(ll. 254-268) "And so it was we strove to drive the Lord from His
dear home, the King from out His city. But widely is it known
that we must dwell in exile, in the grim depths of heil. God
holdeth His kingdom. He only is the King, Eternal Lord, Creator
strong and mighty, whose anger smote us down. Henceforth this
host must lie here in their sin, some flying in the air and
speeding over earth. But round about each spirit fire burneth,
though he be up on high. Yet may he never lay his hand upon
those souls who from the earth in blessedness seek heaven. But I
may seize God's foes, all heathen slaves, and drag them down into
the pit.
(ll. 269-278) "Some must needs wander through all lands, sowing
dissension in the tribes of men throughout the earth. But I must
suffer all things, in the pangs of flame, sick and sorrowful,
lamenting here my lost possessions, which once I owned, while
still my home was in the heavens. Will the Eternal grant us ever
again a home and dwelling in the heavenly kingdom, as He did of
old?"
(ll. 279-297) So wailed God's adversaries, as they burned in
hell. God, the Lord, was moved to wrath against them for their
blasphemy. Wherefore should every living man, whose heart is
good, resolve to banish sinful thoughts and loathsome evil. Let
us be ever mindful in our hearts of the Creator's might, and
prepare a green path before us unto the angels. There is
Almighty God, and the Son of God will fold us in His arms, if we
on earth take thought of this beforehand, and trust His holy
help. Then will He not forsake us, but will grant us life among
the angels, and blessed joy. The radiant Lord will show us
stable dwellings, and gleaming city-walls. Brightly shine the
souls of the blessed, freed from sorrow, evermore possessing
cities and a kingly throne.
(ll. 297-314) O may we all proclaim it, ere it be too late, and
rehearse it unto men upon the earth, unlock with skill the
mysteries of God, and wisely understand them! A thousand angels
shall come out to meet us, if thitherward we take our way, and
have deserved this bliss on earth. He shall be blessed whoso
scorneth evil and is pleasing unto God, overcoming sin as He hath
said. The righteous, crowned with beauty, in their Father's
kingdom, shall shine like to the sun in the City of Refuge, where
their Lord, the Father of mankind, shall fold them in His arms,
and lovingly uplift them to the light of heaven, where they may
dwell for ever with the King of glory, possessing joy of joys
with the Lord God, for ever and for ever without end.