Xvii

"Thou art right," he answered lowly, As a youth should sneak a maid; "Like thyself, thy word is holy; Love is hate, if it degrade.

"But when thou hast well surrendered, And thy sacrifice is tendered-- God do so, and more to me, If I slay not, who slay thee!

"Abraham's God hath ne'er forsaken Them who trust in Him alway. Thy sweet life shall not be taken. Rest, and calm thee, while I pray."