Part 28 (1/2)

When the clarion soundeth he crieth, ”Aha!”

And sniffs the dust raised by the hosts from afar; He dasheth into the thick of the fray, Into the captains' shouting and the roar of battle.

CCCII

Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, And spread her pinions towards the south?

She builds her nest on high, dwelling on the rock, And abideth there, seeking prey.

CCCIII

Will the caviller still contend with the Almighty?

He that reproves G.o.d, let him answer!

Wilt thou even disannul my judgment?

Wilt thou condemn me that thou mayst be in the right?

CCCIV

If thou hast an arm like G.o.d, If thou canst thunder with a voice like his, Deck thyself now with majesty and grandeur And array thyself in glory and splendour!

CCCV

Scatter abroad the rage of thy wrath, And hurl down all that is exalted!

The haughty bring low by a glance, And trample down the wicked in their place!

CCCVI

Hide them together in the dust, And bind their faces in secret!

Then will I, too, confess unto thee That thine own right hand can save thee!

CCCVII

JOB:

Behold I am vile, what shall I answer thee?

I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Once have I spoken, but I will do so no more, Yea, twice, but I will proceed no further.

CCCVIII

I know that thou canst do everything, And that nothing is beyond thy reach; Hence I say: I have uttered that I understand not, Things too wonderful for me, which I know not.

CCCIX

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, But now mine eye hath beheld thee; Therefore I resign and console myself, Though in dust and ashes.

EPILOGUE