exile. And the Lord of angels assigned him a dwelling-place, and
the city-dwelling sons of men call that land Beersheba. There
the holy man built a lofty city wherein to dwell, and planted a
grove and raised an altar, and on the altar made ample offerings
and sacrifice to God, who granted him life and blessing under
heaven.

(ll. 2846-2849) Then the Mighty Lord made a trial of the prince,
and proved his strength, and sternly spake unto him, saying:

(ll. 2850-2859) "Abraham! Betake thee quickly on a journey, and
with thee lead thine only son. Thou shalt offer thy son Isaac
unto Me in sacrifice. When thou hast mounted the steep downs and
the slope of the high land which I will show thee, there shalt
thou build an altar, and kindle a flame, slay thy son with the
sword, and burn his body with black flame, and offer it a
sacrifice to Me."

(ll. 2860-2877) He delayed not the journey, but swiftly made him
ready. For the word of the Lord of angels was terrible to him,
and his Lord was dear. The blessed Abraham rested not nor slept
nor spurned his Lord's behest, but the holy man girded him with a
grey sword, and showed that fear of the Lord of spirits abode in
his heart. The aged dispenser of gold began to saddle his asses,
and bade two young men journey with him; his son was the third,
and he the fourth. And he went out from his house with Isaac,
the lad, according as God commanded. He went with speed and
hastened on the paths of earth, according as the Lord marked out
the way across the waste, until, in gleaming glory, the dawn of
the third day arose over the deep water.