They were resolved to keep the law of God and not forsake the
Lord of hosts, lest that their virtue turn to heathen folly.
They had no longing to seek shelter with false gods, though
bitter the death proclaimed!


LII

(ll. 224-241) Then the fierce king was moved to anger, and bade
them kindle a furnace to torture the youths to death, because
they withstood his will. The furnace was heated, as fiercely as
might be, with cruel flames of fire. And the lord of Babylon,
savage and grim, assembled the people, and bade his servants bind
the prophets of God, and cast the young men in the flames. But
He was ready who wrought them help! Though the prince so
fiercely thrust them into the heart of the flame, yet a mighty
messenger of God preserved their lives, and brought them help
from heaven, as many learned. From heaven above the Gracious
Lord of men sent unto them His Holy Spirit. An angel passed
within the furnace, wherein they suffered torment, and covered
the noble youths with sheltering arms under the roof of fire.
And the heat of the quivering flame could not mar their beauty;
but God preserved them.

(ll. 242-250) Then the heart of the heathen prince was hardened;
he bade them quickly be burned with fire. The flame rose high,
the furnace was heated; through and through the iron glowed.
Many a slave cast wood therein according to command. Brands they
bore to the ruddy blaze. The ruthless king would fain have built
an iron wall about those righteous men, but the flame passed over