ence, the holy spirits made their way (the power[32] of 2400
light itself was in their midst!) until they could look
upon Sodom, the lofty city: they saw palaces tower up
above treasures, halls above red gold. Then the right-
eous Ruler of the skies began to speak with Abraham, 2405
gave him no little information.

"In this city I hear tumult, the din of sinners ex-
ceedingly loud, the vain-glory of those drunk with ale;
evil speech have the people, behind their walls: for the 2410
sins of the race, of the treacherous apostates, are heavy.
I will now find out what the men are doing, O man of
the Hebrews, [to see] whether they [actually] commit
sins so grossly in their habits and thoughts as they
perversely speak of crimes and vices: sulphur and black 2415
flame, sorely and grimly, hotly and vehemently, shall
avenge this on the heathenish people."




XXX.


The men with their wives were approaching their
punishment, sufferings within their walls: arrogant in
riches, they requited the Lord for their prosperity with 2420
insult, until the Protector of spirits, the Source of Light
and Life, would tolerate their offence no longer: but to
them the steadfast King sent two strong messengers