through the forest; the son bore the wood, the father
fire and sword. Then the man young in years began
to ask Abraham about the affair, in these words:

"We have here fire and sword, my lord: where is the 2890
noble victim that you expect to bring as a burnt-offering
to God?"

Abraham replied (he had once for all decided that he
would do as the Lord directed him):

"That the True King, Guardian of mankind, will 2895
himself provide, as it seemeth to him meet."

Then with unfaltering purpose he ascended the steep
dune, with his son, as the Eternal had bidden him, until
he stood on the crest of the high land, on the [spot][41]
which the mighty, faithful Lord had shown him in his 2900
words. Forthwith he began to build the funeral-pyre
and kindle the fire, and he bound his son hand and foot,
and then laid young Isaac on the pile, and then straight-
way grasped the sword by the hilt: he was resolved to 2905
kill his son with his own hands and allay the flames with
his child's blood.

At that moment a minister of God, one of the angels,
called Abraham from above, with a loud voice. Motion-
less he answered the angel and awaited the herald's 2910
speech. To him then forthwith God's glorious spirit-
messenger spoke from above, out of heaven, in these