They beheld their guide go forth before them
measuring out the path of life. The sail governed their journey,
and after it, with joyful hearts, the seamen trod their path
through the great waters. Loud was the tumult of the host.
LXIV
(ll. 106-134) Each evening rose a heavenly beacon, a second
wondrous marvel after the setting of the sun, a pillar of flame
shining in splendour over the hosts of men. Bright were its
shining beams above the warriors; their bucklers gleamed, the
shadows vanished away. No secret place could hide the deep
night-shadows. Heaven's candle burned. Needs must this new
night warden watch above the host, lest in the stormy weather
grey heath and desert-terror should overcome their souls with
sudden fear. Streaming locks of fire had their guide, and
shining beams, menacing the host with flame and terror, and
threatening destruction to that people in the waste, except they
swiftly hearkened unto Moses. Armour gleamed, and bucklers
glistened as the warriors took their steadfast way. And over the
troops and high above the host stood the banner, moving as they
moved, even unto the stronghold of the sea at the land's end.
And there they pitched a camp and rested, for they were weary.
Stewards brought the warriors food and strengthened them. And
when the trumpet sang they stretched themselves upon the hills,
shipmen within their tents.
Pages:
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112