"Why dost thou question me with crafty speech,
My dearest lord, thou who dost truly know 630
By virtue of thy wisdom every hap."

The Ruler of the waves replied to him:--
"'Tis not in blame that I thus question thee,
Nor to insult thee on the ocean-road.[1]
My mind is blithe and blossoming with joy
At thy most noble speech; not I am blithe
Alone, for every man is glad in heart
And comforted in soul who far or near
Remembers in his heart what that One did,
God's Son on earth. Souls unto Him were turned; 640
With eagerness they sought the joys of heaven,
The angels' home, by aid of His great might."

[Footnote 1: Lit. "whale-road."]

Straightway did Andrew answer Him again:--
"In thee I see an understanding heart
Of wondrous power, the gift of victory;
With wisdom blooms thy breast, with brightest joy.
Lo, I will tell to thee from first to last
The words and wisdom of the noble Lord, 650
As I have heard it oft from His own mouth
When He conversed with men upon the earth.
Oft did great multitudes, unnumbered throngs,
Assemble to the council of the Lord,
And hear the teachings of the Holy One.
The Shield of kings, bright Giver of all bliss,