The end is now not
far when we must suffer torment, pain, and woe, no whit
possessing bliss in heavenly glory, nor joy, in her high halls.
Lo! once we knew great bliss before the face of God, and songs
of praise in heaven in happier hours, where now stand noble
spirits round about Eternal God in His high hall, worshipping the
Lord with words and works. And here in torment I must needs
abide in bonds, nor ever hope for any better home, because of my
insolent pride."
(ll. 51-64) Then answered the foul fiends, black and sinful,
chained in torment: "Thou with thy lies didst teach us not to
serve the Saviour! To thee alone it seemed that thou hadst power
of all things in heaven and earth, that thou wert Holy God, even
the Creator. Now thou art bound. thou wretched fiend, with bonds
of flame. In thy splendour thou didst think the world was thine,
and power of all things, and we, the angels, with thee.
Loathsome is thy face! Sorely have we suffered for thy lies!
Thou saidest that thy son was Lord of men. Now is thy woe the
greater."
(ll. 65-74) So with bitter words and moaning voices the sinful
spirits spake unto their lord. Christ had cast them out, and
banished them from joy. They had lost the radiant light of God
in heaven through overweening pride. For all their joy they had
the floors of hell and burning pain.
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