XXXIV.


The boy grew and throve, inasmuch as noble [traits]
were native to him from his ancestors. Abraham had
[numbered] 100 years when, to his joy, his wife bore him
a son: he had waited for this for a long time, since the 2775
Lord first through His own word foretold this day of
happiness. Now the matter so happened that his wife
once saw Ismael playing before Abraham where they
were both seated at a banquet, holy in heart, and all 2780
their household retainers were drinking and singing.
Then the noble woman spoke, as wife to husband:

"Forgive me, my dear lord, keeper of the ring! But
bid Agar depart elsewhere, and take Ismael with her. 2785
We should no longer be together, for my pleasure, if I
might have my way. Never shall Ismael share the
heritage with Isaac, my own son, after thee, when thou
yieldest up thy spirit from the body." 2790

Then was Abraham heavy at heart, because he must
drive away his own son into exile; then speedily the
True God came to his aid, for He knew that the heart
of the man was in dire straits. The King of the Angels, 2795
the Eternal Lord, spoke to Abraham: