e host, was lettered fast in fire and flame;
that was unending torment! For ever must his thanes inhabit
there that loathsome realm, nor ever in heaven above hear holy
joy, where they had long had pleasant service with the angels;
all good things had they lost, and might not dwell save in the
pit of hell, in that accursed hall where sounds of weeping are
heard afar, gnashing of teeth and lamentation.

(ll. 334-354) They have no hope but only frost and fire, torture
and pain and swarming serpents, dragons and adders and a house of
darkness. He who stood within twelve miles of hell might hear a
gnashing of teeth, loud and full of woe. God's adversaries
wandered throughout hell, burning with flame above and below (on
every side was torture); oppressed with pain, bereft of joy, and
shorn of glory, they bitterly lamented that ever they had planned
to strip the Saviour of His heavenly kingdom, when they had their
home on high. But He held rightfully the courts of heaven and
His holy throne.

(ll. 355-364) No one is so cunning or so wise, or hath such
understanding, save God alone, that he may describe the radiant
light of heaven; how, by the might of God, the sun there shineth
round about that splendid host, where angels have eternal joy,
and saints chant hymns before the face of God. And there are
blessed souls, who come from earth bearing in their bosoms
fragrant blossoms and pleasant herbs--these are the words of
God. The Father of mankind shall fold them in His arms, and with
His right hand bless them and lead them to the light, where they
shall have eternal life, a heavenly home, a radiant city-dwelling,
for ever and for ever. He shall have bliss whoso inclineth to
obey his Saviour. Well shall it be with him who may obtain it!

VIII

THE HARROWING OF HELL

(ll. 365-376) Within God's kingdom in the days of old the angel
prince was called "Light-bearer," Lucifer. But he stirred up
strife in heaven and turned to insolence and pride. Darkly Satan
planned to build a lofty throne in heaven, with the Eternal God.
He was their lord, the prince of evil. But he repented when he
needs must sink to hell, and with his thanes must feel the
Saviour's wrath; never thereafter might they look upon Eternal
God for ever.

(ll. 377-384) Then terror came upon them, and crashing thunder
went before the Judge, who bowed and burst the doors of hell.
And bliss came unto men when they beheld their Saviour's face.
But the he