 | The conquest of Canäan |  |
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BOOK VIII.
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Argument.
Morning. Joshua joins Irad. Jobab's character, and challenge. Irad accepts it, and kills Jobab. Battle. Irad kills Samlab, and engages Jabin. His death. Judah routed with great slaughter. Death of Uzal, and Shelumiel. Caleb, with a large division, marches out, rallies Judah, and renews the battle. Irad's death throws the whole army into confusion. Joshua inspirits them, and makes great havoc of the enemy. Zimra's exploits. He kills the king of the Hittites, and routs them. Joshua kills the king of Shimron, and routs the centre. Jabin, perceiving the other divisions of the army defeated, orders a retreat, which is performed with regularity. Joshua's lamentation over Irad. Scene of Selima's distress at the sight of his corpse. Evening.
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O'er misty hills the day-star led the morn,
And streaming light in heaven began to burn;
Wide scenes of woe the boundless blaze display'd,
Where the steel triumph'd, and the deluge spread.
On wasted plains unnumber'd corses lay,
And smokes far scatter'd climb'd upon the day,
Still clouded flames o'er eastern mountains rise,
And Ai's broad ruins sadden all the skies.
And streaming light in heaven began to burn;
Wide scenes of woe the boundless blaze display'd,
Where the steel triumph'd, and the deluge spread.
On wasted plains unnumber'd corses lay,
And smokes far scatter'd climb'd upon the day,
Still clouded flames o'er eastern mountains rise,
And Ai's broad ruins sadden all the skies.
When lo! in glimmering arms, and black array,
Like storms low-hovering in th' etheriatl way,
Far round the north a gloomy cloud ascends,
Its horror deepens, and its breadth extends.
Compact and firm, as mov'd by one great soul,
A front immense, the widening squadrons roll;
Thick shoot the spears; the trembling helmets beam,
And waving bucklers cast a moony gleam.
As the dire comet, swift through ether driven,
In solemn silence climbs the western heaven;
His sanguine hair, portending fearful wars,
Streams down the midnight sky, and blots the stars;
Pale death and terror light the dusky gloom,
And quivering nations read their sudden doom.
So in the flaming van great Joshua rose,
And shot red glories on the wondering foes.
At his command the trumpet sounded high,
Aerial ensigns dancing in the sky;
Near and more near, they trac'd a dreadful way,
Join'd Irad's host, and stretch'd in long array.
Like storms low-hovering in th' etheriatl way,
Far round the north a gloomy cloud ascends,
Its horror deepens, and its breadth extends.
Compact and firm, as mov'd by one great soul,
A front immense, the widening squadrons roll;
Thick shoot the spears; the trembling helmets beam,
And waving bucklers cast a moony gleam.
As the dire comet, swift through ether driven,
In solemn silence climbs the western heaven;
His sanguine hair, portending fearful wars,
Streams down the midnight sky, and blots the stars;
Pale death and terror light the dusky gloom,
And quivering nations read their sudden doom.
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And shot red glories on the wondering foes.
At his command the trumpet sounded high,
Aerial ensigns dancing in the sky;
Near and more near, they trac'd a dreadful way,
Join'd Irad's host, and stretch'd in long array.
From Hazor's ranks that now before the wood,
In three embattled squares, refulgent stood,
Great Jobab strode. In Madon's realms he reign'd:
Red was his eye, his brow with blood distain'd;
A beam his spear; his vast, expanded shield
Shot a bright morning o'er the crimson field;
His head sublime a mighty helmet crown'd;
His quivering plumes with sable horror frown'd;
Six cubits from the earth, he rais'd his frame;
His wish was battle, and his life was fame.
In three embattled squares, refulgent stood,
Great Jobab strode. In Madon's realms he reign'd:
Red was his eye, his brow with blood distain'd;
A beam his spear; his vast, expanded shield
Shot a bright morning o'er the crimson field;
His head sublime a mighty helmet crown'd;
His quivering plumes with sable horror frown'd;
Six cubits from the earth, he rais'd his frame;
His wish was battle, and his life was fame.
Proud was his father; prouder was the son:
Nought mov'd his pride; the tear, nor piercing groan;
Unmatch'd his force, he claim'd a matchless fame,
And every combat deck'd his brightening name.
Princes, his captiv'd slaves, before him bow'd,
Stalk'd in his train, and round his chariot rode;
While their fair partners, first in triumph led,
Held the rich cup, or grac'd the brutal bed.
Oft had surrounding realms his aid requir'd,
Ere Zimri's hand Ai's hapless turrets fir'd;
But still their prayers, and still their gifts were vain,
Till Joshua's glory rous'd his fierce disdain.
Else had no proffer mov'd his haughty mind,
That deem'd himself the champion of mankind,
When the joint wishes of the various band
To nobler Jabin gave the first command.
But Joshua's triumphs fill'd his anguish'd ear;
Fir'd at the sound, he snatch'd the deathful spear,
Resolv'd at once to prove the hero's might,
And claim, alone, the wreaths of single fight,
Twas he, when Irad rais'd his dreadful voice,
And inmost Hazor trembled at the noise,
When prudent Jabin urg'd a nightly storm,
Ere the Youth's voice the slumbering camp should arm:
Bade his vast squadrons in the wood delay,
Nor lift a spear, till morn should lead the day.
Shall this brave host th' unmanly path pursue,
Fight ambush'd foes, and basely creep from view?
Shall Jobab, like the thief, to conquest steal,
And bravery call, what coward minds can feel?
Nought mov'd his pride; the tear, nor piercing groan;
Unmatch'd his force, he claim'd a matchless fame,
And every combat deck'd his brightening name.
Princes, his captiv'd slaves, before him bow'd,
Stalk'd in his train, and round his chariot rode;
While their fair partners, first in triumph led,
Held the rich cup, or grac'd the brutal bed.
Oft had surrounding realms his aid requir'd,
Ere Zimri's hand Ai's hapless turrets fir'd;
But still their prayers, and still their gifts were vain,
Till Joshua's glory rous'd his fierce disdain.
Else had no proffer mov'd his haughty mind,
That deem'd himself the champion of mankind,
When the joint wishes of the various band
To nobler Jabin gave the first command.
But Joshua's triumphs fill'd his anguish'd ear;
Fir'd at the sound, he snatch'd the deathful spear,
Resolv'd at once to prove the hero's might,
And claim, alone, the wreaths of single fight,
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And inmost Hazor trembled at the noise,
When prudent Jabin urg'd a nightly storm,
Ere the Youth's voice the slumbering camp should arm:
Bade his vast squadrons in the wood delay,
Nor lift a spear, till morn should lead the day.
Shall this brave host th' unmanly path pursue,
Fight ambush'd foes, and basely creep from view?
Shall Jobab, like the thief, to conquest steal,
And bravery call, what coward minds can feel?
And now, from Jabin the proud chief demands,
To lead, as first in place, the central bands.
He, coolly wise, resigns the shadowy name,
And, pleas'd with substance, boasts a nobler fame.
To lead, as first in place, the central bands.
He, coolly wise, resigns the shadowy name,
And, pleas'd with substance, boasts a nobler fame.
Forth from the host, in freely pomp, he strode,
And 'twixt th' embattled lines sublimely stood.
His towering stride, vast height, and awful arms
Chill'd all his foes, and scatter'd wide alarms:
When thus the chief—Ye sons of Israel know
The dauntless challenge of no common foe.
If in your host three heroes can be found,
(Be Joshua one) to tempt this dangerous ground,
Here shall they learn what strength informs the brave,
And find no God can shield them from the grave.
And 'twixt th' embattled lines sublimely stood.
His towering stride, vast height, and awful arms
Chill'd all his foes, and scatter'd wide alarms:
When thus the chief—Ye sons of Israel know
The dauntless challenge of no common foe.
If in your host three heroes can be found,
(Be Joshua one) to tempt this dangerous ground,
Here shall they learn what strength informs the brave,
And find no God can shield them from the grave.
Stung with the insult cast upon his God,
To the great Leader Irad nimbly strode,
And thus—Shall yonder heathen's haughty cry
Dare Israel's host, and Israel's God defy?
Let me this boaster whelm in instant shame,
Avenge my nation's cause, my Maker's name.
To the great Leader Irad nimbly strode,
And thus—Shall yonder heathen's haughty cry
Dare Israel's host, and Israel's God defy?
Let me this boaster whelm in instant shame,
Avenge my nation's cause, my Maker's name.
Exalted Youth! the smiling Chief replied,
This elder arm shall crop his towering pride.
Scarce in thy breast has manhood fix'd her seat;
Blot not thy bloom, nor urge untimely fate.
Brave as thou art, his strength must win the fight,
And Israel's glory sink in endless night.
This elder arm shall crop his towering pride.
Scarce in thy breast has manhood fix'd her seat;
Blot not thy bloom, nor urge untimely fate.
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And Israel's glory sink in endless night.
Think not, he cried, of Irad's tender age,
Nor heed the mockery of yon heathen's rage.
This hand, though young, shall boast a conquering day;
Blind is wild rage, and pride an easy prey.
Here too shall Joshua's potent prayers be given,
And the bless'd aid, that Virtue hopes from Heaven.
Should Irad perish, none the wound shall know;
Should Joshua fall, our race is whelm'd in woe:
Heaven gave his chosen to thy guardian care,
To rule in peace, to save in dangerous war;
On thee alone our fates suspended lie,
With thee we flourish, and with thee we die
Nor heed the mockery of yon heathen's rage.
This hand, though young, shall boast a conquering day;
Blind is wild rage, and pride an easy prey.
Here too shall Joshua's potent prayers be given,
And the bless'd aid, that Virtue hopes from Heaven.
Should Irad perish, none the wound shall know;
Should Joshua fall, our race is whelm'd in woe:
Heaven gave his chosen to thy guardian care,
To rule in peace, to save in dangerous war;
On thee alone our fates suspended lie,
With thee we flourish, and with thee we die
Oh best of youths! provoke not hasty doom,
Nor rush impetuous to an early tomb.
I lov'd thy sire, the good, the just, the brave—
And shall this voice consign thee to the grave?
Swift thy name ripens into matchless praise;
My son, my chosen, still prolong thy days.
In future fields thy arm shall brighter shine;
Thine be the glory, but the danger mine.
Nor rush impetuous to an early tomb.
I lov'd thy sire, the good, the just, the brave—
And shall this voice consign thee to the grave?
Swift thy name ripens into matchless praise;
My son, my chosen, still prolong thy days.
In future fields thy arm shall brighter shine;
Thine be the glory, but the danger mine.
Ah grant my wish! th' impatient Youth replies,
While two full tears stand glistening in his eyes—
This arm, unhurt, shall bid the monster bleed;
Angels will guard my course, and Heaven succeed.
My spear, when night her latest darkness spread,
Had sunk him breathless in the field of dead;
But some kind spirit sav'd his life, till morn
Should grace the fight, and Irad's name adorn.
Aid me, oh aid me, Hezron's every friend!
Your voice, your wishes, must the Leader bend.
While two full tears stand glistening in his eyes—
This arm, unhurt, shall bid the monster bleed;
Angels will guard my course, and Heaven succeed.
My spear, when night her latest darkness spread,
Had sunk him breathless in the field of dead;
But some kind spirit sav'd his life, till morn
Should grace the fight, and Irad's name adorn.
Aid me, oh aid me, Hezron's every friend!
Your voice, your wishes, must the Leader bend.
Won by his earnest cries, the generous Chief
Forc'd his consent; but could not hide his grief.
A sigh steals silent from his bleeding breast,
As his slow tongue permits the sad request.
Forc'd his consent; but could not hide his grief.
A sigh steals silent from his bleeding breast,
As his slow tongue permits the sad request.
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Wrapp'd in bright arms, while smiles his joy reveal'd,
The Youth stalk'd fearless o'er the horrid field;
The host, with rapture, view'd his lofty stride,
The leap alert, the port of conscious pride;
But each grave chief, by long experience wise,
With faltering accent, to his comrade cries—
I fear, I fear, lest, on the bloody sand,
The bold Youth perish, by yon monster's hand.
What bravery can, fair Irad will perform,
But can the opening floweret meet the storm?
Ah, that such sweetness, such etherial fire
Should fall, the victim of a heathen's ire!
Thy votary's course, all-gracious Heaven, survey!
Let some kind angel hover round his way!
The Youth stalk'd fearless o'er the horrid field;
The host, with rapture, view'd his lofty stride,
The leap alert, the port of conscious pride;
But each grave chief, by long experience wise,
With faltering accent, to his comrade cries—
I fear, I fear, lest, on the bloody sand,
The bold Youth perish, by yon monster's hand.
What bravery can, fair Irad will perform,
But can the opening floweret meet the storm?
Ah, that such sweetness, such etherial fire
Should fall, the victim of a heathen's ire!
Thy votary's course, all-gracious Heaven, survey!
Let some kind angel hover round his way!
Now near the scene bold Irad urg'd his course,
Where Jobab triumph'd in resistless force;
When the huge warrior, swell'd with angry pride,
With bended brow, and voice contemptuous, cried—
Art thou the champion of thy vaunting race?
Shall this poor victory Jobab's falchion grace?
Go, call great Joshua, long to war inur'd,
Whose arm hath toils, whose shield hath hosts endur'd,
With him, ten chiefs; this hand shall crush them all;
Shame stains the steel, that bids a stripling fall;
Retire, ere vengeance on thy helmet light;
Fly to yon troop, and save thy life by flight.
Where Jobab triumph'd in resistless force;
When the huge warrior, swell'd with angry pride,
With bended brow, and voice contemptuous, cried—
Art thou the champion of thy vaunting race?
Shall this poor victory Jobab's falchion grace?
Go, call great Joshua, long to war inur'd,
Whose arm hath toils, whose shield hath hosts endur'd,
With him, ten chiefs; this hand shall crush them all;
Shame stains the steel, that bids a stripling fall;
Retire, ere vengeance on thy helmet light;
Fly to yon troop, and save thy life by flight.
His haughty foe the Youth undaunted heard;
Vain, empty threats his bosom never fear'd;
O'er the vast form he turn'd his smiling eyes,
And saw unmov'd the livid vengeance rise.
Then, with a rosy blush of conscious worth,
Calm from his tongue his manly voice broke forth—
Do threats like these become a hero's voice?
Can courage find a vent in empty noise?
To every brave man give the well-earn'd praise,
Nor think on scoffs a bright renown to raise;
True bravery claims a noble generous fame;
But the base wretch from vaunts expects his name.
Let shame, let truth, those coward words recall;
Thou seek'st my life; I glory in thy fall.
To me thy pride to me thy threats are vain;
Heaven sees alone whose arm the prize shall gain.
And know, wheree'er may light his angry rod,
I fear no boaster that defies my God.
Vain, empty threats his bosom never fear'd;
O'er the vast form he turn'd his smiling eyes,
And saw unmov'd the livid vengeance rise.
Then, with a rosy blush of conscious worth,
Calm from his tongue his manly voice broke forth—
Do threats like these become a hero's voice?
Can courage find a vent in empty noise?
To every brave man give the well-earn'd praise,
Nor think on scoffs a bright renown to raise;
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But the base wretch from vaunts expects his name.
Let shame, let truth, those coward words recall;
Thou seek'st my life; I glory in thy fall.
To me thy pride to me thy threats are vain;
Heaven sees alone whose arm the prize shall gain.
And know, wheree'er may light his angry rod,
I fear no boaster that defies my God.
Now shield to shield, and lance to lance, they stand,
With taunts imperious shout the heathen band;
While hopeless Israel heaven with prayer assails,
And grateful incense fills the rising gales.
Stung by the just reproof, with whizzing sound
The giant plung'd his javelin in the ground:
For passion, ever blind, impell'd his arm,
Steer'd a wild course, and sav'd the youth from harm;
He, calm and fearless, with a pleas'd surprise,
Survey'd its curious form and mighty size;
Then 'gainst his foe, with sure, unerring eye
Drove the swift lance, and lodg'd it in his thigh.
Enrag'd, the warrior saw his bubbling gore,
Writh'd with keen anguish, and the javelin tore.
The flesh pursued; a copious, sable stream
Pour'd from the wound, and stain'd the steely gleam;
Then high in air he shook his sunlike shield,
And wav'd his falchion o'er th' astonish'd field.
With matchless force the vengeful weapon fell;
The wary hero nimbly shunn'd the steel;
And while his foe with foaming fury cried,
Oft pierc'd his arm, and wounded oft his side.
Wild, and more wild, the giant's strokes resound,
Glance from the shield, and plough the cleaving ground;
Till, gathering all his strength for one vast blow,
Dark as a storm, he rushes on his foe;
Lightly the hero springs; the monster falls,
Like sudden ruins of a turret's walls;
Full on his neck descends the gladsome blade,
And from the trunk disparts the grisly head.
With taunts imperious shout the heathen band;
While hopeless Israel heaven with prayer assails,
And grateful incense fills the rising gales.
Stung by the just reproof, with whizzing sound
The giant plung'd his javelin in the ground:
For passion, ever blind, impell'd his arm,
Steer'd a wild course, and sav'd the youth from harm;
He, calm and fearless, with a pleas'd surprise,
Survey'd its curious form and mighty size;
Then 'gainst his foe, with sure, unerring eye
Drove the swift lance, and lodg'd it in his thigh.
Enrag'd, the warrior saw his bubbling gore,
Writh'd with keen anguish, and the javelin tore.
The flesh pursued; a copious, sable stream
Pour'd from the wound, and stain'd the steely gleam;
Then high in air he shook his sunlike shield,
And wav'd his falchion o'er th' astonish'd field.
With matchless force the vengeful weapon fell;
The wary hero nimbly shunn'd the steel;
And while his foe with foaming fury cried,
Oft pierc'd his arm, and wounded oft his side.
Wild, and more wild, the giant's strokes resound,
Glance from the shield, and plough the cleaving ground;
Till, gathering all his strength for one vast blow,
Dark as a storm, he rushes on his foe;
Lightly the hero springs; the monster falls,
Like sudden ruins of a turret's walls;
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And from the trunk disparts the grisly head.
Loud shouts of joy, from Israel's thousands driven,
Burst o'er the plain, and shook the walls of heaven:
Amaz'd the heathens saw their champion lost,
And a wide, sullen groan was heard from all the host.
Burst o'er the plain, and shook the walls of heaven:
Amaz'd the heathens saw their champion lost,
And a wide, sullen groan was heard from all the host.
Alert, bold Irad seiz'd the giant's shield,
His sword, his spear, and bore them thro' the field;
At Joshua's feet, with self-approving smiles,
He cast the grandeur of the glittering spoils;
The hoary warriors gather'd round his way,
And gaz'd and wonder'd at the curious prey;
Then bless'd the chief, with transport in their eyes,
And own'd th' assistance of auspicious Skies;
While youths unhappy rais'd less ardent prayers,
And wish'd the deed, and wish'd the glory, theirs.
His sword, his spear, and bore them thro' the field;
At Joshua's feet, with self-approving smiles,
He cast the grandeur of the glittering spoils;
The hoary warriors gather'd round his way,
And gaz'd and wonder'd at the curious prey;
Then bless'd the chief, with transport in their eyes,
And own'd th' assistance of auspicious Skies;
While youths unhappy rais'd less ardent prayers,
And wish'd the deed, and wish'd the glory, theirs.
Led by soft impulse tow'rd th' imbattled train,
Rov'd sad Selima down the spacious plain.
Afar she stood, and cast an anxious eye,
And strove in vain her favourite to descry.
At once, with distant din, the shouts ascend,
And painful fears her tender bosom rend;
Slow tow'rd the camp her lingering steps inclin'd;
But oft the fair-one cast a look behind.
Rov'd sad Selima down the spacious plain.
Afar she stood, and cast an anxious eye,
And strove in vain her favourite to descry.
At once, with distant din, the shouts ascend,
And painful fears her tender bosom rend;
Slow tow'rd the camp her lingering steps inclin'd;
But oft the fair-one cast a look behind.
Now the long thunders of the clarion sound,
Reclam'd from hills, and plains, and groves around,
O'er the dire field the rushing squadrons driven,
Extend their shady files, and blacken heaven:
High in the central front great Joshua stands,
And shoots wide terror thro' th' astonish'd bands;
Mid eastern thousands Zimri towers along,
And Irad shines before the western throng.
Reclam'd from hills, and plains, and groves around,
O'er the dire field the rushing squadrons driven,
Extend their shady files, and blacken heaven:
High in the central front great Joshua stands,
And shoots wide terror thro' th' astonish'd bands;
Mid eastern thousands Zimri towers along,
And Irad shines before the western throng.
Unfurl'd, the sudden banners stream afar,
And, wrapp'd in thunder, joins the dreadful war;
Wide roll the volumes of the dust around,
And clouds on clouds envelope all the ground.
As floods, increas'd by long descending rains,
Pour a brown deluge o'er the wintery plains,
Loud from a thousand hills, the torrents join,
Where azure bonds the river's course confine;
The maddening ice, in boundless ruin driven,
Bursts, like the thunders of a falling heaven;
The white rocks foam; the gloomy blasts arise,
Toss the wild stream, and roar along the skies.
So clos'd the squadrons of th' unnumber'd foes;
So stormy shouts and hollow groans arose.
And, wrapp'd in thunder, joins the dreadful war;
Wide roll the volumes of the dust around,
And clouds on clouds envelope all the ground.
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Pour a brown deluge o'er the wintery plains,
Loud from a thousand hills, the torrents join,
Where azure bonds the river's course confine;
The maddening ice, in boundless ruin driven,
Bursts, like the thunders of a falling heaven;
The white rocks foam; the gloomy blasts arise,
Toss the wild stream, and roar along the skies.
So clos'd the squadrons of th' unnumber'd foes;
So stormy shouts and hollow groans arose.
Long in an even ballance hung th' affray,
Nor those would loose, nor these could gain, the day.
'Till Irad's rapid path, like heaven's red fire,
Shot through the ranks, and bade the foe retire;
With joy, their chief surrounding warriors view,
And troops on troops the generous course pursue.
Nor those would loose, nor these could gain, the day.
'Till Irad's rapid path, like heaven's red fire,
Shot through the ranks, and bade the foe retire;
With joy, their chief surrounding warriors view,
And troops on troops the generous course pursue.
At distance small, proud Samlah's glittering car,
Whirl'd by white coursers, tempts the grisly war;
O'er all the plain, with piercing sound, arise
His stern injunctions, and his conquering cries.
With shouts bold Irad darts along the field,
Now bright in arms, and now in dust conceal'd,
From rank to rank the well-known chief pursues.
And oft his flashing steel in blood imbrues.
Vain, impious wretch, he cried, thy nimble flight,
And vain the covert of surrounding night.
Once hast thou fled the swift-pursuing spear,
But fled'st in vain, for vengeance finds thee here.
Learn from this hand what fate betides the knave,
Who yields, unmov'd, a brother to the grave.
If now thy feet escape the righteous doom,
Let Heaven protect thee to a peaceful tomb!
Whirl'd by white coursers, tempts the grisly war;
O'er all the plain, with piercing sound, arise
His stern injunctions, and his conquering cries.
With shouts bold Irad darts along the field,
Now bright in arms, and now in dust conceal'd,
From rank to rank the well-known chief pursues.
And oft his flashing steel in blood imbrues.
Vain, impious wretch, he cried, thy nimble flight,
And vain the covert of surrounding night.
Once hast thou fled the swift-pursuing spear,
But fled'st in vain, for vengeance finds thee here.
Learn from this hand what fate betides the knave,
Who yields, unmov'd, a brother to the grave.
If now thy feet escape the righteous doom,
Let Heaven protect thee to a peaceful tomb!
In dread amaze astonish'd Samlah stood;
From his pale face retir'd the freezing blood;
His wild eye star'd, all bristling rose his hair;
Quick from his quivering hand the useless spear
Dropp'd; his teeth rattled, and the falling reins
At random trembled on the coursers' manes;
Behind he gaz'd, and found no path to fly;
For aid he panted, but no aid was nigh.
Deep in his back was lodg'd the fatal steel;
His breathless form, before the rolling wheel,
Plung'd headlong; mournful rung a pitying groan,
So fair, so mild his beauteous aspect shone:
Even Irad, touch'd by Adnor's kind request,
Felt soft emotions stealing through his breast.
From his pale face retir'd the freezing blood;
His wild eye star'd, all bristling rose his hair;
Quick from his quivering hand the useless spear
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At random trembled on the coursers' manes;
Behind he gaz'd, and found no path to fly;
For aid he panted, but no aid was nigh.
Deep in his back was lodg'd the fatal steel;
His breathless form, before the rolling wheel,
Plung'd headlong; mournful rung a pitying groan,
So fair, so mild his beauteous aspect shone:
Even Irad, touch'd by Adnor's kind request,
Felt soft emotions stealing through his breast.
Then swift he wheel'd the lightening of his sword;
Behind him, Judah's host like torrents pour'd;
Shrill rose the tumult of the fields around,
Trembled through heaven and wav'd along the ground:
With souls undaunted, both the hosts contend;
Spears fill the air, and shouts the concave rend.
Behind him, Judah's host like torrents pour'd;
Shrill rose the tumult of the fields around,
Trembled through heaven and wav'd along the ground:
With souls undaunted, both the hosts contend;
Spears fill the air, and shouts the concave rend.
Far distant, Joshua moves his awful form,
Swells the confusion, and directs the storm.
Beyond him, Zimri, swift as rapid fire,
Darts through the fight, and bids the foe expire.
A mingled horror clouds the dreadful plain;
Here rush the fighting, and there fall the slain.
Swells the confusion, and directs the storm.
Beyond him, Zimri, swift as rapid fire,
Darts through the fight, and bids the foe expire.
A mingled horror clouds the dreadful plain;
Here rush the fighting, and there fall the slain.
Now the mid sun had finish'd half his course,
When Irad raging with resistless force,
And far before him breathing wide dismay,
On Jabin's chariot drove his rapid way.
Brave youths around him throng'd the crimson fight,
Eyed the bless'd chief, and smil'd a fierce delight;
From every sword increasing vengeance fell,
And Death sate hovering o'er the sanguine steel.
Thron'd in proud state, the savage Monarch rode;
Like two red stars his wrathful eye-balls glow'd;
Hoarse from his voice a dreadful thunder came,
And his bright armour flash'd a sudden flame.
Two steeds, bedropp'd with gore, and pale to view,
Emblems of death, his smoaking chariot drew.
Cheer'd by his hand, the coursers swiftly sprang;
Beat by their hoofs, the brazen bucklers rang;
Tow'rd Irad's path the heathen wing'd his way,
And, boding conquest, snuff'd the fancied prey.
When Irad raging with resistless force,
And far before him breathing wide dismay,
On Jabin's chariot drove his rapid way.
Brave youths around him throng'd the crimson fight,
Eyed the bless'd chief, and smil'd a fierce delight;
From every sword increasing vengeance fell,
And Death sate hovering o'er the sanguine steel.
Thron'd in proud state, the savage Monarch rode;
Like two red stars his wrathful eye-balls glow'd;
Hoarse from his voice a dreadful thunder came,
And his bright armour flash'd a sudden flame.
Two steeds, bedropp'd with gore, and pale to view,
Emblems of death, his smoaking chariot drew.
190
Beat by their hoofs, the brazen bucklers rang;
Tow'rd Irad's path the heathen wing'd his way,
And, boding conquest, snuff'd the fancied prey.
Unmov'd, th' angelic Youth, with wearied hands
Pav'd his red path, and drove the circling bands—
Stay, lovely hero! stay; thy course forbear;
Inough that sword has rul'd the glorious war—
Ah stay, till Israel's sons thy steps surround;
Return, return, and be with glory crown'd!
Pav'd his red path, and drove the circling bands—
Stay, lovely hero! stay; thy course forbear;
Inough that sword has rul'd the glorious war—
Ah stay, till Israel's sons thy steps surround;
Return, return, and be with glory crown'd!
Great Jabin stood, and o'er the bloody field
Rais'd the broad terrors of his flaming shield;
His grimly brow, all blacken'd o'er with dust,
Frown'd like a storm, and froze the trembling host;
Near beauteous Irad stream'd the sounding car,
And opening squadrons yield the dreadful war.
Rais'd the broad terrors of his flaming shield;
His grimly brow, all blacken'd o'er with dust,
Frown'd like a storm, and froze the trembling host;
Near beauteous Irad stream'd the sounding car,
And opening squadrons yield the dreadful war.
The foaming Chief, serene the Youth beheld,
And rear'd his javelin o'er the purple field;
Shrill sung the lance along the dusty sky,
Bor'd the strong shield, and pierc'd the Monarch's thigh.
Enrag'd, to earth the haughty Warrior sprang;
His red eyes flam'd; his arms descending rang;
With lofty action, each his hand uprais'd;
The falchions flash'd; aghast the squadrons gaz'd;
Two generous youths between them nimbly broke,
And bow'd their lives beneath the fatal stroke.
Their lovely heads (their helmets cleft in twain)
Died the keen swords, and spouted on the plain.
More fierce the Monarch's disappointed ire
Glow'd in his face, and blaz'd with gloomy fire.
In Irad, innocence serenely mild,
And beauty's sweetness with soft splendor smil'd;
Round his fair forehead beams of bravery play,
Nor stain'd with rage, nor mingled with dismay.
And rear'd his javelin o'er the purple field;
Shrill sung the lance along the dusty sky,
Bor'd the strong shield, and pierc'd the Monarch's thigh.
Enrag'd, to earth the haughty Warrior sprang;
His red eyes flam'd; his arms descending rang;
With lofty action, each his hand uprais'd;
The falchions flash'd; aghast the squadrons gaz'd;
Two generous youths between them nimbly broke,
And bow'd their lives beneath the fatal stroke.
Their lovely heads (their helmets cleft in twain)
Died the keen swords, and spouted on the plain.
More fierce the Monarch's disappointed ire
Glow'd in his face, and blaz'd with gloomy fire.
In Irad, innocence serenely mild,
And beauty's sweetness with soft splendor smil'd;
Round his fair forehead beams of bravery play,
Nor stain'd with rage, nor mingled with dismay.
Again in ether rose the dreadful steel;
Again it lighten'd, and again it fell;
The Heathen's, ringing, leap'd from Irad's shield;
The Youth's in fragments, treacherous, strew'd the field.
Held by a chief, swift-leaping from the band,
A second falchion touch'd his reaching hand,
When—loveliest Youth! why did thy buckler's bound
Shield but thy breast? why not thy form surround?
Where stood thy friends? was no kind hero near,
To guard thy life, and stay Selima's tear?—
From some base arm unseen, in covert flung,
Through his white side a coward javelin sung,
He fell—a groan sad-murmur'd round the host,
Their joy, their glory, and their leader lost.
Again it lighten'd, and again it fell;
191
The Youth's in fragments, treacherous, strew'd the field.
Held by a chief, swift-leaping from the band,
A second falchion touch'd his reaching hand,
When—loveliest Youth! why did thy buckler's bound
Shield but thy breast? why not thy form surround?
Where stood thy friends? was no kind hero near,
To guard thy life, and stay Selima's tear?—
From some base arm unseen, in covert flung,
Through his white side a coward javelin sung,
He fell—a groan sad-murmur'd round the host,
Their joy, their glory, and their leader lost.
Forth from the train a youth impatient sprung,
Spread his fond arms, and round the hero clung,
With soft endearments stay'd the fleeting breath,
And wish'd to save him from the hand of death.
But Jabin's sword, driven through his friendly side,
Stain'd his white armour with a spotless tide:
In kind imbrace their heaving bosoms lay,
And all life's blooming beauty died away.
Through fields of air, their social spirits join'd
Wing'd their light way, nor lost a look behind;
While two bright forms, on rosy pinions borne,
Sail'd round their path, and op'd the gates of morn.
Spread his fond arms, and round the hero clung,
With soft endearments stay'd the fleeting breath,
And wish'd to save him from the hand of death.
But Jabin's sword, driven through his friendly side,
Stain'd his white armour with a spotless tide:
In kind imbrace their heaving bosoms lay,
And all life's blooming beauty died away.
Through fields of air, their social spirits join'd
Wing'd their light way, nor lost a look behind;
While two bright forms, on rosy pinions borne,
Sail'd round their path, and op'd the gates of morn.
Mid countless warriors Irad's limbs were spread,
Even there distinguish'd from the vulgar dead.
Fair as the spring, and bright as rising day,
His snowy bosom open'd as he lay;
From the deep wound a little stream of blood
In silence fell, and on the javelin glow'd.
Grim Jabin, frowning o'er his hapless head,
Deep in his bosom plung'd the cruel blade;
Foes, even in death, his vengeance ne'er forgave,
But hail'd their doom, insatiate as the grave;
No worth, no bravery could his rage disarm,
Nor smiling love could melt, nor angel-beauty charm.
Even there distinguish'd from the vulgar dead.
Fair as the spring, and bright as rising day,
His snowy bosom open'd as he lay;
From the deep wound a little stream of blood
In silence fell, and on the javelin glow'd.
Grim Jabin, frowning o'er his hapless head,
Deep in his bosom plung'd the cruel blade;
Foes, even in death, his vengeance ne'er forgave,
But hail'd their doom, insatiate as the grave;
No worth, no bravery could his rage disarm,
Nor smiling love could melt, nor angel-beauty charm.
192
With dreadful sound, he rais'd his voice on high,
Froze the pale bands, and thunder'd thro' the sky—
Haste, warriors, haste; your conquering arms display;
Here gasps their leader, to the dogs a prey.
See the slaves fly; ere evening's dusky hour,
The beasts shall rend them, and the hawks devour.
Receive, illustrious Oran! here receive
The poor, the sole reward, thy prince can give.
This victim first; a nation soon shall come
To pay due honours at thy sacred tomb,
Wide streams of gore in rich libations flow,
And shades unnumber'd wait thy call below.
Here, dastards, here the worthless carcase yield,
Nor wait the vengeance of a future field.
To day this raptur'd hand your camp shall burn,
And sires, and wives, and sons to mingled ashes turn.
Froze the pale bands, and thunder'd thro' the sky—
Haste, warriors, haste; your conquering arms display;
Here gasps their leader, to the dogs a prey.
See the slaves fly; ere evening's dusky hour,
The beasts shall rend them, and the hawks devour.
Receive, illustrious Oran! here receive
The poor, the sole reward, thy prince can give.
This victim first; a nation soon shall come
To pay due honours at thy sacred tomb,
Wide streams of gore in rich libations flow,
And shades unnumber'd wait thy call below.
Here, dastards, here the worthless carcase yield,
Nor wait the vengeance of a future field.
To day this raptur'd hand your camp shall burn,
And sires, and wives, and sons to mingled ashes turn.
Thus spoke the haughty Chief: with flashing eyes,
To fiercer fight inspir'd the warriors rise;
Clouds after clouds in gloomy pomp ascend,
And stormy clamours troubled ether rend.
The thickening tempest Judah's host survey'd,
And wedg'd their volumes in the dusty shade;
Man lock'd with man, and helm with helm combin'd,
And sword with sword in glimmering order join'd,
A long dread front, impervious, hides the fields,
Cloth'd with the grandeur of a thousand shields.
To fiercer fight inspir'd the warriors rise;
Clouds after clouds in gloomy pomp ascend,
And stormy clamours troubled ether rend.
The thickening tempest Judah's host survey'd,
And wedg'd their volumes in the dusty shade;
Man lock'd with man, and helm with helm combin'd,
And sword with sword in glimmering order join'd,
A long dread front, impervious, hides the fields,
Cloth'd with the grandeur of a thousand shields.
First, in the flaming van to vengeance rose
Bold Irad's train, and dar'd their ardent foes.
Their young, brave minds immortal fame inspires;
Each glowing thought the patriot's virtue fires;
Serene they smil'd to see the ruin nigh;
In death they triumph'd, but they fear'd to fly.
Bold Irad's train, and dar'd their ardent foes.
Their young, brave minds immortal fame inspires;
Each glowing thought the patriot's virtue fires;
Serene they smil'd to see the ruin nigh;
In death they triumph'd, but they fear'd to fly.
O'er the dark deep, as some tall wave impends,
Its white foam hisses, and its point ascends;
'Gainst hoary rocks the bursting ruins roar,
Shake all the main, and echo round the shore,
So Jabin's car with gloomy terror flew,
And crush'd the ranks that near him rashly drew;
Roll'd in one mighty mass, the heathen force,
The swift-wing'd chariot, and the foaming horse,
O'er all the lovely band resistless fly,
And countless warriors round their Irad die.
Thus, on the stream's fair bank in beauty rise
Young, towering trees, and feel indulgent skies;
In spring's mild beam their lovely boughs aspire,
Wave o'er the flowers, and call the plumy choir:
At once the floods descend, the torrents roar;
The trees lie withering on the wasted shore.
Its white foam hisses, and its point ascends;
'Gainst hoary rocks the bursting ruins roar,
Shake all the main, and echo round the shore,
193
And crush'd the ranks that near him rashly drew;
Roll'd in one mighty mass, the heathen force,
The swift-wing'd chariot, and the foaming horse,
O'er all the lovely band resistless fly,
And countless warriors round their Irad die.
Thus, on the stream's fair bank in beauty rise
Young, towering trees, and feel indulgent skies;
In spring's mild beam their lovely boughs aspire,
Wave o'er the flowers, and call the plumy choir:
At once the floods descend, the torrents roar;
The trees lie withering on the wasted shore.
All firmly brave, imbrown'd with dust and blood
'Gainst the rude tempest Judah's veterans stood;
Fix'd, even to death, their nation to defend,
With stout, stiff strength, the stubborn ranks contend;
To fate undaunted many a hero springs,
The shouts redouble, and the concave rings.
Full in the front brave Uzal moveless stood,
His falchion reeking with incessant blood;
Fight, warriors, fight, or fall—he said, nor more;
But wheel'd his arm, and stepp'd in floods of gore;
Above his feet the purple torrents ran,
And high before him man was pil'd on man.
So thick the swords around his helmet hung,
That sword clave sword; aloud his armour rung;
Panting he stood; in floods the sweat distill'd:
Nor moves the Hero, nor the squadrons yield.
'Gainst the rude tempest Judah's veterans stood;
Fix'd, even to death, their nation to defend,
With stout, stiff strength, the stubborn ranks contend;
To fate undaunted many a hero springs,
The shouts redouble, and the concave rings.
Full in the front brave Uzal moveless stood,
His falchion reeking with incessant blood;
Fight, warriors, fight, or fall—he said, nor more;
But wheel'd his arm, and stepp'd in floods of gore;
Above his feet the purple torrents ran,
And high before him man was pil'd on man.
So thick the swords around his helmet hung,
That sword clave sword; aloud his armour rung;
Panting he stood; in floods the sweat distill'd:
Nor moves the Hero, nor the squadrons yield.
From his bright car, that rattling pour'd along,
With shouts, and threatnings, Jabin fir'd the throng;
Man leap'd o'er man: from every side they rush'd;
Bold warriors fell, by other warriors crush'd;
'Till, hurl'd by Jabin's hand, a javelin flew,
Pierc'd Uzal's heart, and life's fair current drew,
Pleas'd, the great hero gave his parting breath;
My nation own'd my life, and now demands my death.
With shouts, and threatnings, Jabin fir'd the throng;
Man leap'd o'er man: from every side they rush'd;
Bold warriors fell, by other warriors crush'd;
'Till, hurl'd by Jabin's hand, a javelin flew,
Pierc'd Uzal's heart, and life's fair current drew,
Pleas'd, the great hero gave his parting breath;
My nation own'd my life, and now demands my death.
194
Thus hung with wounds, a prey to savage steel,
In Princeton's fields the gallant Mercer fell.
When first his native realm her sons decreed,
In slavery's chains, with want and woe to bleed,
Check'd, through his bosom fond remembrance ran.
The cause of freedom was the cause of man.
In that fair cause he bar'd his manly breast,
The friend, the hope, the champion, of th' oppress'd,
From height to height on glory's pinions rose,
Bless'd by his friends, and prais'd by generous foes;
Swift flew the shaft; the eagle ceas'd to rise,
And mourning millions trac'd him down the skies.
In Princeton's fields the gallant Mercer fell.
When first his native realm her sons decreed,
In slavery's chains, with want and woe to bleed,
Check'd, through his bosom fond remembrance ran.
The cause of freedom was the cause of man.
In that fair cause he bar'd his manly breast,
The friend, the hope, the champion, of th' oppress'd,
From height to height on glory's pinions rose,
Bless'd by his friends, and prais'd by generous foes;
Swift flew the shaft; the eagle ceas'd to rise,
And mourning millions trac'd him down the skies.
He fell; the throng, that press'd against his shield,
Plung'd in one heap, and spread along the field;
Bucklers on bucklers rang; steel clash'd on steel;
Their own swords gash'd them, wounding as they fell.
In one broad ruin lay the mingled crowd,
And cries, and hollow groans were heard aloud.
So some tall prop, that bears extended walls,
Mouldering, gives way; the mossy structure falls,
The long beams thundering echo round the skies,
Earth shakes beneath, and clouds of dust arise.
Thus sunk the warriors, some to rise no more,
Some, nimbly bounding, bath'd their spears in gore.
Plung'd in one heap, and spread along the field;
Bucklers on bucklers rang; steel clash'd on steel;
Their own swords gash'd them, wounding as they fell.
In one broad ruin lay the mingled crowd,
And cries, and hollow groans were heard aloud.
So some tall prop, that bears extended walls,
Mouldering, gives way; the mossy structure falls,
The long beams thundering echo round the skies,
Earth shakes beneath, and clouds of dust arise.
Thus sunk the warriors, some to rise no more,
Some, nimbly bounding, bath'd their spears in gore.
Now haughty Jabin lifts a louder cry,
The tall hills echo, and the fields reply.
Fly, dastards, fly; death haunts your impious way;
Your proud name sinks; your squadrons swift decay:
Where now's the chief, that led your hosts abroad?
Your far-fam'd bravery, and fictitious God?
Call the dread Power, that cleft th' Egyptian wave,
To mourn your fate, and ope your heads a grave.
Pour on, my heroes, while yon friendly light
Shines in the heaven, and joys to view the fight
He spoke, and onward wing'd his dreadful form;
Hazor behind him, like an evening storm,
That rides on gloomy blasts above the hills,
And wakes the thunder of the mountain rills,
Roll'd blackening. Israel's sons in sad dismay,
Bent tow'rd the camp their slow, unwilling way.
The tall hills echo, and the fields reply.
Fly, dastards, fly; death haunts your impious way;
Your proud name sinks; your squadrons swift decay:
Where now's the chief, that led your hosts abroad?
Your far-fam'd bravery, and fictitious God?
Call the dread Power, that cleft th' Egyptian wave,
To mourn your fate, and ope your heads a grave.
Pour on, my heroes, while yon friendly light
Shines in the heaven, and joys to view the fight
He spoke, and onward wing'd his dreadful form;
Hazor behind him, like an evening storm,
195
And wakes the thunder of the mountain rills,
Roll'd blackening. Israel's sons in sad dismay,
Bent tow'rd the camp their slow, unwilling way.
Enrag'd Shelumiel rais'd his angry voice,
But rais'd in vain; no hero heeds the noise:
Hoarse with shrill cries, and wild with deep despair,
He rush'd resistless on the thickest war,
From Jabin's lance a grateful exit found,
Sunk in his arms, and stiffen'd on the ground.
But rais'd in vain; no hero heeds the noise:
Hoarse with shrill cries, and wild with deep despair,
He rush'd resistless on the thickest war,
From Jabin's lance a grateful exit found,
Sunk in his arms, and stiffen'd on the ground.
Far from the fight, despoil'd of helm and shield,
Slept beauteous Irad on the mournful field;
Deaf to the groans, and careless of the cries;
His hair soft-whistling o'er his half-shut eyes.
On either side his lifeless arms were spread,
And blood ran round him from the countless dead.
Even there, two warriors, rushing o'er the plain,
O'er crimson torrents, and o'er piles of slain,
Stopp'd, when the lovely form arose to fight,
Survey'd his charms, and wish'd no more the fight.
Slept beauteous Irad on the mournful field;
Deaf to the groans, and careless of the cries;
His hair soft-whistling o'er his half-shut eyes.
On either side his lifeless arms were spread,
And blood ran round him from the countless dead.
Even there, two warriors, rushing o'er the plain,
O'er crimson torrents, and o'er piles of slain,
Stopp'd, when the lovely form arose to fight,
Survey'd his charms, and wish'd no more the fight.
Ah! hapless Youth! cried one, with tender voice,
The Gods' fair offspring, form'd for milder joys!
A face like thine the gentlest thoughts must move.
The gaze of Beauty, and the song of Love.
Sleep on, fair hero! for thy corse must lie
Bare to the fury of a stormy sky.
Thus he. His friend, by softer passions warm'd,
By grief afflicted, and by beauty charm'd,
Cries sadly—No; for when my steps return,
This bleeding breast thy early fate shall mourn;
The melting song declare thy hapless doom,
And my own hand erect thy head a tomb.
The Gods' fair offspring, form'd for milder joys!
A face like thine the gentlest thoughts must move.
The gaze of Beauty, and the song of Love.
Sleep on, fair hero! for thy corse must lie
Bare to the fury of a stormy sky.
Thus he. His friend, by softer passions warm'd,
By grief afflicted, and by beauty charm'd,
Cries sadly—No; for when my steps return,
This bleeding breast thy early fate shall mourn;
The melting song declare thy hapless doom,
And my own hand erect thy head a tomb.
But now, outspread o'er all the northern plain,
In sable grandeur roll'd a countless train,
With trembling spears, with waving bucklers, bright,
And the quick gleams of interrupted light.
In sable grandeur roll'd a countless train,
With trembling spears, with waving bucklers, bright,
And the quick gleams of interrupted light.
196
When Joshua strode the heathen host to dare,
To guard the camp was prudent Caleb's care.
He, coolly wise, had summon'd all the train,
Dispos'd in ranks, and guided o'er the plain,
All arm'd for war, at distance meet to stay,
And wait the changes of the dreadful day,
In even scale while dubious combat hung,
And far in southern fields the tumult rung,
Silent, they listen'd to the blended cry,
And heard faint shouts in distant murmurs die.
To guard the camp was prudent Caleb's care.
He, coolly wise, had summon'd all the train,
Dispos'd in ranks, and guided o'er the plain,
All arm'd for war, at distance meet to stay,
And wait the changes of the dreadful day,
In even scale while dubious combat hung,
And far in southern fields the tumult rung,
Silent, they listen'd to the blended cry,
And heard faint shouts in distant murmurs die.
But now th' approaching clarion's dreadful sound
Denounces flight, and shakes the banner'd ground;
From clouded plains increasing thunders rise,
And drifted volumes roll along the skies.
At once the chief commands; th' unnumber'd throng,
Like gathering tempests, darkly pour'd along:
High on the winds, unfurl'd in purple pride,
Th' imperial standard cast the view aside;
A hero there sublimely seem'd to stand,
To point the conquest, and the flight command;
In arms of burnish'd gold the warrior shone,
And wav'd and brighten'd in the falling sun.
Denounces flight, and shakes the banner'd ground;
From clouded plains increasing thunders rise,
And drifted volumes roll along the skies.
At once the chief commands; th' unnumber'd throng,
Like gathering tempests, darkly pour'd along:
High on the winds, unfurl'd in purple pride,
Th' imperial standard cast the view aside;
A hero there sublimely seem'd to stand,
To point the conquest, and the flight command;
In arms of burnish'd gold the warrior shone,
And wav'd and brighten'd in the falling sun.
Swift tow'rd the fight approach'd th' impatient throng,
And wider pour'd the thickening dust along;
Loud, and more loud, victorious clamours grow,
And, more distinguish'd, breathe the sounds of woe;
Pale Judah's sons a yielding fight maintain,
And many a face looks backward o'er the plain,
When Caleb's mighty voice, in thunder driven,
Starts all the host, and rends the clouded heaven.
What dismal scenes, enrag'd the hero cries—
Convulse this heart, and pierce these bleeding eyes!
Shall Judah's race, my brethren and my boast,
Flee, vanquish'd, driven, before a heathen host?
Can men, can warriors own so black a part,
The best of chiefs, your Joshua to desert?
Say with what pangs will Heaven the wretches try,
That know no honour, and that feel no tie?
On yon bright plain, the conquering Chief behold,
Troops wing'd before him, cars tumultuous roll'd,
With Heaven's imperial sword the fight commands,
And drives fierce ruin o'er decreasing bands!
Say, shall the Man, who fights, who bleeds for all,
See your base flight, and perish in your fall?
The Chief, as angels kind, as angels true,
Sink in the doom, he warded long from you?
Fly then; but know, a few short furlongs past,
Yon camp wild flames, and savage swords shall waste;
Besmear'd with streaming blood, your parents lie,
And, dash'd on stones, your gasping infants die;
Your wives, betray'd by such base culprits, feel
Abuse, more dreadful than the griding steel?
No arm, no sword the falling nation save,
But this dire evening ope our common grave.
Can these dread scenes even dastards fail to arm?
Spring from the trance, and burst the sleepy charm;
Rise, rise like men; with shame, with vengeance burn;
Wipe foul disgrace, and swift to fight return.
And ye brave chiefs, that never knew to yield,
Or turn a backward foot from glory's field,
But, led by me, the van's bright honours claim,
Smile at fair death, and shrink from torturing shame;
Lift high th' avenging sword, from pity free,
And cleave the wretch that basely dares to flee.
And wider pour'd the thickening dust along;
Loud, and more loud, victorious clamours grow,
And, more distinguish'd, breathe the sounds of woe;
Pale Judah's sons a yielding fight maintain,
And many a face looks backward o'er the plain,
When Caleb's mighty voice, in thunder driven,
Starts all the host, and rends the clouded heaven.
What dismal scenes, enrag'd the hero cries—
Convulse this heart, and pierce these bleeding eyes!
Shall Judah's race, my brethren and my boast,
Flee, vanquish'd, driven, before a heathen host?
Can men, can warriors own so black a part,
The best of chiefs, your Joshua to desert?
197
That know no honour, and that feel no tie?
On yon bright plain, the conquering Chief behold,
Troops wing'd before him, cars tumultuous roll'd,
With Heaven's imperial sword the fight commands,
And drives fierce ruin o'er decreasing bands!
Say, shall the Man, who fights, who bleeds for all,
See your base flight, and perish in your fall?
The Chief, as angels kind, as angels true,
Sink in the doom, he warded long from you?
Fly then; but know, a few short furlongs past,
Yon camp wild flames, and savage swords shall waste;
Besmear'd with streaming blood, your parents lie,
And, dash'd on stones, your gasping infants die;
Your wives, betray'd by such base culprits, feel
Abuse, more dreadful than the griding steel?
No arm, no sword the falling nation save,
But this dire evening ope our common grave.
Can these dread scenes even dastards fail to arm?
Spring from the trance, and burst the sleepy charm;
Rise, rise like men; with shame, with vengeance burn;
Wipe foul disgrace, and swift to fight return.
And ye brave chiefs, that never knew to yield,
Or turn a backward foot from glory's field,
But, led by me, the van's bright honours claim,
Smile at fair death, and shrink from torturing shame;
Lift high th' avenging sword, from pity free,
And cleave the wretch that basely dares to flee.
He spoke: the sound their manly bosoms fir'd,
Wheel'd their long ranks, and every arm inspir'd;
Even cowards now to generous combat arm'd,
And fainting heroes with new vengeance warm'd:
Fierce Hazor's sons with equal fury driven,
Like one wide cloud, that shades the skirts of even,
Rush'd dark and dreadful: ranks, by ranks impell'd,
Felt the keen lance, and heap'd the streaming field.
Pois'd in a dire suspense, the combat hung;
Swords clash'd, mail rattled, striking bucklers rung;
Here his bold ranks great Caleb's arm inspir'd;
There Jabin's mighty hand his warriors fir'd:
No more the foaming steeds could trace their way,
So thick the squadrons wedg'd their black array:
Loud tumults roar, the clouded heavens resound,
And deep convulsions heave the labouring ground.
Wheel'd their long ranks, and every arm inspir'd;
Even cowards now to generous combat arm'd,
And fainting heroes with new vengeance warm'd:
Fierce Hazor's sons with equal fury driven,
Like one wide cloud, that shades the skirts of even,
Rush'd dark and dreadful: ranks, by ranks impell'd,
Felt the keen lance, and heap'd the streaming field.
198
Swords clash'd, mail rattled, striking bucklers rung;
Here his bold ranks great Caleb's arm inspir'd;
There Jabin's mighty hand his warriors fir'd:
No more the foaming steeds could trace their way,
So thick the squadrons wedg'd their black array:
Loud tumults roar, the clouded heavens resound,
And deep convulsions heave the labouring ground.
Meantime, great Joshua, lightening o'er the plain,
Hedg'd his dire path with heaps of ghastly slain;
Back roll'd the squadrons; death's encircling shade
Involv'd his course, and hover'd o'er his head.
At once a quivering voice fair Irad nam'd,
Announc'd his ruin, and the flight proclaim'd;
From ranks to trembling ranks, the mournful sound
Wak'd a sad groan, and breath'd a gloom around,
With livid paleness clouded every face,
Congeal'd each vein, and stopp'd the growing chace.
On the far camp they turn'd a frequent view;
Their fainting falchions scarce the fight renew:
Throng'd in a blackening storm, the foe descends;
Swift drive the chariots; far the dust extends:
With smiles, bold heathens hail commencing flight:
Their lances shower; their eye-balls flash delight.
Loud as old ocean beats the rocky shore,
Loud as the storm's deep-bursting thunders roar,
Vast shouts unrolling rend th' etherial round,
Trembles all heaven, and shakes the gory ground.
Hedg'd his dire path with heaps of ghastly slain;
Back roll'd the squadrons; death's encircling shade
Involv'd his course, and hover'd o'er his head.
At once a quivering voice fair Irad nam'd,
Announc'd his ruin, and the flight proclaim'd;
From ranks to trembling ranks, the mournful sound
Wak'd a sad groan, and breath'd a gloom around,
With livid paleness clouded every face,
Congeal'd each vein, and stopp'd the growing chace.
On the far camp they turn'd a frequent view;
Their fainting falchions scarce the fight renew:
Throng'd in a blackening storm, the foe descends;
Swift drive the chariots; far the dust extends:
With smiles, bold heathens hail commencing flight:
Their lances shower; their eye-balls flash delight.
Loud as old ocean beats the rocky shore,
Loud as the storm's deep-bursting thunders roar,
Vast shouts unrolling rend th' etherial round,
Trembles all heaven, and shakes the gory ground.
Amaz'd, the Hero saw the wild despair:
Nor knew the cause, 'till Irad fill'd the air;
Irad, re-echoing with a fearful noise,
Pal'd the blank face, and froze the faltering voice.
Loud o'er the bellowing shouts resounds his cry—
My sons, my heroes, whither will ye fly?
Will ye pursue the camp? desert the slain?
And leave your Irad on the bloody plain?
Alas! you fly to more tremendous fates;
There ruin seeks you, and base death awaits:
There, in sad horror, will your eyes behold
Flames round your camp, your wives, your children roll'd:
Let vengeance rouse, let Israel's name inspire,
Let danger steel you, and let Irad fire,
Turn, turn, this instant seals your final doom;
You gain the day, or fall without a tomb.
Nor knew the cause, 'till Irad fill'd the air;
Irad, re-echoing with a fearful noise,
Pal'd the blank face, and froze the faltering voice.
Loud o'er the bellowing shouts resounds his cry—
My sons, my heroes, whither will ye fly?
Will ye pursue the camp? desert the slain?
And leave your Irad on the bloody plain?
199
There ruin seeks you, and base death awaits:
There, in sad horror, will your eyes behold
Flames round your camp, your wives, your children roll'd:
Let vengeance rouse, let Israel's name inspire,
Let danger steel you, and let Irad fire,
Turn, turn, this instant seals your final doom;
You gain the day, or fall without a tomb.
He said, and wav'd his broad, ensanguin'd shield;
Turn, warriors, turn, resounds along the field;
A new-born bravery fires the meanest soul:
Thick spears protend; ranks lengthening onward roll:
Less loud fierce whirlwinds through the valley pour:
Less loud broad flames the spiry town devour,
When, wing'd by blasts, red conflagrations rise,
Blaze o'er the cloud-capp'd towers, and scorch the skies,
Black drifts of dust smoke through the vast profound;
Shouts hoarsely rage, and hollow groans resound.
As, when through ether's fields dark storms are driven,
The swift-wing'd flame, descending, kindles heaven,
Scath'd by the dreadful stream, the huge pines fall,
And bursting glory wraps the smoking ball;
O'er the tall mountains rolls the voice of God,
The plains all tremble, and the forests nod:
So swift, so bright, the rushing hero pour'd;
With every stroke his sword a life devour'd;
Full on his foes he bore resistless storm,
Pale squadrons opening to his angry form;
His shield blaz'd horror, and his lofty hand
Fell, with swift ruin, on the lessening band;
Gash'd by his hand, the coursers burst their reins,
And hurl'd their riders on the bloody plains;
Gash'd by his hand, the prostrate riders die;
Crack the round wheels, the splendid trappings fly.
Turn, warriors, turn, resounds along the field;
A new-born bravery fires the meanest soul:
Thick spears protend; ranks lengthening onward roll:
Less loud fierce whirlwinds through the valley pour:
Less loud broad flames the spiry town devour,
When, wing'd by blasts, red conflagrations rise,
Blaze o'er the cloud-capp'd towers, and scorch the skies,
Black drifts of dust smoke through the vast profound;
Shouts hoarsely rage, and hollow groans resound.
As, when through ether's fields dark storms are driven,
The swift-wing'd flame, descending, kindles heaven,
Scath'd by the dreadful stream, the huge pines fall,
And bursting glory wraps the smoking ball;
O'er the tall mountains rolls the voice of God,
The plains all tremble, and the forests nod:
So swift, so bright, the rushing hero pour'd;
With every stroke his sword a life devour'd;
Full on his foes he bore resistless storm,
Pale squadrons opening to his angry form;
His shield blaz'd horror, and his lofty hand
Fell, with swift ruin, on the lessening band;
Gash'd by his hand, the coursers burst their reins,
And hurl'd their riders on the bloody plains;
Gash'd by his hand, the prostrate riders die;
Crack the round wheels, the splendid trappings fly.
Meantime, far eastward Asher crouds the war,
Nor heeds the terrors of the rattling car.
Swift as on wings of fire a meteor driven,
Mounts o'er the hills, and sweeps the nightly heaven,
When the pale wanderer, lost in devious ways,
With bristling hair, starts at the sudden blaze,
Rush'd rapid Zimri through the parting host;
Mark'd by his eye the hapless foe was lost;
O'er quivering ranks his sword incessant hung;
Loud in their ears his voice funereal rung
Death's hideous peal; hard-following on the sound
Sunk the last stroke, and corses cloath'd the ground.
Nor heeds the terrors of the rattling car.
200
Mounts o'er the hills, and sweeps the nightly heaven,
When the pale wanderer, lost in devious ways,
With bristling hair, starts at the sudden blaze,
Rush'd rapid Zimri through the parting host;
Mark'd by his eye the hapless foe was lost;
O'er quivering ranks his sword incessant hung;
Loud in their ears his voice funereal rung
Death's hideous peal; hard-following on the sound
Sunk the last stroke, and corses cloath'd the ground.
Now while the Hittites fled the dire alarm,
Their haughty king withstood th' invading arm.
Shrill rose the thunders of his piercing cry,
Lost in deaf ears, and echoing through the sky;
With swifter steps, his warriors urg'd their flight,
And dark behind them rush'd pursuing night.
Fierce on the king's bright car, with rapid force,
Resistless Zimri drove his dreadful course;
The dauntless monarch cast his mighty spear,
That sung, and trembled through th' enlighten'd air;
Full on brave Zimri's helm the polish'd steel
Clash'd harmless, and to earth, rebounding, fell.
Regardless of the shock, the nimble chief
Sprang to the car; no sword could lend relief;
Caught by his arm, the heathen beat the ground;
Wide on his bosom sunk the fatal wound;
The greedy blade, deep-plunging, gash'd his side,
And down his buckler pour'd a bubbling tide.
Their haughty king withstood th' invading arm.
Shrill rose the thunders of his piercing cry,
Lost in deaf ears, and echoing through the sky;
With swifter steps, his warriors urg'd their flight,
And dark behind them rush'd pursuing night.
Fierce on the king's bright car, with rapid force,
Resistless Zimri drove his dreadful course;
The dauntless monarch cast his mighty spear,
That sung, and trembled through th' enlighten'd air;
Full on brave Zimri's helm the polish'd steel
Clash'd harmless, and to earth, rebounding, fell.
Regardless of the shock, the nimble chief
Sprang to the car; no sword could lend relief;
Caught by his arm, the heathen beat the ground;
Wide on his bosom sunk the fatal wound;
The greedy blade, deep-plunging, gash'd his side,
And down his buckler pour'd a bubbling tide.
Wing'd with fierce ardour, Zimri mounts the car,
And calls his heroes to the crimson war.—
Rush on to conquest, every generous band,
Lo the bless'd triumphs of this happy hand!
Here, through his side the sword indignant thrust,
Their furious leader, gasping, bites the dust.—
Fly, miscreants, fly, and let your lives remain
To grace the falchions of a future plain.
From dovelike foes what warrior hopes a name?
So cheap the purchase, victory scarce is fame.—
Thus, loud and taunting, rose the hero's cry;
Swift rush his bands; the heathen swifter fly:
High in the chariot, in dread pomp reveal'd,
His gloomy hand the firey steeds impell'd;
In dusty clouds the hosts are snatch'd from sight,
And Death, and Zimri, darken o'er the flight.
And calls his heroes to the crimson war.—
Rush on to conquest, every generous band,
Lo the bless'd triumphs of this happy hand!
Here, through his side the sword indignant thrust,
Their furious leader, gasping, bites the dust.—
Fly, miscreants, fly, and let your lives remain
To grace the falchions of a future plain.
201
So cheap the purchase, victory scarce is fame.—
Thus, loud and taunting, rose the hero's cry;
Swift rush his bands; the heathen swifter fly:
High in the chariot, in dread pomp reveal'd,
His gloomy hand the firey steeds impell'd;
In dusty clouds the hosts are snatch'd from sight,
And Death, and Zimri, darken o'er the flight.
While thus brave Asher trod the conquering plain,
And drove wild ruin on the heathen train,
In the dire centre, to resistless war
Proud Shimron's monarch urg'd the thundering car.
In early youth, he saw fierce Jabin's hand
Seize his fair crown, and rule his fertile land;
Then to the victor's court a captive brought,
In arms was train'd, in arts politic taught,
Won by soft wiles, his throne of Jabin held,
And bade his realm imperial tributes yield.
There, fir'd to glory by the monarch's voice,
He mock'd his pattern, and obey'd his choice,
And hop'd from conduct, form'd by rules so just,
Alone to reign, when Jabin slept in dust.
And drove wild ruin on the heathen train,
In the dire centre, to resistless war
Proud Shimron's monarch urg'd the thundering car.
In early youth, he saw fierce Jabin's hand
Seize his fair crown, and rule his fertile land;
Then to the victor's court a captive brought,
In arms was train'd, in arts politic taught,
Won by soft wiles, his throne of Jabin held,
And bade his realm imperial tributes yield.
There, fir'd to glory by the monarch's voice,
He mock'd his pattern, and obey'd his choice,
And hop'd from conduct, form'd by rules so just,
Alone to reign, when Jabin slept in dust.
Full on his lofty breast the flashing shield
Gleam'd a bright terror through the clouded field:
As when the Sun, o'er scorch'd Peruvia's plain,
Disease, and Death, and Horror in his train,
Unveils his crimson face, distain'd with blood,
Burns the brown hills, and sickens every flood.
Loud rang the hero's voice; his lances flew,
And every lance the foremost warrior flew.
On him great Joshua glanc'd a darkening eye,
And rush'd impetuous, with a deathful cry:
His sword, swift-circling, hew'd his dismal way,
Fell'd ranks at once, and broke the deep array.
Amaz'd, the heathen cast a look behind,
And thus in doubt, explor'd his mighty mind—
Shall I resisting dare that arm of death,
And reach his heart, or nobly yield my breath;
Or with some distant band the foe engage
Where bravery fails, and turn the battle's rage?
This arm, this spear may spill his hated life;
And O what wreaths shall crown the happy strife!
What bright rewards shall Jabin's hand bestow!
What matchless honours round my temples flow!
I claim the contest—hence base flight and shame—
To fight is glory, and to die is fame.
Gleam'd a bright terror through the clouded field:
As when the Sun, o'er scorch'd Peruvia's plain,
Disease, and Death, and Horror in his train,
Unveils his crimson face, distain'd with blood,
Burns the brown hills, and sickens every flood.
Loud rang the hero's voice; his lances flew,
And every lance the foremost warrior flew.
On him great Joshua glanc'd a darkening eye,
And rush'd impetuous, with a deathful cry:
His sword, swift-circling, hew'd his dismal way,
Fell'd ranks at once, and broke the deep array.
Amaz'd, the heathen cast a look behind,
And thus in doubt, explor'd his mighty mind—
202
And reach his heart, or nobly yield my breath;
Or with some distant band the foe engage
Where bravery fails, and turn the battle's rage?
This arm, this spear may spill his hated life;
And O what wreaths shall crown the happy strife!
What bright rewards shall Jabin's hand bestow!
What matchless honours round my temples flow!
I claim the contest—hence base flight and shame—
To fight is glory, and to die is fame.
He spoke; while Ruin, riding thro' the plain,
Burst o'er his ranks, and mark'd her path with slain:
On Joshua's helm she fate; tremendous hung
His arm on high, his voice like thunder rung:
Near the bright car he wheel'd his streaming blade,
And dust around him cast a night-like shade.
Full on his buckler clash'd the heathen's spear,
Pierc'd the thick plates, and flash'd behind in air;
Grazing his side, it cut the folded garb,
And drops of crimson stain'd the polish'd barb.
With joy, the king his faithful javelin view'd,
Leap'd from his car, and with his sword pursued.
Then Joshua's hand uprear'd his falchion high,
Its flames bright-circling in the dusty sky;
First his foe's arm dropp'd on the bloody field;
The second stroke divides his glittering shield;
Full on his throat the fierce avenging blade
Sinks; the freed spirit flits to midnight shade.
Burst o'er his ranks, and mark'd her path with slain:
On Joshua's helm she fate; tremendous hung
His arm on high, his voice like thunder rung:
Near the bright car he wheel'd his streaming blade,
And dust around him cast a night-like shade.
Full on his buckler clash'd the heathen's spear,
Pierc'd the thick plates, and flash'd behind in air;
Grazing his side, it cut the folded garb,
And drops of crimson stain'd the polish'd barb.
With joy, the king his faithful javelin view'd,
Leap'd from his car, and with his sword pursued.
Then Joshua's hand uprear'd his falchion high,
Its flames bright-circling in the dusty sky;
First his foe's arm dropp'd on the bloody field;
The second stroke divides his glittering shield;
Full on his throat the fierce avenging blade
Sinks; the freed spirit flits to midnight shade.
“Pour on to glory”—rung the Leader's voice,
The trembling host shrunk backward at the noise;
Sad Shimron's sons beheld their monarch dead,
Rais'd one deep howl, and, wing'd with horror, fled.
Throng'd in a gloomy storm, their head-long foes
Round the dire flight with lifted falchions rose;
Broad streams of blood o'er-ran the scenes of death,
And sullen groans proclaim'd the parting breath.
As boiling Etna rolls a flood of fire
Down her rough rocks; and plains, and towns expire,
Lick'd by the flames, exhaling rivers rise,
And crumbling groves smoke upward to the skies,
Swift pours the blazing deluge on the shore,
The scorch'd main foams, the hissing billows roar:
So fierce and dreadful, flew the victor host,
In night involv'd, in dusty volumes lost.
Squadrons thick-strown were scatter'd o'er the fields,
And helms, and swords, and spears, and sanguine shields.
The trembling host shrunk backward at the noise;
Sad Shimron's sons beheld their monarch dead,
Rais'd one deep howl, and, wing'd with horror, fled.
Throng'd in a gloomy storm, their head-long foes
Round the dire flight with lifted falchions rose;
Broad streams of blood o'er-ran the scenes of death,
And sullen groans proclaim'd the parting breath.
203
Down her rough rocks; and plains, and towns expire,
Lick'd by the flames, exhaling rivers rise,
And crumbling groves smoke upward to the skies,
Swift pours the blazing deluge on the shore,
The scorch'd main foams, the hissing billows roar:
So fierce and dreadful, flew the victor host,
In night involv'd, in dusty volumes lost.
Squadrons thick-strown were scatter'd o'er the fields,
And helms, and swords, and spears, and sanguine shields.
Huge piles of slaughter gathering round his course,
On Shimron Joshua wing'd his mighty force.
Like two red flames his vivid eye-balls glow,
And shoot fierce lightenings on th' astonish'd foe;
Before, expanded, his meteorous shield
Blaz'd a broad ruin thro' the stormy field;
Round the wild war his flashing terrors fly;
Cars burst before him;—steeds, and heroes die.
So rush'd an angel down the midnight gloom,
When Egypt's first-born sunk in one broad tomb;
High in dark clouds th' avenging Vision hung,
His path, like distant thunder, hoarsely rung;
Flames shot before him, whirlwinds roll'd around.
Bow'd the tall hills, and heav'd the trembling ground.
Not with less terror blaz'd the Leader on;
'Twas ruin all and one unbounded groan;
None look'd behind, none turn'd a hearkening ear;
Nor hills, nor streams impede the full career:
High o'er the ragged rocks they nimbly bound,
Dash thro' the floods, and scower the level ground:
First in the tumult, Youth impels his flight;
Springs o'er the field, and scapes pursuing night;
Pale Age with quivering limbs, and slow-drawn pace,
Feels the keen sword, and sinks beneath the chace.
On Shimron Joshua wing'd his mighty force.
Like two red flames his vivid eye-balls glow,
And shoot fierce lightenings on th' astonish'd foe;
Before, expanded, his meteorous shield
Blaz'd a broad ruin thro' the stormy field;
Round the wild war his flashing terrors fly;
Cars burst before him;—steeds, and heroes die.
So rush'd an angel down the midnight gloom,
When Egypt's first-born sunk in one broad tomb;
High in dark clouds th' avenging Vision hung,
His path, like distant thunder, hoarsely rung;
Flames shot before him, whirlwinds roll'd around.
Bow'd the tall hills, and heav'd the trembling ground.
Not with less terror blaz'd the Leader on;
'Twas ruin all and one unbounded groan;
None look'd behind, none turn'd a hearkening ear;
Nor hills, nor streams impede the full career:
High o'er the ragged rocks they nimbly bound,
Dash thro' the floods, and scower the level ground:
First in the tumult, Youth impels his flight;
Springs o'er the field, and scapes pursuing night;
Pale Age with quivering limbs, and slow-drawn pace,
Feels the keen sword, and sinks beneath the chace.
Far distant, Zimri, like a sweeping storm,
Grim in the chariot rais'd his gloomy form;
Still on the hindmost fell his fateful sword;
Earth shook, air trembled, heaven with thunder roar'd
Oft, from the car descending to the plain,
He stream'd, like lightening, o'er the ghastly slain,
Then swiftly rose, and on the heathens sped,
His wheels dark-rolling o'er th' unnumber'd dead.
Grim in the chariot rais'd his gloomy form;
204
Earth shook, air trembled, heaven with thunder roar'd
Oft, from the car descending to the plain,
He stream'd, like lightening, o'er the ghastly slain,
Then swiftly rose, and on the heathens sped,
His wheels dark-rolling o'er th' unnumber'd dead.
Meantime, with all the rage of combat fir'd,
While throngs of warriors round his steps expir'd;
While now, first disobedient to his call,
The balanc'd victory doubted where to fall:
While Caleb's arm with youthful vigor warm'd,
Sham'd Judah's thousands and their vengeance arm'd:
From rank to rank impatient Jabin flew,
Drove these with threats, and those with praises drew.
While throngs of warriors round his steps expir'd;
While now, first disobedient to his call,
The balanc'd victory doubted where to fall:
While Caleb's arm with youthful vigor warm'd,
Sham'd Judah's thousands and their vengeance arm'd:
From rank to rank impatient Jabin flew,
Drove these with threats, and those with praises drew.
But now the eastern plain loud thunders rend;
The shrill cars rattle; hoarser cries ascend;
Progressive clouds, in thickening volumes driven,
Roll tow'rd the south, and shade the dusty heaven.
From the tall car the Chief survey'd the field,
And every circling scene at once beheld,
Even the far wood, with sudden flashes bright,
And the dire omens of tumultuous flight.
Around the war he cast a searching view,
Saw the day lost, and all its evils knew;
Deep from his inmost soul burst forth a sigh,
And momentary sadness gloom'd his eye.
But soon his brow resum'd a cheerful grace,
And living ardour fir'd his artful face.
Full well the monarch knew that fears begun,
From breast to breast, like glancing lightenings, run;
That one rank fled instructs a host to fly,
And cowards' eyes teach heroes' hearts to die—
Then, ere his friends the dire event divine,
Or Judah's sons their kindred victors join,
A wise retreat his mighty mind ordain'd,
And thus the rage of war his voice restrain'd.
Hear, all ye chiefs; brave Hazor's bands that guide,
Your nation's pillars, and your monarch's pride.
Your matchless deeds this raptur'd eye has told,
And fame's bright hand to distant years enroll'd.
But see, o'er western hills the sun's low fire
Cuts short the day, and bids the host retire.
Firm be your ranks, man fast inlock'd with man,
The rear led onward, fix'd the generous van;
At once let chief with chief inspir'd combine,
And 'gainst the foe extend th' embattled line;
Brace firm the shield; the moveless spear protend;
Join hand and heart, and every rank defend.
Your prince behold; when Hazor claims the strife,
My wounds are transport, and a toy my life.
The shrill cars rattle; hoarser cries ascend;
Progressive clouds, in thickening volumes driven,
Roll tow'rd the south, and shade the dusty heaven.
From the tall car the Chief survey'd the field,
And every circling scene at once beheld,
Even the far wood, with sudden flashes bright,
And the dire omens of tumultuous flight.
Around the war he cast a searching view,
Saw the day lost, and all its evils knew;
Deep from his inmost soul burst forth a sigh,
And momentary sadness gloom'd his eye.
But soon his brow resum'd a cheerful grace,
And living ardour fir'd his artful face.
Full well the monarch knew that fears begun,
From breast to breast, like glancing lightenings, run;
That one rank fled instructs a host to fly,
And cowards' eyes teach heroes' hearts to die—
Then, ere his friends the dire event divine,
Or Judah's sons their kindred victors join,
A wise retreat his mighty mind ordain'd,
And thus the rage of war his voice restrain'd.
205
Your nation's pillars, and your monarch's pride.
Your matchless deeds this raptur'd eye has told,
And fame's bright hand to distant years enroll'd.
But see, o'er western hills the sun's low fire
Cuts short the day, and bids the host retire.
Firm be your ranks, man fast inlock'd with man,
The rear led onward, fix'd the generous van;
At once let chief with chief inspir'd combine,
And 'gainst the foe extend th' embattled line;
Brace firm the shield; the moveless spear protend;
Join hand and heart, and every rank defend.
Your prince behold; when Hazor claims the strife,
My wounds are transport, and a toy my life.
The hero spoke: as by one soul inspir'd,
Swift to their well-known posts the chiefs retir'd;
At once, by banners rang'd, to brave the storm,
Firm, dreadful lines th' experienc'd squadrons form.
Dire o'er the van-guard, shield with shield combin'd,
Spear lock'd with spear, th' undaunted leaders join'd;
'Gainst Judah's host, with ridgy terrors bright,
Rose a long wall, and flash'd a fearful light.
O'er the tremendous scene the Monarch's car
Pour'd death around, and rul'd the grisly war:
Fierce on the foe, where'er their steps pursue,
From rank to rank the mighty warrior flew;
Hearts form'd of stubborn steel his deeds appall;
The distant tremble, and the nearer fall;
Till Caleb's voice commands the chace to stay,
And yields his foes an unmolested way.
Swift to their well-known posts the chiefs retir'd;
At once, by banners rang'd, to brave the storm,
Firm, dreadful lines th' experienc'd squadrons form.
Dire o'er the van-guard, shield with shield combin'd,
Spear lock'd with spear, th' undaunted leaders join'd;
'Gainst Judah's host, with ridgy terrors bright,
Rose a long wall, and flash'd a fearful light.
O'er the tremendous scene the Monarch's car
Pour'd death around, and rul'd the grisly war:
Fierce on the foe, where'er their steps pursue,
From rank to rank the mighty warrior flew;
Hearts form'd of stubborn steel his deeds appall;
The distant tremble, and the nearer fall;
Till Caleb's voice commands the chace to stay,
And yields his foes an unmolested way.
Then, still and slow, while Judah's host admir'd,
In gloomy strength the sullen storm retir'd.
So, when in heaven propitious breezes rise.
And on the deep the nimble vessel flies,
Shagg'd with brown shades, that o'er the billows lower,
In grim, dark pomp recedes the clifted shore;
Less seen, and less, the awful scenes decay,
And lost in blue confusion fade away.
In gloomy strength the sullen storm retir'd.
So, when in heaven propitious breezes rise.
And on the deep the nimble vessel flies,
Shagg'd with brown shades, that o'er the billows lower,
In grim, dark pomp recedes the clifted shore;
206
And lost in blue confusion fade away.
With gore all hideous, and with dust imbrown'd,
In the dire front terrific Jabin frown'd;
His lifted arm prepar'd the fatal blow,
And menac'd vengeance to th' approaching foe.—
So, forward driven by earth's convulsive pangs,
The tall, hoar cliff in dubious terror hangs;
High pois'd in dread suspense, its hovering brow
Lowers swift destruction on the world below:
Amaz'd, the swain, while sudden fears appall
Starts, as the tottering ruin seems to fall.
Enjoy, he cried, imperious foes, enjoy
The fancied triumph, combat shall destroy:
But know, ye boasters, soon this arm shall tear
The short-liv'd crown, your haughty temples wear;
Soon your vain chiefs, your nation want a name,
And all your glories sink in endless shame.
In the dire front terrific Jabin frown'd;
His lifted arm prepar'd the fatal blow,
And menac'd vengeance to th' approaching foe.—
So, forward driven by earth's convulsive pangs,
The tall, hoar cliff in dubious terror hangs;
High pois'd in dread suspense, its hovering brow
Lowers swift destruction on the world below:
Amaz'd, the swain, while sudden fears appall
Starts, as the tottering ruin seems to fall.
Enjoy, he cried, imperious foes, enjoy
The fancied triumph, combat shall destroy:
But know, ye boasters, soon this arm shall tear
The short-liv'd crown, your haughty temples wear;
Soon your vain chiefs, your nation want a name,
And all your glories sink in endless shame.
But now, sublime in crimson triumph borne,
The sacred standard mock'd th' etherial morn;
Wide on the winds its waving splendors flow'd,
And call'd the warriors from the distant wood.
Behind great Joshua, Hazor's sons to dare,
Pour the bold thousands to the western war,
Beyond Ai's walls, the lessening heathen train
In well-form'd squadrons cross the distant plain;
Part still in sight their shady files extend;
Part fill the wood, and part the hills ascend;
To cease from toil the prudent Chief commands,
And balmy quiet sooths the wearied bands.
The sacred standard mock'd th' etherial morn;
Wide on the winds its waving splendors flow'd,
And call'd the warriors from the distant wood.
Behind great Joshua, Hazor's sons to dare,
Pour the bold thousands to the western war,
Beyond Ai's walls, the lessening heathen train
In well-form'd squadrons cross the distant plain;
Part still in sight their shady files extend;
Part fill the wood, and part the hills ascend;
To cease from toil the prudent Chief commands,
And balmy quiet sooths the wearied bands.
Half lost in mountain groves, the sun's broad ray
Shower'd a full splendor round his evening way;
Slow Joshua strode the lovely Youth to find;
Th' unwilling bands more slowly mov'd behind.
Soon as the matchless form arose to view,
O'er their sad faces shone the sorrowing dew;
Silent they stood. To speak the Leader tried,
But the choak'd accents on his palate died.
His bleeding bosom beat with inward pains,
And leaden languors ran along his veins.
Shower'd a full splendor round his evening way;
Slow Joshua strode the lovely Youth to find;
Th' unwilling bands more slowly mov'd behind.
Soon as the matchless form arose to view,
O'er their sad faces shone the sorrowing dew;
207
But the choak'd accents on his palate died.
His bleeding bosom beat with inward pains,
And leaden languors ran along his veins.
Ah, best and bravest of thy race! he said,
And gently rais'd the pale, reclining head—
Lost are thy matchless charms, thy glory gone—
Gone is the glory which thy hand hath won.
In vain on thee thy nation cast her eyes;
In vain with joy beheld thy light arise;
In vain she wish'd thy sceptre to obey;
Vain were her wishes; vain the destin'd sway.
Oh! Irad, loveliest Irad, nature's pride!
Would Heaven, myself for thee, for thee had died!
Nor more; the thoughts lay struggling in his breast;
But tears, expressive tears forbade the rest.
Borne by six chiefs, in silence, o'er the plain,
Fair Irad mov'd before the mournful train;
Great Joshua's arm sustain'd his sword, and shield;
Th' afflicted thousands lengthening thro' the field.
When, crown'd with flowers, the maidens at her side,
With gentle steps advanc'd great Caleb's pride.
Her snowy hand, inspir'd by restless love,
Of the lone wild-rose two rich wreaths inwove;
Fresh in her hand the flowers rejoic'd to bloom,
And round the fair-one shed a mild perfume.
O'er all the train her active glances rov'd;
She gaz'd, and gazing, miss'd the Youth she lov'd;
Some dire mischance her boding heart divin'd,
And thronging terrors fill'd her anxious mind.
As near the host her quickening footsteps drew,
The breathless hero met her trembling view;
From her chill'd hand the headlong roses fell,
And life's gay beauty bade her cheeks farewell;
O'er her fair face unmeaning paleness sate,
And, sunk to earth, she felt no hapless fate.
And gently rais'd the pale, reclining head—
Lost are thy matchless charms, thy glory gone—
Gone is the glory which thy hand hath won.
In vain on thee thy nation cast her eyes;
In vain with joy beheld thy light arise;
In vain she wish'd thy sceptre to obey;
Vain were her wishes; vain the destin'd sway.
Oh! Irad, loveliest Irad, nature's pride!
Would Heaven, myself for thee, for thee had died!
Nor more; the thoughts lay struggling in his breast;
But tears, expressive tears forbade the rest.
Borne by six chiefs, in silence, o'er the plain,
Fair Irad mov'd before the mournful train;
Great Joshua's arm sustain'd his sword, and shield;
Th' afflicted thousands lengthening thro' the field.
When, crown'd with flowers, the maidens at her side,
With gentle steps advanc'd great Caleb's pride.
Her snowy hand, inspir'd by restless love,
Of the lone wild-rose two rich wreaths inwove;
Fresh in her hand the flowers rejoic'd to bloom,
And round the fair-one shed a mild perfume.
O'er all the train her active glances rov'd;
She gaz'd, and gazing, miss'd the Youth she lov'd;
Some dire mischance her boding heart divin'd,
And thronging terrors fill'd her anxious mind.
As near the host her quickening footsteps drew,
The breathless hero met her trembling view;
From her chill'd hand the headlong roses fell,
And life's gay beauty bade her cheeks farewell;
O'er her fair face unmeaning paleness sate,
And, sunk to earth, she felt no hapless fate.
208
With anguish Caleb saw her fading charms,
And caught the favourite in his hastening arms.
Reviv'd with piercing voice, that froze his soul,
She forc'd the big, round tear unwish'd to roll;
By all his love, besought him soon to lead
Where cruel friendship snatch'd the lovely dead.
In vain the chief his anguish strove to hide,
Sighs rent his breast, and chill'd the vital tide.
And caught the favourite in his hastening arms.
Reviv'd with piercing voice, that froze his soul,
She forc'd the big, round tear unwish'd to roll;
By all his love, besought him soon to lead
Where cruel friendship snatch'd the lovely dead.
In vain the chief his anguish strove to hide,
Sighs rent his breast, and chill'd the vital tide.
To Joshua then, whose heart beside her mourn'd,
With gaze of keen distress, the charmer turn'd.—
Oh, generous Chief, to misery ever kind,—
Thou lov'st my sire—support his sinking mind!
Thy friendly wish delights to lessen woe—
See how his tears for fallen Irad flow!
He claims thy friendship—generous hero, see,
Lost to himself, his fondness bleeds for me.—
To view the hapless Youth, distress'd he fears.
Would wound my soul, and force too copious tears.
But lead, oh lead me, where the Youth is borne!
Calm is my heart, nor will my bosom mourn—
So cold that heart, it yields no pitying sigh—
And see no tear bedews this marbled eye.
With gaze of keen distress, the charmer turn'd.—
Oh, generous Chief, to misery ever kind,—
Thou lov'st my sire—support his sinking mind!
Thy friendly wish delights to lessen woe—
See how his tears for fallen Irad flow!
He claims thy friendship—generous hero, see,
Lost to himself, his fondness bleeds for me.—
To view the hapless Youth, distress'd he fears.
Would wound my soul, and force too copious tears.
But lead, oh lead me, where the Youth is borne!
Calm is my heart, nor will my bosom mourn—
So cold that heart, it yields no pitying sigh—
And see no tear bedews this marbled eye.
She said, and look'd resistless; soft reclin'd
On Joshua's arm, she forc'd his melting mind.
Pressing her hand, he trac'd a gentle way,
Where breathless Irad, lost in slumbers lay.
From the pale face his chilling hand withdrew
The decent veil, and gave the Youth to view.
Fix'd o'er the form, with solemn gaze she hung,
And strong, deep sighs burst o'er her frozen tongue.
On Joshua then she cast a wishful look;
Wild was her tearless eye, and rolling spoke
Anguish unutterable. Thrice she tried
To vent her woes, and thrice her efforts died.
At length, in accents of ecstatic grief,
Her voice bewilder'd, gave her heart relief.
On Joshua's arm, she forc'd his melting mind.
Pressing her hand, he trac'd a gentle way,
Where breathless Irad, lost in slumbers lay.
From the pale face his chilling hand withdrew
The decent veil, and gave the Youth to view.
Fix'd o'er the form, with solemn gaze she hung,
And strong, deep sighs burst o'er her frozen tongue.
On Joshua then she cast a wishful look;
Wild was her tearless eye, and rolling spoke
Anguish unutterable. Thrice she tried
To vent her woes, and thrice her efforts died.
At length, in accents of ecstatic grief,
Her voice bewilder'd, gave her heart relief.
209
Is this the doom we dread?—is this to die?
To sleep?—to feel no more?—to close the eye?—
Slight is the change—how vain the childish fear,
That trembles, and recoils, when death is near?
I too, methinks, would share the peaceful doom,
And seek a calm repose in Irad's tomb.
This breath I know, this useless breath must fail,
These eyes be darken'd, and this face grow pale—
But thou art pale, oh Youth! thy lot I crave,
And every grief shall vanish in the grave.
To sleep?—to feel no more?—to close the eye?—
Slight is the change—how vain the childish fear,
That trembles, and recoils, when death is near?
I too, methinks, would share the peaceful doom,
And seek a calm repose in Irad's tomb.
This breath I know, this useless breath must fail,
These eyes be darken'd, and this face grow pale—
But thou art pale, oh Youth! thy lot I crave,
And every grief shall vanish in the grave.
She ceas'd, the tender chief without delay,
Soft pressing, kindly forc'd her steps away.
Slow tow'rd the camp, with solemn pace, they drew;
The corse moves on; the mournful bands pursue.
Pale Uzal follows, virtuous now no more;
And brave Shelumiel, black with clotted gore.
Unnumber'd tears their hapless fate bewail,
And voice to voice resounds the dreadful tale.
But Irad, matchless Irad, call'd in vain,
Breathes wide a solemn sadness round the plain:
Unhappy, to their tents the host retir'd,
And gradual; o'er the mountains day expir'd.
Soft pressing, kindly forc'd her steps away.
Slow tow'rd the camp, with solemn pace, they drew;
The corse moves on; the mournful bands pursue.
Pale Uzal follows, virtuous now no more;
And brave Shelumiel, black with clotted gore.
Unnumber'd tears their hapless fate bewail,
And voice to voice resounds the dreadful tale.
But Irad, matchless Irad, call'd in vain,
Breathes wide a solemn sadness round the plain:
Unhappy, to their tents the host retir'd,
And gradual; o'er the mountains day expir'd.
| The conquest of Canäan | |