XL

(ll. 2772-2777) And the boy grew strong and throve and his nature
was noble. Now Abraham had lived an hundred winters in the world
when his wife, with thankful heart, brought forth a son. And he
had waited long for that event since first the Lord, by His own
word, announced the day of joy.

(ll. 2778-2783) And it came to pass upon a time that the woman
saw Ishmael playing before Abraham as they sat with holy hearts
at meat together, and all their household drank and revelled.
Then said his wife, the noble woman, to her lord:

(ll. 2783-2791) "Beloved lord, and warden of treasure, grant me a
boon! Bid Hagar go forth from among us, and Ishmael with her.
No longer shall we dwell together, if I may rule and have my
will. Never shall Ishmael, after thee, divide the heritage with
Isaac, my son, when thou hast given up the ghost from out thy
body."

(ll. 2791-2796) Then it grieved Abraham in his heart that he must
drive his own son into exile; but God, the Just and Righteous,
succoured him. He knew that the heart of the man was heavy with
sorrow. The King of angels, the Eternal Lord, said unto Abraham:

(ll. 2797-2803) "Let care and sorrow vanish from thy heart, and
hearken unto the woman, thy wife. Bid Hagar go forth from this
land, and Ishmael, the lad, with her. And I will multiply his
race, and stablish them with ample blessings, as I have promised
by My word."