Full glorious men of great nobility;
  Archangels holy throned in majesty
  Did serve you; happy is it for the man
  Who may enjoy that bliss.  High joy was there,
  Glory of warriors, an exalted life;
  Nor was there sorrow there for any man. 
  Drear exile, open torment is the lot
  Of him who must be stranger to those joys, 890
  And wander wretched when he goes from hence.”

    Exceeding glad was holy Andrew’s heart
  Within his breast, soon as he heard the speech
  Of his disciples, that above all men
  God should so high esteem them, and this word
  Spake then the brave defense of warriors:—­
  “Lo, now I clearly see, Lord God, that Thou,
  Glory of kings, wast very nigh to me
  On the ocean-road, when on that ship I went;
  Though on the beating sea I did not know 900
  The Lord of angels, Savior of men’s souls! 
  Be gracious unto me, Almighty God,
  Bright King of mercy! on the ocean-stream
  Full many words I spake; but now I know
  Who bore me o’er the sea-floods on His ship
  With honor high; He is for all mankind
  A Spirit of comfort; there is ready help,
  And mercy from the Highest unto all
  Who seek of Him—­the gift of victory.”

    Straightway before his eyes the Lord appeared, 910
  The Prince of glory, King of all that lives,
  Like to a youth in form, and thus he spake:—­
  “Hail to thee, Andrew, and thy faithful band;
  Rejoice in heart, for I am thy defense,
  That wicked foes may never harm thy soul,
  Fierce-hearted workers of iniquity.”

    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 God.”

    Him answered straightway God 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