ABRAHAM FIDELIS. I take upon me to speak here in thy presence,
More than becomes me; Lord, pardon my negligence:
I am but ashes, and were loth thee to offend.
PATER COELESTIS. Say forth, good Abraham, for ill dost thou not intend.
ABRAHAM FIDELIS. Happily there may be five less in the same number:
For their sakes I trust thou wilt not the rest accumber.[293]
PATER COELESTIS. If I among them might find but five-and-forty,
Then would I not lose for that just company.
ABRAHAM FIDELIS. What if the city may forty righteous make?
PATER COELESTIS. Then will I pardon it for those same forty's sake.
ABRAHAM FIDELIS. Be not angry, Lord, though I speak indiscreetly.
PATER COELESTIS. Utter thy whole mind, and spare me not hardily.
ABRAHAM FIDELIS. Paraventure there may be thirty found among them.
PATER COELESTIS. May I find thirty, I will nothing do unto them.