Pater Cœlestis. At Sodom, if I may find just persons fifty,
The place will I spare for their sakes verily.
Abraham. 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 Cœlestis. Say forth, good Abraham, for ill dost thou not intend.
Abraham. Haply there may be five less in the same number,
For thy sake I hope thou wilt not the rest accombre.[613]
Pater Cœlestis. If I among them might find but five and forty
Them would I not lose for that just company.
Abraham. What if the city may forty righteous make?
Pater Cœlestis. Then will I pardon it for those same forty's sake.
Abraham. Be not angry, Lord, though I speak undiscreetly.
Pater Cœlestis. Utter thy whole mind and spare me not hardly.
Abraham. Peradventure there may be thirty found among them.