back. The sea is cleft asunder; the ebbing waters spewed up
sand. Well I know Almighty God hath showed you mercy, ye
bronze-clad earls. Most haste is best now, that ye may escape
the clutch of foes since God hath reared a rampart of the red
seastreams. These walls are fairly builded to the roof of
heaven, a wondrous wave-road."

(ll. 299-309) And after these words the multitude arose, the host
of the valiant. The sea lay tranquil. Upon the sand the legions
raised their standards and shining linden shields. And over
against the Israelites the wall of water stood firm and upright
for the space of one whole day. Of one mind was that company of
earls. The wall of water shielded them with sure defence. In no
wise did they scorn their holy leader's counsels as the time for
deeds drew near, when the words of their well-loved lord were
ended, and the voice of his eloquence was still.

(ll. 310-318) The fourth tribe led the way, a throng of warriors,
marching through the sea upon the green sea-bottom. The tribe of
Judah trod that unknown road alone, before their kinsmen, and God
Almighty gave them great reward for that day's work, granting
them glory of triumphant deeds, that they might have dominion
over kingdoms and sway their kinsmen.


XLVII

(ll. 319-330) As they descended on the oceanbottom that mighty
tribe had lifted up their standard mid the spear-host, high above
their shields their battle ensign, a golden lion, bravest of