Commentary on Genesis

Prudentius

The inspired historian makes it very clear That at earth's dawn the Father not alone Nor without Christ his new creation formed. "God fashioned man," he says, "and gave to him The face of God." What but to say that he Was not alone, that God stood by God's side When the Lord made man in image of the Lord?

As a sign that the flood had abated the dove is now bringing Back to the ark in her beak the budding green branch of an olive. For the raven, held captive by gluttony, clung to foul bodies, While the dove brought back the glad tidings of peace that was given.

A Nimrod, who goes round the world, made rough With deep ravines and wooden crags, and strives To waylay some by fraud and secret wiles, To vanquish others by his giant arms And spread his deadly triumphs far and wide.

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• More works by Prudentius

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