grim hunger or the wolf shall tear my soul and sorrow."

(ll. 2280-2295) And the angel answered her: "Seek not to flee
away and leave thy lord, but return again, deserve honour, be of
humble heart, constant in virtue, and faithful to thy lord.
Thou, Hagar, shalt bring forth a son to Abraham. And I say unto
thee that men shall call him Ishmael. He shall be terrible, and
swift to war; his hand shall be against the tribes of men, his
kinsmen. Many shall war upon him bitterly. And from that prince
shall spring a race and an unnumbered tribe. Return again to
seek thy lord, and dwell with them that have thee in possession."

(ll. 2296-2305) And she hearkened unto the angel's counsel, and
returned again unto her lord, according as the holy messenger of
God commanded in words of wisdom. And Abraham had lived for
six-and-eighty winters in the world when Ishmael was born. And
the boy grew strong and throve according as the angel, the
faithful minister of peace, had told the maid. And after
thirteen years the Lord, Eternal God, said unto Abraham:

(ll. 2306-2325) "Dearest of men, keep well our covenant as I
shall show thee, and I will prosper thee and honour thee in every
season. Be swift to work My will. I will be mindful of the
covenant and pledge I gave thee to thy comfort, because thy soul
was sad. Thou shalt sanctify thy household, and set a
victor-sign on every male, if thou wilt have in Me a lord or
faithful friend unto thy people. I will be lord and shepherd of
this folk if ye will serve Me in your hearts, and keep My laws.
And each male child that cometh into the world, among this
people, shall be devoted unto Me in seven nights' time, by the