"Deprived of every pleasure, jeered out of the house
by the hatred of my mistress, I have fled from woes,
afflictions, and injuries. Now with tear-stained cheek
must I await my fate[30] in the wilderness, [the time]2275
when hunger or a wolf removes life and sorrow together
from my heart."
Then the angel answered her:
"Seek not thou in flight far hence to avoid thy con-2280
cubinage, but return again, earn honor for thyself, begin
submissively to cultivate dutifulness, become dear to
thy master. Thou shalt, Agar, bring a son into the world
to Abraham: with my word I tell thee now that this2285
man-child shall be called Ismahel, among men. He
shall be rough, warlike, hostile to the races of men and
to his own kinsfolk: many a one shall struggle against2290
him in wrath, with assault of arms. From this prince
nations shall spring, numberless peoples. Depart now
to seek thy master again: live with those who own thee!"
In accordance with the angel's command, she at once
returned to her lord, as the holy spirit-messenger of God2295
bade her, in sapient speech. Thus was Ismael born to
Abraham, even when he had [lived] 86 winters in the
world. The son grew and flourished, as the angel, the2300
true minister of peace, had promised to the woman by
his own word.
About thirteen years after that, the Lord and Ever-
lasting King spoke with Abraham:
"Dear man, as I command thee, so do thou keep well
our covenant: I will to all time exalt thee in blessings.2305
Be thou zealously observant of my will in thy deeds:
I will still further confirm with truth the pledge which
I gave to thee as earnest of comfort, when thy spirit
grieved. Thou shalt hallow thy household: set a true2310
sign of victory on each one of the male sex, if thou wilt
have in me a Master or dear Friend of thy race. I shall
[always] be keeper and sustainer of this people, if thou2315
dost obey me in thy innermost thoughts and art willing
to fulfil my commands. In his infancy shall every
individual of the male sex in this race, about seven nights
after he comes into the world, be marked for me with2320
the sign of victory, or from the face of the earth be
driven far through my hostility, thrust out from his
possessions. Do as I bid: I will be true to you all, if
ye bear that sign with true faith. Thou shalt possess2325
a son, a child by thy wife, whom men shall all call Isaac.
Nor needst thou be ashamed of this son: but I will give
to this man-child my divine gifts, by the might of the
spirit, abundance of friends, with prosperity. He shall2330
receive my grace and blessing, love and favor. From
this prince shall come broad nations, shall arise many
famous warriors, keepers of kingdoms, world-kings widely2335
renowned."
XXVIII.
Then Abraham in haste laid his cheek on the earth,
and with scorn turned over these words in his mind, the
thoughts of his heart: at that period of time he himself2340
did not believe that Sarra, his grey-haired bride, could
bring a son into the world to him; he knew well that his
wife had already numbered at least one hundred winters,
by actual reckoning. So then, wise in years, he spoke2345
thus to the Lord:
"May Ismael live according to Thy commandments,
Lord, and give thee thanks with wise and steady mind
and stout heart, doing Thy will day and night in word2350
and deed!"