[Enter Isaac.
Abraham. Make thee ready, my darling,
For we must do a little thing.
This wood upon thy back thou bring,
We must not long abide.
A sword and fire I will take,
For sacrifice I must make;
God's bidding will I not forsake,
But aye obedient be.
Isaac. Father, I am all ready
To do your bidding meekly,
To bear this wood full bound am I,
As you command me.
Abraham. O Isaac, Isaac, my darling dear,
My blessing now I give thee here.
Take up this faggot with good cheer,
And on thy back it bring,
And fire with me I will take.
Isaac. Your bidding I will not forsake,
Father, I will never slake[73]
To fulfil your bidding.
[Isaac takes the wood on his back, and they set out for the hill.
Abraham. Now Isaac, son, go we our way
To yonder mountain, if that we may.
Isaac. My dear father, I will essay
To follow you full fain.
Abraham. Oh! my heart will break in three,
To hear thy words I have pity.
As thou wilt, Lord, so must it be:
To thee I will be bane.
Lay down thy faggot my own son dear!