(ll. 1577-1588) Then Ham, the son of Noah, went in where his lord
lay sleeping, and would not look with reverence upon his father,
nor cover his shame. But he laughed, and told his brothers how
their lord lay sleeping in his home. And straightway, covering
their faces with their cloaks, they went in unto the well-beloved
to bring him succour. For both were good of heart, both Shem and
Japheth.
(ll. 1588-1603) Then the son of Lamech awoke from his slumber,
and learned that Ham had failed to show him reverence or love
when he had greatest need. And the holy man was grieved in his
heart, and set a curse upon his son, saying that Ham should be an
outcast under heaven and servant to his kinsmen on the earth.
And the curse lay heavy upon him and on all his tribe. And Noah
and his sons as freemen ruled a wide-stretching realm for three
hundred and fifty winters of this life, after the flood. Then he
went hence. And his sons possessed his wealth, and begat
children and prospered.
(ll. 1603-1616) Children were born unto Japheth, a glad
hearth-band of sons and daughters. He was a godly man, enjoying
bliss and blessing with his children, until his soul within his
breast, ready to depart, must needs go forth unto the glory of
God. And Gormer, Japheth's son, dispensed his father's treasure
among his friends and kinsmen, near and dear.
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