Andreas: The Legend of St. Andrew Part 3

Then fell to earth that hero wise in words, Begging protection, and he asked his Lord:-- "How did it happen, Ruler of mankind, 920 That, sinning 'gainst the Savior of men's souls, I knew Thee not upon the ocean-way Good as Thou art? there spake I many words, More than I should in presence of my G.o.d."

Him answered straightway G.o.d all-powerful:-- "Thou didst not sin so grievously as when Thou madest protest in Achaian land That on far journeyings thou couldst not go, Nor come unto the town, accomplishing Thy way within three days, the time ordained, 930 As o'er the struggling waves I bade thee fare.

Thou knowest better now that easily I can advance and further any man Who is My friend whithersoe'er I will.

Quickly arise, and straightway learn My will, Man highly blessed; so shall the Father bright Adorn thee with His wondrous gifts, with strength And wisdom unto all eternity!

Go thou into the town, within the walls, Where bides thy brother; for I know full well 940 Matthew thy kinsman is afflicted sore With deadly wounds at wicked traitors' hands, Beset with cunning snares. Him shalt thou seek And loose from hate of foes, with all that band Who dwell with him in strangers' cruel chains Balefully bound. Forthwith he shall receive In this world recompense, and high reward In heaven, as I have promised unto him.

Now, Andrew, thou shalt straightway risk thy life 950 Into the foeman's grasp; for thee is war Ordained with grievous sword-blows; with sore wounds Thy body shall be rent; thy blood shall flow In floods like water. But those foes may not Give o'er thy life to death, though heavy strokes, The blows of sinful men, thou undergo.

Endure that grief; let not the heathens' might Turn thee aside, nor bitter strife of spears, That thou depart from G.o.d who is thy Lord.

Be eager aye for glory, bear in mind 960 How it was widely known to many men, Through many lands, that sinners mocked at Me Bound fast in chains, reviled Me with their words, Struck Me and scourged Me; with their taunting speech Those sinful men could not declare the truth.

When 'mong the Jews I hung upon the cross, When high the rood was raised, a certain man Let forth the blood from out My wounded side Upon the ground. Full many grievous woes I suffered on the earth; I wished to give 970 A high example to you by My grace, Which shall be known 'mong men of foreign land.

Many there are within this famous town Whom thou shalt turn unto the light of heaven In My name, though they have in days gone by Accomplished many deeds of violence."

The Holy One departed, King of kings, In blessedness to seek the heavens above, That purest home; there is for every man Glory enow, for those who can attain. 980

That much-enduring man, brave for the fight, Obeyed G.o.d's word; he went into the town Forthwith, that steadfast warrior, with might Endowed, courageous-hearted, true to G.o.d; He walked along the street, the path his guide, In such wise that no one could him behold, No sinful man could see, for on the mead The Lord victorious had covered him, That chief beloved, with His protecting care And His high favor. So the n.o.ble saint 990 Nigh to the prison pressed his way in haste, The champion of Christ. He saw a band Of heathens gathered, seven warders there Before the gate; death s.n.a.t.c.hed them all away; They perished powerless; the fierce rush of death Clutched them all b.l.o.o.d.y. Then the holy saint Prayed to the gracious Father in his heart; He praised on high the goodness and the power Of Heaven's King. The door forthwith gave way At holy Andrew's touch; then entered in 1000 The hero brave with thoughts of courage bold.

The heathens there were sleeping drunk with blood; With their own blood they stained the field of death.

Matthew he saw within that murderous den, The warrior stout, within the prison mirk, Singing the praise of G.o.d, and worshiping The angels' King. Alone he sat in grief In that drear dwelling. On this earth once more His brother dear he saw--a holy saint Beheld a holy saint--and hope grew strong. 1010 Up rose he quick to meet him, thanking G.o.d That 'neath the sun they had at last beheld Each other hale and sound. New joy and love Dwelt with those brethren twain; each in his arms Enclosed the other; they embraced and kissed.

Unto the heart of Christ both saints were dear.

A holy radiance bright as heaven above Shone round about them, and their hearts welled up With joy. Then first did Andrew greet in words 1020 His n.o.ble comrade, that G.o.d-fearing man: He told him of the battle that must come, The fight of hostile men:--

After these words those brothers knelt and prayed, Those thanes of glory, and they sent their prayer Up to the Son of G.o.d; and Matthew too Within the prison called upon his G.o.d, 1030 Sought from the Savior succor and relief Before he should be slain by battle-might Of heathen men. Then from the prison strong, Freed from their bonds, protected by the Lord, He led two hundred men and forty-eight Rescued from woe; not one he left behind Within the prison-walls fast bound in chains; And women too, besides this mult.i.tude, Fifty less one he saved, o'erwhelmed with fear. 1040 Glad were they to depart, in haste they went, Nor waited longer in that house of woe The outcome of the struggle. Matthew went Leading that mult.i.tude, as Andrew bade, Under G.o.d's keeping; on that longed-for way He covered them with clouds, lest enemies, Their ancient foes, should come to work them harm With arrows' flight; there did those valiant saints Take counsel with each other, faithful friends, Before they parted; each of those brave men 1050 Stablished the other with the hope of heaven; The pains of h.e.l.l they warded off by words.

So did the warriors with them, battle-brave, Tried champions, with their holy voices praise The Lord of fate, whose glory ne'er shall end.

Glad-hearted, Andrew walked about the town Unto the place where he had heard was met A concourse of his cruel enemies, 1060 Until he found beside the border-path A brazen pillar standing near the road.

He sat him by its side; pure love had he And contemplation high, the angels' bliss; There waited he, within the city-walls, What deed of war should be vouchsafed to him.

Then gathered straight the leaders of the folk Their mighty troops; unto the prison strong The faithless host of heathen warriors Came fully armed, where late their captive thralls 1070 Had suffered woe within the prison mirk.

They weened and wished, those stubborn-hearted foes, That they might make those foreign men their meat, Food for the mult.i.tude; their hope was vain, For, coming with their troops, those spearmen fierce Found prison-doors wide open, and the work Of hammers all unloosed, the watchmen dead.

So back they turned, those luckless warriors, Robbed of their joy, to bear the tidings sad; They told the folk that of the stranger men, 1080 The men of foreign speech, not one they found Remaining in that prison-house alive; But there upon the ground all stained with gore, Lifeless the watchmen lay, robbed of their souls, Mere slaughtered bodies. At that sudden news Dismayed was many a captain of the host, Sad and cast down at thoughts of famine stern, That pale guest at the board. No better way They knew than on the dead to make their feast For their own sustenance; in a single hour 1090 The bed of death was spread by cruel fate For all those watchmen.

Then, as I have heard, A gathering of the townsmen was proclaimed; The heroes came, a host of warriors Riding on horses, brave men on their steeds Exchanging speech; skilled were they at the spear.

So in the meeting-place the people all Were gathered, and they bade the lot decide Among them, who should first give up his life 1100 For food unto the rest; they cast the lots With h.e.l.lish craft; before their heathen G.o.ds They counted them. Behold, the lot did fall Upon an aged chieftain, one who was A counselor among the n.o.ble lords, In front rank of the host. Soon was he bound In fetters fast, despairing of his life.

Then cried that chieftain fierce with voice of woe, Proclaiming he would give his own young son Into their power as ransom for his life. 1110 With thankful hearts they took his offering, For greedily they l.u.s.ted after food, Sad-minded men; no joy had they in wealth, Nor hope in h.o.a.rded riches; they were sore Oppressed with hunger, for the famine dire Held cruel sway. Then many a warrior And hero battle-bold was fired in heart To struggle for the life of that young man; The sign of woe was published far and wide Throughout the town to many a hero brave, 1120 That they should seek in troops the young man's death, That, young and old, they should receive their share As food to keep their lives. The heathen priests Straightway collected there a mult.i.tude Of dwellers in that town; loud shouts arose.

Bound there before the throng the youth began To sing with mournful voice a song of woe; The wretched thrall begged succor of his friends; But no relief nor mercy could he find From that fierce folk to give him back his life. 1130 Those monstrous fiends had sought hostility; It was their purpose that the sword's sharp edge Made hard by blows, and stained with marks of fire, In foeman's hand should take his life away.

But Andrew thought it grievous, hard to bear, A public wrong, that one so innocent Should forthwith lose his life. That people's hate Was very fierce; the warriors, valiant thanes 1140 l.u.s.ting for murder, rushed upon the youth; They wished straightway to break his head with spears.

But G.o.d, the Holy One, from heaven above Defended him against the heathen throng; He bade their weapons melt away like wax In the fierce onset, that his bitter foes Should scathe him not with might of hostile swords.

So from his woe and from that people's hate The youth was loosed. To G.o.d, the Lord of lords, 1150 Be thanks for all, because He giveth might To every man who wisely seeketh aid From Him on high! There is eternal peace Ever prepared for those who can attain.

Then in that town was lamentation heard, Loud outcry of the throng; heralds proclaimed And mourned the lack of food; there stood they sad, Held fast by hunger; the high-towering halls-- Their wine-halls--all were empty; they possessed No wealth to enjoy at that unhappy hour. 1160 The wise men sat apart in council sad, Talked of their woe; no joy was in their land.

Thus would one hero oft another ask:-- "Let him who has good counsel in his heart, And wisdom, hide it not! The hour is come Exceeding woful; great is now the need That we should hear the words of prudent men."

Then to that band the Devil straight appeared All black and ugly, and he had the form Of one accursed. The Prince of death began, 1170 The limping imp of h.e.l.l, with wicked heart To accuse the holy man; this word he spake:-- "A certain prince is come into your town, A stranger journeying from a distant land; Andrew I heard him called. He worked you scath But lately, when he led a company Great beyond measure from your prison strong; And now these deeds of harm ye may with ease Wreak on their author; let your weapons' point, 1180 Your hard-edged iron, hew his body down, Doomed to destruction. Go now boldly forth, That ye may overcome your foe in war."

Straightway did Andrew answer him again:-- "Why dost thou impudently teach this folk, And urge them unto battle? Hast thou felt The fiery torment hot in h.e.l.l, and yet Leadest an army forth, a troop to war?

Thou art a foe to G.o.d, the Lord of hosts; Why dost thou thus heap up thy wretchedness?

Shaft of the devil, whom Almighty G.o.d 1190 Bent humble down and into darkness hurled, Where the King of kings did cover thee with chains; And they who keep the covenant of G.o.d Have called thee Satan ever since that hour."

Again the Adversary by his words, With fiendish craft urged on the folk to fight:-- "Now do you hear the foeman of your tribe, Him who has wrought most harm unto this host!

Andrew it is, who thus disputes with me In cunning words before the throng of men." 1200 Then to the townsmen was the signal given;

Up leaped they valiant with the shout of hosts, And to the city-gates the warriors thronged Bold 'neath their banners; with their spears and shields, In mighty troops they pressed unto the fight.

Then spake the Lord of hosts, Almighty G.o.d, And said these words unto His valiant thane:-- "O Andrew, thou shalt do a deed of might; Shrink not before this host, but thy brave heart Strengthen against the strong! The hour is nigh 1210 When these blood-thirsty men shall weigh thee down With torments and cold chains. Reveal thyself, Make firm thy soul, and strengthen thy brave heart, That they may recognize My power in thee!

They cannot and they may not, crime-stained men, Deal death unto thy body 'gainst My will, Though thou shalt suffer many evil blows From murderers. Lo, I abide with thee!"

After these words there came a countless throng, False leaders with their troops of shield-clad men, 1220 Angry at heart. Straight rushed they out and bound Saint Andrew's hands, soon as the joy of lords Revealed himself, and they could see him there Boldly triumphant. Many a warrior l.u.s.ted for battle on that field of death, Among the host of men. Little they cared What recompense hereafter they should find.

They gave command to lead their hated foe Over the country, and from time to time 1230 To drag him fiercely as they could contrive.

Savage, they haled him, cruel-hearted foes, Through mountain-caves, about the stony cliffs, Far as their stone-paved streets and highways stretched-- The ancient work of giants--through the town.

A tumult and a mighty outcry rose Within the city from the heathen host.

With grievous wounds was Andrew's body pained, Broken and wet with blood, which welled in streams 1240 All hot with gore; yet had he in his breast Courage undoubting; and his n.o.ble mind Was free from sin, though he was doomed to bear Such bitter suffering from his heavy wounds.

Thus all day long till radiant evening came Was Andrew scourged; and yet a second day Pain pierced his breast, until the gleaming sun With heavenly radiance to his setting went.

Then to the prison did those people lead Their hated foe; yet to the heart of Christ 1250 Was he full dear; within his holy breast His soul shone bright--a mind invincible.

So all night long the hero brave of heart, That holy saint, dwelt 'neath the gloomy shades, Beset with cunning snares. Snow bound the earth In wintry storms; the air grew bitter cold With heavy showers of hail; the rime and frost, Those warriors h.o.a.ry, locked the homes of men, The people's dwellings; frozen were the lands With icicles; the water's might shrank up 1260 Within the rivers, and the ice bridged o'er The gleaming water-roads. The n.o.ble saint Abode blithe-hearted, planning valiant deeds, Bold and courageous in his misery, Throughout the wintry night; nor did he e'er, Dismayed by terror, cease to praise the Lord, And ever worship Him, as at the first, With righteous heart, until the radiant gem Of glory rose.

Then came a mighty troop, A throng of warriors thirsting after blood, 1270 With clamor loud unto the prison mirk.

They gave command to lead the n.o.ble saint, That steadfast man, into his foemen's grasp; And once again he suffered all day long, Beaten with grievous blows; his blood welled out In streams o'er all his body....

...Worn with wounds He scarce felt any pain. Then from his breast The sound of weeping issued faintly forth, A stream welled up, and thus he spake in words:-- 1280 "O G.o.d, my Lord, behold now mine estate, Ruler of hosts, Thou who dost understand And know the misery of every man; I trust in Thee, Thou Author of my life, That, in Thy mercy and Thy glorious power, O Savior of mankind, Thou never wilt Forsake me, everlasting G.o.d of might; So while my life shall last I ne'er will leave, O G.o.d, Thy gracious teachings! Lo, Thou art 1290 A shield against the weapons of the foe For all Thy saints, eternal Source of joy.

Let not man's foe, the first-born child of sin, Revile me now, nor by his fiendish craft Cover with woe the men who spread Thy praise."

Then in their midst the ugly fiend appeared, That wicked traitor d.a.m.ned to torments sharp; Before the host he taught the warriors, The Devil of h.e.l.l, and this word did he speak:-- "Come, smite the wicked wretch upon his mouth, 1300 The foeman of this folk; too much he talks!"

Then was the strife stirred up once more anew, And violence arose, until the sun Went to his setting 'neath the gloomy earth; Night shrouded all, and spread o'er mountains steep, A dusky brown. Then to the prison mirk Once more the brave and righteous saint was led, And all night long that true man had to dwell Within his wretched den, the house unclean. 1310

Then came unto the hall with other six That demon vile, mindful of evil deeds, The lord of murder, shrouded in deep gloom, The Devil fierce, bereft of majesty, And to the saint he spake reviling words:-- "Andrew, why didst thou plan thy coming here, Into the power of foes? Where is that fame Which in thy arrogance thou didst set up, When thou wouldst overthrow our G.o.ds' renown?

Thou hast claimed all things for thyself alone, 1320 The land and people, as thy master did; He set up royal power upon the earth, As long as it might stand--Christ was his name.

Herod, the king, deprived him of his life, He overcame the King of the Jews in war, Robbed him of power, and nailed him on the rood, That on the cross he might give up his life.

So now I bid my sons, my mighty thanes, To vanquish thee, his follower, in the fight.

Let javelin-point and arrow poison-dipped 1330 Pierce his doomed breast! Advance, ye bold of heart, That ye may humble low this warrior's pride!"

Fierce-souled were they, and quickly rushed they on With greedy hands; but G.o.d defended him, Guiding him steadfast by His own strong might.

Soon as they recognized upon his face The glorious token of Christ's holy cross, They all were terrified in the attack, Sorely afraid, thrown headlong into flight. 1340

The ancient fiend, the prisoner of h.e.l.l, Began once more to sing his mournful song:-- "What happened, O my warriors so bold, My shield-companions, that ye fared so ill?"

An ill-starred wretch, a fiend of wicked heart, Gave answer then, and to his father said:-- "We shall not quickly work him any harm, Nor slay him by our wiles; go thou to him; There wilt thou surely find a bitter fight, A savage battle, if again thou dar'st 1350 To risk thy life against that lonely man.

Much better counsel in the play of swords We easily can give thee, lord beloved: Before thou shalt resort to open war And battle-rush, see to it how thou fare In that exchange of blows; but let us go Again, that we may mock him fast in bonds, And taunt him with his misery; have words Ready devised against that wicked wretch."

Then with a mighty voice cried out that fiend 1360 Weighed down with torments, and this word he spake:-- "Long time, O Andrew, hast thou been well versed In arts of sorcery; thou hast deceived And led astray much people; but thou shalt No longer now have power upon such works, For grievous torments are decreed for thee According to thy deeds. With weary heart, Joyless, degraded, thou shalt suffer woes, The bitter pangs of death. My warriors Are ready for the battle; they will soon Deprive thee of thy life by valiant deeds. 1370 What man on earth so mighty that he may Release thee from thy bonds, if I oppose?"

Straightway did Andrew answer him again:-- "Almighty G.o.d with ease can rescue me From all my grief--He who in days of yore Fettered thee fast with fiery chains in woe.

There, shorn of glory, bound with torments fierce, In exile hast thou dwelt e'er since the day 1380 When thou didst set at naught the word of G.o.d, Of Heaven's King; then did thy woe begin, And to thy exile there shall be no end; But thou shalt still heap up thy wretchedness To everlasting life, and evermore Thy lot shall grow yet harsher day by day."

Then fled that fiend who in the years long past Began a deadly feud against his G.o.d.

Then at the dawning, when the day first broke, A troop of heathens came to find the saint, A mighty throng, and gave command to lead 1390 That valiant-hearted thane a third time forth.