their journey, and after it, with joyful
hearts, the seamen trod their path through the great waters. Loud
was the tumult of the host.