The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker Edited from the original manuscripts and annotated copies together with a prefatory notice and bibliography by Alfred Wallis |
 |
 |
|
|
DEBORAH'S SONG |
 | The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker |  |
DEBORAH'S SONG
Warriors of Israel! sheathe the sword,
And dash the waving plume away,
With triumph spread the festal board,
And shout on high the joyful lay.
Fallen is the pride of Jabin's host,
And ceased the triumph of the foe;
Yet let not Israel's warriors boast,
A woman's hand hath dealt the blow.
And dash the waving plume away,
With triumph spread the festal board,
And shout on high the joyful lay.
281
And ceased the triumph of the foe;
Yet let not Israel's warriors boast,
A woman's hand hath dealt the blow.
Frail though by nature woman be,
Ill fit to lift the avenging rod,
Yet is her soul from weakness free,
And strong, the instrument of God.
Loud is the wail in Jabin's band,
And deep the woe their souls must feel.
Where is their chief's resistless hand?
Where his proud arm and vengeful steel?
Ill fit to lift the avenging rod,
Yet is her soul from weakness free,
And strong, the instrument of God.
Loud is the wail in Jabin's band,
And deep the woe their souls must feel.
Where is their chief's resistless hand?
Where his proud arm and vengeful steel?
He died a death that none should die,
Whate'er their deeds, whate'er their guilt,
His pangs were dear to woman's eye,
By woman's hand his blood was spilt:
For him no hostile bow was bent,
For him was drawn no foeman's sword:
His death-place was the peaceful tent,
His death, the judgment of the Lord!
Whate'er their deeds, whate'er their guilt,
His pangs were dear to woman's eye,
By woman's hand his blood was spilt:
For him no hostile bow was bent,
For him was drawn no foeman's sword:
His death-place was the peaceful tent,
His death, the judgment of the Lord!
| The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker | |