(ll. 189-208) Then God's foe went to hell, wherein he was abased,
and his thanes with him, covetous and greedy, when the Lord God
hurled them down into that burning house whose name is hell.
Wherefore let every man take thought in his heart that he may not
be displeasing to the Son of God, remembering how the black
fiends were undone by pride. And let us choose as our delight
the Lord of hosts, the Prince of angels, and eternal joy in
heaven above. He showed that He had strength and wondrous power,
when from His lofty throne He drove that great host into bondage.
Let us be mindful of the Holy Lord, eternal in glory, and choose
a home on high with Christ, the Lord of all, the King of kings.
With blithe thoughts in our hearts, and peace and wisdom, let us
be mindful of righteousness and truth, when we think to kneel
before His royal throne, and pray the Lord for mercy.
(ll. 209-223) It behooveth him who dwelleth in these worldly joys
to shine in beauty when he seeketh another life, and a land much
fairer than this earth. That is a land of beauty and of joy,
with fruits that brightly gleam among the cities. That is a
boundless realm, the home of the blessed in heaven, acceptable to
Christ. Let us turn thither where, in that dear home, the
Saviour sitteth, Lord of victories, and round about His throne in
radiant whiteness stand angel legions and all blessed souls, the
holy heavenly hosts, and praise the Lord with words and works.
Their beauty gleameth with the King of glory, world without end.
V
(ll. 224-227) And further still, as I have heard, the fiends
confessed. Their sin and punishment lay heavy on them. In their
presumptuous pride they had forgot the King of glory. Straightway
in other words they spake:
(ll. 228-244) "Now is it seen that we have sinned in heaven, and
now must ever wage a hapless war against the might of God. We
might have had our dwelling in the light of glory, in thousands
serving Holy God, and chanting hymns about His throne. And while
we dwelt there, and abode in bliss, came strains of heavenly
music on our ears, and the voice of the trumpet. Bright of word
arose the Prince of angels, and all His saints bowed down before
Him. The Eternal Lord Triumphant rose and stood above us, and
each day blessed that gentle throng, and His beloved Son, Shaper
of souls. And God Himself was merciful to all who came within
that kingdom, and had believed in Him on earth.
(ll. 245-247) "But it seemed to me that the Prince was stern and
hard of heart; and I began to go forth alone among the angels,
and said unto them all:
(ll. 248-253) "'I can show you enduring counsel, if ye will trust
my strength. Let us scorn this mighty Prince, the Lord of hosts,
and possess us of the radiance of His glory to be our own. For
this is empty boasting which we have borne so long.'