L
(ll. 1-21) In Jerusalem, as I have heard, the Hebrews prospered,
dispensing treasure and holding kingly sway, as well was meet,
when by the might of God the host and all the battle legion were
given into Moses' hand, and in a multitude they got them forth
from Egypt. That was a valiant race so long as they might rule
their realm and sway their cities! As long as they kept the
covenant of their fathers, great was their prosperity! And God,
the Warden of the heavenly kingdom, the Holy Lord, the Prince of
glory, the Lord of every creature, watched over them, and gave
them strength and courage, so that in war they conquered many
nations who rose against them, until at last pride came upon them
at their wine-feasts, drunken thoughts and devilish deeds, and
they forsook the teachings of their law, and the might of God.
So should no man sunder his soul's love from God.
(ll. 22-32) Then I beheld that nation walking in ways of error,
the tribe of Israel following after sin, and doing evil. That
was a grief to God! The Warden of the heavenly kingdom oft sent
His holy prophets, proclaiming knowledge to the people, and
wisdom to the host. A little time they trusted in His counsels,
till longing for the joys of earth defrauded them of lasting
wisdom, and in the end they turned them from the laws of God, and
chose the Devil's craft.
(ll. 33-56) Then the Lord became displeased and angered with that
people whom He had prospered. To them, a wandering folk, who
once were dearest of mankind to God, dearest of all peoples and
best loved of the Lord, He had showed a highway to their lofty
city and their native land, where Salem stood, wailed round about
and girt with battlements. Thither the wise men, the Chaldean
people, came up against the city within whose walls their wealth
was stored. A host rose up to smite them, a great army, eager
for deeds of blood. Nebuchadnezzar, the lord of men and prince
of Babylon, stirred up strife against them in his city. In
enmity he searched the thoughts of his heart how he most easily
could smite the Israelites and take them captive. From south and
north he mustered savage legions, faring westward with a band of
heathen princes against that lofty town. The rulers of Israel
prospered as long as the Lord would let them!
(ll. 57-78) Then, as I have heard, these mortal foes, a host of
unbelievers, sacked their city. From Solomon's temple, that
glorious building, they took red gold and jewels and silver.
They plundered the treasure under the walls of stone, all such as
those earls possessed, till they had razed and wasted every
stronghold which stood for a protection to that people. They
carried off as spoil the treasure of princes, as much as was
found there, cattle and men; and so returned, with great
possessions, over the eastern roads, leading the tribe of Israel,
a countless host, on a long journey unto Babylon, into the power
of heathen judges. And Nebuchadnezzar showed no pity on the
tribe of Israel, but made them subject unto him to be his slaves,
all such as had escaped the sword. And he sent a great host of
his thanes into the west to take possession of their kingdom and
their wasted realm, after the Hebrews.
(ll. 79-87) He bade his prefects seek among the wretched remnant
of the tribe of Israel which of the young men they had brought
there were wisest in the books of the law. He wished the youths
to grow in knowledge, that they might teach him wisdom, but not
at all because he could or would be mindful to thank God for all
the gifts which He had given him to his comfort.
(ll. 88-103) And they found three wise and noble youths, devout
and young, and with the fear of God. One was Hananiah; the
second, Azariah; the third was Mishael, chosen of the Lord.
Stout of heart and thoughtful-minded the young men came before
the king, where the heathen ruler sat rejoicing in his splendour
in the city of the Chaldeans. And the Hebrew men with holy
hearts spake words of wisdom and great learning unto the proud
prince. Then the lord of Babylon, the haughty king, bade his
thanes and princes on their lives see to it that the three youths
knew no lack of food or raiment all their life long.