Israel in Egypt A Poem. By Edwin Atherstone |
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 | Israel in Egypt |  |
Bowing her gentle head, “Oh great indeed,”
The virgin answered, “boundless is my joy,
Of such high things to hear, by God designed
For our long suffering Israel! but in peace
My soul shall rest; on Him relying all,
And on thy perfect truth. Till evening, then,
In blest hope will I wait: unmeet that I,
The lowliest, should find favor more than they,
The elder, and far worthier.”
The virgin answered, “boundless is my joy,
Of such high things to hear, by God designed
For our long suffering Israel! but in peace
My soul shall rest; on Him relying all,
And on thy perfect truth. Till evening, then,
In blest hope will I wait: unmeet that I,
The lowliest, should find favor more than they,
The elder, and far worthier.”
While she spake,
Softly the door was opened; and there stood
Upon the threshold, pausing suddenly,
As in surprise, or fearful to intrude,
A comely youth. Over his shoulders hung
Dark, waving locks: his chin, with down just touched,
Showed Spring on Summer entering. His fair brow
Capacious, the mild radiance of his eyes,
The tender, thoughtful mouth, the aspect all,—
Of spirit pure and lofty, wisdom ripe
Beyond his years, gave token. In attire,
Modest and plain he was: no ornament,
Save, on his finger, one small golden ring,
Pledge of affection, wearing. Standing thus,
As if in doubt to enter, or depart,
Kindly upon him smiled the beauteous maid;
And, lightly stepping, took him by the hand,
And welcome gave; then toward her honored guest
Gracefully led him; and, with radiant face,
Unblushing in her virgin innocence,
Open as day, on Moses looked, and said:
Softly the door was opened; and there stood
Upon the threshold, pausing suddenly,
As in surprise, or fearful to intrude,
A comely youth. Over his shoulders hung
Dark, waving locks: his chin, with down just touched,
Showed Spring on Summer entering. His fair brow
Capacious, the mild radiance of his eyes,
The tender, thoughtful mouth, the aspect all,—
Of spirit pure and lofty, wisdom ripe
Beyond his years, gave token. In attire,
111
Save, on his finger, one small golden ring,
Pledge of affection, wearing. Standing thus,
As if in doubt to enter, or depart,
Kindly upon him smiled the beauteous maid;
And, lightly stepping, took him by the hand,
And welcome gave; then toward her honored guest
Gracefully led him; and, with radiant face,
Unblushing in her virgin innocence,
Open as day, on Moses looked, and said:
| Israel in Egypt | |