XLVI

(ll. 252-258) Then a herald rose before the warriors, a valiant
leader, and, lifting up his shield, he bade the captains of the
host make silence, that all the multitude might hear the words of
their brave lord. The shepherd of the kingdom fain would speak
with holy voice unto his legions. The leader of the host in
words of worth addressed them:

(ll. 259-275) "Be not afraid though Pharaoh leadeth hither this
mighty host of sword-men, a multitude of earls. Upon them all
this day Almighty God will give requital by my hand, that they
may live no longer to vex the tribes of Israel with woe. Ye
shall not dread doomed armies and dead men. Their fleeting life
hath run unto the end. The knowledge of God hath vanished from
your hearts. I give you better counsel, to serve the God of
glory, and pray the Lord of life for victory and grace and
safety, wherever ye may journey. He is the Eternal God of
Abraham, Creation's Lord, magnanimous and mighty, who with His
strong hand guardeth all this host."

(ll. 276-298) Then the lord of men spake with a loud voice before
the multitude and said: "Look now, dearest of people, with your
eyes and behold a marvel! In my right hand grasping this green
rod I smote the ocean depths. The waves rise up; the waters form
a rampartwall. The sea is thrust aside. The ways are dry: grey
army-roads, ancient foundations (never have I heard in all the
world that men before set foot thereon), shining plains,
imprisoned deep sea-bottoms over which of old the great waves
foamed. The south wind, breath of the ocean, hath driven them