Messiah A Poem, in Twenty-Eight Books. By Joseph Cottle |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. | BOOK XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
 | Messiah |  |
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BOOK XVIII.
Saul. Abner. David. Ahithophel.
By Envy fierce, by towering thoughts opprest,
By Wrath th' imperious tyrant of the breast;
From folly to presumption, hurrying still,
The mind of Saul all evil passions fill.
His slave-like Sycophants, around, he sees,
Eager, whate'er the cost, their King to please;
Who abject flattery pour upon his ears,
He listens to their voice, nor danger fears;
Till he believes (high privileged of birth!)
Himself disgraced by ties to man, and earth,
Looks scornful, from his perilous ascent,
On all beside who breathe the firmament.
Can the Pure Spirit dwell in such a mind?
Where Hate her revel holds, with Fury blind?
Wild are his ways, o'er whom e'en Demons sigh,
Who has no Light below, no Star on high!
Deserted by the still small voice, within,
And left the slave of Folly, as of Sin.
Lo! now, to punish (as his crimes augment)
An Evil Spirit from the Lord is sent!
So Lamb-like, that the Demon few abhor,
A Spirit, in an Evil Counsellor!
The moment hastes, when one his chosen guide,
Will fan the Fire of Jealousy and Pride;
Foment Suspicion, till to War, it rise,
And be his Dark Familiar, in disguise.
By Wrath th' imperious tyrant of the breast;
From folly to presumption, hurrying still,
The mind of Saul all evil passions fill.
His slave-like Sycophants, around, he sees,
Eager, whate'er the cost, their King to please;
Who abject flattery pour upon his ears,
He listens to their voice, nor danger fears;
Till he believes (high privileged of birth!)
Himself disgraced by ties to man, and earth,
Looks scornful, from his perilous ascent,
On all beside who breathe the firmament.
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Where Hate her revel holds, with Fury blind?
Wild are his ways, o'er whom e'en Demons sigh,
Who has no Light below, no Star on high!
Deserted by the still small voice, within,
And left the slave of Folly, as of Sin.
Lo! now, to punish (as his crimes augment)
An Evil Spirit from the Lord is sent!
So Lamb-like, that the Demon few abhor,
A Spirit, in an Evil Counsellor!
The moment hastes, when one his chosen guide,
Will fan the Fire of Jealousy and Pride;
Foment Suspicion, till to War, it rise,
And be his Dark Familiar, in disguise.
Saul, from his seat upstarts, with rolling eye:
Thus to his Mighty Men and Captains nigh,
He, in th' impetuous gust of passion, raves,
“Avaunt, Oh, Worms of Earth! Hence, abject slaves!”
“Prompt to obey (alike the small and great)
“Kings, and but Kings, on me their Lord, shall wait!
Thus to his Mighty Men and Captains nigh,
He, in th' impetuous gust of passion, raves,
“Avaunt, Oh, Worms of Earth! Hence, abject slaves!”
“Prompt to obey (alike the small and great)
“Kings, and but Kings, on me their Lord, shall wait!
Joab on Saul, in silent anguish, gazed,
The sigh sent forth, the hand instinctive raised.
A Harp was near; he seized it, and the chord
Swept to assuage the fury of his Lord!
Saul, at the sound, in tranquil wonder stood.
“How fresh'ning to my spirit! Oh! how good!”
Eager he cried “Throw back thy hand again,
“And let me live beneath that magic strain!”
The sigh sent forth, the hand instinctive raised.
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Swept to assuage the fury of his Lord!
Saul, at the sound, in tranquil wonder stood.
“How fresh'ning to my spirit! Oh! how good!”
Eager he cried “Throw back thy hand again,
“And let me live beneath that magic strain!”
Joab, submissive spake. “Poor power is mine
“To move the heart with tender touch divine,
“But there is one on Bethlehem's mountains near,
“Whose matchless strains, Angels might stoop to hear.
“Late as I past, while Eve her fragrance threw,
“And the red cloud, still faint and fainter grew,
“Upon my ear such sounds mellifluous stole,
“That, pausing, love and wonder fill'd my soul.
“I hasten'd to a house, not built for fame,
“A turf-raised Shepherd's dwelling, whence they came,
“And, at the door, long paused to hear the song,
“Now faint as breezes, now as torrents strong.
“Till the last note expired upon the air,
“I felt it were a sin to enter there.
“By silence now embolden'd, I inquired
“What sounds were those which thus my breast inspired.
“Before me stood a simple Shepherd Lad,
“Of aspect ruddy, and in russet clad.
“If thou, Oh, King! would'st hear a Harp so rare,
“Speak, and this Mountain Youth shall soothe thy care!”
“Fly!” Saul exclaim'd. “His Harp shall be my pride,
“Music can rouse, when all is dead beside.”
“To move the heart with tender touch divine,
“But there is one on Bethlehem's mountains near,
“Whose matchless strains, Angels might stoop to hear.
“Late as I past, while Eve her fragrance threw,
“And the red cloud, still faint and fainter grew,
“Upon my ear such sounds mellifluous stole,
“That, pausing, love and wonder fill'd my soul.
“I hasten'd to a house, not built for fame,
“A turf-raised Shepherd's dwelling, whence they came,
“And, at the door, long paused to hear the song,
“Now faint as breezes, now as torrents strong.
“Till the last note expired upon the air,
“I felt it were a sin to enter there.
“By silence now embolden'd, I inquired
“What sounds were those which thus my breast inspired.
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“Of aspect ruddy, and in russet clad.
“If thou, Oh, King! would'st hear a Harp so rare,
“Speak, and this Mountain Youth shall soothe thy care!”
“Fly!” Saul exclaim'd. “His Harp shall be my pride,
“Music can rouse, when all is dead beside.”
The Warrior now on Bethlehem's hills appears,
Seeking the Lad, but nought of pipe he hears:
Shepherd and flock are vanish'd. Now again,
He lists to catch some distant note! In vain!
It is the whistling wind. He gazes round,
But all is bleak and lonely. Mountains bound
His utmost sight, with trees, half dead and grey,
Thin scatter'd, 'mid the rock, and stony way,
That but the Desolation more display.
The Youthful Story crowds upon his mind
Of Wood-Nymphs, and Aerial Beings kind,
Who oft, for sport, the wondering mortal cheat
With sounds and semblances, and visions sweet,
That (for a moment) charm, in fair array,
And instant, like the sun-beam, pass away.
And now he thinks, if ever such hath been,
The sight he saw, of turf-raised cottage green,
The youth, the music, and the evening hour,
Was such, no fancy, some supernal power!
On Sprights he thinks, of darker influence,
Who arrows shoot, unknowing how, or whence!
The thing deem'd possible, now, seems to be!
The neighbouring crag hath shapes of mystery!
He turns and hastens down the mountain's side!
Ah! now he runs! and he who man defied
O'erpowered by Fancy's unsubstantial fear,
Flees for his life, and fleeing seems to hear
Some wild and Goblin rout, terrific, near!
Seeking the Lad, but nought of pipe he hears:
Shepherd and flock are vanish'd. Now again,
He lists to catch some distant note! In vain!
It is the whistling wind. He gazes round,
But all is bleak and lonely. Mountains bound
His utmost sight, with trees, half dead and grey,
Thin scatter'd, 'mid the rock, and stony way,
That but the Desolation more display.
The Youthful Story crowds upon his mind
Of Wood-Nymphs, and Aerial Beings kind,
Who oft, for sport, the wondering mortal cheat
With sounds and semblances, and visions sweet,
That (for a moment) charm, in fair array,
And instant, like the sun-beam, pass away.
And now he thinks, if ever such hath been,
The sight he saw, of turf-raised cottage green,
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Was such, no fancy, some supernal power!
On Sprights he thinks, of darker influence,
Who arrows shoot, unknowing how, or whence!
The thing deem'd possible, now, seems to be!
The neighbouring crag hath shapes of mystery!
He turns and hastens down the mountain's side!
Ah! now he runs! and he who man defied
O'erpowered by Fancy's unsubstantial fear,
Flees for his life, and fleeing seems to hear
Some wild and Goblin rout, terrific, near!
Nigh to the base arrived, a Kid he spies.
The spell is burst! Around, he casts his eyes,
Cautious, to see if mortal there were found,
Who saw Saul's Warrior, Joab! trembling, bound
Down from the mountain peak! No eye was there!
And now he fain to war would Lions dare.
He meets, in hurrying pace, a Rustic old,
Seeking the wandering truant from his fold;
“Tell me!” cried Joab. 'Mid this dreary place,
“Suited alone for beasts of savage race,
“Whose Lad is that who on the Pipe doth raise
“Such notes that he who hears must pause and praise!”
“The Pride of Bethlehem!” the Rustic spake.
“One Lad alone such moving tones can wake,
“Old Jesse's Son! whom Heaven preserve and bless!
“From morn, till eve, the sky, in gold, doth dress,
“His pipe delights our rocky wilderness!”
The spell is burst! Around, he casts his eyes,
Cautious, to see if mortal there were found,
Who saw Saul's Warrior, Joab! trembling, bound
Down from the mountain peak! No eye was there!
And now he fain to war would Lions dare.
He meets, in hurrying pace, a Rustic old,
Seeking the wandering truant from his fold;
“Tell me!” cried Joab. 'Mid this dreary place,
“Suited alone for beasts of savage race,
“Whose Lad is that who on the Pipe doth raise
“Such notes that he who hears must pause and praise!”
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“One Lad alone such moving tones can wake,
“Old Jesse's Son! whom Heaven preserve and bless!
“From morn, till eve, the sky, in gold, doth dress,
“His pipe delights our rocky wilderness!”
Joab at Jesse's humble tent appears.
The Mother hastens out, o'erwhelm'd with fears,
The Father, slow approaching, homage paid,
“Com'st thou in peace, my Lord!” In peace,” he said.
Joab again. “Is it thy ruddy Child,
“Whose harp makes vocal yonder hill-top wild?”
The impatient Mother cried, “My youngest Boy!
“His Father's hope, his doting Mother's joy!
“Behold him here!” David drew nigh and bow'd.
“The same!” spake Joab. “Not to every cloud
“That hangs upon the misty mountain's head,
“Or to the quiet sheep that round thee spread,
“Shalt thou attune thy harp. Before our King,
“Hence, shalt thou sweep thy spirit-stirring string!”
The Mother hastens out, o'erwhelm'd with fears,
The Father, slow approaching, homage paid,
“Com'st thou in peace, my Lord!” In peace,” he said.
Joab again. “Is it thy ruddy Child,
“Whose harp makes vocal yonder hill-top wild?”
The impatient Mother cried, “My youngest Boy!
“His Father's hope, his doting Mother's joy!
“Behold him here!” David drew nigh and bow'd.
“The same!” spake Joab. “Not to every cloud
“That hangs upon the misty mountain's head,
“Or to the quiet sheep that round thee spread,
“Shalt thou attune thy harp. Before our King,
“Hence, shalt thou sweep thy spirit-stirring string!”
The Mother joyful look'd. The Father sigh'd.
Thus he began. “Oh, David, by my side,
“I trusted thou should'st long forbear to know
“The flattering snares that round a monarch flow.”
David replied. “My Father, ever dear!
“Where'er my home, thee shall I still revere;
“Thy precepts prize, next to the Page Divine,
“And strive to make thy bright example mine!”
Jesse no answer made but heaved the sigh,
Whilst she, of late, so bold, (with parting nigh)
Said, as she veil'd her face, opprest with woe,
“Stop yet awhile, I cannot let thee go!”
The warlike Chief now hastes, with mighty stride,
To seek the King, young David by his side,
(Bearing his harp, with shorter step, and fast)
And now, for kings and courts, they both have past.
Thus he began. “Oh, David, by my side,
“I trusted thou should'st long forbear to know
“The flattering snares that round a monarch flow.”
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“Where'er my home, thee shall I still revere;
“Thy precepts prize, next to the Page Divine,
“And strive to make thy bright example mine!”
Jesse no answer made but heaved the sigh,
Whilst she, of late, so bold, (with parting nigh)
Said, as she veil'd her face, opprest with woe,
“Stop yet awhile, I cannot let thee go!”
The warlike Chief now hastes, with mighty stride,
To seek the King, young David by his side,
(Bearing his harp, with shorter step, and fast)
And now, for kings and courts, they both have past.
Amid the palace, where, in royal state,
Eclipsing eastern pomp (whilst crowds await
The faintest nod, obedience prompt to pay)
Saul, clothed with Tyrian vest, in slumber lay!
Roused from his sloth, by some approaching sound,
He starts, whilst consternation reigns around!
Joab advancing, now, with plume and spear,
Bows to the King, young David trembling near!
Saul thus. “Is this the Shepherd Youth, so skill'd
“To tune the harp, with wit and wisdom fill'd?”
“This is the Youth!” Joab, obeisant, spake.
“The song!” cried Saul. With heart and hands that shake,
The ruddy Shepherd touch'd the thrilling string,
Now tender, now up-soaring, on the wing
Of earth-disdaining eagle; then, again,
Descending from his strength to humbler strain.
Saul shouted. “Bring the crimson robe of state!
“Upon this rustic, let the proudest wait!
“Whom I delight to honour shall arise,
“And all but me, lords, princes, kings despise!”
Eclipsing eastern pomp (whilst crowds await
The faintest nod, obedience prompt to pay)
Saul, clothed with Tyrian vest, in slumber lay!
Roused from his sloth, by some approaching sound,
He starts, whilst consternation reigns around!
Joab advancing, now, with plume and spear,
Bows to the King, young David trembling near!
Saul thus. “Is this the Shepherd Youth, so skill'd
“To tune the harp, with wit and wisdom fill'd?”
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“The song!” cried Saul. With heart and hands that shake,
The ruddy Shepherd touch'd the thrilling string,
Now tender, now up-soaring, on the wing
Of earth-disdaining eagle; then, again,
Descending from his strength to humbler strain.
Saul shouted. “Bring the crimson robe of state!
“Upon this rustic, let the proudest wait!
“Whom I delight to honour shall arise,
“And all but me, lords, princes, kings despise!”
One, 'mid the crowd, his aspect sore and sad,
With look askance, gazed furious at the Lad;
Muttering the secret curse, with half-closed eyes,
That one should o'er his head to honours rise.
Ahithophel, who own'd a heart of stone,
(Taught by his Sire to lie, and God disown)
Felt not the force of harmony's sweet tone.
All evil passions triumph'd in his breast;
His very smile, in aspect strange, was drest,
And when the lear of envy round he threw,
The eye that saw, revolting, back withdrew!
For David, bounding thus o'er all the great,
He felt th' intense of scorn, with mortal hate.
Hearing how Samuel late had downward sped,
And pour'd the Holy Oil on David's head,
Opprest with gladness, while with passion pale,
Earnest, to Saul, he hastes, to bear the tale!
With look askance, gazed furious at the Lad;
Muttering the secret curse, with half-closed eyes,
That one should o'er his head to honours rise.
Ahithophel, who own'd a heart of stone,
(Taught by his Sire to lie, and God disown)
Felt not the force of harmony's sweet tone.
All evil passions triumph'd in his breast;
His very smile, in aspect strange, was drest,
And when the lear of envy round he threw,
The eye that saw, revolting, back withdrew!
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He felt th' intense of scorn, with mortal hate.
Hearing how Samuel late had downward sped,
And pour'd the Holy Oil on David's head,
Opprest with gladness, while with passion pale,
Earnest, to Saul, he hastes, to bear the tale!
Upon his couch, the King, in slumber lies.
Ahithophel draws near. “Thy slave!” he cries.
“Oh, pardon me! Such cause awakes my fear,
“That I must speak, and thou, Oh, Saul! must hear!
“Thy name! Thy throne! Thy race! all tottering stand!
“Samuel, the Prophet, bane of Israel's land!
“Nursing disdain of thee, and to display
“Vain power which strives to rule, where none obey!
“Hath one anointed, traitor vile and vain!
“To hurl thee down, and in thy stead to reign!”
Ahithophel draws near. “Thy slave!” he cries.
“Oh, pardon me! Such cause awakes my fear,
“That I must speak, and thou, Oh, Saul! must hear!
“Thy name! Thy throne! Thy race! all tottering stand!
“Samuel, the Prophet, bane of Israel's land!
“Nursing disdain of thee, and to display
“Vain power which strives to rule, where none obey!
“Hath one anointed, traitor vile and vain!
“To hurl thee down, and in thy stead to reign!”
The Monarch, rising, with portentous ire,
Answer'd. “In restless dreams of flood and fire,
“Unused, I lay, writhing upon my bed,
“'Till, at thy voice, the scaring vision fled!
“Thou hast disclosed the cause! Th' Anointed Head,
“The Rebel Prophet, I behold them dead!
“Declare the Culprit, who, to madness prone,
“Dares to look up, unshuddering, at my throne!”
Answer'd. “In restless dreams of flood and fire,
“Unused, I lay, writhing upon my bed,
“'Till, at thy voice, the scaring vision fled!
“Thou hast disclosed the cause! Th' Anointed Head,
“The Rebel Prophet, I behold them dead!
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“Dares to look up, unshuddering, at my throne!”
Ahithophel replied. “Not far is he!
“It is the Youth, whose gentle minstrelsy
“So dwells upon thine ear! the Shepherd Lad,
“So late in sackcloth, now in purple clad;
“He, serpent-like of heart, to madness prone,
“He lifts the daring eye to Israel's throne!
“Hear me, Oh, King! Call up thy fierce disdain!
“Uproot the guilty, and still live and reign!”
“It is the Youth, whose gentle minstrelsy
“So dwells upon thine ear! the Shepherd Lad,
“So late in sackcloth, now in purple clad;
“He, serpent-like of heart, to madness prone,
“He lifts the daring eye to Israel's throne!
“Hear me, Oh, King! Call up thy fierce disdain!
“Uproot the guilty, and still live and reign!”
David, before the King, in fetters bound,
Stands trembling, with the envious crowd around,
Saul scornful thus. “Art thou, so poor and mean,
“My rival! Thou, the secret grand machine
“Ordain'd to move an empire! If such thought
“Hath ever in thy heart a tumult wrought,
“It is the evening cloud, just seen to fly,
“For, ere an hour, Oh, Traitor! thou shalt die!”
Stands trembling, with the envious crowd around,
Saul scornful thus. “Art thou, so poor and mean,
“My rival! Thou, the secret grand machine
“Ordain'd to move an empire! If such thought
“Hath ever in thy heart a tumult wrought,
“It is the evening cloud, just seen to fly,
“For, ere an hour, Oh, Traitor! thou shalt die!”
David, in terror, heard, when Joab cried,
“Oh, King! allay thine anger! Tho' thou chide,
“I must for David plead, to some so dear!
“I saw his Mother shed the parting tear!
“I heard his aged Father, weeping, say
“‘Oh! Son, within my heart, I feel dismay!
“What if some harm should reach thee, and no Sire
“Be near, to soothe thy pangs, thy wants inquire!
“What if the ways of sin, which I forebode,
“Should tempt thy feet to tread the evil road!
“Oh! what if thou should'st death's dark vale explore,
“And he who loves thee, never see thee more!'
“Oh, King! one prayer, one warm request is mine—
“If I have loved thee, served thee, Oh, incline
“To mercy, heavenly attribute! and give
“The word that bids the Youthful Shepherd live!”
Saul, thus replied. “Joab, thy prayer is vain!
“An Angel's pleading voice would I disdain!”
“Oh, King! allay thine anger! Tho' thou chide,
“I must for David plead, to some so dear!
“I saw his Mother shed the parting tear!
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“‘Oh! Son, within my heart, I feel dismay!
“What if some harm should reach thee, and no Sire
“Be near, to soothe thy pangs, thy wants inquire!
“What if the ways of sin, which I forebode,
“Should tempt thy feet to tread the evil road!
“Oh! what if thou should'st death's dark vale explore,
“And he who loves thee, never see thee more!'
“Oh, King! one prayer, one warm request is mine—
“If I have loved thee, served thee, Oh, incline
“To mercy, heavenly attribute! and give
“The word that bids the Youthful Shepherd live!”
Saul, thus replied. “Joab, thy prayer is vain!
“An Angel's pleading voice would I disdain!”
David, in wilder'd glance, look'd eager round!
His Harp was near! With a convulsive bound,
He seized it, and awoke its sweetest sound!
Ahithophel had torn the strings away,
But Saul, his hand uplifting, utter'd, “Stay!”
The Minstrel read the presage, and, still higher,
In majesty unwonted swept the lyre,
Unfolding to the heart such secret ways,
That all, by silence, best proclaim'd their praise.
From loftiest height descending, once again,
In cadence soft, he woke the plaintive strain,
So tender, in such notes of liquid sound,
That every eye the tear unconscious drown'd.
“Stop!” said the King. “It were a heart of steel,
“Not at thy giddy notes delight to feel.
“I have no power to slay thee! Haste, and say,
“Music hath charm'd the lion o'er his prey!”
David (no pause between) obedient bow'd,
Then hasten'd, speechless, trembling, thro' the crowd!
His Harp was near! With a convulsive bound,
He seized it, and awoke its sweetest sound!
Ahithophel had torn the strings away,
But Saul, his hand uplifting, utter'd, “Stay!”
The Minstrel read the presage, and, still higher,
In majesty unwonted swept the lyre,
Unfolding to the heart such secret ways,
That all, by silence, best proclaim'd their praise.
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In cadence soft, he woke the plaintive strain,
So tender, in such notes of liquid sound,
That every eye the tear unconscious drown'd.
“Stop!” said the King. “It were a heart of steel,
“Not at thy giddy notes delight to feel.
“I have no power to slay thee! Haste, and say,
“Music hath charm'd the lion o'er his prey!”
David (no pause between) obedient bow'd,
Then hasten'd, speechless, trembling, thro' the crowd!
Scarce had the Son of Jesse left the place,
When Saul exclaim'd, rage bursting from his face!
“David, yon simple youth, nor proud, nor bold,
“Born to direct the sheep and tend the fold,
“I blame not him. Samuel, the Prophet vain,
“He shall endure the storm of my disdain!
“Abner! This hour, prepare our fiercest band!
“Justice, in Samuel's death, shall purge our land!
“I learnt of old, that Traitor was my foe!
“And he, a Monarch's vengeance, now shall know!
“For pity he may plead, but ere I turn
“At human tear, yon sun shall cease to burn!”
When Saul exclaim'd, rage bursting from his face!
“David, yon simple youth, nor proud, nor bold,
“Born to direct the sheep and tend the fold,
“I blame not him. Samuel, the Prophet vain,
“He shall endure the storm of my disdain!
“Abner! This hour, prepare our fiercest band!
“Justice, in Samuel's death, shall purge our land!
“I learnt of old, that Traitor was my foe!
“And he, a Monarch's vengeance, now shall know!
“For pity he may plead, but ere I turn
“At human tear, yon sun shall cease to burn!”
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To Ramah, in his wrath, the Monarch speeds,
Feeding, the while, on fierce and deathful deeds!
Saul enters now, the Prophet's tent serene.
No voice is heard! No busy step is seen!
From a near board, whereon he lean'd his head,
A Servant, rising, spake (his hands outspread)
“Samuel, the Prophet of the Lord, is dead!”
“Behold him there, stretch'd silent on the bier,
“And for my Master, lo! I drop the tear!”
Feeding, the while, on fierce and deathful deeds!
Saul enters now, the Prophet's tent serene.
No voice is heard! No busy step is seen!
From a near board, whereon he lean'd his head,
A Servant, rising, spake (his hands outspread)
“Samuel, the Prophet of the Lord, is dead!”
“Behold him there, stretch'd silent on the bier,
“And for my Master, lo! I drop the tear!”
(Wrapping his mantle round his arms) his eyes
Saul instant veils, and in compunction cries.
“Thou art in Heaven, my Father! Can it be,
“That I should seek thy life, once dear to me!
“And reverenced still! The demon power within
“Hath madly urged me to this towering sin!”
Saul instant veils, and in compunction cries.
“Thou art in Heaven, my Father! Can it be,
“That I should seek thy life, once dear to me!
“And reverenced still! The demon power within
“Hath madly urged me to this towering sin!”
While speaking thus, Samuel
himself arose!
The look of stern upbraiding round he throws!
(The Servant starts! Saul and his followers near,
Retreating, in wild gaze, proclaim their fear!)
Thus he began. “The Vision deep was mine!
“My spirit Earth had left for Scenes Divine!”
Beholding Saul, he cried, whilst, in his eye,
A frown majestic kindled fearfully!
“Why here?” Then Saul perceived, amid affright,
How small were Kings, when Prophets were in sight!
Trembling he said. “Oh, Sire! with spirit meek,
“Thy blessing, first of gifts, I come to seek!”
There was a pause around! when Samuel spake.
“Would'st thou deceive thy Father? Should I wake
“To vengeance, where, Oh! Saul, would'st thou be found!
“Unwittingly, thou tread'st on awful ground!
“Shall I ‘for pity plead!’ I ‘drop the tear!’
“The quivering lip bespeaks thy mortal fear!
“Back, instant! and to Heaven look up, and say,
“Oh! give me to repent of this my way!”
Saul bow'd, but word he utter'd not again,
And, as he turn'd, he felt, in every vein,
Uncertainty, that shook his iron frame,
Whether from dealh! or life! the accents came!
The look of stern upbraiding round he throws!
(The Servant starts! Saul and his followers near,
Retreating, in wild gaze, proclaim their fear!)
Thus he began. “The Vision deep was mine!
“My spirit Earth had left for Scenes Divine!”
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A frown majestic kindled fearfully!
“Why here?” Then Saul perceived, amid affright,
How small were Kings, when Prophets were in sight!
Trembling he said. “Oh, Sire! with spirit meek,
“Thy blessing, first of gifts, I come to seek!”
There was a pause around! when Samuel spake.
“Would'st thou deceive thy Father? Should I wake
“To vengeance, where, Oh! Saul, would'st thou be found!
“Unwittingly, thou tread'st on awful ground!
“Shall I ‘for pity plead!’ I ‘drop the tear!’
“The quivering lip bespeaks thy mortal fear!
“Back, instant! and to Heaven look up, and say,
“Oh! give me to repent of this my way!”
Saul bow'd, but word he utter'd not again,
And, as he turn'd, he felt, in every vein,
Uncertainty, that shook his iron frame,
Whether from dealh! or life! the accents came!
| Messiah | |