For He is King indeed, and Lord of all things in the
eternal creation!
THE TEMPTATION
(ll. 663-673) He is the Lord, the Prince of angels, who died for
us; and, in the fullness of His mercy, the Maker of mankind once
fasted forty days. And it came to pass that the Accursed Fiend,
who was driven out of heaven and sank to hell, tempted the Lord
of all creation, bringing in his arms great stones, and bidding
Him make loaves to stay His hunger, "if Thou have so much power."
But the Eternal Lord made answer unto him:
(ll. 674-675) "Knowest thou not, accursed, it was written...."
((LACUNA of indeterminate length.))
(ll. 676-678) "....save Me alone? But Thou, O Lord of victory,
hast ordained the light for living souls, reward unending in the
heavenly kingdom, and holy joys."
(ll. 679-682) Then the malicious, evil spirit in derision lifted
Him up in his hands, and set Him upon his shoulder, and ascended
a high mountain, and placed the Lord God on a peak thereof:
(ll. 683-688) "Gaze now full widely over the dwellers of earth.
The world and the inhabitants thereof will I give into Thy hand.
Take now from me the city and the shining home which I will give
Thee in the heavenly kingdom, that Thou mayest truly be the King
of men and angels, as Thou hast thought."
(ll. 689-709) Then answered the Eternal Lord: "Depart, thou
cursed Satan, into the house of pain; for thee is punishment
prepared, and not God's kingdom.
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