325
Then they 'mong the host a thousand of men
Found clever in mind who the old story
Among the Jews most readily knew.
Then they pressed in a crowd where in pomp awaited
On kingly throne the Caesar's mother,[1] 330
Stately war-queen with gold adorned.
Helena spake and said 'fore the earls:
"Hear, clever in mind, the holy secret,
Word and wisdom. Lo! ye the prophets'
Teaching received, how the Life-giver 335
In form of a child incarnate became,
Ruler of might. Of him Moses sang
And spake this [word],[2] warden of Israel:
'To you shall be born a child in secret
Renowned in might, though his mother shall not 340
Be filled with fruit through love of a man.'
Of him David the king a kingly psalm sang,
The wise old sage, father of Solomon,
And spake this word, prince of warriors:
'The God of creation before me I saw, 345
Lord of victories. He was in my sight,
Ruler of hosts, upon my right hand,
Guardian of glory. Thence turn I not
Ever in life my countenance from him.'[3]
So it again of you Isaiah 350
'Fore the people, the prophet, foretold in words,
Thinking profoundly by spirit of the Lord:
'I raised upon high sons young in years,
And children begat, to whom glory I gave,
Heart-comfort holy: but they me rejected, 355
With enmity hated, forethought possessed not,
Wisdom of mind, and the wretched cattle,
That on each day one drives and strikes,
Their well-doer know, not at all with revenge
Bear hate to their friends who give them fodder.
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