bring a son into the world to him; he knew well that his
wife had already numbered at least one hundred winters,
by actual reckoning. So then, wise in years, he spoke 2345
thus to the Lord:

"May Ismael live according to Thy commandments,
Lord, and give thee thanks with wise and steady mind
and stout heart, doing Thy will day and night in word 2350
and deed!"

Then the Almighty King and Everlasting Lord an-
swered him fairly:

"Though much worn in years, Sarra shall bring a son
into the world to thee; the future shall truly proceed in 2355
accordance with these words here pronounced. I will now
bless with my grace Ismael, as thou art petitioner, for
thy first born, so that he may dwell many days in the
kingdom of this world with spreading progeny; be thou 2360
sure of that! But Isaac thy son, the young child who
has not yet come into the world, I will distinguish ex-
ceedingly with abundance of joys and every kind of
riches, in his days, and certainly leave in his heart my 2365
pledge and holy faith, and be kind to him."

Abraham did as the Eternal bade him, set the sign
of peace on his son, by the Lord's command, and bade 2370
every one of his household of the male sex bear that
high sign,--wise in heart, and mindful of the pledge
which God had given him as assurance of good faith,--