many years. But it was not vouchsafed to Abraham
as yet that his bright-faced bride should bring into the
world a guardian for his heritage, that Sarra [should
bear] sons and daughters to Abraham.

Then Abraham's father set out with his family and 1730
[all] his substance to pass through the Caldean country:
he wisely wished to seek the land of Canan, with his
household. The cousins chosen by the Lord, Abraham
and Loth, went with him out of their heritage. Then 1735
the nobly-born sons of the patriarchs took up their
dwelling in Carran, the men with their wives. In his
home here Abraham's father departed this life, the 1740
steadfast worthy: he had told 205 winters, in all, when
he fared forth ripe in years to meet his fate.

Then the holy Guardian of the heavenly kingdom, the 1745
Eternal Lord, spoke to Abraham:

"Set forth now, and take thy movable possessions and
fertile herds with thee. Give up Carran, thy father's
dwelling-place. Depart, as I bid thee, O dearest of
men, and heed well my instructions, and seek the land 1750
which I shall show thee, a broad verdant country. Thou
shalt live blessed under my protection: if any of the
dwellers on earth greet thee with evil, I will set upon 1755
them my curse and my hatred, long-lasting affliction;
and I shall give favors, abundance of blessings, to those
who treat thee well. Through thee shall all earth-
dwellers, sons of man, receive peace and friendship, 1760