Matthew he saw within that murderous den,
  The warrior stout, within the prison mirk,
  Singing the praise of God, and worshiping
  The angels’ King.  Alone he sat in grief
  In that drear dwelling.  On this earth once more
  His brother dear he saw—­a holy saint
  Beheld a holy saint—­and hope grew strong. 1010
  Up rose he quick to meet him, thanking God
  That ’neath the sun they had at last beheld
  Each other hale and sound.  New joy and love
  Dwelt with those brethren twain; each in his arms
  Enclosed the other; they embraced and kissed. 
  Unto the heart of Christ both saints were dear. 
  A holy radiance bright as heaven above
  Shone round about them, and their hearts welled up
  With joy.  Then first did Andrew greet in words 1020
  His noble comrade, that God-fearing man: 
  He told him of the battle that must come,
  The fight of hostile men:—­

* * * * *

  After these words those brothers knelt and prayed,

Those thanes of glory, and they sent their prayer
Up to the Son of God; and Matthew too
Within the prison called upon his God, 1030
Sought from the Savior succor and relief
Before he should be slain by battle-might
Of heathen men.  Then from the prison strong,
Freed from their bonds, protected by the Lord,
He led two hundred men and forty-eight
Rescued from woe; not one he left behind
Within the prison-walls fast bound in chains;
And women too, besides this multitude,
Fifty less one he saved, o’erwhelmed with fear. 1040
Glad were they to depart, in haste they went,
Nor waited longer in that house of woe
The outcome of the struggle.  Matthew went
Leading that multitude, as Andrew bade,
Under God’s keeping; on that longed-for way
He covered them with clouds, lest enemies,
Their ancient foes, should come to work them harm
With arrows’ flight; there did those valiant saints
Take counsel with each other, faithful friends,
Before they parted; each of those brave men 1050
Stablished the other with the hope of heaven;
The pains of hell they warded off by words. 
So did the warriors with them, battle-brave,
Tried champions, with their holy voices praise
The Lord of fate, whose glory ne’er shall end.

    Glad-hearted, Andrew walked about the town
  Unto the place where he had heard was met
  A concourse of his cruel enemies, 1060
  Until he found beside the border-path
  A brazen pillar standing near the road. 
  He sat him by its side; pure love had he
  And contemplation high, the angels’ bliss;
  There waited he, within the city-walls,
  What deed of war should be vouchsafed to him.