and then himself received the exalted sign. The Lord 2375
and Just King continually advanced his glory in the
kingdom of this world, with blessings: He wrought this
for him as soon as he might first perform the will of his
Master in [every] expedition....[31]

Then the woman laughed at the Lord of Mankind not 2380
at all mirthfully, but full of years she laid away this
promise in her mind with much scorn: she did not
believe it true that the fulfilment of this promise was to
follow. But when the Ruler of Heaven heard that the 2385
wife of Abraham had given way to hopeless laughter,
in her bower, then the Holy God said:

"Sarra will not believe in the truth of my word:
nevertheless this decree shall be fulfilled, as I promised 2390
thee at first. I tell thee truth, at this very season a son
shall be born of thy wife: when I return to this same
dwelling another time, then shall my promise of increase
be fulfilled: thou shalt look upon a son, thine own child, 2395
dear Abraham!"




XXIX.


Then at once, after this speech, they departed with
speed, eager to be gone; from the place of the confer-