. 1-21) In Jerusalem, as I have heard, the Hebrews prospered,
dispensing treasure and holding kingly sway, as well was meet,
when by the might of God the host and all the battle legion were
given into Moses' hand, and in a multitude they got them forth
from Egypt. That was a valiant race so long as they might rule
their realm and sway their cities! As long as they kept the
covenant of their fathers, great was their prosperity! And God,
the Warden of the heavenly kingdom, the Holy Lord, the Prince of
glory, the Lord of every creature, watched over them, and gave
them strength and courage, so that in war they conquered many
nations who rose against them, until at last pride came upon them
at their wine-feasts, drunken thoughts and devilish deeds, and
they forsook the teachings of their law, and the might of God.
So should no man sunder his soul's love from God.

(ll. 22-32) Then I beheld that nation walking in ways of error,
the tribe of Israel following after sin, and doing evil. That
was a grief to God! The Warden of the heavenly kingdom oft sent
His holy prophets, proclaiming knowledge to the people, and
wisdom to the host. A little time they trusted in His counsels,
till longing for the joys of earth defrauded them of lasting
wisdom, and in the end they turned them from the laws of God, and
chose the Devil's craft.

(ll. 33-56) Then the Lord became displeased and angered with that
people whom He had prospered. To them, a wandering folk, who
once were dearest of mankind to God, dearest of all peoples and
best loved of the Lord, He had showed a highway to their lofty
city and their native land, where Salem stood, wailed round about
and girt with battlements. Thither the wise men, the Chaldean
people, came up against the city within whose walls their wealth
was stored. A host rose up to smite them, a great army, eager
for deeds of blood. Nebuchadnezzar, the lord of men and prince
of Babylon, stirred up strife against them in his city. In
enmity he searched the thoughts of his heart how he most easily
could smite the Israelites and take them captive. From south and
north he mustered savage legions, faring westward with a band of
heathen princes against that lofty town. The rulers of Israel
prospered as long as the Lord would let them!

(ll. 57-78) Then, as I have heard, these mortal foes, a host of
unbelievers, sacked their city. From Solomon's temple, that
glorious building, they took red gold and jewe