VIII. The Second Praise

 Which Sencan made when he forged the Hurorupeim and led the Ambori to freedom.[1]

Nankeinela rules the Heavens—
He it was who set in orbit
The four petals of the Lotus.
He it is who therefore governs
All that passes under Heaven.

Now the Children crown him monarch,
For he reigns, though earthly kingdoms
Rise and fall, like flowers fading.
Long in shackles the Children languished
Until the Tyrant’s grip was shattered.

From the depths the Children, crying,
Labored long in blackest torment.
Nankeinela heard our weeping,
Gave me skill, my father’s anvil,
And the will to lead this people.

The heathen kings abode in darkness
Until the one who, singing, kindled
All the singing stars of heaven
Set his throne upon the hilltop
Which ancient Orusena guarded.

All the Children’s generations
Long will praise the one who rules,
Who his mighty throne established
On the Hill of Orusena.
Nankeinela rules the nations.

On my father’s ancient anvil
I forged a sword, a living Weapon—
Cold as any ancient waters
Frozen in the barren glaciers
At the Eldest River’s sources.

From the mines of utter torment
Nankeinela led us, shining,
Like the Poelstar, and he showed us
How to overthrow the tyrants
Who in ancient times subdued us.

With shining blade and Polestar’s radiance
Nankeinela freed the Children.
By Sencan he cast down the tyrants,
Fallen Stars and spawn of demons.
Now he rules o’er the nations.

Near unto us, Nankeinela,
Ever stay, the Children ruling.
Do not leave your chosen people
Whom you drew forth from their bondage—
Do not leave us, O First, Unfashioned.

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[1] This hymn is numbered after The First Praise, though according to the superscription it was composed first. When read in sequence, The First Praise praises Nankeinela for exalting Sencan to ruler over the Ambori, and defeating his enemies. The Second Praise then goes beyond this, focusing on the establishment not of Sencan’s throne, but of Nankeinela’s, upon the Holy Hill—the place where Nankeinela was invited to set his foot in the First Praise. In The Second Praise, Sencan (and by extension, all of his heirs) is the tool in the hand of the true king, just as the Hurorupeim is the tool of Sencan.