Loud outcry of the throng; heralds proclaimed
And mourned the lack of food; there stood they sad,
Held fast by hunger; the high-towering halls--
Their wine-halls--all were empty; they possessed
No wealth to enjoy at that unhappy hour. 1160
The wise men sat apart in council sad,
Talked of their woe; no joy was in their land.
Thus would one hero oft another ask:--
"Let him who has good counsel in his heart,
And wisdom, hide it not! The hour is come
Exceeding woful; great is now the need
That we should hear the words of prudent men."

Then to that band the Devil straight appeared
All black and ugly, and he had the form
Of one accursed. The Prince of death began, 1170
The limping imp of hell, with wicked heart
To accuse the holy man; this word he spake:--
"A certain prince is come into your town,
A stranger journeying from a distant land;
Andrew I heard him called. He worked you scath
But lately, when he led a company
Great beyond measure from your prison strong;
And now these deeds of harm ye may with ease
Wreak on their author; let your weapons' point, 1180
Your hard-edged iron, hew his body down,
Doomed to destruction. Go now boldly forth,
That ye may overcome your foe in war."

Straightway did Andrew answer him again:--