foreshadowings of what he will have to undergo. In spite of this,
Christ assures him he is toiling in vain; whereupon swollen with rage,
Satan confesses that ever since he heard Gabriel's announcement to the
shepherds in regard to Christ's birth, he has watched him, hoping to
get some hold upon him during his infancy, youth, or early manhood. He
now inquires whether Christ is really his destined foe and reluctantly
admits he has failed in all his endeavors to tempt him. But one last
test still remains to be tried, for Satan suddenly conveys Christ to
the topmost pinnacle of the Temple of Jerusalem, bidding him
demonstrate his divinity by fearlessly casting himself down, since God
has "given his angels charge concerning him."

Not only, does our Lord reprove the tempter, but so calmly manifests
his divine power by standing erect on this dangerous point, that
Satan--like all other defeated monsters, such as the Sphinx--falls
howling down into the infernal regions. At the same time angels convey
our Lord to a lovely valley, where they minister unto him with
celestial food and celebrate his victory with a triumphal hymn, for
the Son of God has successfully resisted the tempter, before whom Adam
succumbed, and has thereby saved man from the penalty of his sin.

Henceforth Satan will never again dare set foot in Paradise, where
Adam and his chosen descendants are to dwell secure, while the Son of
Man completes the work he has been sent to do.

Thus they the Son of God, our Saviour meek,
Sung victor, and from heavenly feast refreshed
Brought on his way with joy; he unobserved
Home to his mother's private house returned.