Isaac. All ready, father, lo, it is here.
But why make you so heavy cheer?
Are you anything adread?
Father, if it be your will,
Where is the beast that we shall kill?
Abraham. There is none, son, upon this hill
That I see here in this stead.
Isaac. Father, I am full sore afraid
To see you bare this naked sword.
I hope for all middle-yard[74]
You will not slay your child.
Abraham. Dread thee not, my child, I read
Our Lord will send of his godhead
Some kind of beast in thy stead,
Either tame or wild.
Isaac. Father, tell me, or I go,
Whether I shall have harm or no.
Abraham. Ah, dear God, that me is woe!
Thou bursts my heart in sunder.
Isaac. Father, tell me of this case,
Why you your drawn sword has,
And bare it naked in this place;
Thereof I have great wonder.
Abraham. Isaac, son, peace! I pray thee,
Thou breaks my heart even in three.
Isaac. I pray you, father, leave nothing from me,
But tell me what you think.
Abraham. O Isaac, Isaac, I must thee kill.