VII. The First Praise

Which Sencan made when he had defeated Vishnarr upon the plain of Denthfeld.

Nankeinela, Mighty Maker,
Formed my hands for righteous battle,
Made my fingers learn to triumph
O’er the enemies of my people.
Bless and praise his name forever.

Nankeinela well-established
Orusena’s lofty children,
Lanenomen’s star-born kindred,
In the land that Raos promised.
Never will their foes dislodge them.

Nankeinela, First, Unfashioned—
Him I name my strong defender
Who set me over the Water’s Children
To be their king; but who is like him?
Mankind is short, his days are numbered.

Come now, Nankeinela mighty—
Bow the heavens with your coming,
Make the mountains smoke with fire
At the terror of your coming.
Stand upon the Holy Hilltop.

Flash your arrows forth like lightning!
Smite your enemies in anger,
Those who, when the world was younger
Sought to win the rule of Heaven.
Let them wither like the green herb!

Rescue me, and save your people
Who you sheltered from your anger
When the awful wrath of heaven
Fell on Feihoth, ancient Starland.
Remember us, O Nankeinela!

Now we cast in cunning verses
Hymns and praises to the Maker;
Songs unsung by tongues of mortals
Now we offer, chanting gladly,
To him who rescues us from peril.

From the rule of evil demons,
Fallen stars and wicked rulers,
Nalshbori, and cunning serpents—
From all these have you delivered
Sencan, and his throne established.

Many kings have prospered greatly—
In wickedness were well established.
They, like giants, piled walls high,
Well adorned themselves with treasures.
Sons and daughters they begot them.

Their stores are full, their houses gilded,
High their treasure-stores are piled
With green gems and rings of silver.
But they forget that they are mortal—
Nankeinela abides forever.