Book VI

The Immortal's mighty Son, renowned in song,
Proclaim I from the heart, to whom a throne
The most high Father gave for a possession
Ere he was born; and then he was raised up,
In flesh given him, and washed in Jordan's stream,
Which bears with gleaming foot the waves away.
He having fled from fire first shall behold
The blessed Spirit of God descending down
With white wings of a dove. And he shall bloom
A blossom pure, and all things shall burst forth.
And he will show to men the ways, will show
The heavenly paths, and with wise words teach all.
And he will lead to righteousness, and win
The hostile people, boasting a descent
From a celestial Father. He will tread
The billows, and men's maladies destroy.
He will raise up the dead, and many woes
Drive far away; and from one root shall come
Enough of bread for men, when David's house
A scion shall bring forth, and in his hands
Shall be the whole world — land and heaven and sea.
He will flash lightning on the earth, as once
The two born from each other's sides beheld
The light appear. And this shall come to pass
When earth rejoices in hope of a son.
But for thee only, Sodomitic land,
Are miseries in store, for with fell mind
Thou didst not give attention to thy God,
Who laughs at mortal schemes, but out of thorns
Didst plait for him a crown, and fearful gall
In wanton insolence of spirit didst mix.
This shall bring on thee bitter miseries.
O wood most blessed, on which God was stretched,
Earth shall not hold thee, but a heavenly house
Shalt thou behold, when the new form of God
Shall flash forth as the lightning into view.