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53
RIZPAH, DAUGHTER OF AIAH.
I
Under the changing sky,Under the clouded moon,
The earth gapes, white and dry,
But the rain cometh soon;
Yes! down from yon low skies
Rushes, at length, the rain;
Woman forlorn, arise!
Thou hast not crouched in vain,
Rizpah, daughter of Aiah.
II
Brave men have told the kingHow, scared away by thee,
Each ravenous fowl takes wing,
And wolves and panthers flee:
How thou hast wrestled here,
Despising ease and sleep,
Without a thought of fear,
Because thy love is deep,
Rizpah, daughter of Aiah.
54
III
Therefore, in sight of all,A proud tomb is begun,
To hold the bones of Saul,
And Jonathan, his son;
There too, in calm repose,
From insult safe, shall dwell
The stately forms of those
Whom thou hast watched so well,
Rizpah, daughter of Aiah.
IV
And whilst the ages rollThrough Time's unsounded deep,
Thy true and tender soul
A magic life shall keep;
Maidens shall muse alone,
And mothers' hearts be stirred,
Where'er thy deeds are known,
Where'er thy name is heard,
Rizpah, daughter of Aiah.
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