(ll. 106-134) Each evening rose a heavenly beacon, a second
wondrous marvel after the setting of the sun, a pillar of flame
shining in splendour over the hosts of men. Bright were its
shining beams above the warriors; their bucklers gleamed, the
shadows vanished away. No secret place could hide the deep
night-shadows. Heaven's candle burned. Needs must this new
night warden watch above the host, lest in the stormy weather
grey heath and desert-terror should overcome their souls with
sudden fear. Streaming locks of fire had their guide, and
shining beams, menacing the host with flame and terror, and
threatening destruction to that people in the waste, except they
swiftly hearkened unto Moses. Armour gleamed, and bucklers
glistened as the warriors took their steadfast way. And over the
troops and high above the host stood the banner, moving as they
moved, even unto the stronghold of the sea at the land's end.
And there they pitched a camp and rested, for they were weary.
Stewards brought the warriors food and strengthened them. And
when the trumpet sang they stretched themselves upon the hills,
shipmen within their tents. That was the fourth encampment and
pause of the shield-men by the Red Sea.
(ll. 135-141) There dread tidings of inland pursuit came unto the
army. A great fear fell upon them, and dread of the host. So
the exiles abode the coming of the fierce pursuers, who long had
crushed those homeless men and wrought them injury and woe. They
heeded not the covenant which the ancient king had given
aforetime....
((LACUNA--Two leaves missing.))