The Works of Mr Abraham Cowley Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed: And Those which he Design'd for the Press, Now Published out of the Authors Original Copies ... The Text Edited by A. R. Waller |
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 | The Works of Mr Abraham Cowley |  |
Davideis,
A SACRED POEM OF THE TROUBLES OF DAVID.
Virg. Georg. 2.
Me verò primùm dulces ante omnia Musæ,
Quarum sacra fero ingenti percussus amore,
Accipiant, Cœliq; vias ac Sidera monstrent.
Quarum sacra fero ingenti percussus amore,
Accipiant, Cœliq; vias ac Sidera monstrent.
241
DAVIDEIS.
The first Book.
THE CONTENTS.
The Proposition. The Invocation. The entrance into the History from a new agreement betwixt Saul and David. A Description of Hell. The Devils Speech. Envys reply to him. Her appearing to Saul in the shape of Benjamin, her Speech and Sauls to himself after she was vanisht. A Description of Heaven. Gods Speech: he sends an Angel to David, the Angels Message to him. David sent for to play before Saul. A Digression concerning Musick. Davids Psalm. Saul attempts to kill him. His escape to his own house, from whence being pursued by the Kings Guard, by the artifice of his Wife Michol he escapes, and flies to Naioh, the Prophets Colledge at Ramah. Sauls speech, and rage at his escape. A long Digression describing the Prophets Colledge, and their manner of life there, and the ordinary subjects of their Poetry. Sauls Guards pursue David thither, and prophesie. Saul among the Prophets. He is compared to Balaam, whose Song concludes the Book.
242
I sing the Man who Judahs Scepter bore
In that right hand which held the Crook before;
Who from best Poet, best of Kings did grow;
The two chief gifts Heav'n could on Man bestow.
Much danger first, much toil did he sustain,
Whilst Saul and Hell crost his strong fate in vain.
Nor did his Crown less painful work afford;
Less exercise his Patience, or his Sword;
So long her Conque'ror Fortunes spight pursu'd;
Till with unwearied Virtue he subdu'd
All homebred Malice, and all forreign boasts;
Their strength was Armies, his the Lord of Hosts.
In that right hand which held the Crook before;
Who from best Poet, best of Kings did grow;
The two chief gifts Heav'n could on Man bestow.
Much danger first, much toil did he sustain,
Whilst Saul and Hell crost his strong fate in vain.
Nor did his Crown less painful work afford;
Less exercise his Patience, or his Sword;
So long her Conque'ror Fortunes spight pursu'd;
Till with unwearied Virtue he subdu'd
All homebred Malice, and all forreign boasts;
Their strength was Armies, his the Lord of Hosts.
Thou, who didst Davids royal stem adorn,
And gav'st him birth from whom thy self was't born.
Who didst in Triumph at Deaths Court appear,
And slew'st him with thy Nails, thy Cross and Spear,
Whilst Hells black Tyrant trembled to behold,
The glorious light he forfeited of old,
Who Heav'ns glad burden now, and justest pride,
Sit'st high enthron'd next thy great Fathers side,
(Where hallowed Flames help to adorn that Head
Which once the blushing Thorns environed,
Till crimson drops of precious blood hung down
Like Rubies to enrich thine humble Crown.)
Ev'en Thou my breast with such blest rage inspire,
As mov'd the tuneful strings of Davids Lyre,
Guid my bold steps with thine old trav'elling Flame,
In these untrodden paths to Sacred Fame;
Lo, with pure hands thy heav'enly Fires to take,
My well-chang'd Muse I a chast Vestal make!
From earths vain joys, and loves soft witchcraft free,
I consecrate my Magdalene to Thee!
Lo, this great work, a Temple to thy praise,
On polisht Pillars of strong Verse I raise!
A Temple, where if Thou vouchsafe to dwell,
It Solomons, and Herods shall excel.
Too long the Muses-Land have Heathen bin;
Their Gods too long were Dev'ils, and Vertues Sin;
But Thou, Eternal Word, hast call'd forth Me
Th' Apostle, to convert that World to Thee;
T' unbind the charms that in slight Fables lie,
And teach that Truth is truest Poesie.
And gav'st him birth from whom thy self was't born.
Who didst in Triumph at Deaths Court appear,
And slew'st him with thy Nails, thy Cross and Spear,
Whilst Hells black Tyrant trembled to behold,
The glorious light he forfeited of old,
Who Heav'ns glad burden now, and justest pride,
Sit'st high enthron'd next thy great Fathers side,
(Where hallowed Flames help to adorn that Head
Which once the blushing Thorns environed,
Till crimson drops of precious blood hung down
Like Rubies to enrich thine humble Crown.)
Ev'en Thou my breast with such blest rage inspire,
As mov'd the tuneful strings of Davids Lyre,
Guid my bold steps with thine old trav'elling Flame,
In these untrodden paths to Sacred Fame;
243
My well-chang'd Muse I a chast Vestal make!
From earths vain joys, and loves soft witchcraft free,
I consecrate my Magdalene to Thee!
Lo, this great work, a Temple to thy praise,
On polisht Pillars of strong Verse I raise!
A Temple, where if Thou vouchsafe to dwell,
It Solomons, and Herods shall excel.
Too long the Muses-Land have Heathen bin;
Their Gods too long were Dev'ils, and Vertues Sin;
But Thou, Eternal Word, hast call'd forth Me
Th' Apostle, to convert that World to Thee;
T' unbind the charms that in slight Fables lie,
And teach that Truth is truest Poesie.
The malice now of jealous Saul grew less,
O'recome by constant Virtue, and Success;
He grew at last more weary to command
New dangers, than young David to withstand
Or Conquer them; he fear'd his mastring Fate,
And envy'd him a Kings unpowerful Hate.
Well did he know how Palms by 'oppression speed,
Victorious, and the Victors sacred Meed!
The Burden lifts them higher. Well did he know,
How a tame stream does wild and dangerous grow
By unjust force; he now with wanton play,
Kisses the smiling Banks, and glides away,
But his known Channel stopt, begins to roare,
And swell with rage, and buffet the dull shore.
His mutinous waters hurry to the War,
And Troops of Waves come rolling from afar.
Then scorns he such weak stops to his free source,
And overruns the neighboring fields with violent course.
O'recome by constant Virtue, and Success;
He grew at last more weary to command
New dangers, than young David to withstand
Or Conquer them; he fear'd his mastring Fate,
And envy'd him a Kings unpowerful Hate.
Well did he know how Palms by 'oppression speed,
Victorious, and the Victors sacred Meed!
The Burden lifts them higher. Well did he know,
How a tame stream does wild and dangerous grow
By unjust force; he now with wanton play,
Kisses the smiling Banks, and glides away,
But his known Channel stopt, begins to roare,
And swell with rage, and buffet the dull shore.
His mutinous waters hurry to the War,
And Troops of Waves come rolling from afar.
Then scorns he such weak stops to his free source,
And overruns the neighboring fields with violent course.
This knew the Tyrant, and this useful thought
His wounded mind to health and temper brought.
He old kind vows to David did renew,
Swore constancy, and meant his oath for true.
A general joy at this glad news appear'd,
For David all men lov'd, and Saul they fear'd.
Angels and Men did Peace, and David love,
But Hell did neither Him, nor That approve;
From mans agreement fierce Alarms they take;
And Quiet here, does there new Business make.
His wounded mind to health and temper brought.
He old kind vows to David did renew,
Swore constancy, and meant his oath for true.
A general joy at this glad news appear'd,
For David all men lov'd, and Saul they fear'd.
Angels and Men did Peace, and David love,
But Hell did neither Him, nor That approve;
244
And Quiet here, does there new Business make.
Beneath the silent chambers of the earth,
Where the Suns fruitful beams give metals birth,
Where he the growth of fatal Gold does see,
Gold which above more Influence has than He.
Beneath the dens where unfletcht Tempests lye,
And infant Winds their tender Voyces try,
Beneath the mighty Oceans wealthy Caves,
Beneath th' eternal Fountain of all Waves,
Where their vast Court the Mother-waters keep,
And undisturb'd by Moons in silence sleep,
There is a place deep, wondrous deep below,
Which genuine Night and Horrour does o'reflow;
No bound controls th' unwearied space, but Hell
Endless as those dire pains that in it dwell.
Here no dear glimpse of the Suns lovely face,
Strikes through the Solid darkness of the place;
No dawning Morn does her kind reds display;
One slight weak beam would here be thought the Day.
No gentle stars with their fair Gems of Light
Offend the tyr'anous and unquestion'd Night.
Here Lucifer the mighty Captive reigns;
Proud, 'midst his Woes, and Tyrant in his Chains.
Once General of a guilded Host of Sprights,
Like Hesper, leading forth the spangled Nights.
But down like Lightning, which him struck, he came;
And roar'd at his first plunge into the Flame.
Myriads of Spirits fell wounded round him there;
With dropping Lights thick shone the singed Air.
Since when the dismal Solace of their wo,
Has only been weak Mankind to undo;
Themselves at first against themselves they 'excite,
(Their dearest Conquest, and most proud delight)
And if those Mines of secret Treason fail,
With open force mans Vertue they assail;
Unable to corrupt, seek to destroy;
And where their Poysons miss, the Sword employ.
Thus sought the Tyrant Fiend young Davids fall;
And 'gainst him arm'd the pow'erful rage of Saul.
He saw the beauties of his shape and face,
His female sweetness, and his manly grace,
He saw the nobler wonders of his Mind,
Great Gifts, which for Great Works he knew design'd.
He saw (t' ashame the strength of Man and Hell)
How by's young hands their Gathite Champion fell.
He saw the reverend Prophet boldly shed
The Royal Drops round his Enlarged Head.
And well he knew what Legacy did place,
The sacred Scepter in blest Judahs race,
From which th' Eternal Shilo was to spring;
A Knowledge which new Hells to Hell did bring!
And though no less he knew himself too weak
The smallest Link of strong-wrought Fate to break;
Yet would he rage, and struggle with the Chain;
Lov'd to Rebel though sure that 'twas in vain.
And now it broke his form'd design, to find
The gentle change of Sauls recov'ering Mind.
He trusted much in Saul, and rag'ed, and griev'd
(The great Deceiver) to be Himself Deceiv'd.
Thrice did he knock his Iron teeth, thrice howl,
And into frowns his wrathful forehead rowl.
His eyes dart forth red flames which scare the Night,
And with worse Fires the trembling Ghosts affright.
A Troop of gastly Fiends compass him round,
And greedily catch at his lips fear'd sound.
Where the Suns fruitful beams give metals birth,
Where he the growth of fatal Gold does see,
Gold which above more Influence has than He.
Beneath the dens where unfletcht Tempests lye,
And infant Winds their tender Voyces try,
Beneath the mighty Oceans wealthy Caves,
Beneath th' eternal Fountain of all Waves,
Where their vast Court the Mother-waters keep,
And undisturb'd by Moons in silence sleep,
There is a place deep, wondrous deep below,
Which genuine Night and Horrour does o'reflow;
No bound controls th' unwearied space, but Hell
Endless as those dire pains that in it dwell.
Here no dear glimpse of the Suns lovely face,
Strikes through the Solid darkness of the place;
No dawning Morn does her kind reds display;
One slight weak beam would here be thought the Day.
No gentle stars with their fair Gems of Light
Offend the tyr'anous and unquestion'd Night.
Here Lucifer the mighty Captive reigns;
Proud, 'midst his Woes, and Tyrant in his Chains.
Once General of a guilded Host of Sprights,
Like Hesper, leading forth the spangled Nights.
But down like Lightning, which him struck, he came;
And roar'd at his first plunge into the Flame.
Myriads of Spirits fell wounded round him there;
With dropping Lights thick shone the singed Air.
Since when the dismal Solace of their wo,
Has only been weak Mankind to undo;
Themselves at first against themselves they 'excite,
(Their dearest Conquest, and most proud delight)
And if those Mines of secret Treason fail,
With open force mans Vertue they assail;
Unable to corrupt, seek to destroy;
And where their Poysons miss, the Sword employ.
Thus sought the Tyrant Fiend young Davids fall;
And 'gainst him arm'd the pow'erful rage of Saul.
245
His female sweetness, and his manly grace,
He saw the nobler wonders of his Mind,
Great Gifts, which for Great Works he knew design'd.
He saw (t' ashame the strength of Man and Hell)
How by's young hands their Gathite Champion fell.
He saw the reverend Prophet boldly shed
The Royal Drops round his Enlarged Head.
And well he knew what Legacy did place,
The sacred Scepter in blest Judahs race,
From which th' Eternal Shilo was to spring;
A Knowledge which new Hells to Hell did bring!
And though no less he knew himself too weak
The smallest Link of strong-wrought Fate to break;
Yet would he rage, and struggle with the Chain;
Lov'd to Rebel though sure that 'twas in vain.
And now it broke his form'd design, to find
The gentle change of Sauls recov'ering Mind.
He trusted much in Saul, and rag'ed, and griev'd
(The great Deceiver) to be Himself Deceiv'd.
Thrice did he knock his Iron teeth, thrice howl,
And into frowns his wrathful forehead rowl.
His eyes dart forth red flames which scare the Night,
And with worse Fires the trembling Ghosts affright.
A Troop of gastly Fiends compass him round,
And greedily catch at his lips fear'd sound.
Are we such Nothings then (said He) Our will
Crost by a Shepherds Boy? and you yet still
Play with your idle Serpents here? dares none
Attempt what becomes Furies? are ye grown
Benum'd with Fear, or Vertues sprightless cold,
You, who were once (I'm sure) so brave and bold?
Oh my ill-chang'd condition! oh my fate!
Did I lose Heav'en for this?
With that, with his long tail he lasht his breast,
And horribly spoke out in Looks the rest.
The quaking Pow'ers of Night stood in amaze,
And at each other first could only gaze.
A dreadful Silence fill'd the hollow place,
Doubling the native terrour of Hells face;
Rivers of flaming Brimstone, which before
So loudly rag'd, crept softly by the shore;
No hiss of Snakes, no clanck of Chains was known,
The Souls amidst their Tortures durst not groan.
Crost by a Shepherds Boy? and you yet still
Play with your idle Serpents here? dares none
Attempt what becomes Furies? are ye grown
Benum'd with Fear, or Vertues sprightless cold,
You, who were once (I'm sure) so brave and bold?
Oh my ill-chang'd condition! oh my fate!
Did I lose Heav'en for this?
With that, with his long tail he lasht his breast,
And horribly spoke out in Looks the rest.
The quaking Pow'ers of Night stood in amaze,
And at each other first could only gaze.
A dreadful Silence fill'd the hollow place,
Doubling the native terrour of Hells face;
246
So loudly rag'd, crept softly by the shore;
No hiss of Snakes, no clanck of Chains was known,
The Souls amidst their Tortures durst not groan.
Envy at last crawls forth from that dire throng,
Of all the direful'st; her black locks hung long,
Attir'd with curling Serpents; her pale skin
Was almost dropt from the sharp bones within,
And at her breast stuck Vipers which did prey
Upon her panting heart, both night and day
Sucking black bloud from thence, which to repair
Both night and day they left fresh poysons there.
Her garments were deep stain'd in humane gore,
And torn by her own hands, in which she bore
A knotted whip, and bowl, that to the brim
Did with green gall, and juice of wormwood swim.
With which when she was drunk, she furious grew
And lasht herself; thus from th' accursed crew,
Envy, the worst of Fiends, herself presents,
Envy, good only when she herself torments.
Of all the direful'st; her black locks hung long,
Attir'd with curling Serpents; her pale skin
Was almost dropt from the sharp bones within,
And at her breast stuck Vipers which did prey
Upon her panting heart, both night and day
Sucking black bloud from thence, which to repair
Both night and day they left fresh poysons there.
Her garments were deep stain'd in humane gore,
And torn by her own hands, in which she bore
A knotted whip, and bowl, that to the brim
Did with green gall, and juice of wormwood swim.
With which when she was drunk, she furious grew
And lasht herself; thus from th' accursed crew,
Envy, the worst of Fiends, herself presents,
Envy, good only when she herself torments.
Spend not, great King, thy precious rage (said she)
Upon so poor a cause; shall Mighty We
The glory of our wrath to him afford?
Are We not Furies still? and you our Lord?
At thy dread anger the fixt World shall shake,
And frighted Nature her own Laws forsake.
Do Thou but threat, loud storms shall make reply,
And Thunder eccho't to the trembling Sky,
Whilst raging Seas swell to so bold an height,
As shall the Fires proud Element affright.
Th' old drudging Sun from his long-beaten way,
Shall at thy Voice start, and misguide the day.
The jocond Orbs shall break their measur'd pace,
And stubborn Poles change their allotted place.
Heav'ens guilded Troops shall flutter here and there,
Leaving their boasting Songs tun'd to a Sphere;
Nay their God too—for fear he did, when We
Took noble Arms against his Tyrannie,
So noble Arms, and in a Cause so great,
That Triumphs they deserve for their Defeat.
There was a Day! oh might I see't again
Though he had fiercer Flames to thrust us in!
And can such pow'rs be by a Child withstood?
Will Slings, alas, or Pebles do him good?
What th' untam'd Lyon, whet with hunger too,
And Gyants could not, that my Word shall do:
I'll soon dissolve this Peace; were Sauls new Love
(But Saul we know) great as my Hate shall prove,
Before their Sun twice be gone about,
I, and my faithful Snakes would drive it out.
By Me Cain offer'd up his Brothers gore,
A Sacrifice far worse than that before;
I saw him fling the stone, as if he meant,
At once his Murder and his Monument,
And laught to see (for 'twas a goodly show)
The Earth by her first Tiller fatned so.
I drove proud Pharaoh to the parted Sea;
He, and his Host drank up cold death by Me;
By Me rebellious Arms fierce Corah took,
And Moses (curse upon that Name!) forsook;
Hither (ye know) almost alive he came
Through the cleft Earth; Ours was his Fun'eral Flame.
By Me—but I lose time, methinks, and should
Perform new acts whilst I relate the old;
David's the next our fury must enjoy;
'Tis not thy God himself shall save thee, Boy;
No, if he do, may the whole World have Peace;
May all ill Actions, all ill Fortune cease,
And banisht from this potent Court below,
May I a ragged, contemn'd Vertue grow.
Upon so poor a cause; shall Mighty We
The glory of our wrath to him afford?
Are We not Furies still? and you our Lord?
At thy dread anger the fixt World shall shake,
And frighted Nature her own Laws forsake.
Do Thou but threat, loud storms shall make reply,
And Thunder eccho't to the trembling Sky,
Whilst raging Seas swell to so bold an height,
As shall the Fires proud Element affright.
Th' old drudging Sun from his long-beaten way,
Shall at thy Voice start, and misguide the day.
The jocond Orbs shall break their measur'd pace,
And stubborn Poles change their allotted place.
Heav'ens guilded Troops shall flutter here and there,
Leaving their boasting Songs tun'd to a Sphere;
Nay their God too—for fear he did, when We
Took noble Arms against his Tyrannie,
So noble Arms, and in a Cause so great,
That Triumphs they deserve for their Defeat.
247
Though he had fiercer Flames to thrust us in!
And can such pow'rs be by a Child withstood?
Will Slings, alas, or Pebles do him good?
What th' untam'd Lyon, whet with hunger too,
And Gyants could not, that my Word shall do:
I'll soon dissolve this Peace; were Sauls new Love
(But Saul we know) great as my Hate shall prove,
Before their Sun twice be gone about,
I, and my faithful Snakes would drive it out.
By Me Cain offer'd up his Brothers gore,
A Sacrifice far worse than that before;
I saw him fling the stone, as if he meant,
At once his Murder and his Monument,
And laught to see (for 'twas a goodly show)
The Earth by her first Tiller fatned so.
I drove proud Pharaoh to the parted Sea;
He, and his Host drank up cold death by Me;
By Me rebellious Arms fierce Corah took,
And Moses (curse upon that Name!) forsook;
Hither (ye know) almost alive he came
Through the cleft Earth; Ours was his Fun'eral Flame.
By Me—but I lose time, methinks, and should
Perform new acts whilst I relate the old;
David's the next our fury must enjoy;
'Tis not thy God himself shall save thee, Boy;
No, if he do, may the whole World have Peace;
May all ill Actions, all ill Fortune cease,
And banisht from this potent Court below,
May I a ragged, contemn'd Vertue grow.
She spoke; all star'ed at first, and made a pause;
But strait the general murmur of applause
Ran through Deaths Courts; she frown'd still, and begun
To envy at the praise herself had won.
Great Belzebub starts from his burning Throne
To' embrace the Fiend, but she now furious grown
To act her part; thrice bow'd, and thence she fled;
The Snakes all hist, the Fiends all murmured.
But strait the general murmur of applause
Ran through Deaths Courts; she frown'd still, and begun
To envy at the praise herself had won.
Great Belzebub starts from his burning Throne
To' embrace the Fiend, but she now furious grown
To act her part; thrice bow'd, and thence she fled;
The Snakes all hist, the Fiends all murmured.
It was the time when silent night began
T'enchain with sleep the busie spirits of Man;
And Saul himself, though in his troubled breast
The weight of Empire lay, took gentle rest:
So did not Envy; but with haste arose;
And as through Israels stately Towns she goes,
She frowns and shakes her head; shine on (says she)
Ruines e're long shall your sole Mon'uments be.
The silver Moon with terrour paler grew,
And neighbring Hermon sweated flowry dew;
Swift Jordan started, and straight backward fled,
Hiding among thick reeds his aged head;
Lo, at her entrance Sauls strong Palace shook;
And nimbly there the reverend shape she took
Of Father Benjamin; so long her beard,
So large her limbs, so grave her looks appear'd.
Just like his statue which bestrid Sauls gate,
And seem'd to guard the race it did create.
In this known form she approacht the Tyrants side;
And thus her words the sacred Form bely'd.
T'enchain with sleep the busie spirits of Man;
248
The weight of Empire lay, took gentle rest:
So did not Envy; but with haste arose;
And as through Israels stately Towns she goes,
She frowns and shakes her head; shine on (says she)
Ruines e're long shall your sole Mon'uments be.
The silver Moon with terrour paler grew,
And neighbring Hermon sweated flowry dew;
Swift Jordan started, and straight backward fled,
Hiding among thick reeds his aged head;
Lo, at her entrance Sauls strong Palace shook;
And nimbly there the reverend shape she took
Of Father Benjamin; so long her beard,
So large her limbs, so grave her looks appear'd.
Just like his statue which bestrid Sauls gate,
And seem'd to guard the race it did create.
In this known form she approacht the Tyrants side;
And thus her words the sacred Form bely'd.
Arise, lost King of Israel; can'st thou lie
Dead in this sleep, and yet thy Last so nigh?
If King thou be'est, if Jesses race as yit
Sit not on Israels Throne! and shall he sit?
Did ye for this from fruitful Egypt fly?
From the mild Brickhils nobler slavery?
For this did Seas your pow'erful Rod obey?
Did Wonders guid, and feed you on your way?
Could ye not there great Pharaohs bondage beare,
You who can serve a Boy, and Minstrel here?
Forbid it God, if thou be'st just; this shame
Cast not on Sauls, on mine, and Israels Name.
Why was I else from Canaans Famine lead?
Happy, thrice happy had I there been dead
E're my full Loyns discharg'ed this num'erous race,
This luckless Tribe, ev'en Crown'd to their Disgrace!
Ah Saul, thy Servants Vassal must thou live?
Place to his Harp must thy dread Scepter give?
What wants he now but that? can'st thou forget
(If thou be'st man thou can'st not) how they met
The Youth with Songs? Alas, poor Monarch! you
Your thousand onely, he ten thousand slew!
Him Isra'el loves, him neighbring Countreys fear;
You but the Name, and empty Title bear;
And yet the Traytor lives, lives in thy Court;
The Court that must be his; where he shall sport
Himself with all thy Concubines, thy Gold,
Thy costly robes, thy Crown; Wert thou not told
This by proud Samuel, when at Gilgal he
With bold false threats from God affronted Thee?
The dotard ly'd; God said it not I know;
Not Baal or Moloch would have us'd thee so;
Was not the choice his own? did not thy worth
Exact the royal Lot, and call it forth?
Hast thou not since (my best and greatest Sonne)
To Him, and to his per'ishing Nation done
Such lasting ben'efits as may justly claime
A Scepter as eternal as thy Fame?
Poor Prince, whom Madmen, Priests, and Boys invade!
By thine own Flesh thy ingrateful Son betray'd!
Unnat'ural Fool, who can thus cheated be
By Friendships Name against a Crown and Thee!
Betray not too thy self; take courage, call
Thy 'enchanted Vertues forth, and be Whole Saul.
Lo, this great cause makes thy dead Fathers rise,
Breaks the firm Seals of their clos'd Tombs and Eyes.
Nor can their jealous Ashes, whilst this Boy
Survives, the Priv'iledge of their Graves enjoy.
Rise quickly Saul, and take that Rebels breath
Which troubles thus thy Life, and ev'en our Death.
Kill him, and thou'rt secure; 'tis only He
That's boldly interpos'd 'twixt God and Thee,
As Earths low Globe robs the High Moon of Light;
When this Eclypse is past, thy Fate's all bright.
Trust me, dear Son, and credit what I tell;
I 'have seen thy royal Stars, and know them well.
Hence Fears and dull Delays! Is not thy Breast
(Yes, Saul it is) with noble thoughts possest?
May they beget like Acts. With that she takes
One of her worst, her best beloved Snakes,
Softly, dear Worm, soft and unseen (said she)
Into his bosom steal, and in it be
My Vice-Roy. At that word she took her flight,
And her loose shape dissolv'd into the Night.
Dead in this sleep, and yet thy Last so nigh?
If King thou be'est, if Jesses race as yit
Sit not on Israels Throne! and shall he sit?
Did ye for this from fruitful Egypt fly?
From the mild Brickhils nobler slavery?
For this did Seas your pow'erful Rod obey?
Did Wonders guid, and feed you on your way?
Could ye not there great Pharaohs bondage beare,
You who can serve a Boy, and Minstrel here?
Forbid it God, if thou be'st just; this shame
Cast not on Sauls, on mine, and Israels Name.
Why was I else from Canaans Famine lead?
Happy, thrice happy had I there been dead
E're my full Loyns discharg'ed this num'erous race,
This luckless Tribe, ev'en Crown'd to their Disgrace!
Ah Saul, thy Servants Vassal must thou live?
Place to his Harp must thy dread Scepter give?
What wants he now but that? can'st thou forget
(If thou be'st man thou can'st not) how they met
The Youth with Songs? Alas, poor Monarch! you
Your thousand onely, he ten thousand slew!
249
You but the Name, and empty Title bear;
And yet the Traytor lives, lives in thy Court;
The Court that must be his; where he shall sport
Himself with all thy Concubines, thy Gold,
Thy costly robes, thy Crown; Wert thou not told
This by proud Samuel, when at Gilgal he
With bold false threats from God affronted Thee?
The dotard ly'd; God said it not I know;
Not Baal or Moloch would have us'd thee so;
Was not the choice his own? did not thy worth
Exact the royal Lot, and call it forth?
Hast thou not since (my best and greatest Sonne)
To Him, and to his per'ishing Nation done
Such lasting ben'efits as may justly claime
A Scepter as eternal as thy Fame?
Poor Prince, whom Madmen, Priests, and Boys invade!
By thine own Flesh thy ingrateful Son betray'd!
Unnat'ural Fool, who can thus cheated be
By Friendships Name against a Crown and Thee!
Betray not too thy self; take courage, call
Thy 'enchanted Vertues forth, and be Whole Saul.
Lo, this great cause makes thy dead Fathers rise,
Breaks the firm Seals of their clos'd Tombs and Eyes.
Nor can their jealous Ashes, whilst this Boy
Survives, the Priv'iledge of their Graves enjoy.
Rise quickly Saul, and take that Rebels breath
Which troubles thus thy Life, and ev'en our Death.
Kill him, and thou'rt secure; 'tis only He
That's boldly interpos'd 'twixt God and Thee,
As Earths low Globe robs the High Moon of Light;
When this Eclypse is past, thy Fate's all bright.
Trust me, dear Son, and credit what I tell;
I 'have seen thy royal Stars, and know them well.
Hence Fears and dull Delays! Is not thy Breast
(Yes, Saul it is) with noble thoughts possest?
May they beget like Acts. With that she takes
One of her worst, her best beloved Snakes,
Softly, dear Worm, soft and unseen (said she)
Into his bosom steal, and in it be
250
And her loose shape dissolv'd into the Night.
The infected King leapt from his bed amaz'd,
Scarce knew himself at first, but round him gaz'd,
And started back at piec'd up shapes, which fear
And his distracted Fancy painted there.
Terror froze up his hair, and on his face
Show'rs of cold sweat roll'd trembling down apace.
Then knocking with his angry hands his breast,
Earth with his feet; He crys, Oh 'tis confest;
I' have been a pious fool, a Woman-King;
Wrong'd by a Seer, a Boy, every thing.
Eight hundred years of Death is not so deep,
So unconcern'd as my Lethargick sleep.
My Patience ev'en a Sacriledge becomes,
Disturbs the Dead, and opes their sacred Tombs.
Ah Benjamin, kind Father! who for me
This cursed World endur'st again to see!
All thou hast said, great Vision, is so true,
That all which thou command'st, and more I'll do:
Kill him? yes mighty Ghost the wretch shall dy,
Though every Star in Heav'en should it deny;
Nor mock th' assault of our just wrath again,
Had he ten times his fam'd ten thousand slain.
Should that bold popular Madman, whose design
Is to revenge his own disgrace by Mine,
Should my ingrateful Son oppose th' intent,
Should mine own heart grow scrup'ulous and relent.
Curse me just Heaven (by which this truth I swear)
If I that Seer, my Son, or Self do spare.
No gentle Ghost, return to thy still home;
Thither this day mine, and thy Foe shall come.
If that curst object longer vex my sight,
It must have learnt to 'appear as Thou to night.
Scarce knew himself at first, but round him gaz'd,
And started back at piec'd up shapes, which fear
And his distracted Fancy painted there.
Terror froze up his hair, and on his face
Show'rs of cold sweat roll'd trembling down apace.
Then knocking with his angry hands his breast,
Earth with his feet; He crys, Oh 'tis confest;
I' have been a pious fool, a Woman-King;
Wrong'd by a Seer, a Boy, every thing.
Eight hundred years of Death is not so deep,
So unconcern'd as my Lethargick sleep.
My Patience ev'en a Sacriledge becomes,
Disturbs the Dead, and opes their sacred Tombs.
Ah Benjamin, kind Father! who for me
This cursed World endur'st again to see!
All thou hast said, great Vision, is so true,
That all which thou command'st, and more I'll do:
Kill him? yes mighty Ghost the wretch shall dy,
Though every Star in Heav'en should it deny;
Nor mock th' assault of our just wrath again,
Had he ten times his fam'd ten thousand slain.
Should that bold popular Madman, whose design
Is to revenge his own disgrace by Mine,
Should my ingrateful Son oppose th' intent,
Should mine own heart grow scrup'ulous and relent.
Curse me just Heaven (by which this truth I swear)
If I that Seer, my Son, or Self do spare.
No gentle Ghost, return to thy still home;
Thither this day mine, and thy Foe shall come.
If that curst object longer vex my sight,
It must have learnt to 'appear as Thou to night.
Whilst thus his wrath with threats the Tyrant fed,
The threatned youth slept fearless on his bed;
Sleep on, rest quiet as thy Conscience take,
For though Thou sleep'st thy self, thy God's awake.
Above the subtle foldings of the Sky,
Above the well-set Orbs soft Harmony,
Above those petty Lamps that guild the Night;
There is a place o'reflown with hallowed Light;
Where Heaven, as if it left it self behind,
Is stretcht out far, nor its own bounds can find:
Here peaceful Flames swell up the sacred place,
Nor can the glory contain it self in th' endless space.
For there no twilight of the Suns dull ray,
Glimmers upon the pure and native day.
No pale-fac'd Moon does in stoln beams appear,
Or with dim Taper scatters darkness there.
On no smooth Sphear the restless seasons slide,
No circling Motion doth swift Time divide;
Nothing is there To come, and nothing Past,
But an Eternal Now does always last.
There sits th' Almighty, First of all, and End;
Whom nothing but Himself can comprehend.
Who with his Word commanded All to Be,
And All obey'd him, for that Word was He.
Only he spoke, and every thing that Is
From out the womb of fertile Nothing ris.
Oh who shall tell, who shall describe thy throne,
Thou Great Three-One?
There Thou thy self do'st in full presence show,
Not absent from these meaner Worlds below;
No, if thou wert, the Elements League would cease,
And all thy Creatures break thy Natures peace.
The Sun would stop his course, or gallop back,
The Stars drop out, the Poles themselves would crack:
Earths strong foundations would be torn in twain,
And this vast work all ravel out again
To its first Nothing; For his spirit contains
The well-knit Mass, from him each Creature gains
Being and Motion, which he still bestows;
From him th' effect of our weak Action flows.
Round him vast Armies of swift Angels stand,
Which seven triumphant Generals command,
They sing loud anthems of his endless praise,
And with fixt eyes drink in immortal rayes.
Of these he call'd out one; all Heav'en did shake,
And silence kept whilst its Creator spake.
The threatned youth slept fearless on his bed;
Sleep on, rest quiet as thy Conscience take,
For though Thou sleep'st thy self, thy God's awake.
Above the subtle foldings of the Sky,
Above the well-set Orbs soft Harmony,
251
There is a place o'reflown with hallowed Light;
Where Heaven, as if it left it self behind,
Is stretcht out far, nor its own bounds can find:
Here peaceful Flames swell up the sacred place,
Nor can the glory contain it self in th' endless space.
For there no twilight of the Suns dull ray,
Glimmers upon the pure and native day.
No pale-fac'd Moon does in stoln beams appear,
Or with dim Taper scatters darkness there.
On no smooth Sphear the restless seasons slide,
No circling Motion doth swift Time divide;
Nothing is there To come, and nothing Past,
But an Eternal Now does always last.
There sits th' Almighty, First of all, and End;
Whom nothing but Himself can comprehend.
Who with his Word commanded All to Be,
And All obey'd him, for that Word was He.
Only he spoke, and every thing that Is
From out the womb of fertile Nothing ris.
Oh who shall tell, who shall describe thy throne,
Thou Great Three-One?
There Thou thy self do'st in full presence show,
Not absent from these meaner Worlds below;
No, if thou wert, the Elements League would cease,
And all thy Creatures break thy Natures peace.
The Sun would stop his course, or gallop back,
The Stars drop out, the Poles themselves would crack:
Earths strong foundations would be torn in twain,
And this vast work all ravel out again
To its first Nothing; For his spirit contains
The well-knit Mass, from him each Creature gains
Being and Motion, which he still bestows;
From him th' effect of our weak Action flows.
Round him vast Armies of swift Angels stand,
Which seven triumphant Generals command,
They sing loud anthems of his endless praise,
And with fixt eyes drink in immortal rayes.
Of these he call'd out one; all Heav'en did shake,
And silence kept whilst its Creator spake.
252
Are we forgotten then so soon? can He
Look on his Crown, and not remember Me
That gave it? can he think we did not hear
(Fond Man!) his threats? and have we made the Ear
To be accounted deaf? No, Saul, we heard;
And it will cost thee dear; the ills thou'st fear'd,
Practis'd, or thought on, I'll all double send;
Have we not spoke it, and dares Man contend!
Alas, poor dust! didst thou but know the day
When thou must lie in blood at Gilboa,
Thou, and thy Sons, thou wouldst not threaten still,
Thy trembling Tongue would stop against thy will.
Then shall thine Head fixt in curst Temples be,
And all their foolish Gods shall laugh at Thee.
That hand which now on Davids Life would prey,
Shall then turn just, and its own Master slay;
He whom thou hat'est, on thy lov'ed Throne shall sit,
And expiate the disgrace thou do'st to it.
Hast then; tell David what his King has sworn,
Tell him whose blood must paint this rising Morn.
Yet bid him go securely when he sends;
'Tis Saul that is his Foe, and we his Friends.
The Man who has his God no aid can lack,
And we who bid him Go, will bring him back.
Look on his Crown, and not remember Me
That gave it? can he think we did not hear
(Fond Man!) his threats? and have we made the Ear
To be accounted deaf? No, Saul, we heard;
And it will cost thee dear; the ills thou'st fear'd,
Practis'd, or thought on, I'll all double send;
Have we not spoke it, and dares Man contend!
Alas, poor dust! didst thou but know the day
When thou must lie in blood at Gilboa,
Thou, and thy Sons, thou wouldst not threaten still,
Thy trembling Tongue would stop against thy will.
Then shall thine Head fixt in curst Temples be,
And all their foolish Gods shall laugh at Thee.
That hand which now on Davids Life would prey,
Shall then turn just, and its own Master slay;
He whom thou hat'est, on thy lov'ed Throne shall sit,
And expiate the disgrace thou do'st to it.
Hast then; tell David what his King has sworn,
Tell him whose blood must paint this rising Morn.
Yet bid him go securely when he sends;
'Tis Saul that is his Foe, and we his Friends.
The Man who has his God no aid can lack,
And we who bid him Go, will bring him back.
He spoke; the Heavens seem'd decently to bow,
With all their bright Inhabitants; and now
The jocond Sphaeres began again to play,
Again each Spirit sung Halleluia.
Only that Angel was strait gon; Ev'en so
(But not so swift) the morning Glories flow
At once from the bright Sun, and strike the ground;
So winged Lightning the soft air does wound.
Slow Time admires, and knows not what to call
The Motion, having no Account so small.
So flew this Angel, till to Davids bed
He came, and thus his sacred Message said,
With all their bright Inhabitants; and now
The jocond Sphaeres began again to play,
Again each Spirit sung Halleluia.
Only that Angel was strait gon; Ev'en so
(But not so swift) the morning Glories flow
At once from the bright Sun, and strike the ground;
So winged Lightning the soft air does wound.
Slow Time admires, and knows not what to call
The Motion, having no Account so small.
So flew this Angel, till to Davids bed
He came, and thus his sacred Message said,
Awake, young Man, hear what thy King has sworn;
He swore thy blood should paint this rising Morn.
Yet to him go securely when he sends;
'Tis Saul that is your Foe, and God your Friends.
The Man who has his God, no aid can lack;
And he who bids thee Go, will bring thee back.
He swore thy blood should paint this rising Morn.
Yet to him go securely when he sends;
'Tis Saul that is your Foe, and God your Friends.
253
And he who bids thee Go, will bring thee back.
Up leapt Jessides, and did round him stare;
But could see nought; for nought was left but air,
Whilst this great Vision labours in his thought,
Lo, the short Prophesie t'effect is brought.
In treacherous hast he's sent for to the King,
And with him bid his charmful Lyre to bring.
The King, they say, lies raging in a Fit,
Which does no cure but sacred tunes admit;
And true it was, soft musick did appease
Th'obscure fantastick rage of Sauls disease.
But could see nought; for nought was left but air,
Whilst this great Vision labours in his thought,
Lo, the short Prophesie t'effect is brought.
In treacherous hast he's sent for to the King,
And with him bid his charmful Lyre to bring.
The King, they say, lies raging in a Fit,
Which does no cure but sacred tunes admit;
And true it was, soft musick did appease
Th'obscure fantastick rage of Sauls disease.
Tell me, oh Muse (for Thou, or none canst tell
The mystick pow'ers that in blest Numbers dwell,
Thou their great Nature know'st, nor is it fit
This noblest Gem of thine own Crown t' omit)
Tell me from whence these heav'nly charms arise;
Teach the dull world t'admire what they despise,
The mystick pow'ers that in blest Numbers dwell,
Thou their great Nature know'st, nor is it fit
This noblest Gem of thine own Crown t' omit)
Tell me from whence these heav'nly charms arise;
Teach the dull world t'admire what they despise,
As first a various unform'd Hint we find
Rise in some god-like Poets fertile Mind,
Till all the parts and words their places take,
And with just marches verse and musick make;
Such was Gods Poem, this Worlds new Essay;
So wild and rude in its first draught it lay;
Th' ungovern'd parts no Correspondence knew,
An artless war from thwarting Motions grew;
Till they to Number and fixt Rules were brought
By the eternal Minds Poetique Thought.
Water and Air he for the Tenor chose,
Earth made the Base, the Treble Flame arose,
To th' active Moon a quick brisk stroke he gave,
To Saturns string a touch more soft and grave.
The motions Strait, and Round, and Swift, and Slow,
And Short, and Long, were mixt and woven so,
Did in such artful Figures smoothly fall,
As made this decent measur'd Dance of All.
And this is Musick; Sounds that charm our ears,
Are but one Dressing that rich Science wears.
Though no man hear't, though no man it reherse,
Yet will there still be Musick in my Verse.
In this Great World so much of it we see;
The Lesser, Man, is all o're Harmonie.
Storehouse of all Proportions! single Quire!
Which first Gods Breath did tunefully inspire!
From hence blest Musicks heav'enly charms arise,
From sympathy which Them and Man allies.
Thus they our souls, thus they our Bodies win,
Not by their Force, but Party that's within.
Thus the strange Cure on our spilt Blood apply'd,
Sympathy to the distant Wound does guid.
Thus when two Brethren strings are set alike,
To move them both, but one of them we strike,
Thus Davids Lyre did Sauls wild rage controul.
And tun'd the harsh disorders of his Soul.
Rise in some god-like Poets fertile Mind,
Till all the parts and words their places take,
And with just marches verse and musick make;
Such was Gods Poem, this Worlds new Essay;
So wild and rude in its first draught it lay;
Th' ungovern'd parts no Correspondence knew,
An artless war from thwarting Motions grew;
Till they to Number and fixt Rules were brought
By the eternal Minds Poetique Thought.
Water and Air he for the Tenor chose,
Earth made the Base, the Treble Flame arose,
To th' active Moon a quick brisk stroke he gave,
To Saturns string a touch more soft and grave.
The motions Strait, and Round, and Swift, and Slow,
And Short, and Long, were mixt and woven so,
Did in such artful Figures smoothly fall,
As made this decent measur'd Dance of All.
And this is Musick; Sounds that charm our ears,
Are but one Dressing that rich Science wears.
Though no man hear't, though no man it reherse,
Yet will there still be Musick in my Verse.
254
The Lesser, Man, is all o're Harmonie.
Storehouse of all Proportions! single Quire!
Which first Gods Breath did tunefully inspire!
From hence blest Musicks heav'enly charms arise,
From sympathy which Them and Man allies.
Thus they our souls, thus they our Bodies win,
Not by their Force, but Party that's within.
Thus the strange Cure on our spilt Blood apply'd,
Sympathy to the distant Wound does guid.
Thus when two Brethren strings are set alike,
To move them both, but one of them we strike,
Thus Davids Lyre did Sauls wild rage controul.
And tun'd the harsh disorders of his Soul.
When Israel was from bondage led,
Led by th' Almighty's hand
From out a forreign land,
The great Sea beheld, and fled.
As men pursu'd, when that fear past they find,
Stop on some higher ground to look behind,
So whilst through wondrous ways
The sacred Army went,
The Waves afar stood up to gaze,
And their own Rocks did represent,
Solid as Waters are above the Firmament.
Led by th' Almighty's hand
From out a forreign land,
The great Sea beheld, and fled.
As men pursu'd, when that fear past they find,
Stop on some higher ground to look behind,
So whilst through wondrous ways
The sacred Army went,
The Waves afar stood up to gaze,
And their own Rocks did represent,
Solid as Waters are above the Firmament.
Old Jordans waters to their spring
Start back with sudden fright;
The spring amaz'd at sight,
Asks what News from Sea they bring.
The Mountains shook; and to the Mountains side,
The little Hills leapt round themselves to hide;
As young affrighted Lambs
When they ought dreadful spy,
Run trembling to their helpless Dams;
The mighty Sea and River by,
Were glad for their excuse to see the Hills to fly.
Start back with sudden fright;
The spring amaz'd at sight,
Asks what News from Sea they bring.
The Mountains shook; and to the Mountains side,
The little Hills leapt round themselves to hide;
As young affrighted Lambs
When they ought dreadful spy,
Run trembling to their helpless Dams;
The mighty Sea and River by,
Were glad for their excuse to see the Hills to fly.
What ail'd the mighty Sea to flee;
Or why did Jordans tyde
Back to his Fountain glide?
Jordans Tyde, what ailed Thee?
Why leapt the Hills? why did the Mountains shake?
What ail'd them their fixt Natures to forsake?
Fly where thou wilt, O Sea!
And Jordans Current cease;
Jordan there is no need of thee,
For at Gods word, when e're he please,
The Rocks shall weep new Waters forth instead of these.
255
Back to his Fountain glide?
Jordans Tyde, what ailed Thee?
Why leapt the Hills? why did the Mountains shake?
What ail'd them their fixt Natures to forsake?
Fly where thou wilt, O Sea!
And Jordans Current cease;
Jordan there is no need of thee,
For at Gods word, when e're he please,
The Rocks shall weep new Waters forth instead of these.
Thus sung the great Musician to his Lyre;
And Sauls black rage grew softly to retire;
But Envys Serpent still with him remain'd,
And the wise Charmers healthful voice disdain'd.
Th' unthankful King cur'd truly of his fit,
Seems to lie drown'd and buryed still in it.
From his past madness draws this wicked use,
To sin disguis'd, and murder with excuse:
For whilst the fearless youth his cure pursues,
And the soft Medicine with kind art renews;
The barb'arous Patient casts at him his spear,
(The usual Scepter that rough hand did bear)
Casts it with violent strength, but into th'roome
An Arm more strong and sure then his was come;
An Angel whose unseen and easie might
Put by the weapon, and misled it right.
How vain Mans pow'er is! unless God command,
The weapon disobeys his Masters hand!
Happy was now the error of the blow;
At Gilboa it will not serve him so.
One would have thought, Sauls sudden rage t'have seen,
He had himself by David wounded been.
He scorn'd to leave what he did ill begin,
And thought his Honor now engag'ed i'th' Sin.
A bloody Troop of his own Guards he sends
(Slaves to his Will, and falsly call'ed his Friends)
To mend his error by a surer blow,
So Saul ordain'ed, but God ordain'ed not so.
Home flies the Prince and to his trembling Wife
Relates the new-past hazard of his life,
Which she with decent passion hears him tell;
For not her own fair Eyes she lov'ed so well.
Upon their Palace top beneath a row
Of Lemon Trees, which there did proudly grow,
And with bright stores of golden fruit repay
The Light they drank from the Suns neighb'ring ray,
(A small, but artful Paradise) they walk'd;
And hand in hand sad gentle things they talk'd.
Here Michol first an armed Troop espies
(So faithful and so quick are loving Eyes)
Which marcht, and often glister'd through a wood,
That on right hand of her fair Palace stood;
She saw them; and cry'd out; They're come to kill
My dearest Lord; Sauls spear pursues thee still.
Behold his wicked Guards; Haste quickly, fly,
For heavens sake haste; My dear Lord, do not dy.
Ah cruel Father, whose ill-natur'ed rage
Neither thy Worth, nor Marriage can asswage!
Will he part those he joyn'd so late before?
Were the two-hundred Foreskins worth no more?
He shall not part us; (Then she wept between)
At yonder Window thou mayst scape unseen;
This hand shall let thee down; stay not, but hast;
'Tis not my Use to send thee hence so fast.
And Sauls black rage grew softly to retire;
But Envys Serpent still with him remain'd,
And the wise Charmers healthful voice disdain'd.
Th' unthankful King cur'd truly of his fit,
Seems to lie drown'd and buryed still in it.
From his past madness draws this wicked use,
To sin disguis'd, and murder with excuse:
For whilst the fearless youth his cure pursues,
And the soft Medicine with kind art renews;
The barb'arous Patient casts at him his spear,
(The usual Scepter that rough hand did bear)
Casts it with violent strength, but into th'roome
An Arm more strong and sure then his was come;
An Angel whose unseen and easie might
Put by the weapon, and misled it right.
How vain Mans pow'er is! unless God command,
The weapon disobeys his Masters hand!
Happy was now the error of the blow;
At Gilboa it will not serve him so.
One would have thought, Sauls sudden rage t'have seen,
He had himself by David wounded been.
He scorn'd to leave what he did ill begin,
And thought his Honor now engag'ed i'th' Sin.
A bloody Troop of his own Guards he sends
(Slaves to his Will, and falsly call'ed his Friends)
To mend his error by a surer blow,
So Saul ordain'ed, but God ordain'ed not so.
Home flies the Prince and to his trembling Wife
256
Which she with decent passion hears him tell;
For not her own fair Eyes she lov'ed so well.
Upon their Palace top beneath a row
Of Lemon Trees, which there did proudly grow,
And with bright stores of golden fruit repay
The Light they drank from the Suns neighb'ring ray,
(A small, but artful Paradise) they walk'd;
And hand in hand sad gentle things they talk'd.
Here Michol first an armed Troop espies
(So faithful and so quick are loving Eyes)
Which marcht, and often glister'd through a wood,
That on right hand of her fair Palace stood;
She saw them; and cry'd out; They're come to kill
My dearest Lord; Sauls spear pursues thee still.
Behold his wicked Guards; Haste quickly, fly,
For heavens sake haste; My dear Lord, do not dy.
Ah cruel Father, whose ill-natur'ed rage
Neither thy Worth, nor Marriage can asswage!
Will he part those he joyn'd so late before?
Were the two-hundred Foreskins worth no more?
He shall not part us; (Then she wept between)
At yonder Window thou mayst scape unseen;
This hand shall let thee down; stay not, but hast;
'Tis not my Use to send thee hence so fast.
Best of all women, he replies—and this
Scarce spoke, she stops his answer with a Kiss;
Throw not away (said she) thy precious breath,
Thou stay'st too long within the reach of death.
Timely he'obeys her wise advice, and streit
To unjust Force she'opposes just deceit.
She meets the Murd'erers with a vertuous Ly,
And good dissembling Tears; May he not dy
In quiet then? (said she) will they not give
That freedom who so fear lest he should Live?
Even fate does with your cruelty conspire,
And spares your guilt, yet does what you desire.
Must he not live? for that ye need not sin;
My much-wrong'd Husband speechless lies within,
And has too little left of vital breath
To know his Murderers, or to feel his Death.
One hour will do your work—
Here her well-govern'd Tears dropt down apace;
Beauty and Sorrow mingled in one face
Has such resistless charms that they believe,
And an unwilling aptness find to grieve
At what they came for; A pale Statues head
In linnen wrapt appear'd on Davids bed;
Two servants mournful stand and silent by,
And on the table med'cinal reliques ly;
In the close room a well-plac'ed Tapers light,
Adds a becoming horror to the sight.
And for th' Impression God prepar'ed their Sence;
They saw, believ'd all this, and parted thence.
How vain attempts Sauls unblest anger tryes,
By his own hands deceiv'd, and servants Eyes!
Scarce spoke, she stops his answer with a Kiss;
Throw not away (said she) thy precious breath,
Thou stay'st too long within the reach of death.
Timely he'obeys her wise advice, and streit
To unjust Force she'opposes just deceit.
She meets the Murd'erers with a vertuous Ly,
And good dissembling Tears; May he not dy
In quiet then? (said she) will they not give
That freedom who so fear lest he should Live?
Even fate does with your cruelty conspire,
And spares your guilt, yet does what you desire.
Must he not live? for that ye need not sin;
My much-wrong'd Husband speechless lies within,
And has too little left of vital breath
257
One hour will do your work—
Here her well-govern'd Tears dropt down apace;
Beauty and Sorrow mingled in one face
Has such resistless charms that they believe,
And an unwilling aptness find to grieve
At what they came for; A pale Statues head
In linnen wrapt appear'd on Davids bed;
Two servants mournful stand and silent by,
And on the table med'cinal reliques ly;
In the close room a well-plac'ed Tapers light,
Adds a becoming horror to the sight.
And for th' Impression God prepar'ed their Sence;
They saw, believ'd all this, and parted thence.
How vain attempts Sauls unblest anger tryes,
By his own hands deceiv'd, and servants Eyes!
It cannot be (said he) no, can it? shall
Our great ten thousand Slayer idly fall?
The silly rout thinks God protects him still;
But God, alas, guards not the bad from ill.
Oh may he guard him! may his members be
In as full strength, and well-set harmonie
As the fresh body of the first made Man
E're Sin, or Sins just meed, Disease began.
He will be else too small for our vast Hate;
And we must share in our revenge with fate.
No; let us have him Whole; we else may seem
To'have snatcht away but some few days from him,
And cut that Thread which would have dropt in two;
Will our great anger learn to stoop so low?
I know it cannot, will not; him we prize
Of our just wrath the solemn Sacrifice,
That must not blemisht be; let him remain
Secure, and grow up to our stroke again.
'Twill be some pleasure then to take his breath,
When he shall strive, and wrestle with his death;
Go, let him live—And yet—shall I then stay
So long? good and great actions hate delay.
Some foolish piety perhaps, or He
That has been still mine honors Enemie,
Samuel may change or cross my just intent,
And I this Formal Pity soon repent.
Besides Fate gives him me, and whispers this,
That he can fly no more, if we should miss;
Miss? can we miss again; go bring him strait,
Though gasping out his Soul; if the wisht date
Of his accursed life be almost past,
Some Joy 'twill be to see him breath his last.
The Troop return'd, of their short Virtue' asham'ed,
Sauls courage prais'd, and their own weakness blam'ed,
But when the pious fraud they understood,
Scarce the respect due to Sauls sacred blood,
Due to the sacred beauty in it reign'ed,
From Michols murder their wild rage restrain'ed.
She'alleag'ed the holiest chains that bind a wife,
Duty and Love; she alleag'ed that her own Life,
Had she refus'ed that safety to her Lord,
Would have incurr'd just danger from his sword.
Now was Sauls wrath full grown; he takes no rest;
A violent Flame rolls in his troubled brest,
And in fierce Lightning from his Eye do's break;
Not his own fav'orites, and best friends dare speak,
Or look on him; but mute and trembling all,
Fear where this Cloud will burst, and Thunder fall.
So when the pride and terrour of the Wood,
A Lyon prickt with rage and want of food,
Espies out from afar some well-fed beast,
And brustles up preparing for his feast;
If that by swiftness scape his gaping jaws;
His bloody eyes he hurls round, his sharp paws
Tear up the ground; then runs he wild about,
Lashing his angry tail, and roaring out.
Beasts creep into their dens, and tremble there;
Trees, though no wind stirring, shake with feare;
Silence and horror fill the place around.
Eccho it self dares scarce repeat the sound.
Midst a large Wood that joyns fair Ramahs Town
(The neighbourhood fair Rama's chief renown)
A College stands, where at great Prophets feet
The Prophets Sons with silent dili'gence meet,
By Samuel built, and mod'erately endow'ed,
Yet more to' his lib'ral Tongue then Hands they ow'ed:
There himself taught, and his blest voice to heare,
Teachers themselves lay proud beneath him there.
The House was a large Square; but plain and low;
Wise Natures use Art strove not to outgo.
An inward Square by well-rang'd Trees was made;
And midst the friendly cover of their shade,
A pure, well-tasted, wholsome Fountain rose;
Which no vain cost of Marble did enclose;
Nor through carv'd shapes did the forc'ed waters pass,
Shapes gazing on themselves i'th' liquid glass.
Yet the chaste stream that 'mong loose peebles fell
For Cleanness, Thirst, Religion serv'd as well.
The Schollars, Doctors and Companions here,
Lodg'ed all apart in neat small chambers were:
Well-furnisht-Chambers, for in each there stood,
A narrow Couch, Table and Chair of wood;
More is but clog where use does bound delight;
And those are rich whose Wealth's proportion'ed right
To their Lifes Form; more goods would but becom
A Burden to them, and contract their room.
A second Court more sacred stood behind,
Built fairer, and to nobler use design'd:
The Halls and Schools one side of it possest;
The Library and Synagogue the rest.
Tables of plain-cut Firre adorn'ed the Hall;
And with beasts skins the beds were cov'red all.
The reverend Doctors take their seats on high,
Th' Elect Companions in their bosoms ly.
The Schollars far below upon the ground,
On fresh-strew'd rushes place themselves around.
With more respect the wise and ancient lay;
But eat not choicer Herbs or Bread then they,
Nor purer Waters drank, their constant feast;
But by great days, and Sacrifice encreast.
The Schools built round and higher, at the end
With their fair circle did this side extend;
To which their Synagogue on th'other side,
And to the Hall their Library replide.
The midst tow'ards their large Gardens open lay,
To'admit the joys of Spring and early day.
I'th' Library a few choice Authors stood;
Yet 'twas well stor'ed, for that small store was good;
Writing, Mans Spir'itual Physick was not then
It self, as now, grown a Disease of Men.
Learning (young Virgin) but few Suitors knew;
The common Prostitute she lately grew,
And with her spurious brood loads now the Press;
Laborious effects of Idleness!
Here all the various forms one might behold
How Letters sav'd themselves from Death of old;
Some painfully engrav'ed in thin wrought plates,
Some cut in wood, some lightlier trac'ed on slates;
Some drawn on fair Palm leaves, with short-live'd toyl,
Had not their friend the Cedar lent his Oyl.
Some wrought in Silks, some writ in tender barks;
Some the sharp Stile in waxen Tables marks;
Some in beasts skins, and some in Biblos reed;
Both new rude arts, with age and growth did need.
The Schools were painted well with useful skill;
Stars, Maps, and Stories the learn'd wall did fill.
Wise wholesome Proverbs mixt around the roome,
Some writ, and in Egyptian Figures some.
Here all the noblest Wits of men inspir'ed,
From earths slight joys, and worthless toils retir'ed,
Whom Samuels Fame and Bounty thither lead,
Each day by turns their solid knowledge read.
The course and power of Stars great Nathan thought,
And home to man those distant Wonders brought,
How toward both Poles the Suns fixt journey bends,
And how the Year his crooked walk attends.
By what just steps the wandring Lights advance,
And what eternal measures guid their dance.
Himself a Prophet; but his Lectures shew'ed
How little of that Art to them he ow'ed.
Mahol th'inferior worlds fantastick face,
Though all the turns of Matters Maze did trace,
Great Natures well-set Clock in pieces took;
On all the Springs and smallest Wheels did look
Of Life and Motion; and with equal art
Made up again the Whole of ev'ry Part.
The Prophet Gad in learned Dust designes
Th'immortal solid rules of fanci'ed Lines.
Of Numbers too th' unnumbred wealth he showes,
And with them far their endless journey goes.
Numbers which still encrease more high and wide
From One, the root of their turn'd Pyramide.
Of Men, and Ages past Seraiah read;
Embalm'd in long-liv'd History the Dead.
Show'd the steep falls, and slow ascent of States;
What Wisdom and what Follies make their Fates.
Samuel himself did Gods rich Law display;
Taught doubting men with Judgment to obay.
And oft his ravisht Soul with sudden flight
Soar'd above present Times, and humane sight.
These Arts but welcome strangers might appear,
Musick and Verse seem'd born and bred up here;
Scarce the blest Heav'en that rings with Angels voyce,
Does more with constant Harmony rejoyce.
The sacred Muse does here each brest inspire;
Heman, and sweet-mouth'd Asaph rule their Quire:
Both charming Poets, and all strains they plaid,
By artful Breath, or nimble Fingers made.
The Synagogue was drest with care and cost,
(The onely place where that they'esteem'd not lost)
The glittering roof with gold did daze the view,
The sides refresh't with silks of sacred blew.
Here thrice each day they read their perfect Law,
Thrice pray'ers from willing Heav'en a blessing draw;
Thrice in glad Hymns swell'd with the Great Ones praise,
The plyant Voice on her sev'en steps they raise,
Whilst all th' enlivened Instruments around
To the just feet with various concord sound;
Such things were Muses then, contemn'd low earth;
Decently proud, and mindful of their birth.
'Twas God himself that here tun'ed every Toung;
And gratefully of him alone they sung.
They sung how God spoke out the worlds vast ball;
From Nothing, and from No where call'd forth All.
No Nature yet, or place for't to possess,
But an unbottom'ed Gulf of Emptiness.
Full of Himself, th' Almighty sat, his own
Palace, and without Solitude Alone.
But he was Goodness whole, and all things will'd;
Which ere they were, his active word fulfill'd;
And their astonisht heads o'th' sudden rear'ed;
An unshap'ed kind of Something first appear'ed,
Confessing its new Being, and undrest
As if it stept in hast before the rest.
Yet buried in this Matters darksome womb,
Lay the rich Seeds of ev'ery thing to com.
From hence the chearful Flame leapt up so high;
Close at its heels the nimble Air did fly;
Dull Earth with his own weight did downwards pierce
To the fixt Navel of the Universe,
And was quite lost in waters: till God said
To the proud Sea, shrink in your ins'olent head,
See how the gaping Earth has made you place;
That durst not murmure, but shrunk in apace.
Since when his bounds are set, at which in vain
He foams, and rages, and turns back again.
With richer stuff he bad Heav'ens fabrick shine,
And from him a quick spring of Light divine
Swell'd up the Sun, from whence his cher'ishing flame
Fills the whole world, like Him from whom it came.
He smooth'd the rough-cast Moons imperfect mold,
And comb'ed her beamy locks with sacred gold;
Be thou (said he) Queen of the mournful night,
And as he spoke, she' arose clad o're in Light,
With thousand stars attending on her train;
With her they rise, with her they set again.
Then Herbs peep'ed forth, new Trees admiring stood,
And smelling Flow'ers painted the infant wood.
Then flocks of Birds through the glad ayr did flee,
Joyful, and safe before Mans Luxurie,
Teaching their Maker in their untaught lays:
Nay the mute Fish witness no less his praise.
For those he made, and cloath'd with silver scales;
From Minoes to those living Islands, Whales.
Beasts too were his command: what could he more?
Yes, Man he could, the bond of all before;
In him he all things with strange order hurl'd;
In him, that full Abridgment of the World.
Our great ten thousand Slayer idly fall?
The silly rout thinks God protects him still;
But God, alas, guards not the bad from ill.
Oh may he guard him! may his members be
In as full strength, and well-set harmonie
As the fresh body of the first made Man
E're Sin, or Sins just meed, Disease began.
He will be else too small for our vast Hate;
And we must share in our revenge with fate.
No; let us have him Whole; we else may seem
To'have snatcht away but some few days from him,
And cut that Thread which would have dropt in two;
Will our great anger learn to stoop so low?
I know it cannot, will not; him we prize
Of our just wrath the solemn Sacrifice,
That must not blemisht be; let him remain
Secure, and grow up to our stroke again.
'Twill be some pleasure then to take his breath,
When he shall strive, and wrestle with his death;
Go, let him live—And yet—shall I then stay
So long? good and great actions hate delay.
Some foolish piety perhaps, or He
That has been still mine honors Enemie,
258
And I this Formal Pity soon repent.
Besides Fate gives him me, and whispers this,
That he can fly no more, if we should miss;
Miss? can we miss again; go bring him strait,
Though gasping out his Soul; if the wisht date
Of his accursed life be almost past,
Some Joy 'twill be to see him breath his last.
The Troop return'd, of their short Virtue' asham'ed,
Sauls courage prais'd, and their own weakness blam'ed,
But when the pious fraud they understood,
Scarce the respect due to Sauls sacred blood,
Due to the sacred beauty in it reign'ed,
From Michols murder their wild rage restrain'ed.
She'alleag'ed the holiest chains that bind a wife,
Duty and Love; she alleag'ed that her own Life,
Had she refus'ed that safety to her Lord,
Would have incurr'd just danger from his sword.
Now was Sauls wrath full grown; he takes no rest;
A violent Flame rolls in his troubled brest,
And in fierce Lightning from his Eye do's break;
Not his own fav'orites, and best friends dare speak,
Or look on him; but mute and trembling all,
Fear where this Cloud will burst, and Thunder fall.
So when the pride and terrour of the Wood,
A Lyon prickt with rage and want of food,
Espies out from afar some well-fed beast,
And brustles up preparing for his feast;
If that by swiftness scape his gaping jaws;
His bloody eyes he hurls round, his sharp paws
Tear up the ground; then runs he wild about,
Lashing his angry tail, and roaring out.
Beasts creep into their dens, and tremble there;
Trees, though no wind stirring, shake with feare;
Silence and horror fill the place around.
Eccho it self dares scarce repeat the sound.
Midst a large Wood that joyns fair Ramahs Town
(The neighbourhood fair Rama's chief renown)
A College stands, where at great Prophets feet
The Prophets Sons with silent dili'gence meet,
259
Yet more to' his lib'ral Tongue then Hands they ow'ed:
There himself taught, and his blest voice to heare,
Teachers themselves lay proud beneath him there.
The House was a large Square; but plain and low;
Wise Natures use Art strove not to outgo.
An inward Square by well-rang'd Trees was made;
And midst the friendly cover of their shade,
A pure, well-tasted, wholsome Fountain rose;
Which no vain cost of Marble did enclose;
Nor through carv'd shapes did the forc'ed waters pass,
Shapes gazing on themselves i'th' liquid glass.
Yet the chaste stream that 'mong loose peebles fell
For Cleanness, Thirst, Religion serv'd as well.
The Schollars, Doctors and Companions here,
Lodg'ed all apart in neat small chambers were:
Well-furnisht-Chambers, for in each there stood,
A narrow Couch, Table and Chair of wood;
More is but clog where use does bound delight;
And those are rich whose Wealth's proportion'ed right
To their Lifes Form; more goods would but becom
A Burden to them, and contract their room.
A second Court more sacred stood behind,
Built fairer, and to nobler use design'd:
The Halls and Schools one side of it possest;
The Library and Synagogue the rest.
Tables of plain-cut Firre adorn'ed the Hall;
And with beasts skins the beds were cov'red all.
The reverend Doctors take their seats on high,
Th' Elect Companions in their bosoms ly.
The Schollars far below upon the ground,
On fresh-strew'd rushes place themselves around.
With more respect the wise and ancient lay;
But eat not choicer Herbs or Bread then they,
Nor purer Waters drank, their constant feast;
But by great days, and Sacrifice encreast.
The Schools built round and higher, at the end
With their fair circle did this side extend;
To which their Synagogue on th'other side,
And to the Hall their Library replide.
260
To'admit the joys of Spring and early day.
I'th' Library a few choice Authors stood;
Yet 'twas well stor'ed, for that small store was good;
Writing, Mans Spir'itual Physick was not then
It self, as now, grown a Disease of Men.
Learning (young Virgin) but few Suitors knew;
The common Prostitute she lately grew,
And with her spurious brood loads now the Press;
Laborious effects of Idleness!
Here all the various forms one might behold
How Letters sav'd themselves from Death of old;
Some painfully engrav'ed in thin wrought plates,
Some cut in wood, some lightlier trac'ed on slates;
Some drawn on fair Palm leaves, with short-live'd toyl,
Had not their friend the Cedar lent his Oyl.
Some wrought in Silks, some writ in tender barks;
Some the sharp Stile in waxen Tables marks;
Some in beasts skins, and some in Biblos reed;
Both new rude arts, with age and growth did need.
The Schools were painted well with useful skill;
Stars, Maps, and Stories the learn'd wall did fill.
Wise wholesome Proverbs mixt around the roome,
Some writ, and in Egyptian Figures some.
Here all the noblest Wits of men inspir'ed,
From earths slight joys, and worthless toils retir'ed,
Whom Samuels Fame and Bounty thither lead,
Each day by turns their solid knowledge read.
The course and power of Stars great Nathan thought,
And home to man those distant Wonders brought,
How toward both Poles the Suns fixt journey bends,
And how the Year his crooked walk attends.
By what just steps the wandring Lights advance,
And what eternal measures guid their dance.
Himself a Prophet; but his Lectures shew'ed
How little of that Art to them he ow'ed.
Mahol th'inferior worlds fantastick face,
Though all the turns of Matters Maze did trace,
Great Natures well-set Clock in pieces took;
On all the Springs and smallest Wheels did look
261
Made up again the Whole of ev'ry Part.
The Prophet Gad in learned Dust designes
Th'immortal solid rules of fanci'ed Lines.
Of Numbers too th' unnumbred wealth he showes,
And with them far their endless journey goes.
Numbers which still encrease more high and wide
From One, the root of their turn'd Pyramide.
Of Men, and Ages past Seraiah read;
Embalm'd in long-liv'd History the Dead.
Show'd the steep falls, and slow ascent of States;
What Wisdom and what Follies make their Fates.
Samuel himself did Gods rich Law display;
Taught doubting men with Judgment to obay.
And oft his ravisht Soul with sudden flight
Soar'd above present Times, and humane sight.
These Arts but welcome strangers might appear,
Musick and Verse seem'd born and bred up here;
Scarce the blest Heav'en that rings with Angels voyce,
Does more with constant Harmony rejoyce.
The sacred Muse does here each brest inspire;
Heman, and sweet-mouth'd Asaph rule their Quire:
Both charming Poets, and all strains they plaid,
By artful Breath, or nimble Fingers made.
The Synagogue was drest with care and cost,
(The onely place where that they'esteem'd not lost)
The glittering roof with gold did daze the view,
The sides refresh't with silks of sacred blew.
Here thrice each day they read their perfect Law,
Thrice pray'ers from willing Heav'en a blessing draw;
Thrice in glad Hymns swell'd with the Great Ones praise,
The plyant Voice on her sev'en steps they raise,
Whilst all th' enlivened Instruments around
To the just feet with various concord sound;
Such things were Muses then, contemn'd low earth;
Decently proud, and mindful of their birth.
'Twas God himself that here tun'ed every Toung;
And gratefully of him alone they sung.
They sung how God spoke out the worlds vast ball;
From Nothing, and from No where call'd forth All.
262
But an unbottom'ed Gulf of Emptiness.
Full of Himself, th' Almighty sat, his own
Palace, and without Solitude Alone.
But he was Goodness whole, and all things will'd;
Which ere they were, his active word fulfill'd;
And their astonisht heads o'th' sudden rear'ed;
An unshap'ed kind of Something first appear'ed,
Confessing its new Being, and undrest
As if it stept in hast before the rest.
Yet buried in this Matters darksome womb,
Lay the rich Seeds of ev'ery thing to com.
From hence the chearful Flame leapt up so high;
Close at its heels the nimble Air did fly;
Dull Earth with his own weight did downwards pierce
To the fixt Navel of the Universe,
And was quite lost in waters: till God said
To the proud Sea, shrink in your ins'olent head,
See how the gaping Earth has made you place;
That durst not murmure, but shrunk in apace.
Since when his bounds are set, at which in vain
He foams, and rages, and turns back again.
With richer stuff he bad Heav'ens fabrick shine,
And from him a quick spring of Light divine
Swell'd up the Sun, from whence his cher'ishing flame
Fills the whole world, like Him from whom it came.
He smooth'd the rough-cast Moons imperfect mold,
And comb'ed her beamy locks with sacred gold;
Be thou (said he) Queen of the mournful night,
And as he spoke, she' arose clad o're in Light,
With thousand stars attending on her train;
With her they rise, with her they set again.
Then Herbs peep'ed forth, new Trees admiring stood,
And smelling Flow'ers painted the infant wood.
Then flocks of Birds through the glad ayr did flee,
Joyful, and safe before Mans Luxurie,
Teaching their Maker in their untaught lays:
Nay the mute Fish witness no less his praise.
For those he made, and cloath'd with silver scales;
From Minoes to those living Islands, Whales.
263
Yes, Man he could, the bond of all before;
In him he all things with strange order hurl'd;
In him, that full Abridgment of the World.
This, and much more of Gods great works they told;
His mercies, and some judgments too of old:
How when all earth was deeply stain'd in sin;
With an impetuous noyse the waves came rushing in.
Where birds e're while dwelt, and securely sung;
There Fish (an unknown Net) entangled hung.
The face of shi[pw]rackt Nature naked lay;
The Sun peep'd forth, and beheld nought but Sea.
This men forgot, and burnt in lust again;
Till show'rs, strange as their Sin, of fiery rain,
And scalding brimstone, dropt on Sodoms head;
Alive they felt those Flames they fry in Dead.
No better end rash Pharaohs pride befel
When wind and Sea wag'ed war for Israel.
In his gilt chariots amaz'ed fishes sat,
And grew with corps of wretched Princes fat.
The waves and rocks half-eaten bodies stain;
Nor was it since call'd the Red-sea in vain.
Much too they told of faithful Abrams fame,
To whose blest passage they owe still their Name:
Of Moses much, and the great seed of Nun;
What wonders they perform'd, what lands they won.
How many Kings they slew or Captive brought;
They held the Swords, but God and Angels fought.
His mercies, and some judgments too of old:
How when all earth was deeply stain'd in sin;
With an impetuous noyse the waves came rushing in.
Where birds e're while dwelt, and securely sung;
There Fish (an unknown Net) entangled hung.
The face of shi[pw]rackt Nature naked lay;
The Sun peep'd forth, and beheld nought but Sea.
This men forgot, and burnt in lust again;
Till show'rs, strange as their Sin, of fiery rain,
And scalding brimstone, dropt on Sodoms head;
Alive they felt those Flames they fry in Dead.
No better end rash Pharaohs pride befel
When wind and Sea wag'ed war for Israel.
In his gilt chariots amaz'ed fishes sat,
And grew with corps of wretched Princes fat.
The waves and rocks half-eaten bodies stain;
Nor was it since call'd the Red-sea in vain.
Much too they told of faithful Abrams fame,
To whose blest passage they owe still their Name:
Of Moses much, and the great seed of Nun;
What wonders they perform'd, what lands they won.
How many Kings they slew or Captive brought;
They held the Swords, but God and Angels fought.
Thus gain'd they the wise spending of their days;
And their whole Life was their dear Makers praise.
No minutes rest, no swiftest thought they sold
To that beloved Plague of Mankind, Gold.
Gold for which all mankind with greater pains
Labour towards Hell, then those who dig its veins.
Their wealth was the Contempt of it; which more
They valu'd then rich fools the shining Ore.
The Silk-worm's pretious death they scorn'd to wear,
And Tyrian Dy appear'd but sordid there.
Honor, which since the price of Souls became,
Seem'd to these great ones a low idle Name.
Instead of Down, hard beds they chose to have,
Such as might bid them not forget their Grave.
Their Board dispeopled no full Element,
Free Natures bounty thriftily they spent
And spar'ed the Stock; nor could their bodies say
We owe this Crudeness t'Excess yesterday.
Thus Souls live cleanly, and no soiling fear,
But entertain their welcome Maker there.
The Senses perform nimbly what they're bid,
And honestly, nor are by Reason chid.
And when the Down of sleep does softly fall,
Their Dreams are heavenly then, and mystical.
With hasty wings Time present they outfly,
And tread the doubtful Maze of Destiny.
There walk and sport among the years to come;
And with quick Eye pierce ev'ery Causes womb.
Thus these wise Saints enjoy'd their Little All;
Free from the spight of much-mistaken Saul:
For if mans Life we in just ballance weight,
David deserv'd his Envy less then They.
Of this retreat the hunted Prince makes choice,
Adds to their Quire his nobler Lyre and Voyce.
But long unknown even here he could not lye;
So bright his Lustre, so quick Envies Eye!
Th'offended Troop, whom he escap'ed before,
Pursue him here, and fear mistakes no more;
Belov'ed revenge fresh rage to them affords;
Some part of him all promise to their Swords.
And their whole Life was their dear Makers praise.
No minutes rest, no swiftest thought they sold
To that beloved Plague of Mankind, Gold.
Gold for which all mankind with greater pains
Labour towards Hell, then those who dig its veins.
Their wealth was the Contempt of it; which more
They valu'd then rich fools the shining Ore.
The Silk-worm's pretious death they scorn'd to wear,
And Tyrian Dy appear'd but sordid there.
Honor, which since the price of Souls became,
Seem'd to these great ones a low idle Name.
264
Such as might bid them not forget their Grave.
Their Board dispeopled no full Element,
Free Natures bounty thriftily they spent
And spar'ed the Stock; nor could their bodies say
We owe this Crudeness t'Excess yesterday.
Thus Souls live cleanly, and no soiling fear,
But entertain their welcome Maker there.
The Senses perform nimbly what they're bid,
And honestly, nor are by Reason chid.
And when the Down of sleep does softly fall,
Their Dreams are heavenly then, and mystical.
With hasty wings Time present they outfly,
And tread the doubtful Maze of Destiny.
There walk and sport among the years to come;
And with quick Eye pierce ev'ery Causes womb.
Thus these wise Saints enjoy'd their Little All;
Free from the spight of much-mistaken Saul:
For if mans Life we in just ballance weight,
David deserv'd his Envy less then They.
Of this retreat the hunted Prince makes choice,
Adds to their Quire his nobler Lyre and Voyce.
But long unknown even here he could not lye;
So bright his Lustre, so quick Envies Eye!
Th'offended Troop, whom he escap'ed before,
Pursue him here, and fear mistakes no more;
Belov'ed revenge fresh rage to them affords;
Some part of him all promise to their Swords.
They came, but a new spirit their hearts possest,
Scatt'ring a sacred calm through every brest:
The furrows of their brow, so rough erewhile,
Sink down into the dimples of a Smile.
Their cooler veins swell with a peaceful tide,
And the chaste streams with even current glide.
A sudden day breaks gently through their eyes,
And Morning-blushes in their cheeks arise.
The thoughts of war, of blood, and murther cease;
In peaceful tunes they adore the God of Peace.
New Messengers twice more the Tyrant sent,
And was twice more mockt with the same event.
His heightned rage no longer brooks delay;
It sends him there himself; but on the way
His foolish Anger a wise Fury grew,
And Blessings from his mouth unbidden flew.
His Kingly robes he laid at Naioth down,
Began to understand and scorn his Crown;
Employ'd his mounting thoughts on nobler things;
And felt more solid joys then Empire brings.
Embrac'ed his wondring Son, and on his head
The balm of all past wounds, kind Tears he shed.
Scatt'ring a sacred calm through every brest:
The furrows of their brow, so rough erewhile,
Sink down into the dimples of a Smile.
Their cooler veins swell with a peaceful tide,
And the chaste streams with even current glide.
A sudden day breaks gently through their eyes,
And Morning-blushes in their cheeks arise.
The thoughts of war, of blood, and murther cease;
In peaceful tunes they adore the God of Peace.
New Messengers twice more the Tyrant sent,
And was twice more mockt with the same event.
265
It sends him there himself; but on the way
His foolish Anger a wise Fury grew,
And Blessings from his mouth unbidden flew.
His Kingly robes he laid at Naioth down,
Began to understand and scorn his Crown;
Employ'd his mounting thoughts on nobler things;
And felt more solid joys then Empire brings.
Embrac'ed his wondring Son, and on his head
The balm of all past wounds, kind Tears he shed.
So cov'etous Balam with a fond intent
Of cursing the blest Seed, to Moab went.
But as he went his fatal tongue to sell;
His Ass taught him to speak, God to speak well.
Of cursing the blest Seed, to Moab went.
But as he went his fatal tongue to sell;
His Ass taught him to speak, God to speak well.
How comely are thy Tents, oh Israel!
(Thus he began) what conquests they foretel!
Less fair are Orchards in their autumn pride,
Adorn'd with Trees on some fair Rivers side.
Less fair are Valleys their green mantles spread!
Or Mountains with tall Cedars on their head!
'Twas God himself (thy God who must not fear?)
Brought thee from Bondage to be Master here.
Slaughter shall wear out these; new Weapons get;
And Death in triumph on thy darts shall sit.
When Judahs Lyon starts up to his prey,
The Beasts shall hang their ears, and creep away.
When he lies down, the Woods shall silence keep,
And dreadful Tygers tremble at his sleep.
Thy Cursers, Jacob, shall twice cursed be;
And he shall bless himself that blesses Thee.
(Thus he began) what conquests they foretel!
Less fair are Orchards in their autumn pride,
Adorn'd with Trees on some fair Rivers side.
Less fair are Valleys their green mantles spread!
Or Mountains with tall Cedars on their head!
'Twas God himself (thy God who must not fear?)
Brought thee from Bondage to be Master here.
Slaughter shall wear out these; new Weapons get;
And Death in triumph on thy darts shall sit.
When Judahs Lyon starts up to his prey,
The Beasts shall hang their ears, and creep away.
When he lies down, the Woods shall silence keep,
And dreadful Tygers tremble at his sleep.
Thy Cursers, Jacob, shall twice cursed be;
And he shall bless himself that blesses Thee.
283
DAVIDEIS.
The second Book.
THE CONTENTS.
The Friendship betwixt Jonathan and David; and upon that occasion a digression concerning the nature of Love. A discourse between Jonathan and David, upon which the latter absents himself from Court, and the former goes thither, to inform himself of Sauls resolution. The Feast of the New-Moon, the manner of the Celebration of it; and therein a Digression of the History of Abraham. Sauls Speech upon Davids absence from the Feast, and his anger against Jonathan. Davids resolution to fly away; he parts with Jonathan, and falls asleep under a Tree. A Description of Phansie; an Angel makes up a Vision in Davids head; the Vision it self, which is, A Prophesie of all the succession of his Race till Christs time, with their most remarkable actions. At his awaking, Gabriel assumes an humane shape, and confirms to him the truth of his Vision.
284
But now the early birds began to call
The morning forth; up rose the Sun and Saul;
Both, as men thought, rose fresh from sweet repose;
But both, alas, from restless labours rose.
For in Sauls breast, Envy, the toilsome Sin,
Had all that night active and ty'rannous bin,
She'expell'd all forms of Kindness, Vertue, Grace;
Of the past day no footstep left or trace.
The new-blown sparks of his old rage appear,
Nor could his Love dwell longer with his fear.
So near a storm wise David would not stay,
Nor trust the glittering of a faithless Day.
He saw the Sun call in his beams apace,
And angry Clouds march up into their place.
The Sea it self smooths his rough brow awhile,
Flattering the greedy Merchant with a smile;
But he, whose ship-wrackt Barque it drank before,
Sees the deceit, and knows it would have more.
Such is the Sea, and such was Saul.
But Jonathan, his Son, and Only Good,
Was gentle as fair Jordans useful Flood.
Whose innocent stream as it in silence goes,
Fresh Honours, and a sudden spring bestows
On both his banks to every flower and tree;
The manner How lies hid, th'effect we see.
But more than all, more than Himself he lov'ed
The man whose worth his Fathers Hatred mov'ed.
For when the noble youth at Dammin stood
Adorn'd with sweat, and painted gay with Blood,
Jonathan pierce'd him through with greedy Eye
And understood the future Majestie
Then destin'ed in the glories of his look;
He saw, and strait was with amazement strook,
To see the strength, the feature, and the grace
Of his young limbs; he saw his comely face
Where Love and Rev'erence so well mingled were;
And Head, already crown'd with golden haire.
He saw what Mildness his bold Sp'irit did tame,
Gentler then Light, yet powerful as a Flame.
He saw his Valour by their Safety prov'ed;
He saw all this, and as he saw, he Lov'ed.
The morning forth; up rose the Sun and Saul;
Both, as men thought, rose fresh from sweet repose;
But both, alas, from restless labours rose.
For in Sauls breast, Envy, the toilsome Sin,
Had all that night active and ty'rannous bin,
She'expell'd all forms of Kindness, Vertue, Grace;
Of the past day no footstep left or trace.
The new-blown sparks of his old rage appear,
Nor could his Love dwell longer with his fear.
So near a storm wise David would not stay,
Nor trust the glittering of a faithless Day.
He saw the Sun call in his beams apace,
And angry Clouds march up into their place.
The Sea it self smooths his rough brow awhile,
Flattering the greedy Merchant with a smile;
But he, whose ship-wrackt Barque it drank before,
Sees the deceit, and knows it would have more.
Such is the Sea, and such was Saul.
But Jonathan, his Son, and Only Good,
Was gentle as fair Jordans useful Flood.
Whose innocent stream as it in silence goes,
Fresh Honours, and a sudden spring bestows
On both his banks to every flower and tree;
The manner How lies hid, th'effect we see.
But more than all, more than Himself he lov'ed
The man whose worth his Fathers Hatred mov'ed.
For when the noble youth at Dammin stood
285
Jonathan pierce'd him through with greedy Eye
And understood the future Majestie
Then destin'ed in the glories of his look;
He saw, and strait was with amazement strook,
To see the strength, the feature, and the grace
Of his young limbs; he saw his comely face
Where Love and Rev'erence so well mingled were;
And Head, already crown'd with golden haire.
He saw what Mildness his bold Sp'irit did tame,
Gentler then Light, yet powerful as a Flame.
He saw his Valour by their Safety prov'ed;
He saw all this, and as he saw, he Lov'ed.
What art thou, Love, thou great mysterious thing?
From what hid stock does thy strange Nature spring?
'Tis thou that mov'est the world through every part
And holdst the vast frame close, that nothing start
From the due Place and Office first ordain'd.
By Thee were all things Made, and are sustain'd.
Sometimes we see thee fully, and can say
From hence thou took'est thy Rise, and went'st that way;
But oftner the short beams of Reasons Eye,
See onely, There thou art, nor How, nor Why.
How is the Loadstone, Natures subtle pride,
By the rude Iron woo'd, and made a Bride?
How was the Weapon wounded? what hid Flame
The strong and conqu'ering Metal overcame?
Love (this Worlds Grace) exalts his Natural state;
He feels thee, Love, and feels no more his Weight.
Ye learned Heads, whom Ivy garlands grace,
Why does that twining plant the Oak embrace?
The Oak for courtship most of all unfit,
And rough as are the Winds that fight with it?
How does the absent Pole the Needle move?
How does his Cold and Ice beget hot Love?
Which are the Wings of Lightness to ascend?
Or why does Weight to th' Centre downwards bend?
Thus Creatures void of Life obey thy Laws,
And seldom We, they never know the Cause.
In thy large state, Life gives the next degree,
Where Sense, and Good Apparent places thee;
But thy chief Palace is Mans Heart alone,
Here are thy Triumphs, and full glories shown,
Handsome Desires, and Rest about thee flee,
Union, Inhærence, Zeal, and Extasie.
Thousand with Joys cluster around thine head,
O're which a gall-less Dove her wings does spread,
A gentle Lamb, purer and whiter farre
Then Consciences of thine own Martyrs are,
Lies at thy feet; and thy right hand does hold
The mystick Scepter of a Cross of Gold.
Thus do'est thou sit (like Men e're sin had fram'ed
A guilty blush) Naked, but not Asham'ed.
What cause then did the fab'ulous Ancients find,
When first their superstition made thee blind?
'Twas They, alas, 'twas They who could not see,
When they mistook that Monster, Lust, for Thee.
Thou art a bright, but not consuming Flame;
Such in th'amazed Bush to Moses came;
When that secure its new-crown'd head did rear,
And chid the trembling Branches needless fear.
Thy Darts of healthful Gold, and downwards fall
Soft as the Feathers that they're fletcht withal.
Such, and no other, were those secret Darts,
Which sweetly toucht this noblest pair of Hearts.
Still to one end they both so justly drew,
As courteous Doves together yok'd would do.
No weight of Birth did on one side prevaile,
Two Twins less even lie in Natures Scale.
They mingled Fates, and both in each did share,
They both were Servants, they both Princes were.
If any Joy to one of them was sent,
It was most his, to whom it least was meant,
And fortunes malice betwixt both was crost,
For striking one, it wounded th'other most.
Never did Marriage such true Union find,
Or mens desires with so glad violence bind;
For there is still some tincture left of Sin,
And still the Sex will needs be stealing in.
Those joys are full of dross, and thicker farre,
These, without matter, clear and liquid are.
Such sacred Love does he'avens bright Spirits fill,
Where Love is but to Understand and Will,
With swift and unseen Motions; such as We
Somewhat express in heightned Charitie.
O ye blest One! whose Love on earth became
So pure that still in Heav'en 'tis but the same!
There now ye sit, and with mixt souls embrace,
Gazing upon great Loves mysterious Face,
And pity this base world where Friendship's made
A bait for sin, or else at best a Trade.
Ah wondrous Prince! who a true Friend could'st be,
When a Crown Flatter'ed, and Saul threatned Thee!
Who held'st him dear, whose Stars thy birth did cross!
And bought'st him nobly at a Kingdoms loss!
Isra'els bright Scepter far less glory brings;
There have been fewer Friends on earth then Kings.
From what hid stock does thy strange Nature spring?
'Tis thou that mov'est the world through every part
And holdst the vast frame close, that nothing start
From the due Place and Office first ordain'd.
By Thee were all things Made, and are sustain'd.
Sometimes we see thee fully, and can say
From hence thou took'est thy Rise, and went'st that way;
But oftner the short beams of Reasons Eye,
See onely, There thou art, nor How, nor Why.
How is the Loadstone, Natures subtle pride,
By the rude Iron woo'd, and made a Bride?
How was the Weapon wounded? what hid Flame
The strong and conqu'ering Metal overcame?
Love (this Worlds Grace) exalts his Natural state;
He feels thee, Love, and feels no more his Weight.
Ye learned Heads, whom Ivy garlands grace,
Why does that twining plant the Oak embrace?
The Oak for courtship most of all unfit,
And rough as are the Winds that fight with it?
How does the absent Pole the Needle move?
How does his Cold and Ice beget hot Love?
Which are the Wings of Lightness to ascend?
Or why does Weight to th' Centre downwards bend?
Thus Creatures void of Life obey thy Laws,
And seldom We, they never know the Cause.
In thy large state, Life gives the next degree,
286
But thy chief Palace is Mans Heart alone,
Here are thy Triumphs, and full glories shown,
Handsome Desires, and Rest about thee flee,
Union, Inhærence, Zeal, and Extasie.
Thousand with Joys cluster around thine head,
O're which a gall-less Dove her wings does spread,
A gentle Lamb, purer and whiter farre
Then Consciences of thine own Martyrs are,
Lies at thy feet; and thy right hand does hold
The mystick Scepter of a Cross of Gold.
Thus do'est thou sit (like Men e're sin had fram'ed
A guilty blush) Naked, but not Asham'ed.
What cause then did the fab'ulous Ancients find,
When first their superstition made thee blind?
'Twas They, alas, 'twas They who could not see,
When they mistook that Monster, Lust, for Thee.
Thou art a bright, but not consuming Flame;
Such in th'amazed Bush to Moses came;
When that secure its new-crown'd head did rear,
And chid the trembling Branches needless fear.
Thy Darts of healthful Gold, and downwards fall
Soft as the Feathers that they're fletcht withal.
Such, and no other, were those secret Darts,
Which sweetly toucht this noblest pair of Hearts.
Still to one end they both so justly drew,
As courteous Doves together yok'd would do.
No weight of Birth did on one side prevaile,
Two Twins less even lie in Natures Scale.
They mingled Fates, and both in each did share,
They both were Servants, they both Princes were.
If any Joy to one of them was sent,
It was most his, to whom it least was meant,
And fortunes malice betwixt both was crost,
For striking one, it wounded th'other most.
Never did Marriage such true Union find,
Or mens desires with so glad violence bind;
For there is still some tincture left of Sin,
And still the Sex will needs be stealing in.
Those joys are full of dross, and thicker farre,
287
Such sacred Love does he'avens bright Spirits fill,
Where Love is but to Understand and Will,
With swift and unseen Motions; such as We
Somewhat express in heightned Charitie.
O ye blest One! whose Love on earth became
So pure that still in Heav'en 'tis but the same!
There now ye sit, and with mixt souls embrace,
Gazing upon great Loves mysterious Face,
And pity this base world where Friendship's made
A bait for sin, or else at best a Trade.
Ah wondrous Prince! who a true Friend could'st be,
When a Crown Flatter'ed, and Saul threatned Thee!
Who held'st him dear, whose Stars thy birth did cross!
And bought'st him nobly at a Kingdoms loss!
Isra'els bright Scepter far less glory brings;
There have been fewer Friends on earth then Kings.
To this strange pitch their high affections flew;
Till Natures self scarce look'd on them as Two.
Hither flies David for advice and ayde,
As swift as Love and Danger could perswade,
As safe in Jonathans trust his thoughts remain
As when Himself but dreams them o're again.
Till Natures self scarce look'd on them as Two.
Hither flies David for advice and ayde,
As swift as Love and Danger could perswade,
As safe in Jonathans trust his thoughts remain
As when Himself but dreams them o're again.
My dearest Lord, farewel (said he) farewel;
He'aven bless the King; may no misfortune tell
Th'injustice of his hate, when I am dead;
They'are coming now, perhaps; my guiltless head
Here in your sight, perhaps, must bleeding ly,
And scarce your own stand safe for being nigh.
Think me not scar'ed with death, howere't appear,
I know thou can'st not think so: tis a fear
From which thy Love, and Dammin speaks me free;
I'have met him face to face, and ne're could see
One terrour in his looks to make me fly
When Vertue bids me stand; but I would dy
So as becomes my Life, so as may prove
Sauls Malice, and at least excuse your Love.
He'aven bless the King; may no misfortune tell
Th'injustice of his hate, when I am dead;
They'are coming now, perhaps; my guiltless head
Here in your sight, perhaps, must bleeding ly,
And scarce your own stand safe for being nigh.
Think me not scar'ed with death, howere't appear,
I know thou can'st not think so: tis a fear
From which thy Love, and Dammin speaks me free;
I'have met him face to face, and ne're could see
One terrour in his looks to make me fly
When Vertue bids me stand; but I would dy
So as becomes my Life, so as may prove
Sauls Malice, and at least excuse your Love.
He stopt, and spoke some passion with his eyes;
Excellent Friend (the gallant Prince replyes)
Thou hast so prov'd thy Virtues, that they're known
To all good men, more then to each his own.
Who lives in Israel, that can doubtful be
Of thy great actions? for he lives by Thee.
Such is thy Valour, and thy vast success,
That all things but thy Loyalty are less.
And should my Father at thy ruine aim,
'Twould wound as much his Safety as his Fame.
Think them not coming then to slay thee here,
But doubt mishaps, as little as you feare.
For by thy loving God who e're design
Against thy Life must strike at it through Mine.
But I my royal Father must acquit
From such base guilt, or the low thought of it.
Think on his softness when from death he freed
The faithless King of Am'alecks cursed seed;
Can he to'a Friend, to'a Son so bloudy grow,
He who ev'n sin'd but now to spare a Foe?
Admit he could; but with what strength or art
Could he so long close, and seal up his heart?
Such counsels jealous of themselves become,
And dare not fix without consent of some.
Few men so boldly ill, great sins to do,
Till licens'ed and approv'ed by others too.
No more (believe't) could he hide this from me,
Then I, had he discover'd it, from Thee.
Excellent Friend (the gallant Prince replyes)
Thou hast so prov'd thy Virtues, that they're known
288
Who lives in Israel, that can doubtful be
Of thy great actions? for he lives by Thee.
Such is thy Valour, and thy vast success,
That all things but thy Loyalty are less.
And should my Father at thy ruine aim,
'Twould wound as much his Safety as his Fame.
Think them not coming then to slay thee here,
But doubt mishaps, as little as you feare.
For by thy loving God who e're design
Against thy Life must strike at it through Mine.
But I my royal Father must acquit
From such base guilt, or the low thought of it.
Think on his softness when from death he freed
The faithless King of Am'alecks cursed seed;
Can he to'a Friend, to'a Son so bloudy grow,
He who ev'n sin'd but now to spare a Foe?
Admit he could; but with what strength or art
Could he so long close, and seal up his heart?
Such counsels jealous of themselves become,
And dare not fix without consent of some.
Few men so boldly ill, great sins to do,
Till licens'ed and approv'ed by others too.
No more (believe't) could he hide this from me,
Then I, had he discover'd it, from Thee.
Here they embraces join, and almost tears;
Till gentle David thus new prov'd his fears.
The praise you pleas'd (great Prince) on me to spend
Was all out-spoken when you stil'd me Friend.
That name alone does dang'erous glories bring,
And gives excuse to th' Envy of a King,
What did his Spear, force, and dark plots impart
But some eternal rancour in his heart?
Still does he glance the fortune of that day
When drown'd in his own blood Goliah lay,
And cover'd half the plain; still hears the sound
How that vast Monster fell, and strook the ground:
The Dance, and, David his ten thousand slew,
Still wound his sickly soul, and still are new.
Great acts t'ambitious Princes Treasons grow,
So much they hate that Safety which they ow.
Tyrants dread all whom they raise high in place,
From the Good, danger; from the Bad, disgrace.
They doubt the Lords, mistrust the Peoples hate,
Till Blood become a Principle of State.
Secur'd nor by their Guards, nor by their Right,
But still they Fear ev'en more then they Affright.
Pardon me, Sir, your Father's rough and stern:
His Will too strong to bend, too proud to learn.
Remember, Sir, the Honey's deadly sting;
Think on that savage Justice of the King.
When the same day that saw you do before
Things above Man, should see you Man no more.
'Tis true th'accursed Agag mov'ed his ruth,
He pitied his tall Limbs and comely youth
Had seen, alas the proof of heav'ens fierce hate,
And fear'd no mischief from his powerless fate.
Remember how th'old Seer came raging down,
And taught him boldly to suspect his Crown.
Since then his pride quakes at th' Almighties rod,
Nor dares he love the man belov'ed by God.
Hence his deep rage and trembling Envy springs;
Nothing so wild as Jealousie of Kings.
Whom should he counsel ask, with whom advise,
Who Reason and Gods counsel does despise?
Whose head-strong will no Law or Conscience daunt,
Dares he not sin, do'you think, without your grant?
Yes, if the truth of our fixt love he knew,
He would not doubt, believe't, to kill ev'en you.
Till gentle David thus new prov'd his fears.
The praise you pleas'd (great Prince) on me to spend
Was all out-spoken when you stil'd me Friend.
That name alone does dang'erous glories bring,
And gives excuse to th' Envy of a King,
What did his Spear, force, and dark plots impart
But some eternal rancour in his heart?
Still does he glance the fortune of that day
When drown'd in his own blood Goliah lay,
And cover'd half the plain; still hears the sound
How that vast Monster fell, and strook the ground:
The Dance, and, David his ten thousand slew,
Still wound his sickly soul, and still are new.
Great acts t'ambitious Princes Treasons grow,
289
Tyrants dread all whom they raise high in place,
From the Good, danger; from the Bad, disgrace.
They doubt the Lords, mistrust the Peoples hate,
Till Blood become a Principle of State.
Secur'd nor by their Guards, nor by their Right,
But still they Fear ev'en more then they Affright.
Pardon me, Sir, your Father's rough and stern:
His Will too strong to bend, too proud to learn.
Remember, Sir, the Honey's deadly sting;
Think on that savage Justice of the King.
When the same day that saw you do before
Things above Man, should see you Man no more.
'Tis true th'accursed Agag mov'ed his ruth,
He pitied his tall Limbs and comely youth
Had seen, alas the proof of heav'ens fierce hate,
And fear'd no mischief from his powerless fate.
Remember how th'old Seer came raging down,
And taught him boldly to suspect his Crown.
Since then his pride quakes at th' Almighties rod,
Nor dares he love the man belov'ed by God.
Hence his deep rage and trembling Envy springs;
Nothing so wild as Jealousie of Kings.
Whom should he counsel ask, with whom advise,
Who Reason and Gods counsel does despise?
Whose head-strong will no Law or Conscience daunt,
Dares he not sin, do'you think, without your grant?
Yes, if the truth of our fixt love he knew,
He would not doubt, believe't, to kill ev'en you.
The Prince is mov'ed, and straight prepares to find
The deep resolves of his griev'd Fathers mind.
The danger now appears, Love can soon show't,
And force his Stubborn piety to know't.
They 'agree that David should conceal'd abide,
Till his great friend had the Courts temper tryde,
Till he had Sauls most secret purpose found,
And searcht the depth and rancour of his wound.
The deep resolves of his griev'd Fathers mind.
The danger now appears, Love can soon show't,
And force his Stubborn piety to know't.
They 'agree that David should conceal'd abide,
Till his great friend had the Courts temper tryde,
Till he had Sauls most secret purpose found,
And searcht the depth and rancour of his wound.
'Twas the years seventh-born Moon; the solemn Feast
That with most noise its sacred mirth exprest.
From op'ening Morn till night shuts in the day,
On Trumpets and shrill Horns the Levites play.
Whether by this in mystick Type we see
The New-years-Day of great Eternitie,
When the chang'd Moon shall no more changes make,
And scatter'd Deaths by Trumpets sound awake;
Or that the Law be kept in Mem'ory still,
Giv'en with like noise on Sina's shining Hill,
Or that (as some men teach) it did arise
From faithful Abrams righteous Sacrifice,
Who whilst the Ram on Isaac's fire did fry,
His Horn with joyful tunes stood sounding by.
Obscure the Cause; but God his will declar'ed;
And all nice knowledge then with ease is spar'ed.
At the third hour Saul to the hallowed Tent
Midst a large train of Priests and Courtiers went;
The sacred Herd marcht proud and softly by;
Too fat and gay to think their deaths so nigh.
Hard fate of Beasts, more innocent than We!
Prey to our Lux'ury, and our Pietie!
Whose guiltless blood on boards and Altars spilt,
Serves both to Make, and Expiate too our guilt!
Three Bullocks of free neck, two guilded Rams,
Two well-washt Goats, and fourteen spotless Lambs,
With the three vital fruits, Wine, Oyl, and Bread,
(Small fees to heav'en of all by which we're fed)
Are offer'ed up; the hallowed flames arise,
And faithful pray'rs mount with them to the skies.
From thence the King to th'outmost Court is brought,
Where heav'enly things an inspir'ed Prophet taught,
And from the sacred Tent to 'his Palace gates,
With glad kind shouts th' Assembly on him waites;
The chearful Horns before him loudly play,
And fresh-strew'd flowers paint his triumphant way.
Thus in slow state to th' Palace Hall they go,
Rich drest for solemn Luxury and Show;
Ten pieces of bright Tap'estry hung the room,
The noblest work e're stretcht on Syrian loom;
For wealthy Adri'el in proud Sydon wrought
And giv'en to Saul when Sauls best gift he sought
The bright-ey'd Merab; for that mindful day
No ornament so proper seem'd as they.
That with most noise its sacred mirth exprest.
From op'ening Morn till night shuts in the day,
290
Whether by this in mystick Type we see
The New-years-Day of great Eternitie,
When the chang'd Moon shall no more changes make,
And scatter'd Deaths by Trumpets sound awake;
Or that the Law be kept in Mem'ory still,
Giv'en with like noise on Sina's shining Hill,
Or that (as some men teach) it did arise
From faithful Abrams righteous Sacrifice,
Who whilst the Ram on Isaac's fire did fry,
His Horn with joyful tunes stood sounding by.
Obscure the Cause; but God his will declar'ed;
And all nice knowledge then with ease is spar'ed.
At the third hour Saul to the hallowed Tent
Midst a large train of Priests and Courtiers went;
The sacred Herd marcht proud and softly by;
Too fat and gay to think their deaths so nigh.
Hard fate of Beasts, more innocent than We!
Prey to our Lux'ury, and our Pietie!
Whose guiltless blood on boards and Altars spilt,
Serves both to Make, and Expiate too our guilt!
Three Bullocks of free neck, two guilded Rams,
Two well-washt Goats, and fourteen spotless Lambs,
With the three vital fruits, Wine, Oyl, and Bread,
(Small fees to heav'en of all by which we're fed)
Are offer'ed up; the hallowed flames arise,
And faithful pray'rs mount with them to the skies.
From thence the King to th'outmost Court is brought,
Where heav'enly things an inspir'ed Prophet taught,
And from the sacred Tent to 'his Palace gates,
With glad kind shouts th' Assembly on him waites;
The chearful Horns before him loudly play,
And fresh-strew'd flowers paint his triumphant way.
Thus in slow state to th' Palace Hall they go,
Rich drest for solemn Luxury and Show;
Ten pieces of bright Tap'estry hung the room,
The noblest work e're stretcht on Syrian loom;
For wealthy Adri'el in proud Sydon wrought
And giv'en to Saul when Sauls best gift he sought
The bright-ey'd Merab; for that mindful day
291
There all old Abrams story you might see;
And still some Angel bore him companie.
His painful, but well-guided Travels, show
The fate of all his Sons, the Church below.
Here beauteous Sara to great Pharo came,
He blusht with sudden passion, she with shame;
Troubled she seem'd, and lab'oring in the strife
'Twixt her own Honor, and her Husbands Life.
Here on a conqu'ering Host that careless lay,
Drown'd in the joys of their new gotten prey,
The Patriarch falls; well mingled might you see
The confus'd marks of Death and Luxury.
In the next piece blest Salems mystick King
Does sacred Presents to the Victor bring;
Like him whose Type he bears, his rights receives;
Strictly requires his Due, yet freely gives.
Ev'en in his port, his habit, and his face;
The Mild, and Great, the Priest and Prince had place.
Here all their starry host the heavens display;
And, Lo, an heav'enly Youth, more fair then they,
Leads Abram forth; points upwards; such, said he,
So bright and numberless thy Seed shall be.
Here he with God a new Alliance makes,
And in his flesh the marks of Homage takes;
Here he the three mysterious persons feasts,
Well paid with joyful tidings by his Guests.
Here for the wicked Town he prays, and near
Scarce did the wicked Town through Flames appear.
And all his Fate, and all his Deeds were wrought,
Since he from Ur to Ephrons cave was brought.
But none 'mongst all the forms drew then their eyes
Like faithful Abrams righteous Sacrifice.
The sad old man mounts slowly to the place,
With Natures power triumphant in his face
O're the Minds courage; for in spight of all
From his swoln eyes resistless waters fall.
The inn'ocent Boy his cruel burthen bore
With smiling looks, and sometimes walk'd before,
And sometimes turn'd to talk; above was made
The Altars fatal Pile, and on it laid
The Hope of Mankind; patiently he lay,
And did his Syre, as he his God, obey.
The mournful Syre lifts up at last the knife,
And on one moments string depends his life
In whose young loyns such brooding wonders ly.
A thousand Spir'its peep'd from th'affrighted sky,
Amaz'ed at this strange Scene; and almost fear'd,
For all those joyful Prophesies they'd heard.
Till one leapt nimbly forth by Gods command
Like Lightning from a Cloud, and stopt his hand.
The gentle Spirit smil'ed kindly as he spoke,
New beames of joy through Abrams wonder broke.
The Angel points to'a tuft of bushes near,
Where an entangled Ram does half appear,
And struggles vainly with that fatal net,
Which though but slightly wrought, was firmly set.
For, lo, anon, to this sad glory doom'd,
The useful Beast on Isaac's Pile consum'ed;
Whilst on his Horns the ransom'ed couple plaid,
And the glad Boy danc'd to the tunes he made.
And still some Angel bore him companie.
His painful, but well-guided Travels, show
The fate of all his Sons, the Church below.
Here beauteous Sara to great Pharo came,
He blusht with sudden passion, she with shame;
Troubled she seem'd, and lab'oring in the strife
'Twixt her own Honor, and her Husbands Life.
Here on a conqu'ering Host that careless lay,
Drown'd in the joys of their new gotten prey,
The Patriarch falls; well mingled might you see
The confus'd marks of Death and Luxury.
In the next piece blest Salems mystick King
Does sacred Presents to the Victor bring;
Like him whose Type he bears, his rights receives;
Strictly requires his Due, yet freely gives.
Ev'en in his port, his habit, and his face;
The Mild, and Great, the Priest and Prince had place.
Here all their starry host the heavens display;
And, Lo, an heav'enly Youth, more fair then they,
Leads Abram forth; points upwards; such, said he,
So bright and numberless thy Seed shall be.
Here he with God a new Alliance makes,
And in his flesh the marks of Homage takes;
Here he the three mysterious persons feasts,
Well paid with joyful tidings by his Guests.
Here for the wicked Town he prays, and near
Scarce did the wicked Town through Flames appear.
And all his Fate, and all his Deeds were wrought,
Since he from Ur to Ephrons cave was brought.
But none 'mongst all the forms drew then their eyes
Like faithful Abrams righteous Sacrifice.
The sad old man mounts slowly to the place,
With Natures power triumphant in his face
O're the Minds courage; for in spight of all
From his swoln eyes resistless waters fall.
The inn'ocent Boy his cruel burthen bore
With smiling looks, and sometimes walk'd before,
And sometimes turn'd to talk; above was made
292
The Hope of Mankind; patiently he lay,
And did his Syre, as he his God, obey.
The mournful Syre lifts up at last the knife,
And on one moments string depends his life
In whose young loyns such brooding wonders ly.
A thousand Spir'its peep'd from th'affrighted sky,
Amaz'ed at this strange Scene; and almost fear'd,
For all those joyful Prophesies they'd heard.
Till one leapt nimbly forth by Gods command
Like Lightning from a Cloud, and stopt his hand.
The gentle Spirit smil'ed kindly as he spoke,
New beames of joy through Abrams wonder broke.
The Angel points to'a tuft of bushes near,
Where an entangled Ram does half appear,
And struggles vainly with that fatal net,
Which though but slightly wrought, was firmly set.
For, lo, anon, to this sad glory doom'd,
The useful Beast on Isaac's Pile consum'ed;
Whilst on his Horns the ransom'ed couple plaid,
And the glad Boy danc'd to the tunes he made.
Near this Halls end a Shittim Table stood;
Yet well-wrought plate strove to conceal the wood.
For from the foot a golden vine did sprout,
And cast his fruitful riches all about.
Well might that beauteous Ore the Grape express,
Which does weak Man intoxicate no less.
Of the same wood the guilded beds were made,
And on them large embroidered carpets laid,
From Egypt the rich shop of Follies brought,
But Arts of Pride all Nations soon are taught.
Behold sev'en comely blooming Youths appear,
And in their hands sev'en silver washpots bear,
Curl'd, and gay clad; the choicest Sons that be
Of Gibeons race, and Slaves of high degree.
Seven beauteous Maids marcht softly in behind;
Bright scarfs their cloathes, their hair fresh Garlands bind,
And whilst the Princes wash, they on them shed
Rich Oyntments, which their costly odours spread
O're the whole room; from their small prisons free
With such glad haste through the wide ayr they flee.
The King was plac'ed alone, and o're his head
A well-wrought Heav'en of silk and gold was spread.
Azure the ground, the Sun in gold shone bright,
But pierc'd the wandring Clouds with silver light.
The right hand bed the Kings three Sons did grace,
The third was Abners, Adriels, Davids place.
And twelve large Tables more were fill'd below,
With the prime men Sauls Court and Camp could show;
The Palace did with mirth and musick sound,
And the crown'd goblets nimbly mov'ed around.
But though bright joy in every guest did shine,
The plenty, state, musick, and sprightful wine
Were lost on Saul; an angry care did dwell
In his dark brest, and all gay forms expell.
Davids unusual absence from the feast,
To his sick spir'it did jealous thoughts suggest.
Long lay he still, nor drank, nor eat, nor spoke,
And thus at last his troubled silence broke.
Yet well-wrought plate strove to conceal the wood.
For from the foot a golden vine did sprout,
And cast his fruitful riches all about.
Well might that beauteous Ore the Grape express,
Which does weak Man intoxicate no less.
Of the same wood the guilded beds were made,
And on them large embroidered carpets laid,
From Egypt the rich shop of Follies brought,
But Arts of Pride all Nations soon are taught.
Behold sev'en comely blooming Youths appear,
And in their hands sev'en silver washpots bear,
Curl'd, and gay clad; the choicest Sons that be
Of Gibeons race, and Slaves of high degree.
Seven beauteous Maids marcht softly in behind;
Bright scarfs their cloathes, their hair fresh Garlands bind,
And whilst the Princes wash, they on them shed
Rich Oyntments, which their costly odours spread
O're the whole room; from their small prisons free
293
The King was plac'ed alone, and o're his head
A well-wrought Heav'en of silk and gold was spread.
Azure the ground, the Sun in gold shone bright,
But pierc'd the wandring Clouds with silver light.
The right hand bed the Kings three Sons did grace,
The third was Abners, Adriels, Davids place.
And twelve large Tables more were fill'd below,
With the prime men Sauls Court and Camp could show;
The Palace did with mirth and musick sound,
And the crown'd goblets nimbly mov'ed around.
But though bright joy in every guest did shine,
The plenty, state, musick, and sprightful wine
Were lost on Saul; an angry care did dwell
In his dark brest, and all gay forms expell.
Davids unusual absence from the feast,
To his sick spir'it did jealous thoughts suggest.
Long lay he still, nor drank, nor eat, nor spoke,
And thus at last his troubled silence broke.
Where can he be? said he; It must be so:
With that he paused awhile; Too well we know
His boundless pride: he grieves and hates to see
The solemn triumphs of my Court and Me.
Believe me, friends, and trust what I can show
From thousand proofs, th'ambitious David now
Does those vast things in his proud soul design
That too much business give for Mirth or Wine.
He's kindling now perhaps, rebellious fire
Among the Tribes, and does ev'n now conspire
Against my Crown, and all our Lives, whilst we
Are loth ev'en to suspect, what we might See.
By the Great Name, 'tis true.
With that he strook the board, and no man there
But Jonathan durst undertake to clear
The blameless Prince; and scarce ten words he spoke,
When thus his speech th'enraged Tyrant broke.
With that he paused awhile; Too well we know
His boundless pride: he grieves and hates to see
The solemn triumphs of my Court and Me.
Believe me, friends, and trust what I can show
From thousand proofs, th'ambitious David now
Does those vast things in his proud soul design
That too much business give for Mirth or Wine.
He's kindling now perhaps, rebellious fire
Among the Tribes, and does ev'n now conspire
Against my Crown, and all our Lives, whilst we
Are loth ev'en to suspect, what we might See.
By the Great Name, 'tis true.
With that he strook the board, and no man there
But Jonathan durst undertake to clear
The blameless Prince; and scarce ten words he spoke,
When thus his speech th'enraged Tyrant broke.
Disloyal Wretch! thy gentle Mothers shame!
Whose cold pale Ghost ev'en blushes at thy name!
Who fears lest her chast bed should doubted be,
And her white fame stain'd by black deeds of thee!
Can'st thou be Mine? a Crown sometimes does hire
Ev'en Sons against their Parents to conspire,
But ne're did story yet, or fable tell
Of one so wild, who meerly to Rebel
Quitted th'unquestion'd birthright of a Throne,
And bought his Fathers ruine with his own:
Thou need'st not plead th'ambitious youths defence;
Thy crime clears his, and makes that Innocence.
Nor can his foul Ingratitude appear,
Whilst thy unnatural guilt is plac'ed so near.
Is this that noble Friendship you pretend?
Mine, thine own Foe, and thy worst En'emies Friend?
If thy low spirit can thy great birthright quit,
The thing's but just, so ill deserv'est thou it.
I, and thy Brethren here have no such mind;
Nor such prodigious worth in David find,
That we to him should our just rights resign,
Or think Gods choice not made so well as Thine.
Shame of thy House and Tribe! hence, from mine Eye,
To thy false Friend, and servile Master fly;
He's e're this time in arms expecting thee;
Haste, for those arms are rais'ed to ruine Mee.
Thy sin that way will nobler much appear,
Then to remain his Spy and Agent here.
When I think this, Nature by thee forsook,
Forsakes me too. With that his spear he took
To strike at him; the mirth and musick cease;
The guests all rise this sudden storm t'appease;
The Prince his danger, and his duty knew;
And low he bow'd, and silently withdrew.
Whose cold pale Ghost ev'en blushes at thy name!
Who fears lest her chast bed should doubted be,
And her white fame stain'd by black deeds of thee!
294
Ev'en Sons against their Parents to conspire,
But ne're did story yet, or fable tell
Of one so wild, who meerly to Rebel
Quitted th'unquestion'd birthright of a Throne,
And bought his Fathers ruine with his own:
Thou need'st not plead th'ambitious youths defence;
Thy crime clears his, and makes that Innocence.
Nor can his foul Ingratitude appear,
Whilst thy unnatural guilt is plac'ed so near.
Is this that noble Friendship you pretend?
Mine, thine own Foe, and thy worst En'emies Friend?
If thy low spirit can thy great birthright quit,
The thing's but just, so ill deserv'est thou it.
I, and thy Brethren here have no such mind;
Nor such prodigious worth in David find,
That we to him should our just rights resign,
Or think Gods choice not made so well as Thine.
Shame of thy House and Tribe! hence, from mine Eye,
To thy false Friend, and servile Master fly;
He's e're this time in arms expecting thee;
Haste, for those arms are rais'ed to ruine Mee.
Thy sin that way will nobler much appear,
Then to remain his Spy and Agent here.
When I think this, Nature by thee forsook,
Forsakes me too. With that his spear he took
To strike at him; the mirth and musick cease;
The guests all rise this sudden storm t'appease;
The Prince his danger, and his duty knew;
And low he bow'd, and silently withdrew.
To David strait, who in a forest nigh
Waits his advice, the royal Friend does fly.
The sole advice, now like the danger clear,
Was in some foreign land this storm t'outwear.
All marks of comely grief in both are seen;
And mournful kind discourses past between.
Now generous tears their hasty tongues restrain,
Now they begin, and talk all o're again
A reverent Oath of constant love they take,
And Gods high name their dreaded witness make;
Not that at all their Faiths could doubtful prove;
But 'twas the tedious zeal of endless Love.
Thus e're they part, they the short time bestow
In all the pomp Friendship and Grief could show.
And David now with doubtful cares opprest,
Beneath a shade borrows some little rest;
When by command divine thick mists arise,
And stop the Sense, and close the conque'red eyes.
There is a place which Man most high doth rear,
The small Worlds Heav'en, where Reason moves the Sphære.
Here in a robe which does all colours show,
(The envy of birds, and the clouds gawdy bow)
Phansie, wild Dame, with much lascivious pride
By twin-Chamelions drawn, does gaily ride.
Her coach there follows, and throngs round about
Of shapes and airy Forms an endless rout.
A Sea rowls on with harmless fury here;
Straight 'tis a field, and trees and herbs appeare.
Here in a moment are vast Armies made,
And a quick Scene of war and blood displaid.
Here sparkling wines, and brighter Maids come in,
The bawds for sense and lying baits of sin.
Some things arise of strange and quarr'elling kind,
The forepart Lyon, and a Snake behind;
Here golden mountains swell the cove'tous place,
And Cenatures ride Themselves a painted race.
Of these slight wonders Nature sees the store,
And onely then accounts herself but poore.
Waits his advice, the royal Friend does fly.
The sole advice, now like the danger clear,
Was in some foreign land this storm t'outwear.
All marks of comely grief in both are seen;
And mournful kind discourses past between.
Now generous tears their hasty tongues restrain,
Now they begin, and talk all o're again
A reverent Oath of constant love they take,
And Gods high name their dreaded witness make;
295
But 'twas the tedious zeal of endless Love.
Thus e're they part, they the short time bestow
In all the pomp Friendship and Grief could show.
And David now with doubtful cares opprest,
Beneath a shade borrows some little rest;
When by command divine thick mists arise,
And stop the Sense, and close the conque'red eyes.
There is a place which Man most high doth rear,
The small Worlds Heav'en, where Reason moves the Sphære.
Here in a robe which does all colours show,
(The envy of birds, and the clouds gawdy bow)
Phansie, wild Dame, with much lascivious pride
By twin-Chamelions drawn, does gaily ride.
Her coach there follows, and throngs round about
Of shapes and airy Forms an endless rout.
A Sea rowls on with harmless fury here;
Straight 'tis a field, and trees and herbs appeare.
Here in a moment are vast Armies made,
And a quick Scene of war and blood displaid.
Here sparkling wines, and brighter Maids come in,
The bawds for sense and lying baits of sin.
Some things arise of strange and quarr'elling kind,
The forepart Lyon, and a Snake behind;
Here golden mountains swell the cove'tous place,
And Cenatures ride Themselves a painted race.
Of these slight wonders Nature sees the store,
And onely then accounts herself but poore.
Hither an Angel comes in Davids trance;
And finds them mingled in an antique dance;
Of all the numerous forms fit choice he takes,
And joyns them wisely, and this Vision makes.
And finds them mingled in an antique dance;
Of all the numerous forms fit choice he takes,
And joyns them wisely, and this Vision makes.
First David there appears in Kingly state,
Whilst the twelve Tribes his dread commands await;
Straight to the wars with his joyn'd strength he goes,
Settles new friends, and frights his ancient Foes.
To Solima, Cana'ans old head, they came,
(Since high in note, then not unknown to Fame)
The Blind and Lame th'undoubted wall defend,
And no new wounds or dangers apprehend.
The busie image of great Joab there
Disdains the mock, and teaches them to fear.
He climbs the airy walls, leaps raging down,
New-minted shapes of slaughter fill the town.
They curse the guards their mirth and bravery chose;
All of them now are slain, or made like those.
Far through an inward Scene an Army lay,
Which with full banners a fair Fish display.
From Sidon plains to happy Egypts coast
They seem all met; a vast and warlike Hoast.
Thither hasts David to his destin'ed prey,
Honor, and noble Danger lead the way;
The conscious Trees shook with a reverent fear
Their unblown tops; God walkt before him there.
Slaughter the wearied Riphaims bosom fills,
Dead corps imboss the vail with little hills.
On th'other side Sophenes mighty King
Numberless troops of the blest East does bring:
Twice are his men cut off, and chariots ta'ne;
Damascus and rich Adad help in vaine.
Here Nabathæan troops in battel stand,
With all the lusty youth of Syrian land;
Undaunted Joab rushes on with speed,
Gallantly mounted on his fiery steed;
He hews down all, and deals his deaths around;
The Syrians leave, or possess dead the ground.
On th' other wing does brave Abishai ride
Reeking in blood and dust; on every side
The perjur'd sons of Ammon quit the field,
Some basely dye, and some more basely yield.
Through a thick wood the wretched Hanun flies,
And far more justly then fears Hebrew Spies.
Moloch, their bloody God, thrusts out his head,
Grinning through a black cloud; him they'd long fed
In his sev'en Chambers, and he still did eat
New-roasted babes, his dear, delicious meat.
Again they'arise, more ang'red then dismaid;
Euphrates, and Swift Tygris sends them aid:
In vain they send it, for again they're slain,
And feast the greedy birds on Helay plain.
Here Rabba with proud towers affronts the sky,
And round about great Joabs trenches ly.
They force the walls, and sack the helpless town;
On Davids head shines Ammons massy Crown.
Midst various torments the curst race expires,
David himself his severe wrath admires.
Whilst the twelve Tribes his dread commands await;
Straight to the wars with his joyn'd strength he goes,
Settles new friends, and frights his ancient Foes.
To Solima, Cana'ans old head, they came,
(Since high in note, then not unknown to Fame)
The Blind and Lame th'undoubted wall defend,
And no new wounds or dangers apprehend.
296
Disdains the mock, and teaches them to fear.
He climbs the airy walls, leaps raging down,
New-minted shapes of slaughter fill the town.
They curse the guards their mirth and bravery chose;
All of them now are slain, or made like those.
Far through an inward Scene an Army lay,
Which with full banners a fair Fish display.
From Sidon plains to happy Egypts coast
They seem all met; a vast and warlike Hoast.
Thither hasts David to his destin'ed prey,
Honor, and noble Danger lead the way;
The conscious Trees shook with a reverent fear
Their unblown tops; God walkt before him there.
Slaughter the wearied Riphaims bosom fills,
Dead corps imboss the vail with little hills.
On th'other side Sophenes mighty King
Numberless troops of the blest East does bring:
Twice are his men cut off, and chariots ta'ne;
Damascus and rich Adad help in vaine.
Here Nabathæan troops in battel stand,
With all the lusty youth of Syrian land;
Undaunted Joab rushes on with speed,
Gallantly mounted on his fiery steed;
He hews down all, and deals his deaths around;
The Syrians leave, or possess dead the ground.
On th' other wing does brave Abishai ride
Reeking in blood and dust; on every side
The perjur'd sons of Ammon quit the field,
Some basely dye, and some more basely yield.
Through a thick wood the wretched Hanun flies,
And far more justly then fears Hebrew Spies.
Moloch, their bloody God, thrusts out his head,
Grinning through a black cloud; him they'd long fed
In his sev'en Chambers, and he still did eat
New-roasted babes, his dear, delicious meat.
Again they'arise, more ang'red then dismaid;
Euphrates, and Swift Tygris sends them aid:
In vain they send it, for again they're slain,
And feast the greedy birds on Helay plain.
297
And round about great Joabs trenches ly.
They force the walls, and sack the helpless town;
On Davids head shines Ammons massy Crown.
Midst various torments the curst race expires,
David himself his severe wrath admires.
Next upon Isra'els throne does bravely sit
A comely Youth endow'ed with wondrous wit.
Far from the parched Line a royal Dame,
To hear his tongue and boundless wisdom came.
She carried back in her triumphant womb
The glorious stock of thousand Kings to come.
Here brightest forms his pomp and wealth display,
Here they a Temples vast foundations lay.
A mighty work; and with fit glories fill'd.
For God t'enhabit, and that King to build.
Some from the quarries hew out massy stone,
Some draw it up with cranes, some breathe and grone
In order o're the anvile; some cut down
Tall Cedars, the proud Mountains ancient crown;
Some carve the Truncks, and breathing shapes bestow,
Giving the Trees more life then when they grow;
But, oh (alas) what sudden cloud is spread
About this glorious Kings eclypsed head?
It all his fame benights, and all his store,
Wrapping him round, and now he's seen no more.
A comely Youth endow'ed with wondrous wit.
Far from the parched Line a royal Dame,
To hear his tongue and boundless wisdom came.
She carried back in her triumphant womb
The glorious stock of thousand Kings to come.
Here brightest forms his pomp and wealth display,
Here they a Temples vast foundations lay.
A mighty work; and with fit glories fill'd.
For God t'enhabit, and that King to build.
Some from the quarries hew out massy stone,
Some draw it up with cranes, some breathe and grone
In order o're the anvile; some cut down
Tall Cedars, the proud Mountains ancient crown;
Some carve the Truncks, and breathing shapes bestow,
Giving the Trees more life then when they grow;
But, oh (alas) what sudden cloud is spread
About this glorious Kings eclypsed head?
It all his fame benights, and all his store,
Wrapping him round, and now he's seen no more.
When straight his Son appears at Sichem crown'd.
With young and heedless Council circled round;
Unseemly object! but a falling state
Has always its own errours joyn'd with fate.
Ten Tribes at once forsake the Jessian throne,
And bold Adoram at his Message stone;
Brethren of Israel!—more he fain would say,
But a flint stopt his mouth, and speech i'th'way.
Here this fond Kings disasters but begin,
He's destin'ed to more shame by'his Fathers sin.
Susack comes up, and under his command
A dreadful Army from scorcht Africks sand
As numberless as that; all is his prey,
The Temples sacred wealth they bear away;
Adrazars shields and golden loss they take;
Ev'n David in his dream does sweat and shake.
Thus fails this wretched Prince; his Loyns appear
Of less weight now, then Solomons Fingers were.
With young and heedless Council circled round;
Unseemly object! but a falling state
Has always its own errours joyn'd with fate.
Ten Tribes at once forsake the Jessian throne,
And bold Adoram at his Message stone;
Brethren of Israel!—more he fain would say,
But a flint stopt his mouth, and speech i'th'way.
Here this fond Kings disasters but begin,
He's destin'ed to more shame by'his Fathers sin.
Susack comes up, and under his command
A dreadful Army from scorcht Africks sand
As numberless as that; all is his prey,
The Temples sacred wealth they bear away;
298
Ev'n David in his dream does sweat and shake.
Thus fails this wretched Prince; his Loyns appear
Of less weight now, then Solomons Fingers were.
Abijah next seeks Isra'el to regain,
And wash in seas of blood his Fathers stain;
Ne're saw the aged Sun so cruel fight,
Scarce saw he this, but hid his bashful light.
Nebats curst son fled with not half his men,
Where were his Gods of Dan and Bethel then?
Yet could not this the fatal strife decide;
God punisht one, but blest not th'other side.
And wash in seas of blood his Fathers stain;
Ne're saw the aged Sun so cruel fight,
Scarce saw he this, but hid his bashful light.
Nebats curst son fled with not half his men,
Where were his Gods of Dan and Bethel then?
Yet could not this the fatal strife decide;
God punisht one, but blest not th'other side.
Asan a just and vertuous Prince succeeds;
High rais'd by fame for great and godly deeds;
He cut the solemn groves where Idols stood,
And Sacrific'ed the Gods with their own wood.
He vanquisht thus the proud weak powers of hell,
Before him next their doating servants fell.
So huge an Host of Zerahs men he slew,
As made ev'en that Arabia Desert too.
Why fear'd he then the perjur'd Baasha's fight?
Or bought the dangerous ayd of Syrian's might?
Conquest Heav'ens gift, cannot by man be sold;
Alas, what weakness trusts he? Man and Gold.
High rais'd by fame for great and godly deeds;
He cut the solemn groves where Idols stood,
And Sacrific'ed the Gods with their own wood.
He vanquisht thus the proud weak powers of hell,
Before him next their doating servants fell.
So huge an Host of Zerahs men he slew,
As made ev'en that Arabia Desert too.
Why fear'd he then the perjur'd Baasha's fight?
Or bought the dangerous ayd of Syrian's might?
Conquest Heav'ens gift, cannot by man be sold;
Alas, what weakness trusts he? Man and Gold.
Next Josaphat possest the royal state;
An happy Prince, well worthy of his fate;
His oft Oblations on Gods Altar made,
With thousand flocks, and thousand herds are paid,
Arabian Tribute! what mad troops are those,
Those mighty Troops that dare to be his foes?
He Prays them dead; with mutual wounds they fall;
One fury brought, one fury slays them all.
Thus sits he still, and sees himself to win;
Never o'recome but by's Friend Ahabs sin;
On whose disguise fates then did onely look;
And had almost their Gods command mistook.
Him from whose danger heav'en securely brings,
And for his sake two ripely wicked Kings.
Their Armies languish, burnt with thirst at Seere,
Sighs all their Cold, Tears all their Moisture there.
They fix their greedy eyes on th'empty sky,
And fansie clouds, and so become more dry.
Elisha calls for waters from afarre
To come; Elisha calls, and here they are.
In helmets they quaff round the welcome flood;
And the decrease repair with Moabs blood.
Jehoram next, and Ochoziah throng
For Judahs Scepter; both short-liv'd too long.
A Woman too from Murther Title claims;
Both with her Sins and Sex the Crown she shames.
Proud cursed Woman! but her fall at last
To doubting men clears heav'en for what was past.
Joas at first does bright and glorious show;
In lifes fresh morn his fame did early crow.
Fair was the promise of his dawning ray,
But Prophets angry blood o'recast his day.
From thence his clouds, from thence his storms begin,
It cryes aloud, and twice let's Aram in.
So Amaziah lives, so ends his raign;
Both by their Trayt'erous servants justly slain.
Edom at first dreads his victorious hand,
Before him thousand Captives trembling stand.
Down a prec'ipice deep, down he casts them all,
The mimick shapes in several postures fall.
But then (mad fool!) he does those Gods adore,
Which when pluckt down, had worshipt him before.
Thus all his life to come is loss and shame;
No help from Gods who themselves helpt not, came.
An happy Prince, well worthy of his fate;
His oft Oblations on Gods Altar made,
With thousand flocks, and thousand herds are paid,
Arabian Tribute! what mad troops are those,
Those mighty Troops that dare to be his foes?
He Prays them dead; with mutual wounds they fall;
One fury brought, one fury slays them all.
Thus sits he still, and sees himself to win;
Never o'recome but by's Friend Ahabs sin;
On whose disguise fates then did onely look;
And had almost their Gods command mistook.
Him from whose danger heav'en securely brings,
And for his sake two ripely wicked Kings.
Their Armies languish, burnt with thirst at Seere,
Sighs all their Cold, Tears all their Moisture there.
299
And fansie clouds, and so become more dry.
Elisha calls for waters from afarre
To come; Elisha calls, and here they are.
In helmets they quaff round the welcome flood;
And the decrease repair with Moabs blood.
Jehoram next, and Ochoziah throng
For Judahs Scepter; both short-liv'd too long.
A Woman too from Murther Title claims;
Both with her Sins and Sex the Crown she shames.
Proud cursed Woman! but her fall at last
To doubting men clears heav'en for what was past.
Joas at first does bright and glorious show;
In lifes fresh morn his fame did early crow.
Fair was the promise of his dawning ray,
But Prophets angry blood o'recast his day.
From thence his clouds, from thence his storms begin,
It cryes aloud, and twice let's Aram in.
So Amaziah lives, so ends his raign;
Both by their Trayt'erous servants justly slain.
Edom at first dreads his victorious hand,
Before him thousand Captives trembling stand.
Down a prec'ipice deep, down he casts them all,
The mimick shapes in several postures fall.
But then (mad fool!) he does those Gods adore,
Which when pluckt down, had worshipt him before.
Thus all his life to come is loss and shame;
No help from Gods who themselves helpt not, came.
All this Uzziahs strength and wit repairs,
Leaving a well-built greatness to his Heirs.
Till leprous scurff o're his whole body cast,
Takes him at first from Men, from Earth at last.
As vertuous was his Son, and happier far;
Buildings his Peace, and Trophies grac'ed his War.
But Achaz heaps up sins, as if he meant
To make his worst forefathers innocent.
He burns his Son at Hinon, whilst around
The roaring child drums and loud Trumpets sound.
This to the boy a barb'arous mercy grew,
And snatcht him from all mis'eries to ensue.
Here Peca comes, and hundred thousands fall,
Here Rezin marches up, and sweeps up all:
Till like a Sea the Great Belochus Son
Breaks upon both, and both does over-run.
The last of Adads ancient stock is slain,
Isra'el captiv'ed, and rich Damascus ta'ne.
All this wild rage to revenge Juda's wrong;
But wo to Kingdoms that have Friends too strong!
Leaving a well-built greatness to his Heirs.
Till leprous scurff o're his whole body cast,
Takes him at first from Men, from Earth at last.
As vertuous was his Son, and happier far;
Buildings his Peace, and Trophies grac'ed his War.
But Achaz heaps up sins, as if he meant
To make his worst forefathers innocent.
He burns his Son at Hinon, whilst around
The roaring child drums and loud Trumpets sound.
This to the boy a barb'arous mercy grew,
And snatcht him from all mis'eries to ensue.
300
Here Rezin marches up, and sweeps up all:
Till like a Sea the Great Belochus Son
Breaks upon both, and both does over-run.
The last of Adads ancient stock is slain,
Isra'el captiv'ed, and rich Damascus ta'ne.
All this wild rage to revenge Juda's wrong;
But wo to Kingdoms that have Friends too strong!
Thus Hezechiah the torn Empire took,
And Assurs King with his worse Gods forsook,
Who to poor Juda worlds of Nations brings,
There rages; utters vain and Mighty things,
Some dream of triumphs, and exalted names,
Some of dear gold, and some of beauteous dames;
Whilst in the midst of their huge sleepy boast,
An Angel scatters death through all the hoast.
Th'affrighted Tyrant back to Babel hies,
There meets an end far worse then that he flies.
Here Hezekiahs life is almost done!
So good, and yet, alas! so short 'tis spunne.
Th'end of the Line was ravell'd, weak and old;
Time must go back, and afford better hold
To tye a new thread to'it, of fifteen years;
'Tis done; Th'almighty power of prayer and tears!
Backward the Sun, an unknown motion, went;
The Stars gaz'ed on, and wondred what he meant:
Manasses next (forgetful man!) begins;
Enslav'ed, and sold to Ashur by his sins.
Till by the rod of learned mis'ery taught,
Home to his God and Countrey both he's brought.
It taught not Ammon, nor his hardness brake;
He's made th'Example he refus'd to take.
And Assurs King with his worse Gods forsook,
Who to poor Juda worlds of Nations brings,
There rages; utters vain and Mighty things,
Some dream of triumphs, and exalted names,
Some of dear gold, and some of beauteous dames;
Whilst in the midst of their huge sleepy boast,
An Angel scatters death through all the hoast.
Th'affrighted Tyrant back to Babel hies,
There meets an end far worse then that he flies.
Here Hezekiahs life is almost done!
So good, and yet, alas! so short 'tis spunne.
Th'end of the Line was ravell'd, weak and old;
Time must go back, and afford better hold
To tye a new thread to'it, of fifteen years;
'Tis done; Th'almighty power of prayer and tears!
Backward the Sun, an unknown motion, went;
The Stars gaz'ed on, and wondred what he meant:
Manasses next (forgetful man!) begins;
Enslav'ed, and sold to Ashur by his sins.
Till by the rod of learned mis'ery taught,
Home to his God and Countrey both he's brought.
It taught not Ammon, nor his hardness brake;
He's made th'Example he refus'd to take.
Yet from this root a goodly Cyon springs;
Josiah best of Men, as well as Kings.
Down went the Calves with all their gold and cost;
The Preists then truly griev'ed, Osyris lost,
These mad Egyptian rites till now remain'd;
Fools! they their worser thraldome still retain'd!
In his own Fires Moloch to ashes fell,
And no more flames must have besides his Hell.
Like end Astartes horned Image found,
And Baals spired stone to dust was ground.
No more were Men in female habit seen,
Or They in Mens by the lewd Syrian Queen.
No lustful Maids at Benos Temple sit,
And with their bodies shame their marriage get.
The double Dagon neither nature saves,
Nor flies She back to th'Erythræan waves.
The trav'elling Sun sees gladly from on high
His Chariots burn, and Nergal quenched ly.
The Kings impartial Anger lights on all,
From fly-blown Acca'ron to the thundring Baâl.
Here Davids joy unruly grows and bold;
Nor could Sleeps silken chain its vio'lence hold;
Had not the Angel to seal fast his eyes
The humors stirr'd, and bad more mists arise:
When straight a Chariot hurries swift away,
And in it good Josiah bleeding lay.
One hand's held up, one stops the wound; in vain
They both are us'd; alas, he's slain, he's slain.
Josiah best of Men, as well as Kings.
Down went the Calves with all their gold and cost;
The Preists then truly griev'ed, Osyris lost,
These mad Egyptian rites till now remain'd;
Fools! they their worser thraldome still retain'd!
In his own Fires Moloch to ashes fell,
And no more flames must have besides his Hell.
301
And Baals spired stone to dust was ground.
No more were Men in female habit seen,
Or They in Mens by the lewd Syrian Queen.
No lustful Maids at Benos Temple sit,
And with their bodies shame their marriage get.
The double Dagon neither nature saves,
Nor flies She back to th'Erythræan waves.
The trav'elling Sun sees gladly from on high
His Chariots burn, and Nergal quenched ly.
The Kings impartial Anger lights on all,
From fly-blown Acca'ron to the thundring Baâl.
Here Davids joy unruly grows and bold;
Nor could Sleeps silken chain its vio'lence hold;
Had not the Angel to seal fast his eyes
The humors stirr'd, and bad more mists arise:
When straight a Chariot hurries swift away,
And in it good Josiah bleeding lay.
One hand's held up, one stops the wound; in vain
They both are us'd; alas, he's slain, he's slain.
Jehoias and Jehoikim next appear;
Both urge that vengeance which before was near.
He in Egyptian fetters captive dies,
Thus by more courteous anger murther'd lies.
His Son and Brother next do bonds sustain,
Isra'els now solemn and imperial Chain.
Her'es the last Scene of this proud Cities state;
All ills are met ty'ed in one knot of Fate.
Their endless slavery in this tryal lay;
Great God had heapt up Ages in one Day:
Strong works around the wall the Caldees build,
The Town with grief and dreadful bus'iness fill'd.
To their carv'ed Gods the frantick women pray,
Gods which as near their ruine were as they.
At last in rushes the prevailing foe,
Does all the mischief of proud conquest show.
The wondring babes from mothers breasts are rent,
And suffer ills they neither fear'd nor meant.
No silver rev'erence guards the stooping age,
No rule or method ties their boundless rage.
The glorious Temple shines in flame all o're,
Yet not so bright as in its Gold before.
Nothing but fire or slaughter meets the eyes,
Nothing the ear but groans and dismal cryes.
The walls and towers are levi'ed with the ground,
And scarce ought now of that vast Citie's found
But shards and rubbish which weak signs might keep
Of forepast glory, and bid Trav'ellers weep.
Thus did triumphant Assur homewards pass,
And thus Jerus'alem left, Jerusalem that was.
Both urge that vengeance which before was near.
He in Egyptian fetters captive dies,
Thus by more courteous anger murther'd lies.
His Son and Brother next do bonds sustain,
Isra'els now solemn and imperial Chain.
Her'es the last Scene of this proud Cities state;
All ills are met ty'ed in one knot of Fate.
Their endless slavery in this tryal lay;
Great God had heapt up Ages in one Day:
Strong works around the wall the Caldees build,
The Town with grief and dreadful bus'iness fill'd.
To their carv'ed Gods the frantick women pray,
Gods which as near their ruine were as they.
At last in rushes the prevailing foe,
Does all the mischief of proud conquest show.
The wondring babes from mothers breasts are rent,
And suffer ills they neither fear'd nor meant.
No silver rev'erence guards the stooping age,
No rule or method ties their boundless rage.
302
Yet not so bright as in its Gold before.
Nothing but fire or slaughter meets the eyes,
Nothing the ear but groans and dismal cryes.
The walls and towers are levi'ed with the ground,
And scarce ought now of that vast Citie's found
But shards and rubbish which weak signs might keep
Of forepast glory, and bid Trav'ellers weep.
Thus did triumphant Assur homewards pass,
And thus Jerus'alem left, Jerusalem that was.
Thus Zedechiah saw, and this not all;
Before his face his Friends and Children fall,
The sport of ins'olent victors; this he viewes,
A King and Father once; ill fate could use
His eyes no more to do their master spight;
All to be seen she took, and next his Sight.
Thus a long death in prison he outwears;
Bereft of griefs last solace, ev'en his Tears.
Before his face his Friends and Children fall,
The sport of ins'olent victors; this he viewes,
A King and Father once; ill fate could use
His eyes no more to do their master spight;
All to be seen she took, and next his Sight.
Thus a long death in prison he outwears;
Bereft of griefs last solace, ev'en his Tears.
Then Jeconiahs son did foremost come,
And he who brought the captiv'ed nation home;
A row of Worthies in long order past
O're the short stage; of all old Joseph last.
Fair Angels past by next in seemly bands,
All gilt, with gilded basquets in their hands.
Some as they went the blew-ey'd violets strew,
Some spotless Lilies in loose order threw.
Some did the way with full-blown roses spread;
Their smell divine and colour strangely red;
Not such as our dull gardens proudly wear,
Whom weathers taint, and winds rude kisses tear.
Such, I believe, was the first Roses hew,
Which at Gods word in beauteous Eden grew.
Queen of the Flowers, which made that Orchard gay,
The morning blushes of the Springs new Day.
And he who brought the captiv'ed nation home;
A row of Worthies in long order past
O're the short stage; of all old Joseph last.
Fair Angels past by next in seemly bands,
All gilt, with gilded basquets in their hands.
Some as they went the blew-ey'd violets strew,
Some spotless Lilies in loose order threw.
Some did the way with full-blown roses spread;
Their smell divine and colour strangely red;
Not such as our dull gardens proudly wear,
Whom weathers taint, and winds rude kisses tear.
Such, I believe, was the first Roses hew,
Which at Gods word in beauteous Eden grew.
Queen of the Flowers, which made that Orchard gay,
The morning blushes of the Springs new Day.
With sober pace an heav'enly Maid walks in,
Her looks all fair; no sign of Native sin
Through her whole body writ; Immod'erate Grace
Spoke things far more then humane in her face.
It casts a dusky gloom o're all the flow'rs;
And with full beams their mingled Light devowrs.
An Angel straight broke from a shining clowd,
And prest his wings, and with much reve'rence bow'd.
Again he bow'd, and grave approach he made,
And thus his sacred Message sweetly said:
Her looks all fair; no sign of Native sin
Through her whole body writ; Immod'erate Grace
Spoke things far more then humane in her face.
It casts a dusky gloom o're all the flow'rs;
And with full beams their mingled Light devowrs.
303
And prest his wings, and with much reve'rence bow'd.
Again he bow'd, and grave approach he made,
And thus his sacred Message sweetly said:
Hail, full of Grace, thee the whole world shall call
Above all blest; Thee, who shalt bless them all.
Thy Virgin womb in wondrous sort shall shrowd
Jesus the God; (and then again he bow'd)
Conception the great Spirit shall breathe on thee;
Hail thou, who must Gods wife, Gods mother be!
With that, his seeming form to heav'n he rear'd;
She low obeisance made, and disappear'd.
Lo a new Star three eastern Sages see;
(For why should onely Earth a Gainer be?)
They saw this Phosphors infant-light, and knew
It bravely usher'd in a Sun as New.
They hasted all this rising Sun t'adore;
With them rich myrrh, and early spices bore.
Wise men; no fitter gift your zeal could bring;
You'll in a noisome Stable find your King.
Anon a thousand Dev'ils run roaring in;
Some with a dreadful smile deform'edly grin.
Some stamp their cloven paws, some frown and tear
The gaping Snakes from their black-knotted hair.
As if all grief, and all the rage of hell
Were doubled now, or that just now they fell.
But when the dreaded Maid they entring saw,
All fled with trembling fear and silent aw.
In her chast arms th' Eternal Infant lies,
Th'Almighty voyce chang'ed into feeble cryes.
Heav'en contain'd Virgins oft, and will do more;
Never did Virgin contain Heav'en before.
Angels peep round to view this mystick thing,
And Halleluiah round, all Halleluiah sing.
Above all blest; Thee, who shalt bless them all.
Thy Virgin womb in wondrous sort shall shrowd
Jesus the God; (and then again he bow'd)
Conception the great Spirit shall breathe on thee;
Hail thou, who must Gods wife, Gods mother be!
With that, his seeming form to heav'n he rear'd;
She low obeisance made, and disappear'd.
Lo a new Star three eastern Sages see;
(For why should onely Earth a Gainer be?)
They saw this Phosphors infant-light, and knew
It bravely usher'd in a Sun as New.
They hasted all this rising Sun t'adore;
With them rich myrrh, and early spices bore.
Wise men; no fitter gift your zeal could bring;
You'll in a noisome Stable find your King.
Anon a thousand Dev'ils run roaring in;
Some with a dreadful smile deform'edly grin.
Some stamp their cloven paws, some frown and tear
The gaping Snakes from their black-knotted hair.
As if all grief, and all the rage of hell
Were doubled now, or that just now they fell.
But when the dreaded Maid they entring saw,
All fled with trembling fear and silent aw.
In her chast arms th' Eternal Infant lies,
Th'Almighty voyce chang'ed into feeble cryes.
Heav'en contain'd Virgins oft, and will do more;
Never did Virgin contain Heav'en before.
Angels peep round to view this mystick thing,
And Halleluiah round, all Halleluiah sing.
No longer could good David quiet bear,
The unwieldy pleasure which ore-flow'd him here.
It broke the fetters, and burst ope his ey.
Away the tim'erous Forms together fly.
Fixt with amaze he stood; and time must take,
To learn if yet he were at last awake.
Sometimes he thinks that heav'en this Vision sent,
And order'ed all the Pageants as they went.
Sometimes, that onely 'twas wild Phancies play,
The loose and scatter'd reliques of the Day.
The unwieldy pleasure which ore-flow'd him here.
It broke the fetters, and burst ope his ey.
Away the tim'erous Forms together fly.
Fixt with amaze he stood; and time must take,
To learn if yet he were at last awake.
304
And order'ed all the Pageants as they went.
Sometimes, that onely 'twas wild Phancies play,
The loose and scatter'd reliques of the Day.
When Gabriel (no blest Spirit more kind or fair)
Bodies and cloathes himself with thickned ayr.
All like a comely youth in lifes fresh bloom;
Rare workmanship, and wrought by heavenly loom!
He took for skin a cloud most soft and bright,
That e're the midday Sun pierc'ed through with light:
Upon his cheeks a lively blush he spred;
Washt from the morning beauties deepest red.
An harmless flaming Meteor shone for haire,
And fell adown his shoulders with loose care.
He cuts out a silk Mantle from the skies,
Where the most sprightly azure pleas'd the eyes.
This he with starry vapours spangles all,
Took in their prime e're they grow ripe and fall.
Of a new Rainbow e're it fret or fade,
The choicest piece took out, a Scarf is made.
Small streaming clouds he does for wings display,
Not Vertuous Lovers sighes more soft then They.
These he gilds o're with the Suns richest rays,
Caught gliding o're pure streams on which he plays.
Bodies and cloathes himself with thickned ayr.
All like a comely youth in lifes fresh bloom;
Rare workmanship, and wrought by heavenly loom!
He took for skin a cloud most soft and bright,
That e're the midday Sun pierc'ed through with light:
Upon his cheeks a lively blush he spred;
Washt from the morning beauties deepest red.
An harmless flaming Meteor shone for haire,
And fell adown his shoulders with loose care.
He cuts out a silk Mantle from the skies,
Where the most sprightly azure pleas'd the eyes.
This he with starry vapours spangles all,
Took in their prime e're they grow ripe and fall.
Of a new Rainbow e're it fret or fade,
The choicest piece took out, a Scarf is made.
Small streaming clouds he does for wings display,
Not Vertuous Lovers sighes more soft then They.
These he gilds o're with the Suns richest rays,
Caught gliding o're pure streams on which he plays.
Thus drest the joyful Gabriel posts away,
And carries with him his own glorious day
Through the thick woods; the gloomy shades a while
Put on fresh looks, and wonder why they smile.
The trembling Serpents close and silent ly,
The birds obscene far from his passage fly.
A sudden spring waits on him as he goes,
Sudden as that by which Creation rose.
Thus he appears to David, at first sight
All earth-bred fears and sorrows take their flight.
In rushes joy divine, and hope, and rest;
A Sacred calm shines through his peaceful brest.
Hail, Man belov'ed! from highest heav'en (said he)
My mighty Master sends thee health by me.
The things thou saw'est are full of truth and light,
Shap'd in the glass of the divine Foresight.
Ev'n now old Time is harnessing the years
To go in order thus; hence empty fears;
Thy Fate's all white; from thy blest seed shall spring
The promis'd Shilo, the great Mystick King.
Round the whole earth his dreaded name shall sound,
And reach to Worlds, that must not yet be found.
The Southern Clime him her sole Lord shall stile,
Him all the North, ev'en Albions stubborn Isle.
My Fellow-Servant, credit what I tell.
And carries with him his own glorious day
Through the thick woods; the gloomy shades a while
Put on fresh looks, and wonder why they smile.
The trembling Serpents close and silent ly,
The birds obscene far from his passage fly.
A sudden spring waits on him as he goes,
Sudden as that by which Creation rose.
Thus he appears to David, at first sight
All earth-bred fears and sorrows take their flight.
In rushes joy divine, and hope, and rest;
A Sacred calm shines through his peaceful brest.
Hail, Man belov'ed! from highest heav'en (said he)
My mighty Master sends thee health by me.
The things thou saw'est are full of truth and light,
Shap'd in the glass of the divine Foresight.
305
To go in order thus; hence empty fears;
Thy Fate's all white; from thy blest seed shall spring
The promis'd Shilo, the great Mystick King.
Round the whole earth his dreaded name shall sound,
And reach to Worlds, that must not yet be found.
The Southern Clime him her sole Lord shall stile,
Him all the North, ev'en Albions stubborn Isle.
My Fellow-Servant, credit what I tell.
Straight into shapeless air unseen he fell.
323
DAVIDEIS.
The third Book.
THE CONTENTS.
Davids flight to Nob, and entertainment there by the High Priest; from thence to Gath in disguise, where he is discovered and brought to Achis; He counterfeits himself Mad, and escapes to Adullam. A short enumeration of the forces which come thither to him. A description of the Kingdom of Moab, whither David flies; His entertainment at Moabs Court, a Digression of the History of Lot, Father of the Moabites, represented in Picture. Melchors Song at the Feast; Moab desires Joab to relate the story of David. Which he does; His Extraction, his excellency in Poesie, and the effects of it in curing Sauls malady. The Philistims Army encamped at Dammin, the Description of Goliah and his Arms, his Challenge to the Israelites, Davids coming to the Camp, his speech to Saul to desire leave to fight with Goliah; several speeches upon that occasion, the combat and slaughter of Goliah, with the defeat of the Philistims Army. Sauls envy to David. The Characters of Merab and Michol. The Love between David and Michol, his Song at her window, his expedition against the Philistims, and the Dowry of two hundred foreskins for Michol, with whom he is married. The Solemnities of the Wedding; Sauls relapse, and the causes of Davids flight into the Kingdom of Moab.
324
Rais'd with the news he from high Heav'en receives,
Straight to his diligent God just thanks he gives.
To divine Nobe directs then his flight,
A small Town great in Fame by Levy's right,
Is there with sprightly wines, and hallowed bread,
(But what's to Hunger hallowed?) largely fed.
The good old Priest welcomes his fatal Guest,
And with long talk prolongs the hasty feast.
He lends him vain Goliahs Sacred Sword,
(The fittest help just Fortune could afford)
A Sword whose weight without a blow might slay,
Able unblunted to cut Hosts away,
A Sword so great, that i[t] was only fit
To take off his great Head who came with it.
Thus he arms David; I your own restore,
Take it (said he) and use it as before.
I saw you then, and 'twas the bravest sight
That e're these Eyes ow'ed the discov'ering light.
When you stept forth, how did the Monster rage,
In scorn of your soft looks, and tender age!
Some your high Spirit did mad Presumption call,
Some piti'ed that such Youth should idly fall.
Th'uncircumcis'ed smil'ed grimly with disdain;
I knew the day was yours: I saw it plain.
Much more the Reverend Sire prepar'ed to say,
Rapt with his joy; how the two Armies lay;
Which way th'amazed Foe did wildly flee,
All that his Hearer better knew then He.
But Davids hast denies all needless stay;
To Gath an Enemies Land, he hastes away,
Not there secure, but where one Danger's near,
The more remote though greater disappear.
So from the Hawk, Birds to Mans succour flee,
So from fir'ed Ships Man leaps into the Sea.
There in disguise he hopes unknown t'abide!
Alas! in vain! what can such greatness hide?
Stones of small worth may lye unseen by Day,
But Night it self does the rich Gem betray.
Tagal first spi'ed him, a Philistian Knight,
Who erst from Davids wrath by shameful flight
Had sav'd the sordid remnant of his age;
Hence the deep sore of Envy mixt with Rage.
Straight with a band of Souldiers tall and rough,
Trembling, for scarce he thought that band enough,
On him he seises whom they all had fear'd,
Had the bold Youth in his own shape appear'd.
And now this wisht-for, but yet dreadful prey
To Achis Court they led in hast away,
With all unmanly rudeness which does wait
Upon th'Immod'erate Vulgars Joy and Hate.
His valour now and strength must useless ly,
And he himself must arts unusu'al try;
Sometimes he rends his garments, nor does spare
The goodly curles of his rich yellow haire.
Sometimes a violent laughter scru'd his face,
And sometimes ready tears dropt down apace.
Sometimes he fixt his staring eyes on ground,
And sometimes in wild manner hurl'd them round.
More full revenge Philistians could not wish,
But call't the Justice of their mighty Fish.
They now in height of anger, let him Live;
And Freedom too, t'encrease his scorn, they give.
He by wise Madness freed does homeward flee,
And Rage makes them all that He seem'd to be.
Straight to his diligent God just thanks he gives.
To divine Nobe directs then his flight,
A small Town great in Fame by Levy's right,
Is there with sprightly wines, and hallowed bread,
(But what's to Hunger hallowed?) largely fed.
The good old Priest welcomes his fatal Guest,
And with long talk prolongs the hasty feast.
He lends him vain Goliahs Sacred Sword,
(The fittest help just Fortune could afford)
A Sword whose weight without a blow might slay,
Able unblunted to cut Hosts away,
A Sword so great, that i[t] was only fit
To take off his great Head who came with it.
Thus he arms David; I your own restore,
Take it (said he) and use it as before.
I saw you then, and 'twas the bravest sight
That e're these Eyes ow'ed the discov'ering light.
When you stept forth, how did the Monster rage,
In scorn of your soft looks, and tender age!
Some your high Spirit did mad Presumption call,
Some piti'ed that such Youth should idly fall.
Th'uncircumcis'ed smil'ed grimly with disdain;
I knew the day was yours: I saw it plain.
Much more the Reverend Sire prepar'ed to say,
Rapt with his joy; how the two Armies lay;
Which way th'amazed Foe did wildly flee,
All that his Hearer better knew then He.
325
To Gath an Enemies Land, he hastes away,
Not there secure, but where one Danger's near,
The more remote though greater disappear.
So from the Hawk, Birds to Mans succour flee,
So from fir'ed Ships Man leaps into the Sea.
There in disguise he hopes unknown t'abide!
Alas! in vain! what can such greatness hide?
Stones of small worth may lye unseen by Day,
But Night it self does the rich Gem betray.
Tagal first spi'ed him, a Philistian Knight,
Who erst from Davids wrath by shameful flight
Had sav'd the sordid remnant of his age;
Hence the deep sore of Envy mixt with Rage.
Straight with a band of Souldiers tall and rough,
Trembling, for scarce he thought that band enough,
On him he seises whom they all had fear'd,
Had the bold Youth in his own shape appear'd.
And now this wisht-for, but yet dreadful prey
To Achis Court they led in hast away,
With all unmanly rudeness which does wait
Upon th'Immod'erate Vulgars Joy and Hate.
His valour now and strength must useless ly,
And he himself must arts unusu'al try;
Sometimes he rends his garments, nor does spare
The goodly curles of his rich yellow haire.
Sometimes a violent laughter scru'd his face,
And sometimes ready tears dropt down apace.
Sometimes he fixt his staring eyes on ground,
And sometimes in wild manner hurl'd them round.
More full revenge Philistians could not wish,
But call't the Justice of their mighty Fish.
They now in height of anger, let him Live;
And Freedom too, t'encrease his scorn, they give.
He by wise Madness freed does homeward flee,
And Rage makes them all that He seem'd to be.
Near to Adullam in an aged Wood,
An Hill part earth, part rocky stone there stood,
Hollow and vast within, which Nature wrought
As if by 'her Scholar Art she had been taught.
Hither young David with his Kindred came,
Servants, and Friends; many his spreading fame,
Many their wants or discontents did call;
Great men in war, and almost Armies all!
Hither came wise and valiant Joab down,
One to whom Davids self must owe his Crown,
A mighty man, had not some cunning Sin,
Amidst so many Virtues crowded in.
With him Abishai came by whom there fell
At once three hundred; with him Asahel:
Asahel, swifter then the Northern wind;
Scarce could the nimble Motions of his Mind
Outgo his Feet; so strangely would he runne,
That Time it self perceiv'ed not what was done.
Oft o're the Lawns and Meadows would he pass,
His weight unknown, and harmless to the grass;
Oft o're the sands and hollow dust would trace,
Yet no one Atome trouble or displace.
Unhappy Youth, whose end so near I see!
There's nought but thy Ill Fate so swift as Thee.
An Hill part earth, part rocky stone there stood,
Hollow and vast within, which Nature wrought
As if by 'her Scholar Art she had been taught.
326
Servants, and Friends; many his spreading fame,
Many their wants or discontents did call;
Great men in war, and almost Armies all!
Hither came wise and valiant Joab down,
One to whom Davids self must owe his Crown,
A mighty man, had not some cunning Sin,
Amidst so many Virtues crowded in.
With him Abishai came by whom there fell
At once three hundred; with him Asahel:
Asahel, swifter then the Northern wind;
Scarce could the nimble Motions of his Mind
Outgo his Feet; so strangely would he runne,
That Time it self perceiv'ed not what was done.
Oft o're the Lawns and Meadows would he pass,
His weight unknown, and harmless to the grass;
Oft o're the sands and hollow dust would trace,
Yet no one Atome trouble or displace.
Unhappy Youth, whose end so near I see!
There's nought but thy Ill Fate so swift as Thee.
Hither Jessides wrongs Benaiah drew,
He, who the vast exceeding Monster slew.
Th'Egyptian like an Hill himself did rear,
Like some tall Tree upon it seem'd his Spear.
But by Benaiahs staff he fell orethrown;
The Earth, as if worst strook, did loudest groan.
Such was Benaiah; in a narrow pit
He saw a Lyon, and leapt down to it.
As eas'ily there the Royal Beast he tore
As that it self did Kids or Lambs before.
Him Ira follow'ed, a young lovely boy,
But full of Sp'irit, and Arms was all his joy.
Oft when a child he in his dream would fight
With the vain air, and his wak'ed Mother fright.
Oft would he shoot young birds, and as they fall,
Would laugh, and fansie them Philistians all.
And now at home no longer would he stay,
Though yet the face did scarce his Sex betray.
Dodos great Son came next, whose dreadful hand
Snatcht ripened Glories from a conque'ring band;
Who knows not Dammin, and that barley field,
Which did a strange and bloody Harvest yield?
Many besides did this new Troop encrease;
Adan, whose wants made him unfit for peace.
Eliel, whose full quiv'er did alwaies beare
As many Deaths as in it Arrows were.
None from his hand did vain or inn'ocent flee,
Scarce Love or Fate could aim so well as Hee.
Many of Judah took wrong'ed Davids side,
And many of old Jacobs youngest Tribe;
But his chief strength the Gathite Souldiers are,
Each single man able t'orecome a Warre!
Swift as the Darts they fling through yielding air,
And hardy all as the strong Steel they bare,
A Lyons noble rage sits in their face,
Terrible comely, arm'ed with dreadful grace!
He, who the vast exceeding Monster slew.
Th'Egyptian like an Hill himself did rear,
Like some tall Tree upon it seem'd his Spear.
But by Benaiahs staff he fell orethrown;
The Earth, as if worst strook, did loudest groan.
Such was Benaiah; in a narrow pit
He saw a Lyon, and leapt down to it.
As eas'ily there the Royal Beast he tore
As that it self did Kids or Lambs before.
Him Ira follow'ed, a young lovely boy,
But full of Sp'irit, and Arms was all his joy.
Oft when a child he in his dream would fight
With the vain air, and his wak'ed Mother fright.
Oft would he shoot young birds, and as they fall,
Would laugh, and fansie them Philistians all.
And now at home no longer would he stay,
Though yet the face did scarce his Sex betray.
Dodos great Son came next, whose dreadful hand
Snatcht ripened Glories from a conque'ring band;
327
Which did a strange and bloody Harvest yield?
Many besides did this new Troop encrease;
Adan, whose wants made him unfit for peace.
Eliel, whose full quiv'er did alwaies beare
As many Deaths as in it Arrows were.
None from his hand did vain or inn'ocent flee,
Scarce Love or Fate could aim so well as Hee.
Many of Judah took wrong'ed Davids side,
And many of old Jacobs youngest Tribe;
But his chief strength the Gathite Souldiers are,
Each single man able t'orecome a Warre!
Swift as the Darts they fling through yielding air,
And hardy all as the strong Steel they bare,
A Lyons noble rage sits in their face,
Terrible comely, arm'ed with dreadful grace!
Th'undaunted Prince, though thus well guarded here,
Yet his stout Soul durst for his Parents fear;
He seeks for them a safe and qui[et] seat,
Nor trusts his Fortune with a Pledge so great.
So when in hostile fire rich Asias pride
For ten years siege had fully satisfi'ed,
Æneas stole an act of higher Fame,
And bore Anchises through the wondring flame,
A nobler Burden, and a richer Prey,
Then all the Græcian forces bore away.
Go pious Prince, in peace, in triumph go;
Enjoy the Conquest of thine Overthrow;
To have sav'd thy Troy would far less glorious be;
By this thou Overcom'est their Victorie.
Moab, next Judah, an old Kingdom, lies;
Jordan their touch, and his curst Sea denies.
They see North-stars from o're Amoreus ground,
Edom and Petra their South part does bound.
Eastwards the Lands of Cush and Ammon ly,
The mornings happy beams they first espy.
The region with fat soil and plenty's blest,
A soil too good to be of old possest
By monstrous Emins; but Lots off-spring came
And conquer'ed both the People and the Name.
Till Seon drave them beyond Arnons flood,
And their sad bounds markt deep in their own blood.
In Hesbon his triumphant Court he plac'ed,
Hesbon by Men and Nature strangely grac'ed.
A glorious Town, and fill'ed with all delight
Which Peace could yield, though well prepar'ed for fight.
But this proud City and her prouder Lord
Felt the keen rage of Israels Sacred Sword,
Whilst Moab triumpht in her torn estate,
To see her own become her Conqu'erers fate.
Yet that small remnant of Lots parted Crown
Did arm'ed with Israels sins pluck Israel down,
Full thrice six years they felt fierce Eglons yoke,
Till Ehuds sword Gods vengeful Message spoke;
Since then their Kings in quiet held their owne,
Quiet the good of a not envy'd Throne.
And now a wise old Prince the Scepter sway'd,
Well by his Subjects and Himself obey'd.
Onely before his Fathers Gods he fell;
Poor wretched Man, almost too good for Hell!
Hither does David his blest Parents bring,
With humble greatness begs of Moabs King,
A safe and fair abode, where they might live,
Free from those storms with which himself must strive.
The King with chearful grace his suit approv'd,
By hate to Saul, and love to Virtue mov'd.
Welcome great Knight, and your fair Troop (said he)
Your Name found welcome long before with me.
That to rich Ophirs rising Morn is knowne,
And stretcht out far to the burnt swarthy Zone.
Swift Fame, when her round journey she does make,
Scorns not sometimes Us in her way to take.
Are you the man, did that huge Gyant kill?
Great Bâal of Phegor! and how young he's still!
From Ruth we heard you came; Ruth was born here,
In Judah sojourn'd, and (they say) matcht there
To one of Bethlem; which I hope is true;
Howe're your Virtues here entitle you.
Those have the best alliance always bin,
To Gods as well as Men they make us Kin.
Yet his stout Soul durst for his Parents fear;
He seeks for them a safe and qui[et] seat,
Nor trusts his Fortune with a Pledge so great.
So when in hostile fire rich Asias pride
For ten years siege had fully satisfi'ed,
Æneas stole an act of higher Fame,
And bore Anchises through the wondring flame,
A nobler Burden, and a richer Prey,
Then all the Græcian forces bore away.
Go pious Prince, in peace, in triumph go;
Enjoy the Conquest of thine Overthrow;
To have sav'd thy Troy would far less glorious be;
By this thou Overcom'est their Victorie.
Moab, next Judah, an old Kingdom, lies;
Jordan their touch, and his curst Sea denies.
They see North-stars from o're Amoreus ground,
Edom and Petra their South part does bound.
Eastwards the Lands of Cush and Ammon ly,
The mornings happy beams they first espy.
The region with fat soil and plenty's blest,
A soil too good to be of old possest
By monstrous Emins; but Lots off-spring came
And conquer'ed both the People and the Name.
328
And their sad bounds markt deep in their own blood.
In Hesbon his triumphant Court he plac'ed,
Hesbon by Men and Nature strangely grac'ed.
A glorious Town, and fill'ed with all delight
Which Peace could yield, though well prepar'ed for fight.
But this proud City and her prouder Lord
Felt the keen rage of Israels Sacred Sword,
Whilst Moab triumpht in her torn estate,
To see her own become her Conqu'erers fate.
Yet that small remnant of Lots parted Crown
Did arm'ed with Israels sins pluck Israel down,
Full thrice six years they felt fierce Eglons yoke,
Till Ehuds sword Gods vengeful Message spoke;
Since then their Kings in quiet held their owne,
Quiet the good of a not envy'd Throne.
And now a wise old Prince the Scepter sway'd,
Well by his Subjects and Himself obey'd.
Onely before his Fathers Gods he fell;
Poor wretched Man, almost too good for Hell!
Hither does David his blest Parents bring,
With humble greatness begs of Moabs King,
A safe and fair abode, where they might live,
Free from those storms with which himself must strive.
The King with chearful grace his suit approv'd,
By hate to Saul, and love to Virtue mov'd.
Welcome great Knight, and your fair Troop (said he)
Your Name found welcome long before with me.
That to rich Ophirs rising Morn is knowne,
And stretcht out far to the burnt swarthy Zone.
Swift Fame, when her round journey she does make,
Scorns not sometimes Us in her way to take.
Are you the man, did that huge Gyant kill?
Great Bâal of Phegor! and how young he's still!
From Ruth we heard you came; Ruth was born here,
In Judah sojourn'd, and (they say) matcht there
To one of Bethlem; which I hope is true;
Howe're your Virtues here entitle you.
Those have the best alliance always bin,
To Gods as well as Men they make us Kin.
329
He spoke, and straight led in his thankful Guests,
To'a stately Room prepar'ed for Shows and Feasts.
The Room with golden Tap'estry glister'ed bright,
At once to please and to confound the sight,
Th' excellent work of Babylonian hands;
In midst a Table of rich Iv'ory stands,
By three fierce Tygers, and three Lyons born,
Which grin, and fearfully the place adorn.
Widely they gape, and to the eye they roare,
As if they hunger'd for the food they bore.
About it Beds of Lybian Citron stood,
With coverings dy'ed in Tyrian Fishes blood,
They say, th'Herculean art; but most delight
Some Pictures gave to Davids learned sight.
Here several ways Lot and great Abram go,
Their too much wealth, vast, and unkind does grow.
Thus each extream to equal danger tends,
Plenty as well as Want can separate Friends;
Here Sodoms Towers raise their proud tops on high;
The Towers as well as Men outbrave the sky.
By it the waves of rev'erend Jordan run,
Here green with Trees, there gilded with the Sun.
Hither Lots Houshould comes, a numerous train,
And all with various business fill the plain.
Some drive the crowding sheep with rural hooks,
They lift up their mild heads, and bleat in looks.
Some drive the Herds; here a fierce Bullock scorns
Th'appointed way, and runs with threatning horns;
In vain the Herdman calls him back again;
The Dogs stand off afar, and bark in vain.
Some lead the groaning waggons, loaded high,
With stuff, on top of which the Maidens ly.
Upon tall Camels the fair Sisters ride,
And Lot talks with them both on either side.
Another Picture to curst Sodom brings
Elams proud Lord, with his three servant Kings:
They sack the Town, and bear Lot bound away;
Whilst in a Pit the vanquisht Bera lay,
Buried almost alive for fear of Death.
But heav'ens just vengeance sav'ed as yet his breath.
Abraham pursues, and slays the Victors Hoast,
Scarce had their Conquest leisure for a boast.
Next this was drawn the reckless Cities flame,
When a strange Hell pour'd down from Heaven there came.
Here the two Angels from Lots window look
With smiling anger; the lewd wretches, strook
With sudden blindness, seek in vain the dore,
Their Eyes, first cause of Lust, first Veng'eance bore.
Through liquid Air, heav'ns busie Souldiers fly,
And drive on Clouds where seeds of Thunder ly.
Here the sad sky gloes red with dismal streaks,
Here Lightning from it with short trembling breaks.
Here the blew flames of scalding brimstone fall,
Involving swiftly in one ruine all.
The fire of Trees and Houses mounts on high,
And meets half way new fires that showre from sky.
Some in their arms snatch their dear babes away;
At once drop down the Fathers arms, and They.
Some into waters leap with kindled hair,
And more to vex their fate, are burnt ev'en there.
Men thought, so much a Flame by Art was shown,
The Pictures self would fall in ashes down.
Afar old Lot to'ward little Zoar hyes,
And dares not move (good man) his weeping eyes.
Behind his Wife stood ever fixt alone;
No more a Woman, not yet quite a Stone.
A lasting Death seiz'd on her turning head;
One cheek was rough and white, the other red,
And yet a Cheek; in vain to speak she strove;
Her lips, though stone, a little seem'd to move.
One eye was clos'ed, surpris'ed by sudden night,
The other trembled still with parting light.
The wind admir'ed which her hair loosely bore,
Why it grew stiff, and now would play no more.
To heav'en she lifted up her freezing hands,
And to this day a Suppliant Pillar stands.
She try'ed her heavy foot from ground to rear,
And rais'd the Heel, but her Toe's rooted there:
Ah foolish woman! who must always be,
A sight more strange then that she turn'd to see!
To'a stately Room prepar'ed for Shows and Feasts.
The Room with golden Tap'estry glister'ed bright,
At once to please and to confound the sight,
Th' excellent work of Babylonian hands;
In midst a Table of rich Iv'ory stands,
By three fierce Tygers, and three Lyons born,
Which grin, and fearfully the place adorn.
Widely they gape, and to the eye they roare,
As if they hunger'd for the food they bore.
About it Beds of Lybian Citron stood,
With coverings dy'ed in Tyrian Fishes blood,
They say, th'Herculean art; but most delight
Some Pictures gave to Davids learned sight.
Here several ways Lot and great Abram go,
Their too much wealth, vast, and unkind does grow.
Thus each extream to equal danger tends,
Plenty as well as Want can separate Friends;
Here Sodoms Towers raise their proud tops on high;
The Towers as well as Men outbrave the sky.
By it the waves of rev'erend Jordan run,
Here green with Trees, there gilded with the Sun.
Hither Lots Houshould comes, a numerous train,
And all with various business fill the plain.
Some drive the crowding sheep with rural hooks,
They lift up their mild heads, and bleat in looks.
Some drive the Herds; here a fierce Bullock scorns
Th'appointed way, and runs with threatning horns;
In vain the Herdman calls him back again;
The Dogs stand off afar, and bark in vain.
Some lead the groaning waggons, loaded high,
With stuff, on top of which the Maidens ly.
Upon tall Camels the fair Sisters ride,
And Lot talks with them both on either side.
Another Picture to curst Sodom brings
Elams proud Lord, with his three servant Kings:
They sack the Town, and bear Lot bound away;
Whilst in a Pit the vanquisht Bera lay,
Buried almost alive for fear of Death.
But heav'ens just vengeance sav'ed as yet his breath.
330
Scarce had their Conquest leisure for a boast.
Next this was drawn the reckless Cities flame,
When a strange Hell pour'd down from Heaven there came.
Here the two Angels from Lots window look
With smiling anger; the lewd wretches, strook
With sudden blindness, seek in vain the dore,
Their Eyes, first cause of Lust, first Veng'eance bore.
Through liquid Air, heav'ns busie Souldiers fly,
And drive on Clouds where seeds of Thunder ly.
Here the sad sky gloes red with dismal streaks,
Here Lightning from it with short trembling breaks.
Here the blew flames of scalding brimstone fall,
Involving swiftly in one ruine all.
The fire of Trees and Houses mounts on high,
And meets half way new fires that showre from sky.
Some in their arms snatch their dear babes away;
At once drop down the Fathers arms, and They.
Some into waters leap with kindled hair,
And more to vex their fate, are burnt ev'en there.
Men thought, so much a Flame by Art was shown,
The Pictures self would fall in ashes down.
Afar old Lot to'ward little Zoar hyes,
And dares not move (good man) his weeping eyes.
Behind his Wife stood ever fixt alone;
No more a Woman, not yet quite a Stone.
A lasting Death seiz'd on her turning head;
One cheek was rough and white, the other red,
And yet a Cheek; in vain to speak she strove;
Her lips, though stone, a little seem'd to move.
One eye was clos'ed, surpris'ed by sudden night,
The other trembled still with parting light.
The wind admir'ed which her hair loosely bore,
Why it grew stiff, and now would play no more.
To heav'en she lifted up her freezing hands,
And to this day a Suppliant Pillar stands.
She try'ed her heavy foot from ground to rear,
And rais'd the Heel, but her Toe's rooted there:
Ah foolish woman! who must always be,
A sight more strange then that she turn'd to see!
331
Whilst David fed with these his curious eye,
The Feast is now serv'ed in, and down they lye.
Moab a goblet takes of massy gold,
Which Zippor, and from Zippor all of old
Quaft to their Gods and Friends; an Health goes round
In the brisk grape of Arnons richest ground.
Whilst Melchor to his harp with wondrous skill
(For such were Poets then, and should be still)
His noble verse through Natures secrets lead;
He sung what Spirit, through the whole Mass is spread,
Ev'ery where All; how Heavens Gods Law approve,
And think it Rest eternally to Move.
How the kind Sun usefully comes and goes,
Wants it himself, yet gives to Man repose.
How his round Journey does for ever last,
And how he baits at every Sea in haste.
He sung how Earth blots the Moons gilded Wane,
Whilst foolish men beat sounding Brass in vain,
Why the Great Waters her slight Horns obey,
Her changing Horns, not constanter than They;
He sung how grisly Comets hang in ayr,
Why Sword and Plagues attend their fatal hair.
Gods Beacons for the world, drawn up so far,
To publish ills, and raise all earth to war.
Why Contraries feed Thunder in the cloud,
What Motions vex it, till it roar so loud.
How Lambent Fires become so wondrous tame,
And bear such shining Winter in their Flame.
What radiant Pencil draws the Watry Bow:
What tyes up Hail, and picks the fleecy Snow.
What Palsie of the Earth here shakes fixt Hills,
From off her brows, and here whole Rivers spills.
Thus did this Heathen Natures Secrets tell,
And sometimes mist the Cause, but sought it Well.
The Feast is now serv'ed in, and down they lye.
Moab a goblet takes of massy gold,
Which Zippor, and from Zippor all of old
Quaft to their Gods and Friends; an Health goes round
In the brisk grape of Arnons richest ground.
Whilst Melchor to his harp with wondrous skill
(For such were Poets then, and should be still)
His noble verse through Natures secrets lead;
He sung what Spirit, through the whole Mass is spread,
Ev'ery where All; how Heavens Gods Law approve,
And think it Rest eternally to Move.
How the kind Sun usefully comes and goes,
Wants it himself, yet gives to Man repose.
How his round Journey does for ever last,
And how he baits at every Sea in haste.
He sung how Earth blots the Moons gilded Wane,
Whilst foolish men beat sounding Brass in vain,
Why the Great Waters her slight Horns obey,
Her changing Horns, not constanter than They;
He sung how grisly Comets hang in ayr,
Why Sword and Plagues attend their fatal hair.
Gods Beacons for the world, drawn up so far,
To publish ills, and raise all earth to war.
Why Contraries feed Thunder in the cloud,
What Motions vex it, till it roar so loud.
How Lambent Fires become so wondrous tame,
And bear such shining Winter in their Flame.
What radiant Pencil draws the Watry Bow:
What tyes up Hail, and picks the fleecy Snow.
What Palsie of the Earth here shakes fixt Hills,
From off her brows, and here whole Rivers spills.
Thus did this Heathen Natures Secrets tell,
And sometimes mist the Cause, but sought it Well.
Such was the sawce of Moabs noble feast,
Till night far spent invites them to their rest.
Only the good old Prince stays Joab there,
And much he tells, and much desires to hear.
He tells deeds antique, and the new desires;
Of David much, and much of Saul enquires.
Nay gentle Guest (said he) since now you're in,
The story of your gallant friend begin.
His birth, his rising tell, and various fate,
And how he slew that man of Gath of late,
What was he call'd? that huge and monstrous man?
With that he stopt, and Joab thus began:
Till night far spent invites them to their rest.
Only the good old Prince stays Joab there,
And much he tells, and much desires to hear.
He tells deeds antique, and the new desires;
Of David much, and much of Saul enquires.
332
The story of your gallant friend begin.
His birth, his rising tell, and various fate,
And how he slew that man of Gath of late,
What was he call'd? that huge and monstrous man?
With that he stopt, and Joab thus began:
His birth, great Sir, so much to mine is ty'd,
That praise of that might look from me like pride.
Yet without boast, his veins contain a flood
Of the old Judæan Lyons richest blood.
From Judah Pharez, from him Esrom came
Ram, Nashon, Salmon, Names spoke loud by Fame.
A Name no less ought Boaz to appear,
By whose blest match we come no strangers here.
From him and your fair Ruth good Obed sprung,
From Obed Jesse, Jesse whom fames kindest tongue,
Counting his birth, and high nobil'ity, shall
Not Jesse of Obed, but of David call,
David born to him sev'enth; the six births past
Brave Tryals of a work more great at last.
Bless me! how swift and growing was his wit?
The wings of Time flag'd dully after it.
Scarce past a Child, all wonders would he sing
Of Natures Law, and Pow'er of Natures King.
His sheep would scorn their food to hear his lay,
And savage Beasts stand by as tame as they.
The fighting Winds would stop there, and admire;
Learning Consent and Concord from his Lyre.
Rivers, whose waves roll'd down aloud before;
Mute, as their Fish, would listen to'wards the shore.
That praise of that might look from me like pride.
Yet without boast, his veins contain a flood
Of the old Judæan Lyons richest blood.
From Judah Pharez, from him Esrom came
Ram, Nashon, Salmon, Names spoke loud by Fame.
A Name no less ought Boaz to appear,
By whose blest match we come no strangers here.
From him and your fair Ruth good Obed sprung,
From Obed Jesse, Jesse whom fames kindest tongue,
Counting his birth, and high nobil'ity, shall
Not Jesse of Obed, but of David call,
David born to him sev'enth; the six births past
Brave Tryals of a work more great at last.
Bless me! how swift and growing was his wit?
The wings of Time flag'd dully after it.
Scarce past a Child, all wonders would he sing
Of Natures Law, and Pow'er of Natures King.
His sheep would scorn their food to hear his lay,
And savage Beasts stand by as tame as they.
The fighting Winds would stop there, and admire;
Learning Consent and Concord from his Lyre.
Rivers, whose waves roll'd down aloud before;
Mute, as their Fish, would listen to'wards the shore.
'Twas now the time when first Saul God forsook,
God Saul; the room in's heart wild Passions took;
Sometimes a Tyrant-Frensie revell'd there,
Sometimes black sadness, and deep, deep despair.
No help from herbs or learned drugs he finds,
They cure but sometime Bodies, never Minds.
Musick alone those storms of Soul could lay;
Not more Saul them, then Musick they obey.
Davia's now sent for, and his Harp must bring;
His Harp that Magick bore on ev'ery string.
When Sauls rude passions did most tumult keep;
With his soft notes they all dropt down asleep.
When his dull Spir'its lay drown'd in Death and Night;
He with quick strains rais'd them to Life and Light.
Thus chear'd he Saul, thus did his fury swage,
Till wars began, and times more fit for rage.
To Helah Plain Philistian Troops are come,
And Wars loud noise strikes peaceful Musick dumb.
Back to his rural Care young David goes,
For this rough work Saul his stout Brethren chose.
He knew not what his hand in War could do,
Nor thought his Sword could cure mens Madness too.
Now Dammin's destin'ed for this Scene of Blood,
On two near Hills the two proud Armies stood.
Between a fatal Valley stretcht out wide,
And Death seem'd ready now on either side,
When (Lo!) their Host rais'd all a joyful shout,
And from the midst an huge & monstrous man stept out.
Aloud they shouted at each step he took;
We and the Earth it self beneath him shook,
Vast as the Hill, down which he marcht, he'appear'd;
Amaz'ed all Eyes, nor was their Army fear'd.
A young tall Squire (though then he seem'd not so)
Did from the Camp at first before him go;
At first he did, but scarce could follow strait,
Sweating beneath a Shields unruly weight,
On which was wrought the Gods, and Gyants fight,
Rare work! all fill'd with terrour and delight.
Here a vast Hill, 'gainst thundring Baal was thrown,
Trees and Beasts on't fell burnt with Lightning down.
One flings a Mountain, and its River too
Torn up with't; that rains back on him that threw.
Some from the Main to pluck whole Islands try;
The Sea boils round with flames shot thick from sky.
This he believ'd, and on his shield he bore,
And prais'd their strength, but thought his own was more.
The Valley now this Monster seem'd to fill;
And we (methoughts) lookt up to'him from our Hill.
All arm'd in Brass, the richest dress of War
(A dismal glorious sight) he shone afar.
The Sun himself started with sudden fright,
To see his beams return so dismal bright.
Brass was his Helmet, his Boots brass; and o're
His breast a thick plate of strong brass he wore,
His Spear the Trunk was of a lofty Tree,
Which Nature meant some tall ships Mast should be,
The'huge I'ron head six hundred shekels weigh'd,
And of whole bodies but one wound it made,
Able Deaths worst command to overdo,
Destroying Life at once and Carcase too;
Thus arm'd he stood; all direful, and all gay,
And round him flung a scornful look away.
So when a Scythian Tyger gazing round,
An Herd of Kine in some fair Plain has found
Lowing secure, he swells with angry pride,
And calls forth all his spots on ev'ery side.
Then stops, and hurls his haughty eyes at all,
In choise of some strong neck on which to fall.
Almost he scorns, so weak, so cheap a prey,
And grieves to see them trembling hast away.
Ye men of Jury, 'he cries, if Men you be,
And such dare prove your selves to Fame and Me,
Chuse out 'mongst all your Troops the boldest Knight,
To try his strength and fate with me in fight.
The chance of War let us two bear for all,
And they the Conqu'eror serve whose Knight shall fall.
At this he paws'd a while; straight, I defie
Your Gods and You; dares none come down and dy?
Go back for shame, and Egypts slav'ery bear,
Or yield to us, and serve more nobly here.
Alas ye'have no more Wonders to be done,
Your Sorc'erer Moses now and Josua's gone,
Your Magick Trumpets then could Cities take,
And sounds of Triumph did your Battels make.
Spears in your hands and manly Swords are vain;
Get you your Spells, and Conjuring Rods again.
Is there no Sampson here? Oh that there were!
In his full strength, and long Enchanted Hair.
This Sword should be in the weak Razors stead;
It should not cut his Hair off, but his Head.
God Saul; the room in's heart wild Passions took;
Sometimes a Tyrant-Frensie revell'd there,
Sometimes black sadness, and deep, deep despair.
No help from herbs or learned drugs he finds,
They cure but sometime Bodies, never Minds.
Musick alone those storms of Soul could lay;
Not more Saul them, then Musick they obey.
Davia's now sent for, and his Harp must bring;
His Harp that Magick bore on ev'ery string.
333
With his soft notes they all dropt down asleep.
When his dull Spir'its lay drown'd in Death and Night;
He with quick strains rais'd them to Life and Light.
Thus chear'd he Saul, thus did his fury swage,
Till wars began, and times more fit for rage.
To Helah Plain Philistian Troops are come,
And Wars loud noise strikes peaceful Musick dumb.
Back to his rural Care young David goes,
For this rough work Saul his stout Brethren chose.
He knew not what his hand in War could do,
Nor thought his Sword could cure mens Madness too.
Now Dammin's destin'ed for this Scene of Blood,
On two near Hills the two proud Armies stood.
Between a fatal Valley stretcht out wide,
And Death seem'd ready now on either side,
When (Lo!) their Host rais'd all a joyful shout,
And from the midst an huge & monstrous man stept out.
Aloud they shouted at each step he took;
We and the Earth it self beneath him shook,
Vast as the Hill, down which he marcht, he'appear'd;
Amaz'ed all Eyes, nor was their Army fear'd.
A young tall Squire (though then he seem'd not so)
Did from the Camp at first before him go;
At first he did, but scarce could follow strait,
Sweating beneath a Shields unruly weight,
On which was wrought the Gods, and Gyants fight,
Rare work! all fill'd with terrour and delight.
Here a vast Hill, 'gainst thundring Baal was thrown,
Trees and Beasts on't fell burnt with Lightning down.
One flings a Mountain, and its River too
Torn up with't; that rains back on him that threw.
Some from the Main to pluck whole Islands try;
The Sea boils round with flames shot thick from sky.
This he believ'd, and on his shield he bore,
And prais'd their strength, but thought his own was more.
The Valley now this Monster seem'd to fill;
And we (methoughts) lookt up to'him from our Hill.
All arm'd in Brass, the richest dress of War
(A dismal glorious sight) he shone afar.
334
To see his beams return so dismal bright.
Brass was his Helmet, his Boots brass; and o're
His breast a thick plate of strong brass he wore,
His Spear the Trunk was of a lofty Tree,
Which Nature meant some tall ships Mast should be,
The'huge I'ron head six hundred shekels weigh'd,
And of whole bodies but one wound it made,
Able Deaths worst command to overdo,
Destroying Life at once and Carcase too;
Thus arm'd he stood; all direful, and all gay,
And round him flung a scornful look away.
So when a Scythian Tyger gazing round,
An Herd of Kine in some fair Plain has found
Lowing secure, he swells with angry pride,
And calls forth all his spots on ev'ery side.
Then stops, and hurls his haughty eyes at all,
In choise of some strong neck on which to fall.
Almost he scorns, so weak, so cheap a prey,
And grieves to see them trembling hast away.
Ye men of Jury, 'he cries, if Men you be,
And such dare prove your selves to Fame and Me,
Chuse out 'mongst all your Troops the boldest Knight,
To try his strength and fate with me in fight.
The chance of War let us two bear for all,
And they the Conqu'eror serve whose Knight shall fall.
At this he paws'd a while; straight, I defie
Your Gods and You; dares none come down and dy?
Go back for shame, and Egypts slav'ery bear,
Or yield to us, and serve more nobly here.
Alas ye'have no more Wonders to be done,
Your Sorc'erer Moses now and Josua's gone,
Your Magick Trumpets then could Cities take,
And sounds of Triumph did your Battels make.
Spears in your hands and manly Swords are vain;
Get you your Spells, and Conjuring Rods again.
Is there no Sampson here? Oh that there were!
In his full strength, and long Enchanted Hair.
This Sword should be in the weak Razors stead;
It should not cut his Hair off, but his Head.
335
Thus he blasphem'd aloud; the Valleys round
Flatt'ering his voice restor'd the dreadful sound.
We turn'd us trembling at the noise, and fear'd
We had behind some new Goliah heard.
'Twas Heav'en, Heav'en sure (which Davids glory meant
Through this whole Act) such sacred terrour sent
To all our Host, for there was Saul in place,
Who ne're saw fear but in his Enemies face,
His god-like Son there in bright Armour shone,
Who scorn'd to conquer Armies not Alone.
Fate her own Book mistrusted at the sight;
On that side War, on this a Single Fight.
There stood Benaiah, and there trembled too,
He who th' Egyptian, proud Goliah slew.
In his pale fright, rage through his eyes shot flame,
He saw his staff, and blusht with generous shame.
Thousands beside stood mute and heartless there,
Men valiant all; nor was I us'ed to Fear.
Flatt'ering his voice restor'd the dreadful sound.
We turn'd us trembling at the noise, and fear'd
We had behind some new Goliah heard.
'Twas Heav'en, Heav'en sure (which Davids glory meant
Through this whole Act) such sacred terrour sent
To all our Host, for there was Saul in place,
Who ne're saw fear but in his Enemies face,
His god-like Son there in bright Armour shone,
Who scorn'd to conquer Armies not Alone.
Fate her own Book mistrusted at the sight;
On that side War, on this a Single Fight.
There stood Benaiah, and there trembled too,
He who th' Egyptian, proud Goliah slew.
In his pale fright, rage through his eyes shot flame,
He saw his staff, and blusht with generous shame.
Thousands beside stood mute and heartless there,
Men valiant all; nor was I us'ed to Fear.
Thus forty days he marcht down arm'd to fight,
Once every morn he marcht, and once at night.
Slow rose the Sun, but gallopt down apace,
With more than Evening blushes in his face.
When Jessey to the Camp young David sent;
His purpose low, but high was Fates intent.
For when the Monsters pride he saw and heard,
Round him he look'd, and wonder'd why they fear'd.
Anger and brave disdain his heart possest,
Thoughts more than manly swell'd his youthful brest.
Much the rewards propos'd his spirit enflame,
Sauls Daughter much, and much the voice of Fame.
These to their just intentions strongly move,
But chiefly God, and his dear Countrys Love,
Resolv'd for combat to Sauls Tent he's brought,
Where thus he spoke, as boldly as he fought:
Once every morn he marcht, and once at night.
Slow rose the Sun, but gallopt down apace,
With more than Evening blushes in his face.
When Jessey to the Camp young David sent;
His purpose low, but high was Fates intent.
For when the Monsters pride he saw and heard,
Round him he look'd, and wonder'd why they fear'd.
Anger and brave disdain his heart possest,
Thoughts more than manly swell'd his youthful brest.
Much the rewards propos'd his spirit enflame,
Sauls Daughter much, and much the voice of Fame.
These to their just intentions strongly move,
But chiefly God, and his dear Countrys Love,
Resolv'd for combat to Sauls Tent he's brought,
Where thus he spoke, as boldly as he fought:
Henceforth no more, great Prince, your sacred brest
With that huge talking wretch of Gath molest.
This hand alone shall end his cursed breath;
Fear not, the wretch blasphemes himself to death,
And cheated with false weight of his own might,
Has challeng'd Heaven, not Us, to single fight.
Forbid it God, that where thy right is try'd,
The strength of man should find just cause for pride!
Firm like some Rock, and vast he seems to stand,
But Rocks we know were op'ed at thy command.
That Soul which now does such large members sway,
Through one small wound will creep in hast away.
And he who now dares boldly Heav'en defie,
To ev'ery bird of Heav'en a prey shall lie.
For 'tis not humane force we ought to fear;
Did that, alas, plant our Forefathers here?
Twice fifteen Kings did they by that subdue?
By that whole Nations of Goliahs slew?
The wonders they perform'd may still be done;
Moses and Josua is, but God's not gone.
We'have lost their Rod and Trumpets, not their skill:
Pray'rs and Belief are as strong Witchcraft still.
These are more tall, more Gyants far then He,
Can reach to Heav'en, and thence pluck Victorie.
Count this, and then, Sir, mine th'advantage is;
He's stronger far then I, my God then His.
With that huge talking wretch of Gath molest.
This hand alone shall end his cursed breath;
Fear not, the wretch blasphemes himself to death,
And cheated with false weight of his own might,
Has challeng'd Heaven, not Us, to single fight.
336
The strength of man should find just cause for pride!
Firm like some Rock, and vast he seems to stand,
But Rocks we know were op'ed at thy command.
That Soul which now does such large members sway,
Through one small wound will creep in hast away.
And he who now dares boldly Heav'en defie,
To ev'ery bird of Heav'en a prey shall lie.
For 'tis not humane force we ought to fear;
Did that, alas, plant our Forefathers here?
Twice fifteen Kings did they by that subdue?
By that whole Nations of Goliahs slew?
The wonders they perform'd may still be done;
Moses and Josua is, but God's not gone.
We'have lost their Rod and Trumpets, not their skill:
Pray'rs and Belief are as strong Witchcraft still.
These are more tall, more Gyants far then He,
Can reach to Heav'en, and thence pluck Victorie.
Count this, and then, Sir, mine th'advantage is;
He's stronger far then I, my God then His.
Amazement seiz'd on all, and shame to see,
Their own fears scorn'd by one so young as He.
Brave Youth (replies the King) whose daring mind
Ere come to Manhood, leaves it quite behind;
Reserve thy valour for more equal fight,
And let thy Body grow up to thy Spright.
Thou'rt yet too tender for so rude a foe,
Whose touch would wound thee more then him thy blow.
Nature his Limbs onely for war made fit,
In thine as yet nought beside Love she'has writ.
With some less Foe thy unflesht valour try;
This Monster can be no first Victory.
The Lyons royal whelp does not at first
For blood of Basan Bulls or Tygers thirst.
In timorous Deer he hansels his young paws,
And leaves the rugged Bear for firmer claws.
So vast thy hopes, so unproportion'd bee,
Fortune would be asham'ed to second Thee.
Their own fears scorn'd by one so young as He.
Brave Youth (replies the King) whose daring mind
Ere come to Manhood, leaves it quite behind;
Reserve thy valour for more equal fight,
And let thy Body grow up to thy Spright.
Thou'rt yet too tender for so rude a foe,
Whose touch would wound thee more then him thy blow.
Nature his Limbs onely for war made fit,
In thine as yet nought beside Love she'has writ.
With some less Foe thy unflesht valour try;
This Monster can be no first Victory.
The Lyons royal whelp does not at first
For blood of Basan Bulls or Tygers thirst.
In timorous Deer he hansels his young paws,
And leaves the rugged Bear for firmer claws.
So vast thy hopes, so unproportion'd bee,
Fortune would be asham'ed to second Thee.
He said, and we all murmur'd an assent;
But nought moves David from his high intent.
It brave to him, and om'inous does appear,
To be oppos'ed at first, and conquer here,
Which he resolves; Scorn not (said he) mine age,
For Vict'ory comes not like an Heritage,
At set-years; when my Fathers flock I fed,
A Bear and Lyon by fierce hunger led,
Broke from the wood, and snatcht my Lambs away;
From their grim mouths I forc'ed the panting prey.
Both Bear and Lyon ev'en this hand did kill,
On our great Oak the Bones and Jaws hang still.
My God's the same, which then he was, to day,
And this wild wretch almost the same as They.
Who from such danger sav'ed my Flock, will he
Of Isra'el, his own Flock less careful be?
But nought moves David from his high intent.
337
To be oppos'ed at first, and conquer here,
Which he resolves; Scorn not (said he) mine age,
For Vict'ory comes not like an Heritage,
At set-years; when my Fathers flock I fed,
A Bear and Lyon by fierce hunger led,
Broke from the wood, and snatcht my Lambs away;
From their grim mouths I forc'ed the panting prey.
Both Bear and Lyon ev'en this hand did kill,
On our great Oak the Bones and Jaws hang still.
My God's the same, which then he was, to day,
And this wild wretch almost the same as They.
Who from such danger sav'ed my Flock, will he
Of Isra'el, his own Flock less careful be?
Be't so then (Saul bursts forth:) and thou on high,
Who oft in weakness do'st most strength descry,
At whose dread beck Conquest expecting stands,
And casts no look down on the Fighters hands,
Assist what Thou inspir'est; and let all see,
As Boys to Gyants, Gyants are to Thee.
Who oft in weakness do'st most strength descry,
At whose dread beck Conquest expecting stands,
And casts no look down on the Fighters hands,
Assist what Thou inspir'est; and let all see,
As Boys to Gyants, Gyants are to Thee.
Thus; and with trembling hopes of strange success,
In his own arms he the bold Youth does dress.
On's head an helm of well-wrought brass is place'd,
The top with warlike Plume severely grace'd.
His breast a plate cut with rare Figures bore,
A Sword much practis'ed in Deaths art he wore.
Yet David use'd so long to no defence,
But those light Arms of Spirit and Innocence,
No good in fight of that gay burden knows,
But fears his own arms weight more then his Foes.
He lost himself in that disguise of warre,
And guarded seems as men by Prisons are.
He therefore to exalt the wondrous sight,
Prepares now, and disarms himself for fight.
'Gainst Shield, Helm, Breast-plate, and instead of those
Five sharp smooth stones from the next brook he chose,
And fits them to his sling; then marches down;
For Sword, his Enemies he esteem'd his Own.
We all with various passion strangely gaz'ed,
Some sad, some 'sham'd, some angry, all amaz'ed.
In his own arms he the bold Youth does dress.
On's head an helm of well-wrought brass is place'd,
The top with warlike Plume severely grace'd.
His breast a plate cut with rare Figures bore,
A Sword much practis'ed in Deaths art he wore.
Yet David use'd so long to no defence,
But those light Arms of Spirit and Innocence,
No good in fight of that gay burden knows,
But fears his own arms weight more then his Foes.
He lost himself in that disguise of warre,
And guarded seems as men by Prisons are.
He therefore to exalt the wondrous sight,
Prepares now, and disarms himself for fight.
'Gainst Shield, Helm, Breast-plate, and instead of those
Five sharp smooth stones from the next brook he chose,
And fits them to his sling; then marches down;
For Sword, his Enemies he esteem'd his Own.
We all with various passion strangely gaz'ed,
Some sad, some 'sham'd, some angry, all amaz'ed.
338
Now in the Valley'he stands; through's youthful face
Wrath checks the Beauty, and sheds manly grace.
Both in his looks so joyn'd, that they might move
Fear ev'n in Friends, and from an En'emy Love.
Hot as ripe Noon, sweet as the blooming Day,
Like July furious, but more fair than May.
Th'accurst Philistian stands on th'other side,
Grumbling aloud, and smiles 'twixt rage and pride.
The Plagues of Dagon! a smooth Boy, said he,
A cursed beardless foe oppos'd to Me!
Hell! with what arms (hence thou fond Child) he's come!
Some friend his Mother call to drive him home.
Not gone yet? if one minute more thou stay,
The birds of heav'en shall bear thee dead away.
Gods! a curst Boy! the rest then murmuring out,
He walks, and casts a deadly grin about.
David with chearful anger in his Eyes,
Advances boldly on, and thus replies,
Thou com'est, vain Man, all arm'ed into the field,
And trustest those War toys, thy Sword, and Shield;
Thy Pride's my Spear, thy Blasphemies my Sword;
My Shield, thy Maker, Fool; the mighty Lord
Of Thee and Battels; who hath sent forth me
Unarm'ed thus, not to Fight, but Conquer thee.
In vain shall Dagon thy false Hope withstand;
In vain thy other God, thine own right hand.
Thy fall to man shall heavens strong justice shew;
Wretch! 'tis the only Good which thou canst do.
Wrath checks the Beauty, and sheds manly grace.
Both in his looks so joyn'd, that they might move
Fear ev'n in Friends, and from an En'emy Love.
Hot as ripe Noon, sweet as the blooming Day,
Like July furious, but more fair than May.
Th'accurst Philistian stands on th'other side,
Grumbling aloud, and smiles 'twixt rage and pride.
The Plagues of Dagon! a smooth Boy, said he,
A cursed beardless foe oppos'd to Me!
Hell! with what arms (hence thou fond Child) he's come!
Some friend his Mother call to drive him home.
Not gone yet? if one minute more thou stay,
The birds of heav'en shall bear thee dead away.
Gods! a curst Boy! the rest then murmuring out,
He walks, and casts a deadly grin about.
David with chearful anger in his Eyes,
Advances boldly on, and thus replies,
Thou com'est, vain Man, all arm'ed into the field,
And trustest those War toys, thy Sword, and Shield;
Thy Pride's my Spear, thy Blasphemies my Sword;
My Shield, thy Maker, Fool; the mighty Lord
Of Thee and Battels; who hath sent forth me
Unarm'ed thus, not to Fight, but Conquer thee.
In vain shall Dagon thy false Hope withstand;
In vain thy other God, thine own right hand.
Thy fall to man shall heavens strong justice shew;
Wretch! 'tis the only Good which thou canst do.
He said; our Hoast stood dully silent by;
And durst not trust their Ears against the Eye.
As much their Champions threats to him they fear'd,
As when the Monsters threats to them they heard,
His flaming Sword th'enrag'd Philistian shakes,
And hast to'his ruine with loud Curses makes.
Backward the Winds his active Curses blew,
And fatally round his own head they flew.
For now from Davids sling the stone is fled,
And strikes with joyful noise the Monsters head.
It strook his forehead, and pierc'ed deeply there;
As swiftly as it pierc'ed before the Ayre.
Down, down he falls, and bites in vain the ground;
Blood, Brain, and Soul crowd mingled through the Wound.
So a strong Oak, which many years had stood
With fair and flourishing boughs, it self a Wood;
Though it might long the Axes violence bear,
And play'd with Winds which other Trees did tear;
Yet by the Thunders stroke from th'root 'tis rent;
So sure the blows that from high heav'en are sent.
What tongue the joy and wonder can express,
Which did that moment our whole Host possess?
Their jocond shouts th'air like a storm did tear,
Th'amazed Clouds fled swift away with Fear.
But far more swift th'accurs'd Philistians fly,
And their ill fate to perfect, basely dye.
With thousand corps the ways around are strown,
Till they, by the days flight secure their own.
Now through the Camp sounds nought but Davids name;
All joys of several stamp and colours came
From several passions; some his Valour praise,
Some his free Speech, some the fair pop'ular rayes
Of Youth, and Beauty, and his modest Guise;
Gifts that mov'd all, but charm'ed the Female Eyes.
Some wonder, some they thought t'would be so swear;
And some saw Angels flying through the air.
The basest spi'rits cast back a crooked glance
On this great act, and fain would give't to Chance.
Women our Host with Songs and Dances meet,
With much joy Saul, David with more they greet.
Hence the Kings politique rage and envy flows,
Which first he hides, and seeks his life t'expose
To gen'erous dangers that his hate might clear,
And Fate or Chance the blame, nay David bear.
So vain are mans designs! for Fate, and Chance,
And Earth, and Heav'en conspir'ed to his advance;
His Beauty, Youth, Courage and wondrous Wit,
In all Mankind but Saul did Love begit.
Not Sauls own house, not his own nearest blood,
The noble causes sacred force withstood.
You'have met no doubt, and kindly us'ed the fame,
Of God-like Jonathans illustrious Name;
A Name which ev'ery wind to heav'en would bear,
Which Men to speak, and Angels joy to hear.
No Angel e're bore to his Brother-Mind
A kindness more exalted and refin'd,
Then his to David, which look'd nobly down,
And scorn'd the false Alarums of a Crown.
At Dammin field he stood; and from his place
Leapt forth, the wondrous Conqu'eror to embrace;
On him his Mantle, Girdle, Sword, and Bow,
On him his Heart and Soul he did bestow.
Not all that Saul could threaten or perswade,
In this close knot the smallest looseness made.
Oft his wise care did the Kings rage suspend.
His own lifes danger shelter'd oft his Friend
His own lifes danger shelter'd oft his Friend
Which he expos'ed a Sacrifice to fall
By th'undiscerning rage of furious Saul.
Nor was young Davids active vertue grown
Strong and triumphant in one Sex alone.
Imperious Beauty too it durst invade,
And deeper Prints in the soft breast it made,
For there t' esteem and Friendships graver name,
Passion was pour'd like Oyl into the Flame.
Like two bright Eyes in a fair Body plac'ed,
Sauls Royal house two beauteous Daughters grac'ed.
Merab the first, Michol the younger nam'ed,
Both equally for different glories fam'ed.
Merab with spatious beauty fill'ed the sight,
But too much aw chastis'ed the bold delight.
Like a calm Sea, which to th'enlarged view,
Gives pleasure, but gives fear and rev'erence too.
Michols sweet looks clear and free joys did move,
And no less strong, though much more gentle Love.
Like virtuous Kings whom men rejoyce t'obey,
Tyrants themselves less absolute then They.
Merab appear'd like some fair Princely Tower,
Michol some Virgin Queens delicious Bower.
All Beauties stores in Little and in Great;
But the contracted Beams shot fiercest heat.
A clean and lively Brown was Merabs dy,
Such as the Prouder colours might envy.
Michols pure skin shone with such taintless White,
As scatter'd the weak rays of humane sight.
Her lips and cheeks a nobler red did shew,
Then e're on fruits or flowers Heav'ens Pencil drew.
From Merabs eyes fierce and quick Lightnings came,
From Michols the Suns mild, yet active flame;
Merabs long hair was glossy chestnut brown,
Tresses of palest gold did Michol crown.
Such was their outward form, and one might find
A difference not unlike it in the Mind.
Merab with comely Majesty and state
Bore high th'advantage of her Worth and Fate.
Such humble sweetness did soft Michol show,
That none who reach so high e're stoopt so low.
Merab rejoyc'd in her wrackt Lovers pain,
And fortifi'd her vertue with Disdain.
The griefs she caus'd gave gentle Michol grief,
She wisht her Beauties less for their relief,
Ev'en to her Captives civil; yet th'excess
Of naked Virtue guarded her no less.
Business and Power Merabs large thoughts did vex,
Her wit disdain'd the Fetters of her Sex.
Michol no less disdain'd affairs and noise,
Yet did it not from Ignorance, but Choise.
In brief, both Copies were most sweetly drawn;
Merab of Saul, Michol of Jonathan.
And durst not trust their Ears against the Eye.
As much their Champions threats to him they fear'd,
As when the Monsters threats to them they heard,
His flaming Sword th'enrag'd Philistian shakes,
And hast to'his ruine with loud Curses makes.
Backward the Winds his active Curses blew,
And fatally round his own head they flew.
For now from Davids sling the stone is fled,
And strikes with joyful noise the Monsters head.
It strook his forehead, and pierc'ed deeply there;
As swiftly as it pierc'ed before the Ayre.
339
Blood, Brain, and Soul crowd mingled through the Wound.
So a strong Oak, which many years had stood
With fair and flourishing boughs, it self a Wood;
Though it might long the Axes violence bear,
And play'd with Winds which other Trees did tear;
Yet by the Thunders stroke from th'root 'tis rent;
So sure the blows that from high heav'en are sent.
What tongue the joy and wonder can express,
Which did that moment our whole Host possess?
Their jocond shouts th'air like a storm did tear,
Th'amazed Clouds fled swift away with Fear.
But far more swift th'accurs'd Philistians fly,
And their ill fate to perfect, basely dye.
With thousand corps the ways around are strown,
Till they, by the days flight secure their own.
Now through the Camp sounds nought but Davids name;
All joys of several stamp and colours came
From several passions; some his Valour praise,
Some his free Speech, some the fair pop'ular rayes
Of Youth, and Beauty, and his modest Guise;
Gifts that mov'd all, but charm'ed the Female Eyes.
Some wonder, some they thought t'would be so swear;
And some saw Angels flying through the air.
The basest spi'rits cast back a crooked glance
On this great act, and fain would give't to Chance.
Women our Host with Songs and Dances meet,
With much joy Saul, David with more they greet.
Hence the Kings politique rage and envy flows,
Which first he hides, and seeks his life t'expose
To gen'erous dangers that his hate might clear,
And Fate or Chance the blame, nay David bear.
So vain are mans designs! for Fate, and Chance,
And Earth, and Heav'en conspir'ed to his advance;
His Beauty, Youth, Courage and wondrous Wit,
In all Mankind but Saul did Love begit.
Not Sauls own house, not his own nearest blood,
The noble causes sacred force withstood.
You'have met no doubt, and kindly us'ed the fame,
Of God-like Jonathans illustrious Name;
340
Which Men to speak, and Angels joy to hear.
No Angel e're bore to his Brother-Mind
A kindness more exalted and refin'd,
Then his to David, which look'd nobly down,
And scorn'd the false Alarums of a Crown.
At Dammin field he stood; and from his place
Leapt forth, the wondrous Conqu'eror to embrace;
On him his Mantle, Girdle, Sword, and Bow,
On him his Heart and Soul he did bestow.
Not all that Saul could threaten or perswade,
In this close knot the smallest looseness made.
Oft his wise care did the Kings rage suspend.
His own lifes danger shelter'd oft his Friend
His own lifes danger shelter'd oft his Friend
Which he expos'ed a Sacrifice to fall
By th'undiscerning rage of furious Saul.
Nor was young Davids active vertue grown
Strong and triumphant in one Sex alone.
Imperious Beauty too it durst invade,
And deeper Prints in the soft breast it made,
For there t' esteem and Friendships graver name,
Passion was pour'd like Oyl into the Flame.
Like two bright Eyes in a fair Body plac'ed,
Sauls Royal house two beauteous Daughters grac'ed.
Merab the first, Michol the younger nam'ed,
Both equally for different glories fam'ed.
Merab with spatious beauty fill'ed the sight,
But too much aw chastis'ed the bold delight.
Like a calm Sea, which to th'enlarged view,
Gives pleasure, but gives fear and rev'erence too.
Michols sweet looks clear and free joys did move,
And no less strong, though much more gentle Love.
Like virtuous Kings whom men rejoyce t'obey,
Tyrants themselves less absolute then They.
Merab appear'd like some fair Princely Tower,
Michol some Virgin Queens delicious Bower.
All Beauties stores in Little and in Great;
But the contracted Beams shot fiercest heat.
A clean and lively Brown was Merabs dy,
Such as the Prouder colours might envy.
341
As scatter'd the weak rays of humane sight.
Her lips and cheeks a nobler red did shew,
Then e're on fruits or flowers Heav'ens Pencil drew.
From Merabs eyes fierce and quick Lightnings came,
From Michols the Suns mild, yet active flame;
Merabs long hair was glossy chestnut brown,
Tresses of palest gold did Michol crown.
Such was their outward form, and one might find
A difference not unlike it in the Mind.
Merab with comely Majesty and state
Bore high th'advantage of her Worth and Fate.
Such humble sweetness did soft Michol show,
That none who reach so high e're stoopt so low.
Merab rejoyc'd in her wrackt Lovers pain,
And fortifi'd her vertue with Disdain.
The griefs she caus'd gave gentle Michol grief,
She wisht her Beauties less for their relief,
Ev'en to her Captives civil; yet th'excess
Of naked Virtue guarded her no less.
Business and Power Merabs large thoughts did vex,
Her wit disdain'd the Fetters of her Sex.
Michol no less disdain'd affairs and noise,
Yet did it not from Ignorance, but Choise.
In brief, both Copies were most sweetly drawn;
Merab of Saul, Michol of Jonathan.
The day that David great Goliah slew,
Not great Goliahs Sword was more his due,
Then Merab; by Sauls publick promise she
Was sold then and betroth'd to Victory.
But haughty she did this just match despise,
Her Pride debaucht her Judgment and her Eyes.
An unknown Youth, ne're seen at Court before,
Who Shepherds-staff, and Shepherds habit bore;
The seventh-born Son of no rich house, were still
Th'unpleasant forms which her high thoughts did fill.
And much aversion in her stubborn mind
Was bred by being promis'd and design'd.
Long had the patient Adriel humbly born
The roughest shocks of her imperious scorn,
Adriel the Rich, but riches were in vain,
And could nor set him free, nor her enchain.
Long liv'ed they thus; but as the hunted Dear
Closely pursu'ed quits all her wonted fear,
And takes the nearest waves, which from the shore
She oft with horrour had beheld before.
So whilst the violent Maid from David fled,
She leapt to Adriels long avoided bed.
The match was nam'd, agreed, and finisht strait;
So soon comply'd Sauls Envy with her Hate.
But Michol in whose breast all virtues move
That hatch the pregnant seeds of sacred Love,
With juster eyes the noble Object meets,
And turns all Merabs Poyson into Sweets.
She saw and wondred how a Youth unknown,
Should make all Fame to come so soon his own:
She saw, and wondred how a Shepherds Crook
Despis'd that Sword at which the Scepter shook.
Though he seventh-born, & though his House but poor,
She knew it noble was, and would be more.
Oft had she heard, and fansied oft the sight,
With what a generous calm he marcht to fight.
In the great danger how exempt from Fear,
And after it from Pride he did appear.
Greatness, and Goodness, and an Ayr divine,
She saw through all his words and actions shine.
She heard his eloquent Tongue, and charming Lyre,
Whose artful sounds did violent Love inspire,
Though us'd all other Passions to relieve;
She weigh'd all this, and well we may conceive,
When those strong thoughts attaqu'd her doubtful brest,
His Beauty no less active than the rest.
The Fire thus kindled soon grew fierce and great,
When Davids brest reflected back its heat.
Soon she perceiv'd (scarce can Love hidden ly
From any sight, much less the Loving Eye)
She Conqu'eror was as well as Overcome,
And gain'd no less Abroad than lost at Home.
Even the first hour they met (for such a pair,
Who in all mankind else so matchless were,
Yet their own Equals, Natures self does wed)
A mutual warmth through both their bosoms spred.
Fate gave the Signal; both at once began
The gentle Race, and with just pace they ran.
Ev'en so (methinks) when two Fair Tapers come,
From several Doors entring at once the Room,
With a swift flight that leaves the Eye behind;
Their amorous Lights into one Light are join'd.
Nature herself, were she to judge the case,
Knew not which first began the kind embrace.
Michol her modest flames sought to conceal,
But Love ev'en th' Art to hide it does reveal.
Her soft unpractis'd Eyes betray'd the Theft,
Love past through them, and there such footsteps left.
She blusht when he approacht, and when he spoke,
And suddenly her wandring answers broke,
At his names sound, and when she heard him prais'd,
With concern'd haste her thoughtful looks she rais'd.
Uncall'd for sighs oft from her bosome flew,
And Adriels active friend she'abruptly grew.
Oft when the Courts gay youth stood waiting by,
She strove to act a cold Indifferency;
In vain she acted so constrain'd a part,
For thousand Nameless things disclos'd her Heart.
On th'other side David with silent pain
Did in respectful bounds his Fires contain.
His humble fear t'offend, and trembling aw,
Impos'd on him a no less rigorous Law
Then Modesty on her, and though he strove
To make her see't, he durst not tell his Love.
To tell it first the timorous youth made choice
Of Musicks bolder and more active voice.
And thus beneath her Window, did he touch
His faithful Lyre; the words and numbers such,
As did well worth my Memory appear,
And may perhaps deserve your princely Ear.
Not great Goliahs Sword was more his due,
Then Merab; by Sauls publick promise she
Was sold then and betroth'd to Victory.
But haughty she did this just match despise,
Her Pride debaucht her Judgment and her Eyes.
An unknown Youth, ne're seen at Court before,
Who Shepherds-staff, and Shepherds habit bore;
The seventh-born Son of no rich house, were still
Th'unpleasant forms which her high thoughts did fill.
And much aversion in her stubborn mind
Was bred by being promis'd and design'd.
Long had the patient Adriel humbly born
The roughest shocks of her imperious scorn,
342
And could nor set him free, nor her enchain.
Long liv'ed they thus; but as the hunted Dear
Closely pursu'ed quits all her wonted fear,
And takes the nearest waves, which from the shore
She oft with horrour had beheld before.
So whilst the violent Maid from David fled,
She leapt to Adriels long avoided bed.
The match was nam'd, agreed, and finisht strait;
So soon comply'd Sauls Envy with her Hate.
But Michol in whose breast all virtues move
That hatch the pregnant seeds of sacred Love,
With juster eyes the noble Object meets,
And turns all Merabs Poyson into Sweets.
She saw and wondred how a Youth unknown,
Should make all Fame to come so soon his own:
She saw, and wondred how a Shepherds Crook
Despis'd that Sword at which the Scepter shook.
Though he seventh-born, & though his House but poor,
She knew it noble was, and would be more.
Oft had she heard, and fansied oft the sight,
With what a generous calm he marcht to fight.
In the great danger how exempt from Fear,
And after it from Pride he did appear.
Greatness, and Goodness, and an Ayr divine,
She saw through all his words and actions shine.
She heard his eloquent Tongue, and charming Lyre,
Whose artful sounds did violent Love inspire,
Though us'd all other Passions to relieve;
She weigh'd all this, and well we may conceive,
When those strong thoughts attaqu'd her doubtful brest,
His Beauty no less active than the rest.
The Fire thus kindled soon grew fierce and great,
When Davids brest reflected back its heat.
Soon she perceiv'd (scarce can Love hidden ly
From any sight, much less the Loving Eye)
She Conqu'eror was as well as Overcome,
And gain'd no less Abroad than lost at Home.
Even the first hour they met (for such a pair,
Who in all mankind else so matchless were,
343
A mutual warmth through both their bosoms spred.
Fate gave the Signal; both at once began
The gentle Race, and with just pace they ran.
Ev'en so (methinks) when two Fair Tapers come,
From several Doors entring at once the Room,
With a swift flight that leaves the Eye behind;
Their amorous Lights into one Light are join'd.
Nature herself, were she to judge the case,
Knew not which first began the kind embrace.
Michol her modest flames sought to conceal,
But Love ev'en th' Art to hide it does reveal.
Her soft unpractis'd Eyes betray'd the Theft,
Love past through them, and there such footsteps left.
She blusht when he approacht, and when he spoke,
And suddenly her wandring answers broke,
At his names sound, and when she heard him prais'd,
With concern'd haste her thoughtful looks she rais'd.
Uncall'd for sighs oft from her bosome flew,
And Adriels active friend she'abruptly grew.
Oft when the Courts gay youth stood waiting by,
She strove to act a cold Indifferency;
In vain she acted so constrain'd a part,
For thousand Nameless things disclos'd her Heart.
On th'other side David with silent pain
Did in respectful bounds his Fires contain.
His humble fear t'offend, and trembling aw,
Impos'd on him a no less rigorous Law
Then Modesty on her, and though he strove
To make her see't, he durst not tell his Love.
To tell it first the timorous youth made choice
Of Musicks bolder and more active voice.
And thus beneath her Window, did he touch
His faithful Lyre; the words and numbers such,
As did well worth my Memory appear,
And may perhaps deserve your princely Ear.
344
1
Awake, awake my Lyre,And tell thy silent Masters humble tale,
In sounds that may prevail;
Sounds that gentle thoughts inspire,
Though so Exalted she
And I so Lowly be,
Tell her such diffe'rent Notes make all thy Harmonie.
2
Hark, how the Strings awake,And though the Moving Hand approach not near,
Themselves with awful fear,
A kind of num'erous Trembling make.
Now all thy Forces try,
Now all thy charms apply,
Revenge upon her Ear the Conquests of her Eye.
3
Weak Lyre! thy vertue sureIs useless here, since thou art only found
To Cure, but not to Wound,
And she to Wound, but not to Cure.
Too weak too wilt thou prove
My Passion to remove,
Physick to other Ills, thou'rt Nourishment to Love.
4
Sleep, sleep again, my Lyre;For thou can'st never tell my humble tale,
In sounds that will prevail,
Nor gentle thoughts in her inspire;
All thy vain mirth lay by,
Bid thy strings silent ly,
Sleeep, sleep again, my Lyre, and let thy Master dy.
She heard all this, and the prevailing sound
Toucht with delightful pain her tender wound.
Yet though she joy'd th' authentique news to hear,
Of what she guest before with jealous fear,
She checkt her forward joy, and blusht for shame,
And did his boldness with forc'ed anger blame.
The senseless rules, which first False Honour taught,
And into Laws the Tyrant Custom brought,
Which Womens Pride and Folly did invent,
Their Lovers and Themselves too to torment,
Made her next day a grave displeasure fain,
And all her words, and all her looks constrain
Before the trembling youth; who when he saw
His vital Light her wonted beams withdraw,
He curst his voice, his fingers, and his Lyre,
He curst his too bold Tongue, and bold Desire.
In vain he curst the last, for that still grew;
From all things Food its strong Complexion drew:
His Joy and Hope their chearful motions ceast,
His Life decay'd, but still his Love encreast.
Whilst she whose Heart approv'd not her Disdain,
Saw and endur'd his pains with greater pain.
But Jonathan, to whom both hearts were known
With a concernment equal to their own,
Joyful that Heav'en with his sworn love comply'd
To draw that knot more fast which he had ty'd,
With well-tim'd zeal, and with an artful care,
Restor'd, and better'd soon the nice affair.
With ease a Brothers lawful power o'recame
The formal decencies of virgin-shame.
She first with all her heart forgave the past,
Heard David tell his flames, and told her own at last.
Lo here the happy point of prosperous Love!
Which ev'en Enjoyment seldom can improve!
Themselves agreed, which scarce could fail alone,
All Israels wish concurrent with their own.
A Brothers powerful ayd firm to the side,
By solemn vow the King and Father tyde:
All jealous fears, all nice disguises past,
All that in less-ripe Love offends the Tast,
In eithers Breast their Souls both meet and wed,
Their Heart the Nuptial-Temple and the Bed.
And though the grosser cates were yet not drest,
By which the Bodies must supply this Feast;
Bold Hopes prevent slow Pleasures lingring birth,
As Saints assur'd of Heav'en enjoy't on Earth.
All this the King observ'd, and well he saw
What scandal, and what danger it might draw
T'oppose this just and pop'ular match, but meant
T' out-malice all Refusals by Consent.
He meant the pois'onous grant should mortal prove,
He meant t'ensnare his Virtue by his Love.
And thus he to him spoke, with more of art
And fraud, then well became the Kingly part.
Toucht with delightful pain her tender wound.
Yet though she joy'd th' authentique news to hear,
Of what she guest before with jealous fear,
345
And did his boldness with forc'ed anger blame.
The senseless rules, which first False Honour taught,
And into Laws the Tyrant Custom brought,
Which Womens Pride and Folly did invent,
Their Lovers and Themselves too to torment,
Made her next day a grave displeasure fain,
And all her words, and all her looks constrain
Before the trembling youth; who when he saw
His vital Light her wonted beams withdraw,
He curst his voice, his fingers, and his Lyre,
He curst his too bold Tongue, and bold Desire.
In vain he curst the last, for that still grew;
From all things Food its strong Complexion drew:
His Joy and Hope their chearful motions ceast,
His Life decay'd, but still his Love encreast.
Whilst she whose Heart approv'd not her Disdain,
Saw and endur'd his pains with greater pain.
But Jonathan, to whom both hearts were known
With a concernment equal to their own,
Joyful that Heav'en with his sworn love comply'd
To draw that knot more fast which he had ty'd,
With well-tim'd zeal, and with an artful care,
Restor'd, and better'd soon the nice affair.
With ease a Brothers lawful power o'recame
The formal decencies of virgin-shame.
She first with all her heart forgave the past,
Heard David tell his flames, and told her own at last.
Lo here the happy point of prosperous Love!
Which ev'en Enjoyment seldom can improve!
Themselves agreed, which scarce could fail alone,
All Israels wish concurrent with their own.
A Brothers powerful ayd firm to the side,
By solemn vow the King and Father tyde:
All jealous fears, all nice disguises past,
All that in less-ripe Love offends the Tast,
In eithers Breast their Souls both meet and wed,
Their Heart the Nuptial-Temple and the Bed.
And though the grosser cates were yet not drest,
By which the Bodies must supply this Feast;
346
As Saints assur'd of Heav'en enjoy't on Earth.
All this the King observ'd, and well he saw
What scandal, and what danger it might draw
T'oppose this just and pop'ular match, but meant
T' out-malice all Refusals by Consent.
He meant the pois'onous grant should mortal prove,
He meant t'ensnare his Virtue by his Love.
And thus he to him spoke, with more of art
And fraud, then well became the Kingly part.
Your valour, David, and high worth (said he)
To praise, is all mens duty, mine to see
Rewarded; and we shall t'our utmost powers
Do with like care that part, as you did yours.
Forbid it God, we like those Kings should prove,
Who Fear the Vertues which they're bound to Love.
Your Pi'ety does that tender point secure,
Nor will my Acts such humble thoughts endure.
Your neerness to't rather supports the Crown,
And th'honours giv'en to you encrease our own.
All that we can we'll give; 'tis our intent
Both as a Guard, and as an Ornament
To place thee next our selves; Heav'en does approve,
And my Sons Friendship, and my Daughters Love,
Guide fatally, methinks, my willing choice;
I see, methinks, Heav'en in't, and I rejoice.
Blush not, my Son, that Michols Love I name,
Nor need she blush to hear it; 'tis no shame
Nor secret now; Fame does it loudly tell,
And all men but thy Rivals like it well.
If Merabs choice could have comply'd with mine,
Merab, my elder comfort, had been thine.
And hers at last should have with mine comply'd,
Had I not Thine and Michols heart descry'd.
Take whom thou lov'est, and who loves thee; the last
And dearest Present made me by the chast
Ahinoam; and unless she me deceive,
When I to Jonathan my Crown shall leave,
'Twill be a smaller Gift.
If I thy generous thoughts may undertake
To guess, they are what Jointure thou shalt make,
Fitting her birth and fortune: and since so
Custom ordains, we mean t'exact it too.
The Joynture we exact, is that shall be
No less advantage to thy Fame than She.
Go where Philistian Troops infest the Land;
Renew the terrours of thy conquering hand.
When thine own hand, which needs must conqu'ror prove,
In this joint cause of Honour and of Love,
An hundred of the faithless Foe shall slay,
And for a Dowre their hundred foreskins pay,
Be Michol thy Reward; did we not know
Thy mighty Fate, and Worth that makes it so,
We should not cheaply that dear blood expose
Which we to mingle with our own had chose.
But thou'rt secure; and since this match of thine
We to the publick benefit design,
A publick good shall its beginning grace,
And give triumphant Omens of thy race.
To praise, is all mens duty, mine to see
Rewarded; and we shall t'our utmost powers
Do with like care that part, as you did yours.
Forbid it God, we like those Kings should prove,
Who Fear the Vertues which they're bound to Love.
Your Pi'ety does that tender point secure,
Nor will my Acts such humble thoughts endure.
Your neerness to't rather supports the Crown,
And th'honours giv'en to you encrease our own.
All that we can we'll give; 'tis our intent
Both as a Guard, and as an Ornament
To place thee next our selves; Heav'en does approve,
And my Sons Friendship, and my Daughters Love,
Guide fatally, methinks, my willing choice;
I see, methinks, Heav'en in't, and I rejoice.
Blush not, my Son, that Michols Love I name,
Nor need she blush to hear it; 'tis no shame
Nor secret now; Fame does it loudly tell,
And all men but thy Rivals like it well.
If Merabs choice could have comply'd with mine,
Merab, my elder comfort, had been thine.
And hers at last should have with mine comply'd,
Had I not Thine and Michols heart descry'd.
Take whom thou lov'est, and who loves thee; the last
And dearest Present made me by the chast
Ahinoam; and unless she me deceive,
When I to Jonathan my Crown shall leave,
'Twill be a smaller Gift.
If I thy generous thoughts may undertake
347
Fitting her birth and fortune: and since so
Custom ordains, we mean t'exact it too.
The Joynture we exact, is that shall be
No less advantage to thy Fame than She.
Go where Philistian Troops infest the Land;
Renew the terrours of thy conquering hand.
When thine own hand, which needs must conqu'ror prove,
In this joint cause of Honour and of Love,
An hundred of the faithless Foe shall slay,
And for a Dowre their hundred foreskins pay,
Be Michol thy Reward; did we not know
Thy mighty Fate, and Worth that makes it so,
We should not cheaply that dear blood expose
Which we to mingle with our own had chose.
But thou'rt secure; and since this match of thine
We to the publick benefit design,
A publick good shall its beginning grace,
And give triumphant Omens of thy race.
Thus spoke the King: the happy Youth bow'd low;
Modest and graceful his great joy did show,
The noble task well pleas'd his generous mind;
And nought t' except against it could he find,
But that his Mistress price too cheap appear'd,
No Danger, but her Scorn of it he fear'd.
She with much different sense the news receiv'd,
At her high rate she trembled, blusht, and griev'd.
'Twas a less work the conquest of his Foes,
Than to obtain her leave his life t'expose.
Their kind debate on this soft point would prove
Tedious, and needless to repeat: If Love
(As sure it has) e're toucht your princely brest,
'Twill to your gentle thoughts at full suggest
All that was done, or said; the grief, hope, fears;
His troubled joys, and her obliging Tears.
In all the pomp of Passions reign, they part;
And bright prophetique forms enlarge his heart;
Vict'ory and Fame; and that more quick delight
Of the rich prize for which he was to fight.
Modest and graceful his great joy did show,
The noble task well pleas'd his generous mind;
And nought t' except against it could he find,
But that his Mistress price too cheap appear'd,
No Danger, but her Scorn of it he fear'd.
She with much different sense the news receiv'd,
At her high rate she trembled, blusht, and griev'd.
'Twas a less work the conquest of his Foes,
Than to obtain her leave his life t'expose.
Their kind debate on this soft point would prove
Tedious, and needless to repeat: If Love
(As sure it has) e're toucht your princely brest,
'Twill to your gentle thoughts at full suggest
All that was done, or said; the grief, hope, fears;
His troubled joys, and her obliging Tears.
In all the pomp of Passions reign, they part;
And bright prophetique forms enlarge his heart;
Vict'ory and Fame; and that more quick delight
Of the rich prize for which he was to fight.
Tow'ards Gath he went; and in one month (so soon
A fatal, and a willing work is done)
A double Dowre, two hundred foreskins brought
Of choice Philistian Knights with whom he fought,
Men that in birth and valour did excel,
Fit for the Cause and Hand by which they fell.
Now was Saul caught; nor longer could delay
The two resistless Lovers happy day.
Though this days coming long had seem'd and slow,
Yet seem'd its stay as long and tedious now.
For now the violent weight of eager Love,
Did with more haste so near its Centre move,
He curst the stops of form and state, which lay
In this last stage like Scandals in his way.
348
A double Dowre, two hundred foreskins brought
Of choice Philistian Knights with whom he fought,
Men that in birth and valour did excel,
Fit for the Cause and Hand by which they fell.
Now was Saul caught; nor longer could delay
The two resistless Lovers happy day.
Though this days coming long had seem'd and slow,
Yet seem'd its stay as long and tedious now.
For now the violent weight of eager Love,
Did with more haste so near its Centre move,
He curst the stops of form and state, which lay
In this last stage like Scandals in his way.
On a large gentle Hill, crown'd with tall wood,
Neer where the regal Gabaah proudly stood,
A Tent was pitcht, of green wrought Damask made,
And seem'd but the fresh Forrests nat'ural shade,
Various, and vast within, on pillars born
Of Shittim Wood, that usefully adorn.
Hither to grace the Nuptial-Feast does Saul
Of the Twelve Tribes th' Elders and Captains call,
And all around the idle, busie crowd,
With shouts and Blessings tell their joy alowd.
Lo, the press breaks, and from their several homes
In decent pride the Bride and Bridegroom comes.
Before the Bride, in a long double row
With solemn pace thirty choice Virgins go,
And make a Moving Galaxy on earth;
All heav'enly Beauties, all of highest Birth;
All clad in liveliest colours, fresh and fair,
As the bright flowers that crown'd their brighter Hair,
All in that new-blown age, which does inspire
Warmth in Themselves, in their Beholders Fire.
But all this, and all else the Sun did ere,
Or Fancy see, in her less bounded Sphere,
The Bride her self out-shone; and one would say
They made but the faint Dawn to her full Day.
Behind a numerous train of Ladies went,
Who on their dress much fruitless care had spent,
Vain Gems, and unregarded cost they bore,
For all mens eyes were ty'd to those before.
The Bridegrooms flourishing Troop fill'd next the place,
With thirty comly youths of noblest race,
That marcht before; and Heav'en around his head,
The graceful beams of Joy and Beauty spread.
So the glad star which Men and Angels love,
Prince of the glorious Host that shines above,
No Light of Heav'en so chearful or so gay,
Lifts up his sacred Lamp, and opens Day.
The King himself, at the Tents crowned gate
In all his robes of ceremony' and state
Sate to receive the train; on either hand
Did the High Priest, and the Great Prophet stand.
Adriel behind, Jonathan, Abner, Jesse,
And all the Chiefs in their due order presse.
First Saul declar'd his choice, and the just cause,
Avow'd by' a gene'ral murmur of applause,
Then sign'd her Dow're, and in few words he pray'd,
And blest, and gave the joyful trembling Maid
T' her Lovers hands, who with a chearful look
And humble gesture the vast Present took.
The Nuptial-Hymn strait sounds, and Musicks play,
And Feasts and Balls shorten the thoughtless day
To all but to the wedded; till at last
The long-wisht night did her kind shadow cast;
At last th' inestimable hour was come
To lead his Conquering prey in triumph home,
To' a Palace near, drest for the Nuptial-bed
(Part of her Dowre) he his fair Princess led,
Saul, the High-Priest, and Samuel here they leave,
Who as they part, their weighty blessings give.
Her Vail is now put on; and at the gate
The thirty Youths, and thirty Virgins wait
With golden Lamps, bright as the flames they bore,
To light the Nuptial-pomp, and march before.
The rest bring home in state the happy Pair,
To that last Scene of Bliss, and leave them there
All those free joys insatiably to prove
With which rich Beauty feasts the Glutton Love.
Neer where the regal Gabaah proudly stood,
A Tent was pitcht, of green wrought Damask made,
And seem'd but the fresh Forrests nat'ural shade,
Various, and vast within, on pillars born
Of Shittim Wood, that usefully adorn.
Hither to grace the Nuptial-Feast does Saul
Of the Twelve Tribes th' Elders and Captains call,
And all around the idle, busie crowd,
With shouts and Blessings tell their joy alowd.
Lo, the press breaks, and from their several homes
In decent pride the Bride and Bridegroom comes.
Before the Bride, in a long double row
With solemn pace thirty choice Virgins go,
And make a Moving Galaxy on earth;
All heav'enly Beauties, all of highest Birth;
All clad in liveliest colours, fresh and fair,
As the bright flowers that crown'd their brighter Hair,
All in that new-blown age, which does inspire
Warmth in Themselves, in their Beholders Fire.
But all this, and all else the Sun did ere,
Or Fancy see, in her less bounded Sphere,
The Bride her self out-shone; and one would say
They made but the faint Dawn to her full Day.
Behind a numerous train of Ladies went,
Who on their dress much fruitless care had spent,
Vain Gems, and unregarded cost they bore,
349
The Bridegrooms flourishing Troop fill'd next the place,
With thirty comly youths of noblest race,
That marcht before; and Heav'en around his head,
The graceful beams of Joy and Beauty spread.
So the glad star which Men and Angels love,
Prince of the glorious Host that shines above,
No Light of Heav'en so chearful or so gay,
Lifts up his sacred Lamp, and opens Day.
The King himself, at the Tents crowned gate
In all his robes of ceremony' and state
Sate to receive the train; on either hand
Did the High Priest, and the Great Prophet stand.
Adriel behind, Jonathan, Abner, Jesse,
And all the Chiefs in their due order presse.
First Saul declar'd his choice, and the just cause,
Avow'd by' a gene'ral murmur of applause,
Then sign'd her Dow're, and in few words he pray'd,
And blest, and gave the joyful trembling Maid
T' her Lovers hands, who with a chearful look
And humble gesture the vast Present took.
The Nuptial-Hymn strait sounds, and Musicks play,
And Feasts and Balls shorten the thoughtless day
To all but to the wedded; till at last
The long-wisht night did her kind shadow cast;
At last th' inestimable hour was come
To lead his Conquering prey in triumph home,
To' a Palace near, drest for the Nuptial-bed
(Part of her Dowre) he his fair Princess led,
Saul, the High-Priest, and Samuel here they leave,
Who as they part, their weighty blessings give.
Her Vail is now put on; and at the gate
The thirty Youths, and thirty Virgins wait
With golden Lamps, bright as the flames they bore,
To light the Nuptial-pomp, and march before.
The rest bring home in state the happy Pair,
To that last Scene of Bliss, and leave them there
All those free joys insatiably to prove
With which rich Beauty feasts the Glutton Love.
But scarce, alas, the first sev'en days were past,
In which the publick Nuptial Triumphs last,
When Saul this new Alliance did repent,
Such subtle cares his jealous thoughts torment,
He envy'ed the good work himself had done;
Fear'd David less his Servant than his Son.
No longer his wild wrath could he command;
He seeks to stain his own imperial hand
In his Sons blood; and that twice cheated too,
With Troops and Armies does one life pursue.
Said I but One? his thirsty rage extends
To th' Lives of all his kindred, and his friends;
Ev'en Jonathan had dyed for being so,
Had not just God put by th' unnat'ural blow.
350
When Saul this new Alliance did repent,
Such subtle cares his jealous thoughts torment,
He envy'ed the good work himself had done;
Fear'd David less his Servant than his Son.
No longer his wild wrath could he command;
He seeks to stain his own imperial hand
In his Sons blood; and that twice cheated too,
With Troops and Armies does one life pursue.
Said I but One? his thirsty rage extends
To th' Lives of all his kindred, and his friends;
Ev'en Jonathan had dyed for being so,
Had not just God put by th' unnat'ural blow.
You see, Sir, the true cause which brings us here;
No sullen discontent, or groundless fear,
No guilty Act or End calls us from home.
Only to breath in peace a while we come,
Ready to Serve, and in mean space to Pray
For You who us receive, and Him who drives away.
No sullen discontent, or groundless fear,
No guilty Act or End calls us from home.
Only to breath in peace a while we come,
Ready to Serve, and in mean space to Pray
For You who us receive, and Him who drives away.
364
DAVIDEIS.
The fourth Book.
THE CONTENTS.
Moab carries his Guests to hunt at Nebo, in the way falls into discourse with David, and desires to know of him the reasons of the Change of Government in Israel, how Saul came to the Crown, and the story of Him and Jonathan. Davids Speech, containing, The state of the Commonwealth under the Judges, the Motives for which the people desired a King; their Deputies speech to Samuel upon that subject, and his reply. The assembling of the People at the Tabernacle to enquire Gods pleasure. Gods Speech. The Character of Saul, his Anointing by Samuel, and Election by Lot; the defection of his people. The war of Nahas King of Ammon against Jabes Gilead; Saul and Jonathans relieving of the Town. Jonathans Character, his single fight with Nahas, whom he slays, and defeats his Army. The confirmation of Sauls Kingdom at Gilgal, and the manner of Samuels quitting his office of Judge. The war with the Philistins at Macmas, their strength, and the weakness of Sauls Forces, his exercising of the Priestly function, and the judgment denounced by Samuel against him. Jonathans discourse with his Esquire; their falling alone upon the enemies out-guards at Senes, and after upon the whole Army, the wonderful defeat of it; Sauls rash vow, by which Jonathan is to be put to death, but is saved by the People.
365
Though
state and kind discourse thus rob'd the Night
Of half her natural and more just delight,
Moab, whom Temp'erance did still vig'orous keep,
And regal cares had us'd to mod'erate sleep,
Up with the Sun arose, and having thrice
With lifted hands bow'd towards his shining rise,
And thrice to'wards Phegor, his Baals holiest Hill,
(With good and pious prayers directed ill)
Call'd to the Chase his Friends, who for him stay'd;
The glad Dogs barkt, the chearful Horses neigh'd.
Moab his Chariot mounts, drawn by four Steeds,
The best and noblest that fresh Zerith breeds,
All white as Snow, and sprightful as the Light,
With Scarlet trapt, and foaming Gold they bite.
He into it young David with him took,
Did with respect and wonder on him look
Since last nights story, and with greedier ear,
The Man, of whom so much he heard, did hear.
The well-born Youth of all his flourishing Court
March gay behind, and joyful to the sport.
Some arm'd with Bows, some with strait Javelines ride;
Rich Swords and gilded Quivers grace their side.
Midst the fair Troop Davids tall Brethren rode,
And Joab comely as a Fanci'ed God;
They entertain'd th' attentive Moab Lords,
With loose and various talk that chance affords,
Whilst they pac'ed slowly on; but the wise King
Did Davids tongue to weightier subjects bring.
Much (said the King) much I to Joab owe,
For the fair Picture drawn by him of you.
'Twas drawn in little, but did acts express
So great, that largest Histories are less.
I see (methinks) the Gathian Monster still,
His shape last night my mindful Dreams did fill.
Strange Tyrant Saul with Envy to pursue
The praise of deeds whence his own safety grew!
I'have heard (but who can think it?) that his Son
Has his lifes hazard for your friendship run;
His matchless Son, whose worth (if Fame be true)
Lifts him 'above all his Countrymen but you,
With whom it makes him One; Low David bows,
But no reply Moabs swift tongue allows.
And pray, kind Guest, whilst we ride thus (says he)
(To gameful Nebo still three leagues there be)
The story of your royal friend relate;
And his ungovern'd Sires imperious fate,
Why your great State that nameless Fam'ily chose,
And by what steps to Israels Throne they rose.
Of half her natural and more just delight,
Moab, whom Temp'erance did still vig'orous keep,
And regal cares had us'd to mod'erate sleep,
Up with the Sun arose, and having thrice
With lifted hands bow'd towards his shining rise,
And thrice to'wards Phegor, his Baals holiest Hill,
(With good and pious prayers directed ill)
Call'd to the Chase his Friends, who for him stay'd;
The glad Dogs barkt, the chearful Horses neigh'd.
Moab his Chariot mounts, drawn by four Steeds,
The best and noblest that fresh Zerith breeds,
All white as Snow, and sprightful as the Light,
With Scarlet trapt, and foaming Gold they bite.
He into it young David with him took,
Did with respect and wonder on him look
Since last nights story, and with greedier ear,
The Man, of whom so much he heard, did hear.
The well-born Youth of all his flourishing Court
March gay behind, and joyful to the sport.
Some arm'd with Bows, some with strait Javelines ride;
Rich Swords and gilded Quivers grace their side.
Midst the fair Troop Davids tall Brethren rode,
And Joab comely as a Fanci'ed God;
They entertain'd th' attentive Moab Lords,
With loose and various talk that chance affords,
Whilst they pac'ed slowly on; but the wise King
366
Much (said the King) much I to Joab owe,
For the fair Picture drawn by him of you.
'Twas drawn in little, but did acts express
So great, that largest Histories are less.
I see (methinks) the Gathian Monster still,
His shape last night my mindful Dreams did fill.
Strange Tyrant Saul with Envy to pursue
The praise of deeds whence his own safety grew!
I'have heard (but who can think it?) that his Son
Has his lifes hazard for your friendship run;
His matchless Son, whose worth (if Fame be true)
Lifts him 'above all his Countrymen but you,
With whom it makes him One; Low David bows,
But no reply Moabs swift tongue allows.
And pray, kind Guest, whilst we ride thus (says he)
(To gameful Nebo still three leagues there be)
The story of your royal friend relate;
And his ungovern'd Sires imperious fate,
Why your great State that nameless Fam'ily chose,
And by what steps to Israels Throne they rose.
He staid; and David thus; from Egypts Land
You 'have heard, Sir, by what strong, unarmed hand
Our Fathers came; Moses their sacred Guid,
But he in sight of the Giv'en Country dy'd.
His fatal promis'd Canaan was on high;
And Joshua's Sword must th' active Rod supply.
It did so, and did wonders.
From sacred Jordan to the Western main,
From well-clad Lib'anus to the Southern Plain
Of naked sands, his winged Conquests went;
And thirty Kings to Hell uncrown'd he sent.
Almost four hundred years from him to Saul,
In too much freedom past, or forreign thral.
Oft Strangers Iron Scepters bruis'd the Land
(Such still are those born by a Conquering Hand)
Oft pity'ing God did well-form'd Spirits raise,
Fit for the toilsome business of their days,
To free the groaning Nation, and to give
Peace first, and then the Rules in Peace to live.
But they whose stamp of Power did chiefly ly
In Characters too fine for most mens Ey,
Graces and Gifts Divine; not painted bright
With state to awe dull minds, and force t'affright,
Were ill obey'd whil'st Living, and at death,
Their Rules and Pattern vanisht with their breath.
The hungry Rich all near them did devour,
Their Judge was Appetite, and their Law was Power.
Not want it self could Luxury restrain,
For what that empti'd, Rapine fill'd again.
Robbery the Field, Oppression sackt the Town;
What the Swords Reaping spar'd, was glean'd by th'Gown.
At Courts, and Seats of Justice to complain,
Was to be robb'd more vexingly again.
Nor was their Lust less active or less bold,
Amidst this rougher search of Blood and Gold.
Weak Beauties they corrupt, and force the strong;
The Pride of Old Men that, and this of young.
You 'have heard perhaps, Sir, of leud Gibeahs shame,
Which Hebrew Tongues still tremble when they name,
Alarmed all by one fair strangers Eyes,
As to a sudden War the Town does rise
Shaking and pale, half dead e're they begin
The strange and wanton Trag'edy of their sin,
All their wild Lusts they force her to sustain,
Till by shame, sorrow, weariness, and pain,
She midst their loath'd, and cruel kindness dies;
Of monstrous Lust th' innocent Sacrifice.
This did ('tis true) a Civil War create
(The frequent curse of our loose-govern'd State)
All Gibea's, and all Jabes blood it cost;
Near a whole Tribe and future Kings we lost.
Firm in this general Earthquake of the Land,
How could Religion, its main pillar, stand?
Proud, and fond Man, his Fathers worship hates,
Himself, Gods Creature, his own God Creates.
Hence in each Houshold sev'eral Deities grew,
And when no old one pleas'd, they fram'd a New.
The only Land which serv'd but one before,
Did th' only then all Nations Gods adore.
They serv'd their Gods at first, and soon their Kings;
Their choice of that this latter slavery brings.
Till special men arm'd with Gods warrant broke
By justest force th'unjustly forced yoke.
All matchless persons, and thrice worthy they
Of Power more great, or Lands more apt t'obey.
At last the Priesthood join'd in Ith'amars Son,
More weight and lustre to the Scepter won.
But whilst mild Ely, and good Samuel were
Busi'ed with age, and th' Altars sacred care;
To their wild Sons they their high charge commit,
Who 'expose to Scorn and Hate both them and it.
Ely's curst House th'exemplar vengeance bears
Of all their Blood, and all sad Isr'aels Tears.
His Sons abroad, Himself at home lies slain,
Israel's captiv'd, Gods Ark and Law are tane.
Thus twice are Nations by ill Princes vext,
They suffer By them first, and For them next.
Samuel succeeds; since Moses none before
So much of God in his bright bosom bore.
In vain our arms Philistian Tyrants seis'd;
Heav'ens Magazines he open'd when he pleas'd.
He Rains and Winds for Auxil'iaries brought,
He muster'd Flames and Thunders when he fought.
Thus thirty years with strong and steddy hand
He held th'unshaken Ballance of the Land.
At last his Sons th'indulgent Father chose
To share that State which they were born to lose.
Their hateful acts that Changes birth did hast,
Which had long growth i'th'Womb of Ages past.
To this (for still were some great Periods set,
There's a strong knot of sev'eral Causes met)
The threats concurr'd of a rough neighb'ring War;
A mighty storm long gathering from afar.
For Ammon, heightned with mixt Nations aid,
Like Torrents swoln with Rain prepar'd the land t'invade.
Samuel was old, and by his Sons ill choice
Turn'd Dotard in th' unskilful Vulgars voice.
His Sons so scorn'd and hated, that the Land
Nor hop'ed nor wisht a Victory from their hand:
These were the just and faultless causes why
The general voice did for a Monarch cry,
But God ill grains did in this Incense smell,
Wrapt in fair Leaves he saw the Canker dwell.
A mut'inous Itch of Change, a dull Despair
Of helps divine, oft prov'd; a faithless care
Of Common Means; the pride of heart, and scorn
Of th' humble yoke under low Judges born.
They saw the state and glittering pomp which blest
In vulgar sense the Scepters of the East.
They saw not Powers true Source, and scorn'd t'obey
Persons that look'd no dreadfuller than They.
They mist Courts, Guards, a gay and num'erous train;
Our Judges, like their Laws, were rude and plain.
On an old bench of wood, her Seat of State
Beneath the well-known Palm, Wise Debora sate.
Her Maids with comly dil'igence round her spun,
And she too, when the Pleadings there were done:
With the same Goad Samgar his Oxen drives
Which took the Sun before six hundred lives
From his sham'd foes; He midst his work dealt Laws;
And oft was his Plow stopt to hear a Cause.
Nor did great Gid'eon his old Flail disdain,
After won Fields, sackt Towns, and Princes slain.
His Scepter that, and Ophras Threshing Floore
The Seat and Embleme of his Justice bore.
What should I Jair, the happiest Father, name?
Or mournful Jephta known no less to fame
For the most wretched? Both at once did keep
The mighty Flocks of Isra'el and their Sheep.
Oft from the field in hast they summon'd were
Some weighty forreign Embassy to hear,
They call'd their Slaves, their Sons, and Friends around,
Who all at several cares were scattered found,
They washt their feet, their only Gown put on;
And this chief work of Cer'emony was done.
These reasons, and all else that could be said,
In a ripe hour by factious Eloquence spread
Through all the Tribes, make all desire a King;
And to their Judge selected Dep'uties bring
This harsh demand; which Nacol for the rest
(A bold and artful Mouth) thus with much grace exprest.
You 'have heard, Sir, by what strong, unarmed hand
Our Fathers came; Moses their sacred Guid,
But he in sight of the Giv'en Country dy'd.
His fatal promis'd Canaan was on high;
And Joshua's Sword must th' active Rod supply.
It did so, and did wonders.
From sacred Jordan to the Western main,
From well-clad Lib'anus to the Southern Plain
Of naked sands, his winged Conquests went;
And thirty Kings to Hell uncrown'd he sent.
Almost four hundred years from him to Saul,
In too much freedom past, or forreign thral.
Oft Strangers Iron Scepters bruis'd the Land
(Such still are those born by a Conquering Hand)
Oft pity'ing God did well-form'd Spirits raise,
Fit for the toilsome business of their days,
To free the groaning Nation, and to give
Peace first, and then the Rules in Peace to live.
367
In Characters too fine for most mens Ey,
Graces and Gifts Divine; not painted bright
With state to awe dull minds, and force t'affright,
Were ill obey'd whil'st Living, and at death,
Their Rules and Pattern vanisht with their breath.
The hungry Rich all near them did devour,
Their Judge was Appetite, and their Law was Power.
Not want it self could Luxury restrain,
For what that empti'd, Rapine fill'd again.
Robbery the Field, Oppression sackt the Town;
What the Swords Reaping spar'd, was glean'd by th'Gown.
At Courts, and Seats of Justice to complain,
Was to be robb'd more vexingly again.
Nor was their Lust less active or less bold,
Amidst this rougher search of Blood and Gold.
Weak Beauties they corrupt, and force the strong;
The Pride of Old Men that, and this of young.
You 'have heard perhaps, Sir, of leud Gibeahs shame,
Which Hebrew Tongues still tremble when they name,
Alarmed all by one fair strangers Eyes,
As to a sudden War the Town does rise
Shaking and pale, half dead e're they begin
The strange and wanton Trag'edy of their sin,
All their wild Lusts they force her to sustain,
Till by shame, sorrow, weariness, and pain,
She midst their loath'd, and cruel kindness dies;
Of monstrous Lust th' innocent Sacrifice.
This did ('tis true) a Civil War create
(The frequent curse of our loose-govern'd State)
All Gibea's, and all Jabes blood it cost;
Near a whole Tribe and future Kings we lost.
Firm in this general Earthquake of the Land,
How could Religion, its main pillar, stand?
Proud, and fond Man, his Fathers worship hates,
Himself, Gods Creature, his own God Creates.
Hence in each Houshold sev'eral Deities grew,
And when no old one pleas'd, they fram'd a New.
The only Land which serv'd but one before,
Did th' only then all Nations Gods adore.
368
Their choice of that this latter slavery brings.
Till special men arm'd with Gods warrant broke
By justest force th'unjustly forced yoke.
All matchless persons, and thrice worthy they
Of Power more great, or Lands more apt t'obey.
At last the Priesthood join'd in Ith'amars Son,
More weight and lustre to the Scepter won.
But whilst mild Ely, and good Samuel were
Busi'ed with age, and th' Altars sacred care;
To their wild Sons they their high charge commit,
Who 'expose to Scorn and Hate both them and it.
Ely's curst House th'exemplar vengeance bears
Of all their Blood, and all sad Isr'aels Tears.
His Sons abroad, Himself at home lies slain,
Israel's captiv'd, Gods Ark and Law are tane.
Thus twice are Nations by ill Princes vext,
They suffer By them first, and For them next.
Samuel succeeds; since Moses none before
So much of God in his bright bosom bore.
In vain our arms Philistian Tyrants seis'd;
Heav'ens Magazines he open'd when he pleas'd.
He Rains and Winds for Auxil'iaries brought,
He muster'd Flames and Thunders when he fought.
Thus thirty years with strong and steddy hand
He held th'unshaken Ballance of the Land.
At last his Sons th'indulgent Father chose
To share that State which they were born to lose.
Their hateful acts that Changes birth did hast,
Which had long growth i'th'Womb of Ages past.
To this (for still were some great Periods set,
There's a strong knot of sev'eral Causes met)
The threats concurr'd of a rough neighb'ring War;
A mighty storm long gathering from afar.
For Ammon, heightned with mixt Nations aid,
Like Torrents swoln with Rain prepar'd the land t'invade.
Samuel was old, and by his Sons ill choice
Turn'd Dotard in th' unskilful Vulgars voice.
His Sons so scorn'd and hated, that the Land
Nor hop'ed nor wisht a Victory from their hand:
369
The general voice did for a Monarch cry,
But God ill grains did in this Incense smell,
Wrapt in fair Leaves he saw the Canker dwell.
A mut'inous Itch of Change, a dull Despair
Of helps divine, oft prov'd; a faithless care
Of Common Means; the pride of heart, and scorn
Of th' humble yoke under low Judges born.
They saw the state and glittering pomp which blest
In vulgar sense the Scepters of the East.
They saw not Powers true Source, and scorn'd t'obey
Persons that look'd no dreadfuller than They.
They mist Courts, Guards, a gay and num'erous train;
Our Judges, like their Laws, were rude and plain.
On an old bench of wood, her Seat of State
Beneath the well-known Palm, Wise Debora sate.
Her Maids with comly dil'igence round her spun,
And she too, when the Pleadings there were done:
With the same Goad Samgar his Oxen drives
Which took the Sun before six hundred lives
From his sham'd foes; He midst his work dealt Laws;
And oft was his Plow stopt to hear a Cause.
Nor did great Gid'eon his old Flail disdain,
After won Fields, sackt Towns, and Princes slain.
His Scepter that, and Ophras Threshing Floore
The Seat and Embleme of his Justice bore.
What should I Jair, the happiest Father, name?
Or mournful Jephta known no less to fame
For the most wretched? Both at once did keep
The mighty Flocks of Isra'el and their Sheep.
Oft from the field in hast they summon'd were
Some weighty forreign Embassy to hear,
They call'd their Slaves, their Sons, and Friends around,
Who all at several cares were scattered found,
They washt their feet, their only Gown put on;
And this chief work of Cer'emony was done.
These reasons, and all else that could be said,
In a ripe hour by factious Eloquence spread
Through all the Tribes, make all desire a King;
And to their Judge selected Dep'uties bring
370
(A bold and artful Mouth) thus with much grace exprest.
We' are come, most sacred Judge, to pay th'Arrears
Of much-ow'd thanks for the bright thirty years
Of your just Reign; and at your feet to lay
All that our grateful hearts can weakly pay
In unproportion'd words; for you alone
The not unfit Reward, who seek for none.
But when our forepast ills we call to mind,
And sadly think how Little's left behind
Of your important Life, whose sudden date
Would disinherit th'unprovided State.
When we consider how unjust 'tis, you,
Who nere of Power more than the Burden knew,
At once the weight of that and Age should have;
Your stooping days prest doubly towards the grave.
When we behold by Ammons youthful rage,
Proud in th' advantage of your peaceful age,
And all th'united East our fall conspir'd;
And that your Sons, whom chiefly we desir'd
As Stamps of you, in your lov'd room to place,
By unlike acts that noble Stamp deface:
Midst these new fears and ills, we're forc'd to fly
To' a new, and yet unpractis'd Remedy;
A new one, but long promis'd and foretold,
By Moses, and to Abraham shown of old.
A Prophesie long forming in the Womb
Of teeming years, and now to ripeness come.
This Remedy's a King; for this we all
With an inspir'd, and zealous Union call.
And in one sound when all mens voices join,
The Musick's tun'd (no doubt) by hand divine.
'Tis God alone speaks a whole Nations voice;
That is his Publique Language; but the choice
Of what Peculiar Head that Crown must bear
From you who his Peculiar Organ are
We'expect to hear; the People shall to you
Their King, the King his Crown and People owe.
To your great name what lustre will it bring
T'have been our Judge, and to have made our King!
Of much-ow'd thanks for the bright thirty years
Of your just Reign; and at your feet to lay
All that our grateful hearts can weakly pay
In unproportion'd words; for you alone
The not unfit Reward, who seek for none.
But when our forepast ills we call to mind,
And sadly think how Little's left behind
Of your important Life, whose sudden date
Would disinherit th'unprovided State.
When we consider how unjust 'tis, you,
Who nere of Power more than the Burden knew,
At once the weight of that and Age should have;
Your stooping days prest doubly towards the grave.
When we behold by Ammons youthful rage,
Proud in th' advantage of your peaceful age,
And all th'united East our fall conspir'd;
And that your Sons, whom chiefly we desir'd
As Stamps of you, in your lov'd room to place,
By unlike acts that noble Stamp deface:
Midst these new fears and ills, we're forc'd to fly
To' a new, and yet unpractis'd Remedy;
A new one, but long promis'd and foretold,
By Moses, and to Abraham shown of old.
A Prophesie long forming in the Womb
Of teeming years, and now to ripeness come.
This Remedy's a King; for this we all
With an inspir'd, and zealous Union call.
And in one sound when all mens voices join,
The Musick's tun'd (no doubt) by hand divine.
'Tis God alone speaks a whole Nations voice;
That is his Publique Language; but the choice
Of what Peculiar Head that Crown must bear
From you who his Peculiar Organ are
We'expect to hear; the People shall to you
Their King, the King his Crown and People owe.
To your great name what lustre will it bring
T'have been our Judge, and to have made our King!
371
He bow'd, and ended here; and Samuel streight,
Pawsing a while at this great questions weight,
With a grave sigh, and with a thoughtful Ey
That more of Care than Passion did descry,
Calmly replys: You're sure the first (said he)
Of freeborn men that begg'd for Slavery.
I fear, my friends, with heav'enly Manna fed,
(Our old forefathers crime) we lust for Bread.
Long since by God from Bondage drawn, I fear,
We build anew th' Egyptian Brickiln here.
Cheat not your selves with words: for though a King
Be the mild Name, a Tyrant is the Thing.
Let his power loose, and you shall quickly see
How mild a thing unbounded Man will be.
He'll lead you forth your hearts cheap blood to spill,
Where e're his Guidless Passion leads his Will.
Ambition, Lust, or Spleen his wars will raise,
Your Lives best price his thirst of Wealth or Praise.
Your ablest Sons for his proud Guards he'll take,
And by such hands your yoke more grievous make.
Your Daughters and dear Wives he'll force away,
His Lux'ury some, and some his Lust t'obey.
His idle friends your hungry toils shall eat,
Drink your rich Wines, mixt with your Blood and Sweat.
Then you'll all sigh, but sighs will Treasons be;
And not your Griefs themselves, or Looks be free.
Rob'd even of Hopes, when you these ills sustain,
Your watry eyes you'l then turn back in vain,
On your old Judges, and perhaps on Me,
Nay ev'en my Sons, howe're they 'unhappy be
In your displeasure now; Not that I'd clear
Their Guilt, or mine own Innocence indear,
Witness th' unutterable Name, there's nought
Of private ends into this question brought.
But why this yoke on your own necks to draw?
Why Man your God, and Passion made your Law?
Pawsing a while at this great questions weight,
With a grave sigh, and with a thoughtful Ey
That more of Care than Passion did descry,
Calmly replys: You're sure the first (said he)
Of freeborn men that begg'd for Slavery.
I fear, my friends, with heav'enly Manna fed,
(Our old forefathers crime) we lust for Bread.
Long since by God from Bondage drawn, I fear,
We build anew th' Egyptian Brickiln here.
Cheat not your selves with words: for though a King
Be the mild Name, a Tyrant is the Thing.
Let his power loose, and you shall quickly see
How mild a thing unbounded Man will be.
He'll lead you forth your hearts cheap blood to spill,
Where e're his Guidless Passion leads his Will.
Ambition, Lust, or Spleen his wars will raise,
Your Lives best price his thirst of Wealth or Praise.
Your ablest Sons for his proud Guards he'll take,
And by such hands your yoke more grievous make.
Your Daughters and dear Wives he'll force away,
His Lux'ury some, and some his Lust t'obey.
His idle friends your hungry toils shall eat,
Drink your rich Wines, mixt with your Blood and Sweat.
Then you'll all sigh, but sighs will Treasons be;
And not your Griefs themselves, or Looks be free.
Rob'd even of Hopes, when you these ills sustain,
Your watry eyes you'l then turn back in vain,
On your old Judges, and perhaps on Me,
Nay ev'en my Sons, howe're they 'unhappy be
In your displeasure now; Not that I'd clear
Their Guilt, or mine own Innocence indear,
Witness th' unutterable Name, there's nought
Of private ends into this question brought.
But why this yoke on your own necks to draw?
Why Man your God, and Passion made your Law?
Methinks (thus Moab interrupts him here)
The good old Seer 'gainst Kings was too severe.
'Tis Jest to tell a People that they're Free,
Who, or How many shall their Masters be
Is the sole doubt; Laws guid, but cannot reign;
And though they bind not Kings, yet they restrain.
I dare affirm (so much I trust their Love)
That no one Moabite would his speech approve.
But, pray go on. 'Tis true, Sir, he replies;
Yet men whom age and action renders wise,
So much great changes fear, that they believe
All evils will, which may from them arrive.
On men resolv'd these threats were spent in vain,
All that his power or el'oquence could obtain
Was to enquire Gods will e're they proceed
To'a work that would so much his blessing need.
A solemn day for this great work is set,
And at th' Anointed Tent all Israel met
Expect th' event; below fair bullocks fry
In hallowed flames; above, there mount on high
The precious clouds of Incense, and at last
The Sprinkling, Pray'ers, and all due Honours past.
Lo! we the Sacred Bells o'th' sudden hear,
And in mild pomp grave Samuel does appear.
His Ephod, Mitre, well-cut Diadem on,
Th' Orac'ulous Stones on his rich Breast plate shone.
Tow'ards the blew curtains of Gods holiest place
(The Temples bright Third Heaven) he turn'd his face.
Thrice bow'd he, thrice the solemn Musick plaid,
And at third rest thus the great Prophet praid:
The good old Seer 'gainst Kings was too severe.
'Tis Jest to tell a People that they're Free,
Who, or How many shall their Masters be
372
And though they bind not Kings, yet they restrain.
I dare affirm (so much I trust their Love)
That no one Moabite would his speech approve.
But, pray go on. 'Tis true, Sir, he replies;
Yet men whom age and action renders wise,
So much great changes fear, that they believe
All evils will, which may from them arrive.
On men resolv'd these threats were spent in vain,
All that his power or el'oquence could obtain
Was to enquire Gods will e're they proceed
To'a work that would so much his blessing need.
A solemn day for this great work is set,
And at th' Anointed Tent all Israel met
Expect th' event; below fair bullocks fry
In hallowed flames; above, there mount on high
The precious clouds of Incense, and at last
The Sprinkling, Pray'ers, and all due Honours past.
Lo! we the Sacred Bells o'th' sudden hear,
And in mild pomp grave Samuel does appear.
His Ephod, Mitre, well-cut Diadem on,
Th' Orac'ulous Stones on his rich Breast plate shone.
Tow'ards the blew curtains of Gods holiest place
(The Temples bright Third Heaven) he turn'd his face.
Thrice bow'd he, thrice the solemn Musick plaid,
And at third rest thus the great Prophet praid:
Almighty God, to whom all men that be
Owe all they have, yet none so much as We;
Who though thou fill'st the spacious world alone,
Thy too small Court, hast made this place thy Throne.
With humble Knees, and humbler Hearts, Lo, here,
Blest Abrah'ams Seed implores thy gracious Ear.
Hear them, great God, and thy just will inspire;
From Thee, their long-known King, they'a King desire.
Some gracious signs of thy good pleasure send,
Which, lo, with Souls resign'd we humbly here attend.
Owe all they have, yet none so much as We;
Who though thou fill'st the spacious world alone,
Thy too small Court, hast made this place thy Throne.
With humble Knees, and humbler Hearts, Lo, here,
Blest Abrah'ams Seed implores thy gracious Ear.
Hear them, great God, and thy just will inspire;
From Thee, their long-known King, they'a King desire.
Some gracious signs of thy good pleasure send,
Which, lo, with Souls resign'd we humbly here attend.
He spoke, and thrice he bow'd, and all about
Silence and reverend Horrour seiz'd the rout.
The whole Tent shakes, the Flames on th' Altar by,
In thick dull rolls mount slow and heavily.
Silence and reverend Horrour seiz'd the rout.
The whole Tent shakes, the Flames on th' Altar by,
In thick dull rolls mount slow and heavily.
373
The
seven Lamps wink; and what does most dismay,
Th'Orac'ulous Gems shut in their nat'ural day.
The Rubies Cheek grew pale, the Em'eraud by
Faded, a Cloud o'recast the Saphirs Skie.
The Di'amonds Eye lookt Sleepy, and swift night
Of all those little Suns eclypst the Light.
Sad signs of Gods dread anger for our sin,
But straight a wondrous brightness from within
Strook through the Curtains, for no earthly Cloud
Could those strong beams of heav'enly glory shroud.
The Altars fire burnt pure, and every Stone
Their radiant Parent the gay Sun outshone.
Beauty th' illustrious Vision did impart
To ev'ery Face, and Joy to ev'ery heart.
In glad effects Gods presence thus appear'd,
And thus in wondrous sounds his Voice was heard:
Th'Orac'ulous Gems shut in their nat'ural day.
The Rubies Cheek grew pale, the Em'eraud by
Faded, a Cloud o'recast the Saphirs Skie.
The Di'amonds Eye lookt Sleepy, and swift night
Of all those little Suns eclypst the Light.
Sad signs of Gods dread anger for our sin,
But straight a wondrous brightness from within
Strook through the Curtains, for no earthly Cloud
Could those strong beams of heav'enly glory shroud.
The Altars fire burnt pure, and every Stone
Their radiant Parent the gay Sun outshone.
Beauty th' illustrious Vision did impart
To ev'ery Face, and Joy to ev'ery heart.
In glad effects Gods presence thus appear'd,
And thus in wondrous sounds his Voice was heard:
This stubborn Land sins still, nor is it Thee, but Us
(Who have been so long their King) they seek to cast off thus.
Five hundred rolling years hath this stiff Nation strove
To 'exhaust the boundless stores of our unfathom'd Love.
Be't so then; yet once more are we resolv'd to try
T'outweary them through all their Sins Variety.
Assemble ten days hence the num'erous people here;
To draw the Royal Lot which our hid Mark shall bear.
Dismiss them now in peace; but their next crime shall bring
Ruine without redress on Them, and on their King.
(Who have been so long their King) they seek to cast off thus.
Five hundred rolling years hath this stiff Nation strove
To 'exhaust the boundless stores of our unfathom'd Love.
Be't so then; yet once more are we resolv'd to try
T'outweary them through all their Sins Variety.
Assemble ten days hence the num'erous people here;
To draw the Royal Lot which our hid Mark shall bear.
Dismiss them now in peace; but their next crime shall bring
Ruine without redress on Them, and on their King.
The Almighty spoke; th' astonisht people part
With various stamps imprest on every heart.
Some their demand repented, others prais'd,
Some had no thoughts at all, but star'd and gaz'd.
With various stamps imprest on every heart.
Some their demand repented, others prais'd,
Some had no thoughts at all, but star'd and gaz'd.
There dwelt a Man, nam'd Kis in Gib'eah Town,
For wisdom much, and much for Courage known.
More for his Son, his mighty Son was Saul,
Whom Nature, e're the Lots, to' a Throne did call.
He was much Prince, and when, or wheresoe're
His birth had been, Then had he reign'd and There.
Such Beauty as great Strength thinks no disgrace,
Smil'd in the manly features of his Face.
His large black Eyes, fill'd with a sprightful light,
Shot forth such lively and illustrious Night,
As the Sun beams, on Jet reflecting show,
His Hair, as black, in long curl'd waves did flow.
His tall, strait Body amidst thousands stood,
Like some fair Pine o'relooking all th' ignobler Wood.
Of all our rural sports he was the pride;
So swift, so strong, so dextrous none beside.
Rest was his Toil, Labours his Lust and Game;
No nat'ural wants could his fierce dil'igence tame,
Not Thirst, nor Hunger; he would journeys go
Through raging Heats, and take repose in Snow.
His Soul was ne're unbent from weighty care;
But active as some Mind that turns a Sphere.
His way once chose, he forward thrust outright,
Nor stept aside for Dangers or Delight.
Yet was he wise all dangers to foresee;
But born t' affright, and not to fear was He.
His Wit was strong; not Fine; and on his tongue
An Artless grace above all Eloq'uence hung.
These Virtues too the rich unusual dress
Of Modesty adorn'd and Humbleness.
Like a clear Varnish o're fair Pictures laid,
More fresh and Lasting they the Colours made.
Till Power and violent Fortune, which did find
No stop or bound, o'rewhelm'd no less his Mind,
Did, Deluge-like, the nat'ural forms deface,
And brought forth unknown Monsters in their place.
Forbid it God, my Masters spots should be,
Were they not seen by all, disclos'd by me!
But such he was; and now to Ramah went
(So God dispos'd) with a strange, low intent.
Great God! he went lost Asses to enquire,
And a small Present his small questions hire,
Brought simply with him to that Man to give,
From whom high Heav'ens chief Gifts he must receive,
Strange Play of Fate! when might'iest humane things
Hang on such small, Imperceptible Strings!
'Twas Samuels Birth-day, a glad ann'ual feast
All Rama kept; Samuel his wondring Guest
With such respect leads to it, and does grace
With the choice meats o'th' feast, and highest place.
Which done, him forth alone the Prophet brings,
And feasts his ravisht ears with nobler things.
He tells the mighty Fate to him assign'd,
And with great rules fills his capacious mind.
Then takes the sacred Viol, and does shed
A Crown of mystique drops around his head.
Drops of that Royal Moisture which does know
No Mixture, and disdains the place below.
Soon comes the Kingly Day, and with it brings
A new Account of Time upon his wings.
The people met, the rites and pray'rs all past,
Behold, the Heav'en instructed-Lot is cast.
'Tis taught by heaven its way, and cannot miss;
Forth Benjamin, forth leaps the House of Cis.
As Glimm'ering stars just at the'approach of Day,
Casheer'd by Troops, at last drop all away,
By such degrees all mens bright hopes are gone,
And, like the Sun, Sauls Lot shines all alone.
Ev'en here perhaps the peoples shout was heard,
The loud long shout when Gods fair choice appear'd.
Above the whole vast throng he'appear'd so tall,
As if by Nature made for th'Head of all.
So full of grace and state, that one might know
'Twas some wise Eye the blind Lot guided so.
But blind unguided Lots have more of choice
And constancy then the slight Vulgars voice.
Ere yet the Crown of sacred Oyl is dry,
Whil'st Ecchoes yet preserve the joyful cry,
Some grow enrag'd their own vain hopes to miss,
Some envy Saul, some scorn the house of Cis.
Some their first mut'inous wish, A King, repent,
As if, since that, quite spoil'd by Gods consent.
Few to this Prince their first just duties pay;
All leave the Old, but few the New obey.
Thus changes Man, but God is constant still
To those eternal grounds, that mov'ed his Will.
And though he yielded first to them, 'tis fit
That stubborn Men at last to him submit.
For wisdom much, and much for Courage known.
More for his Son, his mighty Son was Saul,
Whom Nature, e're the Lots, to' a Throne did call.
He was much Prince, and when, or wheresoe're
His birth had been, Then had he reign'd and There.
Such Beauty as great Strength thinks no disgrace,
Smil'd in the manly features of his Face.
His large black Eyes, fill'd with a sprightful light,
Shot forth such lively and illustrious Night,
374
His Hair, as black, in long curl'd waves did flow.
His tall, strait Body amidst thousands stood,
Like some fair Pine o'relooking all th' ignobler Wood.
Of all our rural sports he was the pride;
So swift, so strong, so dextrous none beside.
Rest was his Toil, Labours his Lust and Game;
No nat'ural wants could his fierce dil'igence tame,
Not Thirst, nor Hunger; he would journeys go
Through raging Heats, and take repose in Snow.
His Soul was ne're unbent from weighty care;
But active as some Mind that turns a Sphere.
His way once chose, he forward thrust outright,
Nor stept aside for Dangers or Delight.
Yet was he wise all dangers to foresee;
But born t' affright, and not to fear was He.
His Wit was strong; not Fine; and on his tongue
An Artless grace above all Eloq'uence hung.
These Virtues too the rich unusual dress
Of Modesty adorn'd and Humbleness.
Like a clear Varnish o're fair Pictures laid,
More fresh and Lasting they the Colours made.
Till Power and violent Fortune, which did find
No stop or bound, o'rewhelm'd no less his Mind,
Did, Deluge-like, the nat'ural forms deface,
And brought forth unknown Monsters in their place.
Forbid it God, my Masters spots should be,
Were they not seen by all, disclos'd by me!
But such he was; and now to Ramah went
(So God dispos'd) with a strange, low intent.
Great God! he went lost Asses to enquire,
And a small Present his small questions hire,
Brought simply with him to that Man to give,
From whom high Heav'ens chief Gifts he must receive,
Strange Play of Fate! when might'iest humane things
Hang on such small, Imperceptible Strings!
'Twas Samuels Birth-day, a glad ann'ual feast
All Rama kept; Samuel his wondring Guest
With such respect leads to it, and does grace
With the choice meats o'th' feast, and highest place.
375
And feasts his ravisht ears with nobler things.
He tells the mighty Fate to him assign'd,
And with great rules fills his capacious mind.
Then takes the sacred Viol, and does shed
A Crown of mystique drops around his head.
Drops of that Royal Moisture which does know
No Mixture, and disdains the place below.
Soon comes the Kingly Day, and with it brings
A new Account of Time upon his wings.
The people met, the rites and pray'rs all past,
Behold, the Heav'en instructed-Lot is cast.
'Tis taught by heaven its way, and cannot miss;
Forth Benjamin, forth leaps the House of Cis.
As Glimm'ering stars just at the'approach of Day,
Casheer'd by Troops, at last drop all away,
By such degrees all mens bright hopes are gone,
And, like the Sun, Sauls Lot shines all alone.
Ev'en here perhaps the peoples shout was heard,
The loud long shout when Gods fair choice appear'd.
Above the whole vast throng he'appear'd so tall,
As if by Nature made for th'Head of all.
So full of grace and state, that one might know
'Twas some wise Eye the blind Lot guided so.
But blind unguided Lots have more of choice
And constancy then the slight Vulgars voice.
Ere yet the Crown of sacred Oyl is dry,
Whil'st Ecchoes yet preserve the joyful cry,
Some grow enrag'd their own vain hopes to miss,
Some envy Saul, some scorn the house of Cis.
Some their first mut'inous wish, A King, repent,
As if, since that, quite spoil'd by Gods consent.
Few to this Prince their first just duties pay;
All leave the Old, but few the New obey.
Thus changes Man, but God is constant still
To those eternal grounds, that mov'ed his Will.
And though he yielded first to them, 'tis fit
That stubborn Men at last to him submit.
As midst the Main a low small Island lies,
Assaulted round with stormy Seas and skies.
Whilst the poor heartless Natives ev'ery hour
Darkness and Noise seems ready to devour:
Such Israels state appear'ed, whilst ore the West
Philistian clouds hung threatning, and from th'East
All Nations wrath into one Tempest joines,
Through which proud Nahas like fierce Lightning shines.
Tygris and Nile to his assistance send,
And waters to swoln Jaboc's Torrent lend.
Seir, Edom, Soba, Amalec adde their force,
Up with them march the Three Arabia's Horse.
And 'mongst all these none more their hope or pride,
Then those few Troops your warlike land supply'ed.
Around weak Jabes this vast Host does ly,
Disdains a dry and bloodless Victory.
The hopeless Town for Slave'ry does intreat,
But barb'arous Nahas thinks that grace too great.
He (his first Tribute) their right Eyes demands,
And with their Faces shame disarms their Hands.
If unreliev'ed sev'en days by Israels aid,
This bargain for ore-rated Life is made.
Ah, mighty God, let thine own Israel be
Quite blind it self, ere this reproach it see!
Assaulted round with stormy Seas and skies.
376
Darkness and Noise seems ready to devour:
Such Israels state appear'ed, whilst ore the West
Philistian clouds hung threatning, and from th'East
All Nations wrath into one Tempest joines,
Through which proud Nahas like fierce Lightning shines.
Tygris and Nile to his assistance send,
And waters to swoln Jaboc's Torrent lend.
Seir, Edom, Soba, Amalec adde their force,
Up with them march the Three Arabia's Horse.
And 'mongst all these none more their hope or pride,
Then those few Troops your warlike land supply'ed.
Around weak Jabes this vast Host does ly,
Disdains a dry and bloodless Victory.
The hopeless Town for Slave'ry does intreat,
But barb'arous Nahas thinks that grace too great.
He (his first Tribute) their right Eyes demands,
And with their Faces shame disarms their Hands.
If unreliev'ed sev'en days by Israels aid,
This bargain for ore-rated Life is made.
Ah, mighty God, let thine own Israel be
Quite blind it self, ere this reproach it see!
By'his wanton people the new King forsook,
To homely rural cares himself betook.
In private plenty liv'd without the state,
Lustre and Noise due to a publique fate.
Whilst he his slaves and cattel follows home,
Lo the sad Messengers from Jabes come,
Implore his help, and weep as if they meant
That way at least proud Nahas to prevent.
Mov'ed with a Kingly wrath, his strict command
He issues forth t'assemble all the land.
He threatens high, and disobedient they
Wak'ed by such Princely terrors learnt t'obey.
A mighty Host is rais'd; th'important cause
Age from their Rest; Youth, from their Pleasure draws.
Arm'd as unfurnisht Hast could them provide,
But Conduct, Courage, Anger that supply'ed.
All night they march, and are at th'early dawn
On Jabes heath in three fair bodies drawn.
Saul did himself the first and strongest band,
His Son the next, Abner the third command.
But pardon, Sir, if naming Sauls great Son,
I stop with him a while ere I go on.
To homely rural cares himself betook.
In private plenty liv'd without the state,
Lustre and Noise due to a publique fate.
Whilst he his slaves and cattel follows home,
Lo the sad Messengers from Jabes come,
Implore his help, and weep as if they meant
That way at least proud Nahas to prevent.
Mov'ed with a Kingly wrath, his strict command
He issues forth t'assemble all the land.
He threatens high, and disobedient they
Wak'ed by such Princely terrors learnt t'obey.
A mighty Host is rais'd; th'important cause
Age from their Rest; Youth, from their Pleasure draws.
Arm'd as unfurnisht Hast could them provide,
But Conduct, Courage, Anger that supply'ed.
All night they march, and are at th'early dawn
On Jabes heath in three fair bodies drawn.
377
His Son the next, Abner the third command.
But pardon, Sir, if naming Sauls great Son,
I stop with him a while ere I go on.
This is that Jonathan, the Joy and Grace,
The beautifull'st, and best of Humane Race.
That Jonathan in whom does mixt remain
All that kind Mothers wishes can contain.
His Courage such as it no stop can know,
And Vict'ory gains by'astonishing the Foe.
With Lightnings force his enemies it confounds,
And melts their Hearts e're it the Bosom wounds.
Yet he the Conquer'd with such Sweetness gains,
As Captive Lovers find in Beauties Chains.
In war the adverse Troops he does assail,
Like an impet'uous storm of wind and Hail.
In Peace, like gentlest Dew that does asswage
The burning Months, and temper Syrius rage.
Kind as the Suns blest Influence; and where e're
He comes, Plenty and Joy attend him there.
To Help seems all his Power, his Wealth to Give;
To do much Good his sole Prerogative.
And yet this gen'eral Bounty of his Mind,
That with wide arms embraces all Mankind,
Such artful Prudence does to each divide,
With diffe'rent measures all are satisfi'd.
Just as wise God his plenteous Manna dealt,
Some gather'd more, but want by none was felt.
To all Relations their just rights he pays,
And worths reward above its claim does raise.
The tendrest Husband, Master, Father, Son,
And all those parts by'his Friendship far outdone.
His Love to Friends no bound or rule does know,
What He to Heav'en, all that to Him they owe.
Keen as his Sword, and pointed is his Wit:
His Judgment, like best Armour, strong and fit.
And such an El'oquence to both these does join,
As makes in both Beauty and Use combine.
Through which a noble Tincture does appear
By Learning and choice Books imprinted there.
As well he knows all Times and Persons gone,
As he himself to th' future shall be known.
But his chief study is Gods sacred Law;
And all his Life does Comments on it draw,
As never more by Heav'en to Man was giv'en,
So never more was paid by Man to Heav'en.
And all these Virtues were to Ripeness grown,
E're yet his Flower of Youth was fully blown.
All Autumns store did his rich Spring adorn;
Like Trees in Par'dice he with Fruit was born.
Such is his Soul; and if, as some men tell,
Souls form and build those mansions where they dwell;
Whoe're but sees his Body must confess,
The Architect no doubt, could be no less.
From Saul his growth and manly strength he took,
Chastis'd by bright Ahino'ams gentler look.
Not bright Ahin'oam, Beauties lowdest Name,
Till she to' her Children lost with joy her fame,
Had sweeter strokes, Colours more fresh and fair,
More darting Eyes, or lovelier auborn Hair.
Forgive me that I thus your patience wrong,
And on this boundless subject stay so long.
Where too much hast ever to end t'would be,
Did not his Acts speak what's untold by Me.
Though from the time his hands a Sword could wield,
He ne're mist Fame and Danger in the field.
Yet this was the first day that call'd him forth,
Since Sauls bright Crown gave luster to his worth.
'Twas the last morning whose unchearful rise,
Sad Jabes was to view with both their Eyes.
Secure proud Nahas slept as in his Court,
And dreamt, vain man! of that days barb'arous sport,
Till noise and dreadful tumults him awoke;
Till into'his Camp our vi'olent Army broke.
The careless Guards with small re[s]istance kill'd,
Slaughter the Camp, and wild Confusion fill'd.
Nahas his fatal duty does perform,
And marches boldly up t'outface the storm.
Fierce Jonathan he meets, as he pursues
Th' Arabian Horse, and a hot fight renewes.
'Twas here your Troops behav'd themselves so well,
Till Uz and Jathan their stout Col'onels fell.
'Twas here our Vict'ory stopt, and gave us cause.
Much to suspect th'intention of her pause.
But when our thundring Prince Nahas espy'd,
Who with a Courage equal to his Pride
Broke through our Troops, and tow'ards him boldly prest,
A gen'erous joy leapt in his youthful brest.
As when a wrathful Dragons dismal light
Strikes suddenly some warlike Eagles sight.
The mighty foe pleases his fearless eyes,
He claps his joyful wings, and at him flies.
With vain, though vi'olent force, their darts they flung;
In Ammons plated belt Jonathans hung,
And stopt there; Ammon did his Helmet hit,
And gliding off, bore the proud crest from it.
Straight with their Swords to the fierce shock they came,
Their Swords, their Armour, and their Eyes shot flame.
Blows strong as Thunder, thick as Rain they delt;
Which more then they th'engag'ed Spectators felt.
In Ammon force, in Jonathan address,
(Though both were great in both to an excess)
To the well-judging Eye did most appear;
Honour, and Anger in both equal were.
Two wounds our Prince receiv'ed, and Ammon three;
Which he enrag'ed to feel, and 'sham'd to see,
Did his whole strength into one blow collect;
And as a Spani'el when we'our aim direct
To shoot some Bird, impatiently stands by
Shaking his tail, ready with joy to fly
Just as it drops, upon the wounded prey;
So waited Death it self to bear away
The threatned Life; did glad and greedy stand
At sight of mighty Ammons lifted hand.
Our watchful Prince by bending sav'd the wound,
But Death in other coyn his reck'ning found:
For whilst th'immod'erate strokes miscarry'ng force
Had almost born the striker from his horse,
A nimble thrust his active En'emy made,
'Twixt his right ribs deep pierc'ed the furious blade,
And opened wide those secret vessels, where
Life's Light goes out, when first they let in aire.
He falls, his Armour clanks against the ground,
From his faint tongue imperfect curses sound.
His amaz'd Troops strait cast their arms away;
Scarce fled his Soul from thence more swift then they.
As when two Kings of neighbour Hives (whom rage
And thirst of Empire in fierce wars engage,
Whilst each lays claim to th'Garden as his owne,
And seeks t'usurp the bord'ring flowers alone)
Their well-arm'd Troops drawn boldly forth to fight,
In th'aires wide plain dispute their doubtful right.
If by sad chance of battel either King
Fall wounded down, strook with some fatal sting,
His Armies hopes and courage with him dy;
They sheath up their faint Swords, and routed fly.
On th'other sides at once with like success
Into the Camp, great Saul and Abner press,
From Jon'athans part a wild mixt noise they hear,
And whatsoere it mean long to be there,
At the same instant from glad Jabes Town,
The hasty Troops march loud and chearful down.
Some few at first with vain resistance fall,
The rest is Slaughter, and vast Conquest all.
The fate by which our Host thus far had gon,
Our Host with noble heat drove farther on.
Victorious arms through Ammons land it bore;
Ruine behind, and Terror marcht before.
Where ere from Rabba's towers they cast their sight,
Smoak clouds the Day, and Flames make clear the Night.
This bright success did Sauls first action bring,
The Oyl, the Lot, and Crown less crown'd him King.
The Happy all men judge for Empire fit,
And none withstands where Fortune does submit.
Those who before did Gods fair choice withstand,
Th'excessive Vulgar now to death demand.
But wiser Saul repeal'd their hasty doom;
Conquest abroad, with Mercy crown'd at home.
Nor stain'd with civil slaughter that days pride,
Which foreign blood in nobler purple dy'ed.
Again the Crown th'assembled people give,
With greater joy then Saul could it receive.
Again, th'old Judge resigns his sacred place,
God Glorifi'ed with wonders his disgrace.
With decent pride, such as did well befit
The Name he kept, and that which he did quit.
The long-past row of happy years he show'd,
Which to his heav'enly Government they ow'd.
How the torn state his just and prudent raign
Restor'ed to Order, Plenty, Power again.
In war what conqu'ering Miracles he wrought;
God, then their King, was Gen'eral when they fought.
Whom they depos'ed with him. And that (said he)
You may see God concern'd in't more then Me,
Behold how storms his angry presence shrowd,
Hark how his wrath in thunder threats alowd.
'Twas now the ripen'ed Summers highest rage,
Which no faint cloud durst mediate to asswage.
Th'Earth hot with Thirst, and hot with Lust for Rain,
Gap'ed, and breath'd feeble vapours up in vain,
Which straight were scatter'd, or devour'd by th'Sun;
When, Lo, ere scarce the active speech was done,
A vi'olent Wind rose from his secret Cave,
And troops of frighted Clouds before it drave.
Whilst with rude haste the confus'ed Tempest crowds,
Swift dreadful flames shot through th'encountring clowds,
From whose torn womb th'imprison'ed Thunder broke,
And in dire sounds the Prophets sense it spoke.
Such an impet'uous shower it downwards sent,
As if the Waters 'bove the Firmament
Were all let loose; Horrour and fearful noise
Fill'd the black Scene; till the great Prophets voice
Swift as the wings of Morn, reduc'ed the Day;
Wind, Thunder, Rain and Clouds fled all at once away.
Fear not (said he) God his fierce wrath removes,
And though this State my service disapproves,
My Prayers shall serve it constantly. No more,
I hope, a pardon for past sins t'implore,
But just rewards from gracious heav'en to bring
On the good deeds of you, and of our King.
Behold him there! and as you see, rejoyce
In the kind care of Gods impartial choice.
Behold his Beauty, Courage, Strength and Wit!
The Honour heav'en has cloath'd him with, sits fit
And comely on him; since you needs must be
Rule'd by a King, you'are happy that 'tis He.
Obey him gladly, and let him too know
You were not made for Him, but he for You,
And both for God.
Whose gentlest yoke if once you cast away,
In vain shall he command, and you obey.
To foreign Tyrants both shall slaves become,
Instead of King, and Subjects here at home.
The beautifull'st, and best of Humane Race.
That Jonathan in whom does mixt remain
All that kind Mothers wishes can contain.
His Courage such as it no stop can know,
And Vict'ory gains by'astonishing the Foe.
With Lightnings force his enemies it confounds,
And melts their Hearts e're it the Bosom wounds.
Yet he the Conquer'd with such Sweetness gains,
As Captive Lovers find in Beauties Chains.
In war the adverse Troops he does assail,
Like an impet'uous storm of wind and Hail.
In Peace, like gentlest Dew that does asswage
The burning Months, and temper Syrius rage.
Kind as the Suns blest Influence; and where e're
He comes, Plenty and Joy attend him there.
To Help seems all his Power, his Wealth to Give;
To do much Good his sole Prerogative.
And yet this gen'eral Bounty of his Mind,
That with wide arms embraces all Mankind,
Such artful Prudence does to each divide,
With diffe'rent measures all are satisfi'd.
Just as wise God his plenteous Manna dealt,
Some gather'd more, but want by none was felt.
To all Relations their just rights he pays,
And worths reward above its claim does raise.
The tendrest Husband, Master, Father, Son,
And all those parts by'his Friendship far outdone.
His Love to Friends no bound or rule does know,
What He to Heav'en, all that to Him they owe.
Keen as his Sword, and pointed is his Wit:
His Judgment, like best Armour, strong and fit.
And such an El'oquence to both these does join,
As makes in both Beauty and Use combine.
Through which a noble Tincture does appear
By Learning and choice Books imprinted there.
378
As he himself to th' future shall be known.
But his chief study is Gods sacred Law;
And all his Life does Comments on it draw,
As never more by Heav'en to Man was giv'en,
So never more was paid by Man to Heav'en.
And all these Virtues were to Ripeness grown,
E're yet his Flower of Youth was fully blown.
All Autumns store did his rich Spring adorn;
Like Trees in Par'dice he with Fruit was born.
Such is his Soul; and if, as some men tell,
Souls form and build those mansions where they dwell;
Whoe're but sees his Body must confess,
The Architect no doubt, could be no less.
From Saul his growth and manly strength he took,
Chastis'd by bright Ahino'ams gentler look.
Not bright Ahin'oam, Beauties lowdest Name,
Till she to' her Children lost with joy her fame,
Had sweeter strokes, Colours more fresh and fair,
More darting Eyes, or lovelier auborn Hair.
Forgive me that I thus your patience wrong,
And on this boundless subject stay so long.
Where too much hast ever to end t'would be,
Did not his Acts speak what's untold by Me.
Though from the time his hands a Sword could wield,
He ne're mist Fame and Danger in the field.
Yet this was the first day that call'd him forth,
Since Sauls bright Crown gave luster to his worth.
'Twas the last morning whose unchearful rise,
Sad Jabes was to view with both their Eyes.
Secure proud Nahas slept as in his Court,
And dreamt, vain man! of that days barb'arous sport,
Till noise and dreadful tumults him awoke;
Till into'his Camp our vi'olent Army broke.
The careless Guards with small re[s]istance kill'd,
Slaughter the Camp, and wild Confusion fill'd.
Nahas his fatal duty does perform,
And marches boldly up t'outface the storm.
Fierce Jonathan he meets, as he pursues
Th' Arabian Horse, and a hot fight renewes.
379
Till Uz and Jathan their stout Col'onels fell.
'Twas here our Vict'ory stopt, and gave us cause.
Much to suspect th'intention of her pause.
But when our thundring Prince Nahas espy'd,
Who with a Courage equal to his Pride
Broke through our Troops, and tow'ards him boldly prest,
A gen'erous joy leapt in his youthful brest.
As when a wrathful Dragons dismal light
Strikes suddenly some warlike Eagles sight.
The mighty foe pleases his fearless eyes,
He claps his joyful wings, and at him flies.
With vain, though vi'olent force, their darts they flung;
In Ammons plated belt Jonathans hung,
And stopt there; Ammon did his Helmet hit,
And gliding off, bore the proud crest from it.
Straight with their Swords to the fierce shock they came,
Their Swords, their Armour, and their Eyes shot flame.
Blows strong as Thunder, thick as Rain they delt;
Which more then they th'engag'ed Spectators felt.
In Ammon force, in Jonathan address,
(Though both were great in both to an excess)
To the well-judging Eye did most appear;
Honour, and Anger in both equal were.
Two wounds our Prince receiv'ed, and Ammon three;
Which he enrag'ed to feel, and 'sham'd to see,
Did his whole strength into one blow collect;
And as a Spani'el when we'our aim direct
To shoot some Bird, impatiently stands by
Shaking his tail, ready with joy to fly
Just as it drops, upon the wounded prey;
So waited Death it self to bear away
The threatned Life; did glad and greedy stand
At sight of mighty Ammons lifted hand.
Our watchful Prince by bending sav'd the wound,
But Death in other coyn his reck'ning found:
For whilst th'immod'erate strokes miscarry'ng force
Had almost born the striker from his horse,
A nimble thrust his active En'emy made,
'Twixt his right ribs deep pierc'ed the furious blade,
380
Life's Light goes out, when first they let in aire.
He falls, his Armour clanks against the ground,
From his faint tongue imperfect curses sound.
His amaz'd Troops strait cast their arms away;
Scarce fled his Soul from thence more swift then they.
As when two Kings of neighbour Hives (whom rage
And thirst of Empire in fierce wars engage,
Whilst each lays claim to th'Garden as his owne,
And seeks t'usurp the bord'ring flowers alone)
Their well-arm'd Troops drawn boldly forth to fight,
In th'aires wide plain dispute their doubtful right.
If by sad chance of battel either King
Fall wounded down, strook with some fatal sting,
His Armies hopes and courage with him dy;
They sheath up their faint Swords, and routed fly.
On th'other sides at once with like success
Into the Camp, great Saul and Abner press,
From Jon'athans part a wild mixt noise they hear,
And whatsoere it mean long to be there,
At the same instant from glad Jabes Town,
The hasty Troops march loud and chearful down.
Some few at first with vain resistance fall,
The rest is Slaughter, and vast Conquest all.
The fate by which our Host thus far had gon,
Our Host with noble heat drove farther on.
Victorious arms through Ammons land it bore;
Ruine behind, and Terror marcht before.
Where ere from Rabba's towers they cast their sight,
Smoak clouds the Day, and Flames make clear the Night.
This bright success did Sauls first action bring,
The Oyl, the Lot, and Crown less crown'd him King.
The Happy all men judge for Empire fit,
And none withstands where Fortune does submit.
Those who before did Gods fair choice withstand,
Th'excessive Vulgar now to death demand.
But wiser Saul repeal'd their hasty doom;
Conquest abroad, with Mercy crown'd at home.
Nor stain'd with civil slaughter that days pride,
Which foreign blood in nobler purple dy'ed.
381
With greater joy then Saul could it receive.
Again, th'old Judge resigns his sacred place,
God Glorifi'ed with wonders his disgrace.
With decent pride, such as did well befit
The Name he kept, and that which he did quit.
The long-past row of happy years he show'd,
Which to his heav'enly Government they ow'd.
How the torn state his just and prudent raign
Restor'ed to Order, Plenty, Power again.
In war what conqu'ering Miracles he wrought;
God, then their King, was Gen'eral when they fought.
Whom they depos'ed with him. And that (said he)
You may see God concern'd in't more then Me,
Behold how storms his angry presence shrowd,
Hark how his wrath in thunder threats alowd.
'Twas now the ripen'ed Summers highest rage,
Which no faint cloud durst mediate to asswage.
Th'Earth hot with Thirst, and hot with Lust for Rain,
Gap'ed, and breath'd feeble vapours up in vain,
Which straight were scatter'd, or devour'd by th'Sun;
When, Lo, ere scarce the active speech was done,
A vi'olent Wind rose from his secret Cave,
And troops of frighted Clouds before it drave.
Whilst with rude haste the confus'ed Tempest crowds,
Swift dreadful flames shot through th'encountring clowds,
From whose torn womb th'imprison'ed Thunder broke,
And in dire sounds the Prophets sense it spoke.
Such an impet'uous shower it downwards sent,
As if the Waters 'bove the Firmament
Were all let loose; Horrour and fearful noise
Fill'd the black Scene; till the great Prophets voice
Swift as the wings of Morn, reduc'ed the Day;
Wind, Thunder, Rain and Clouds fled all at once away.
Fear not (said he) God his fierce wrath removes,
And though this State my service disapproves,
My Prayers shall serve it constantly. No more,
I hope, a pardon for past sins t'implore,
But just rewards from gracious heav'en to bring
On the good deeds of you, and of our King.
382
In the kind care of Gods impartial choice.
Behold his Beauty, Courage, Strength and Wit!
The Honour heav'en has cloath'd him with, sits fit
And comely on him; since you needs must be
Rule'd by a King, you'are happy that 'tis He.
Obey him gladly, and let him too know
You were not made for Him, but he for You,
And both for God.
Whose gentlest yoke if once you cast away,
In vain shall he command, and you obey.
To foreign Tyrants both shall slaves become,
Instead of King, and Subjects here at home.
The Crown thus several ways confirm'ed to Saul,
One way was wanting yet to crown them all;
And that was Force, which only can maintain
The Power that Fortune gives, or worth does gain.
Three thousand Guards of big, bold men he took;
Tall, terrible, and Guards ev'en with their Look;
His sacred person too, and throne defend,
The third on matchless Jonathan attend.
Ore whose full thoughts, Honour, and youthful Heat,
Sate brooding to hatch Actions good and great.
On Geba first, where a Philistian band
Lies, and around torments the fetter'd land,
He falls, and slaughters all; his noble rage
Mixt with Design his Nation to engage
In that just war, which from them long in vain,
Honour and Freedoms voice had strove t'obtain.
Th'accurst Philistian rows'd with this bold blow,
All the proud marks of enrag'ed Power does show.
Raises a vast, well-arm'd, and glittering Host,
If humane strength might authorize a boast,
Their threats had reason here; for ne're did wee
Our selves so weak, or foe so potent see.
Here we vast bodies of their Foot espy,
The Rear out-reaches far th'extended Eye.
Like fields of Corn their armed Squadrons stand;
As thick and numberless they hide the land.
Here with sharp neighs the warlike Horses sound;
And with proud prancings beat the putrid ground.
Here with worse noise three thousand Chariots pass
With plates of Iron bound, or louder Brass.
About it forks, axes, and sithes, and spears,
Whole Magazines of Death each Chariot bears.
Where it breaks in, there a whole Troop it mows,
And with lopt panting limbs the field bestrows.
Alike the Valiant, and the Cowards dy;
Neither can they resist, nor can these fly.
In this proud equipage at Macmas they;
Saul in much different state at Gilgal lay.
His forces seem'd no Army, but a Crowd,
Heartless, unarm'd, disorderly, and lowd.
The quick Contagion Fear ran swift through all,
And into trembling Fits th'infected fall.
Saul, and his Son (for no such faint Disease
Could on their strong-complexion'd Valour seise)
In vain all parts of virtuous Conduct show'd,
And on deaf Terror gen'erous words bestow'd.
Thousands from thence fly scattered ev'ery day;
Thick as the Leaves that shake and drop away,
When they th'approach of stormy Winter find
The noble Tree all bare expos'd to the' Wind.
Some to sad Jordan fly, and swim't for hast,
And from his farther bank look back at last.
Some into woods and caves their cattel drive,
There with their Beasts on equal terms they live,
Nor deserve better; some in rocks on high,
The old retreats of Storks and Ravens ly.
And were they wing'ed like them, scarce would they dare
To stay, or trust their frighted safety there.
As th'Host with fear, so Saul disturb'd with care,
T'avert these ills by Sacrifice and Prayer,
And Gods blest will t'enquire, for Samuel sends;
Whom he six days with troubled hast attends.
But ere the seventh unlucky day (the last
By Samuel set for this great work) was past,
Saul (alarm'd hourly from the neighb'ring foe,
Impatient ere Gods time Gods mind to know,
'Sham'd and enrag'ed to see his Troops decay,
Jealous of an affront in Samuels stay,
Scorning that any's presence should appear
Needful besides when He himself was there;
And with a pride too nat'ural thinking Heaven
Had given him All, because much Power t'had giv'en)
Himself the Sacrifice and Offring's made,
Himself did th'high selected charge invade,
Himself inquir'ed of God; who then spake nought;
But Samuel straight his dreadful answer brought.
For straight he came, and with a Virtue bold,
As was Sauls sin, the fatal Message told.
His foul Ingratitude to heav'en he chid,
To pluck that Fruit which was alone forbid
To Kingly power in all that plenteous land,
Where all things else submit to his command.
And as fair Edens violated Tree,
To'Immortal Man brought in Mortalitie:
So shall that Crown, which God eternal meant,
From thee (said he) and thy great house be rent,
Thy Crime shall Death to all thine Honours send,
And give thy'Immortal Royalty an End.
Thus spoke the Prophet, but kind heav'en (we hope)
(Whose threats and anger know no other scope
But Mans Amendment) does long since relent,
And with Repentant Saul it self Repent.
Howere (though none more pray for this then we
Whose wrongs and sufferings might some colour be
To do it less) this speech we sadly find
Still extant, and still active in his Mind.
But then a worse effect of it appear'd;
Our Army which before Modestly fear'd,
Which did by stealth and by degrees decay,
Disbanded now, and fled in troops away.
Base Fear so bold and impudent does grow,
When an excuse and colour it can show.
Six hundred only (scarce a Princely train)
Of all his Host with distrest Saul remain,
Of his whole Host six hundred; and ev'en those
(So did wise Heaven for mighty ends dispose,
Nor would that useless Multitudes should share
In that great Gift it did for One prepare)
Arm'd not like Souldiers marching in a War,
But Country-Hinds alarmed from afar
By Wolves loud hunger, when the well-known sound
Raises th' affrighted Villages around.
Some Goads, Flails, Plow-shares, Forks, or Axes bore,
Made for Lifes use and better ends before,
Some knotted Clubs, and Darts, or Arrows dry'd
I'th'fire, the first rude arts that Malice try'd,
E're Man the sins of too much Knowledge knew,
And Death by long Experience witty grew.
Such were the Numbers, such the Arms which we
Had by fate left us for a Victorie
O're well-arm'd Millions; nor will this appear
Useful it self, when Jonathan was there.
One way was wanting yet to crown them all;
And that was Force, which only can maintain
The Power that Fortune gives, or worth does gain.
Three thousand Guards of big, bold men he took;
Tall, terrible, and Guards ev'en with their Look;
His sacred person too, and throne defend,
The third on matchless Jonathan attend.
Ore whose full thoughts, Honour, and youthful Heat,
Sate brooding to hatch Actions good and great.
On Geba first, where a Philistian band
Lies, and around torments the fetter'd land,
He falls, and slaughters all; his noble rage
Mixt with Design his Nation to engage
In that just war, which from them long in vain,
Honour and Freedoms voice had strove t'obtain.
Th'accurst Philistian rows'd with this bold blow,
All the proud marks of enrag'ed Power does show.
Raises a vast, well-arm'd, and glittering Host,
If humane strength might authorize a boast,
Their threats had reason here; for ne're did wee
Our selves so weak, or foe so potent see.
Here we vast bodies of their Foot espy,
The Rear out-reaches far th'extended Eye.
Like fields of Corn their armed Squadrons stand;
As thick and numberless they hide the land.
Here with sharp neighs the warlike Horses sound;
383
Here with worse noise three thousand Chariots pass
With plates of Iron bound, or louder Brass.
About it forks, axes, and sithes, and spears,
Whole Magazines of Death each Chariot bears.
Where it breaks in, there a whole Troop it mows,
And with lopt panting limbs the field bestrows.
Alike the Valiant, and the Cowards dy;
Neither can they resist, nor can these fly.
In this proud equipage at Macmas they;
Saul in much different state at Gilgal lay.
His forces seem'd no Army, but a Crowd,
Heartless, unarm'd, disorderly, and lowd.
The quick Contagion Fear ran swift through all,
And into trembling Fits th'infected fall.
Saul, and his Son (for no such faint Disease
Could on their strong-complexion'd Valour seise)
In vain all parts of virtuous Conduct show'd,
And on deaf Terror gen'erous words bestow'd.
Thousands from thence fly scattered ev'ery day;
Thick as the Leaves that shake and drop away,
When they th'approach of stormy Winter find
The noble Tree all bare expos'd to the' Wind.
Some to sad Jordan fly, and swim't for hast,
And from his farther bank look back at last.
Some into woods and caves their cattel drive,
There with their Beasts on equal terms they live,
Nor deserve better; some in rocks on high,
The old retreats of Storks and Ravens ly.
And were they wing'ed like them, scarce would they dare
To stay, or trust their frighted safety there.
As th'Host with fear, so Saul disturb'd with care,
T'avert these ills by Sacrifice and Prayer,
And Gods blest will t'enquire, for Samuel sends;
Whom he six days with troubled hast attends.
But ere the seventh unlucky day (the last
By Samuel set for this great work) was past,
Saul (alarm'd hourly from the neighb'ring foe,
Impatient ere Gods time Gods mind to know,
'Sham'd and enrag'ed to see his Troops decay,
384
Scorning that any's presence should appear
Needful besides when He himself was there;
And with a pride too nat'ural thinking Heaven
Had given him All, because much Power t'had giv'en)
Himself the Sacrifice and Offring's made,
Himself did th'high selected charge invade,
Himself inquir'ed of God; who then spake nought;
But Samuel straight his dreadful answer brought.
For straight he came, and with a Virtue bold,
As was Sauls sin, the fatal Message told.
His foul Ingratitude to heav'en he chid,
To pluck that Fruit which was alone forbid
To Kingly power in all that plenteous land,
Where all things else submit to his command.
And as fair Edens violated Tree,
To'Immortal Man brought in Mortalitie:
So shall that Crown, which God eternal meant,
From thee (said he) and thy great house be rent,
Thy Crime shall Death to all thine Honours send,
And give thy'Immortal Royalty an End.
Thus spoke the Prophet, but kind heav'en (we hope)
(Whose threats and anger know no other scope
But Mans Amendment) does long since relent,
And with Repentant Saul it self Repent.
Howere (though none more pray for this then we
Whose wrongs and sufferings might some colour be
To do it less) this speech we sadly find
Still extant, and still active in his Mind.
But then a worse effect of it appear'd;
Our Army which before Modestly fear'd,
Which did by stealth and by degrees decay,
Disbanded now, and fled in troops away.
Base Fear so bold and impudent does grow,
When an excuse and colour it can show.
Six hundred only (scarce a Princely train)
Of all his Host with distrest Saul remain,
Of his whole Host six hundred; and ev'en those
(So did wise Heaven for mighty ends dispose,
Nor would that useless Multitudes should share
385
Arm'd not like Souldiers marching in a War,
But Country-Hinds alarmed from afar
By Wolves loud hunger, when the well-known sound
Raises th' affrighted Villages around.
Some Goads, Flails, Plow-shares, Forks, or Axes bore,
Made for Lifes use and better ends before,
Some knotted Clubs, and Darts, or Arrows dry'd
I'th'fire, the first rude arts that Malice try'd,
E're Man the sins of too much Knowledge knew,
And Death by long Experience witty grew.
Such were the Numbers, such the Arms which we
Had by fate left us for a Victorie
O're well-arm'd Millions; nor will this appear
Useful it self, when Jonathan was there.
'Twas just the time when the new Ebb of Night
Did the moist world unvail to humane sight.
The Prince, who all that night the field had beat
With a small party, and no en'emy met
(So proud and so secure the en'emy lay,
And drencht in sleep th'excesses of the day)
With joy this good occasion did embrace,
With better leisure, and at nearer space,
The strength and order of their Camp to view;
Abdon alone his gen'erous purpose knew;
Abdon a bold, a brave, and comely Youth,
Well-born, well-bred, with Honour fill'd and Truth,
Abdon his faithful Squire, whom much he lov'd,
And oft with grief his worth in dangers prov'd.
Abdon, whose love to'his Master did exceed
What Natures Law, or Passions Power could breed,
Abdon alone did on him now attend;
His humblest Servant, and his dearest Friend.
Did the moist world unvail to humane sight.
The Prince, who all that night the field had beat
With a small party, and no en'emy met
(So proud and so secure the en'emy lay,
And drencht in sleep th'excesses of the day)
With joy this good occasion did embrace,
With better leisure, and at nearer space,
The strength and order of their Camp to view;
Abdon alone his gen'erous purpose knew;
Abdon a bold, a brave, and comely Youth,
Well-born, well-bred, with Honour fill'd and Truth,
Abdon his faithful Squire, whom much he lov'd,
And oft with grief his worth in dangers prov'd.
Abdon, whose love to'his Master did exceed
What Natures Law, or Passions Power could breed,
Abdon alone did on him now attend;
His humblest Servant, and his dearest Friend.
They went, but sacred fury as they went,
Chang'd swiftly, and exalted his intent.
What may this be (the Prince breaks forth) I find,
God or some powerful Spirit invades my mind.
From ought but Heaven can never sure be brought
So high, so glorious, and so vast a thought.
Nor would ill Fate that meant me to surprise,
Come cloath'd in so unlikely a Disguise.
Yon Host, which its proud Fishes spreads so wide,
O're the whole Land, like some swoln Rivers Tide,
Which terrible and numberless appears,
As the thick Waves which their rough Ocean bears,
Which lies so strongly ['e]ncampt, that one would say
The Hill might be remov'd as soon as they,
We two alone must fight with and defeat;
Thou'rt strook, and startest at a sound so great.
Yet we must do't; God our weak hands has chose
T'ashame the boasted numbers of our Foes,
Which to his strength no more proportion'd be,
Than Millions are of Hours to his Eternitie.
If when their careless Guards espy us here,
With sportful scorn they call to' us to come neer,
We'll boldly climb the Hill, and charge them all;
Not They, but Israels Angel gives the call.
He spoke, and as he spoke, a Light divine
Did from his Eyes, and round his Temples shine,
Louder his Voice, larger his Limbs appear'd;
Less seem'd the num'erous Army to be fear'd.
This saw, and heard with joy the brave Esquire,
As he with Gods, fill'd with his Masters Fire.
Forbid it Heav'en (said he) I should decline,
Or wish (Sir) not to make your danger mine.
The great Example which I daily see
Of your high worth is not so lost on me;
If wonder-strook I at your words appear,
My wonder yet is Innocent of Fear.
Th' Honour which does your Princely breast enflame,
Warms mine too, and joins there with Duties Name.
If in this Act ill Fate our Tempter be,
May all the Ill it means be aim'd at me.
But sure, I think, God leads, nor could you bring
So high thoughts from a less exalted Spring.
Bright signs through all your words and looks are spread,
A rising Vict'ory dawns around your head.
With such discourse blowing their sacred flame,
Lo to the fatal place and work they came.
Chang'd swiftly, and exalted his intent.
What may this be (the Prince breaks forth) I find,
God or some powerful Spirit invades my mind.
From ought but Heaven can never sure be brought
So high, so glorious, and so vast a thought.
Nor would ill Fate that meant me to surprise,
386
Yon Host, which its proud Fishes spreads so wide,
O're the whole Land, like some swoln Rivers Tide,
Which terrible and numberless appears,
As the thick Waves which their rough Ocean bears,
Which lies so strongly ['e]ncampt, that one would say
The Hill might be remov'd as soon as they,
We two alone must fight with and defeat;
Thou'rt strook, and startest at a sound so great.
Yet we must do't; God our weak hands has chose
T'ashame the boasted numbers of our Foes,
Which to his strength no more proportion'd be,
Than Millions are of Hours to his Eternitie.
If when their careless Guards espy us here,
With sportful scorn they call to' us to come neer,
We'll boldly climb the Hill, and charge them all;
Not They, but Israels Angel gives the call.
He spoke, and as he spoke, a Light divine
Did from his Eyes, and round his Temples shine,
Louder his Voice, larger his Limbs appear'd;
Less seem'd the num'erous Army to be fear'd.
This saw, and heard with joy the brave Esquire,
As he with Gods, fill'd with his Masters Fire.
Forbid it Heav'en (said he) I should decline,
Or wish (Sir) not to make your danger mine.
The great Example which I daily see
Of your high worth is not so lost on me;
If wonder-strook I at your words appear,
My wonder yet is Innocent of Fear.
Th' Honour which does your Princely breast enflame,
Warms mine too, and joins there with Duties Name.
If in this Act ill Fate our Tempter be,
May all the Ill it means be aim'd at me.
But sure, I think, God leads, nor could you bring
So high thoughts from a less exalted Spring.
Bright signs through all your words and looks are spread,
A rising Vict'ory dawns around your head.
With such discourse blowing their sacred flame,
Lo to the fatal place and work they came.
Strongly encampt on a steep Hills large head,
Like some vast wood the mighty Host was spread.
Th' only 'access on neighb'ring Gabaa's side,
An hard and narrow way, which did divide
Two cliffy Rocks, Boses and Senes nam'd,
Much for themselves, and their big strangeness fam'd,
More for their Fortune, and this stranger day;
On both their points Philistian out-guards lay;
From whence the two bold Spies they first espy'd;
And, lo! the Hebrews! proud Elcanor cry'd;
From Senes top; Lo; from their hungry Caves
A quicker Fate here sends them to their graves.
Come up (aloud he crys to them below)
Ye' Egyptian Slaves, and to our Mercy owe
The rebel lives long since to' our Justice due;
Scarce from his lips the fatal Omen flew,
When th'inspir'd Prince did nimbly understand
God, and his God-like Virtues high command.
It call'd him up, and up the steep ascent
With pain and labour, hast and joy they went.
Elcanor laught to see them climb, and thought
His mighty words th' affrighted Suppliants brought,
Did new affronts to the great Hebrew Name,
(The barbarous!) in his wanton Fancy frame.
Short was his sport; for swift as Thunders stroke
Rives the frail Trunk of some heav'en-threatning Oak,
The Princes Sword did his proud head divide;
The parted Scull hung down on either side.
Just as he fell, his vengeful Steel he drew
Half way; no more the trembling Joints could do,
Which Abdon snatcht, and dy'ed it in the blood
Of an amazed wretch that next him stood.
Some close to earth shaking and grove'ling ly,
Like Larks when they the Tyrant Hobby spy.
Some wonder strook stand fixt; some fly, some arm
Wildly, at th' unintelligible Alarm.
Like the main Channel of an high-swoln Flood,
In vain by Dikes and broken works withstood:
So Jonathan, once climb'd th'opposing hill,
Does all around with noise and ruine fill.
Like some large Arm of which another way
Abdon o'reflows; him too no bank can stay.
With cryes th' affrighted Country flies before,
Behind the following waters lowdly roar.
Twenty at least slain on this out-guard ly,
To th' adjoin'd Camp the rest distracted fly,
And ill mixt wonders tell, and into't bear,
Blind terrour, deaf disorder, helpless fear.
The Conqu'erors too press boldly in behind,
Doubling the wild confusions which they find.
Hamgar at first, the Prince of Ashdod Town,
Chief 'mongst the Five in riches and renown,
And General then by course oppos'd their way,
Till drown'd in Death at Jonathans feet he lay,
And curst the Heavens for rage, and bit the ground;
His Life for ever spilt stain'd all the grass around.
His Brother too, who vertuous hast did make
His fortune to revenge, or to partake,
Falls grove'ling o're his trunk, on mother earth;
Death mixt no less their Bloods than did their birth.
Mean while the well-pleas'd Abdons restless Sword
Dispatcht the following train t'attend their Lord.
On still o're panting corps great Jonathan led;
Hundreds before him fell, and Thousands fled.
Prodigious Prince! which does most wondrous show,
Thy' Attempt, or thy Success! thy Fate or Thou!
Who durst alone that dreadful Host assail,
With purpose not to Dye, but to Prevail!
Infinite Numbers thee no more affright,
Then God, whose Unity is Infinite.
If Heav'en to men such mighty thoughts would give,
What Breast but thine capacious to receive
The vast Infusion? or what Soul but Thine
Durst have believ'd that Thought to be Divine?
Thou follow'dst Heaven in the Design, and we
Find in the Act 'twas Heav'en that follow'd Thee.
Thou ledst on Angels, and that sacred band
(The De'ities great Lieut'enant) didst command.
'Tis true, Sir, and no Figure, when I say
Angels themselves fought under him that day.
Clouds with ripe Thunder charg'd some thither drew,
And some the dire Materials brought for new.
Hot drops of Southern Showers (the sweats of Death)
The voyce of storms and winged whirl-winds breath:
The flames shot forth from fighting Dragons Eyes,
The smokes that from scorcht Fevers Ovens rise,
The reddest fires with which sad Comets glow;
And Sodoms neighb'ring Lake did spir'its bestow
Of finest Sulphur; amongst which they put
Wrath, Fury, Horrour, and all mingled shut
Into a cold moist Cloud, t'enflame it more;
And make th'enraged Prisoner louder roar.
Th'assembled Clouds burst o're their Armies head;
Noise, Darkness, dismal Lightnings round them spread.
Another Spir'it with a more potent wand
Than that which Nature fear'd in Moses hand,
And went the way that pleas'd, the Mountain strook;
The Mountain felt it; the vast Mountain shook.
Through the wide ayr another Angel flew
About their Host, and thick amongst them threw
Discord, Despair, Confusion, Fear, Mistake;
And all th' Ingredients that swift ruine make.
The fertile glebe requires no time to breed;
It quickens and receives at once the Seed.
One would have thought, this dismal day to'have seen,
That Natures self in her Death-pangs had been.
Such will the face of that great hour appear;
Such the distracted Sinners conscious fear.
In vain some few strive the wild flight to stay;
In vain they threaten, and in vain they pray;
Unheard, unheeded, trodden down they ly,
Beneath the wretched feet of crouds that fly.
O're their own Foot trampled the vi'olent Horse.
The guidless Chariots with impet'uous course
Cut wide through both; and all their bloody way
Horses, and Men, torn, bruis'd, and mangled lay.
Some from the Rocks cast themselves down headlong;
The faint weak Passion grows so bold and strong.
To almost certain present death they fly
From a remote and causeless fear to dy.
Much diffe'rent error did some troops possess;
And Madness that lookt better, though no less.
Their fellow troops for th'entred foe they take;
And Isra'els war with mutual slaughter make.
Mean while the King from Gabaas hill did view,
And hear the thickning Tumult as it grew
Still great and loud; and though he knows not why
They fled, no more then they themselves that fly;
Yet by the storms and terrors of the aire,
Guesses some vengeful Sp'irits working there;
Obeys the loud occasions sacred call,
And fiercely on the trembling Host does fall.
At the same time their Slaves and Prisoners rise;
Nor does their much-wisht Liberty suffice
Without Revenge; the scatter'd arms they seise,
And their proud vengeance with the memory please
Of who so lately bore them; All about
From Rocks and Caves the Hebrews issue out
At the glad noise; joy'd that their foes had shown
A fear that drowns the scandal of their own.
Still did the Prince midst all this storm appeare,
Still scatter'd Deaths and Terrors every where.
Still did he break, still blunt his wearied Swords;
Still slaughter new supplies to'his hand affords.
Where troops yet stood, there still he hotly flew,
And till at last all fled, scorn'd to pursue.
All fled at last, but many in vain; for still
Th'insatiate Conqu'eror was more swift to kill
Then they to save their Lives. Till, lo! at last,
Nature, whose power he had so long surpast,
Would yield no more, but to him stronger foes,
Drought, faintness, and fierce Hunger did oppose.
Reeking all o're in dust, and blood, and sweat,
Burnt with the Suns and violent actions heat,
'Gainst an old Oak his trembling Limbs he staid,
For some short ease; Fate in th'old Oak had laid
Provisions up for his relief; and Lo!
The hollow trunck did with bright Honey flow.
With timely food his decay'd Sp'irits recruit;
Strong he returns, and fresh to the pursuit,
His strength and sp'irits the Honey did restore;
But, oh, the bitter-sweet strange poison bore!
Behold, Sir, and mark well the treach'erous fate,
That does so close on humane glories wait!
Behold the strong, and yet fantastick Net
T'ensnare triumphant Virtue darkly set!
Could it before (scarce can it since) be thought,
The Prince who had alone that morning fought,
A Duel with an Host, had th'Host orethrowne,
And threescore thousand hands disarm'd with One;
Washt off his Countrys shame, and doubly dyde
In Blood and Blushes the Philistian pride,
Had sav'ed and fixt his Fathers tott'ering Crown,
And the bright Gold new burnisht with renown,
Should be e're night by's King and Fathers breath,
Without a fault, vow'd and condemn'd to death?
Destin'ed the bloody Sacrifice to be
Of Thanks Himself for his own Victorie?
Alone with various fate like to become,
Fighting, an Host; Dying, an Hecatombe?
Yet such, Sir, was his case.
For Saul who fear'd lest the full plenty might
(In the abandon'ed Camp expos'ed to sight)
His hungry men from the pursuit diswade;
A rash, but solemn vow to heav'en had made.
Curst be the wretch, thrice cursed let him be
Who shall touch food this busie day (said he)
Whil'st the blest Sun does with his fav'ouring light
Assist our vengeful Swords against their flight.
Be he thrice curst; and if his Life we spare,
On us those Curses fall that he should bear.
Such was the Kings rash vow; who little thought
How near to him Fate th' Application brought.
The two-edg'd Oath, wounds deep, perform'd or broke;
Ev'en Perjury its least and bluntest stroke.
'Twas his own Son, whom God and Mankind lov'ed,
His own victorious Son that he devov'ed;
On whose bright head the baleful Curses light;
But Providence, his Helmet in the fight,
Forbids their entrance or their setling there;
They with brute sound dissolv'ed into the ayre.
Him what Religion, or what vow could bind,
Unknown, unheard of, till he'his Life did find
Entangled in't? whilst wonders he did do
Must he dye now for not be'ing Prophet too?
To all but him this Oath was meant and said;
He afar off, the ends for which 'twas made
Was acting then, till faint and out of breath,
He grew half dead with toil of giving death.
What could his Crime in this condition be,
Excus'ed by Ign'orance and Necessitie?
Yet the remorseless King, who did disdain
That man should hear him swear or threat in vain,
Though'gainst himself; or fate a way should see
By which attaqu'ed and conquer'd he might be:
Who thought Compassion, female weakness here,
And Equity Injustice would appeare
In his own Cause; who falsely fear'd beside
The solemn Curse on Jon'athan did abide,
And the infected Limb not cut away,
Would like a Gangrene o're all Isra'el stray;
Prepar'ed this God-like Sacrifice to kill;
And his rash vow more rashly to fulfil.
What tongue can th'horror and amazement tell
Which on all Israel that sad moment fell?
Tamer had been their grief, fewer their tears,
Had the Philistian fate that day bin theirs.
Not Sauls proud heart could master his swoln Ey;
The Prince alone stood mild and patient by,
So bright his sufferings, so triumphant show'd,
Less to the best then worst of fates he ow'ed.
A victory now he o're himself might boast;
He Conquer'd now that Conqu'eror of an Host.
It charm'd through tears the sad Spectators sight,
Did reverence, love, and gratitude excite
And pious rage, with which inspir'ed they now
Oppose to Sauls a better publick Vow.
They all consent all Israel ought to be
Accurst and kill'd themselves rather then He.
Thus wi[t]h kind force they the glad King withstood,
And sav'ed their wondrous Saviours sacred blood.
387
Th' only 'access on neighb'ring Gabaa's side,
An hard and narrow way, which did divide
Two cliffy Rocks, Boses and Senes nam'd,
Much for themselves, and their big strangeness fam'd,
More for their Fortune, and this stranger day;
On both their points Philistian out-guards lay;
From whence the two bold Spies they first espy'd;
And, lo! the Hebrews! proud Elcanor cry'd;
From Senes top; Lo; from their hungry Caves
A quicker Fate here sends them to their graves.
Come up (aloud he crys to them below)
Ye' Egyptian Slaves, and to our Mercy owe
The rebel lives long since to' our Justice due;
Scarce from his lips the fatal Omen flew,
When th'inspir'd Prince did nimbly understand
God, and his God-like Virtues high command.
It call'd him up, and up the steep ascent
With pain and labour, hast and joy they went.
Elcanor laught to see them climb, and thought
His mighty words th' affrighted Suppliants brought,
Did new affronts to the great Hebrew Name,
(The barbarous!) in his wanton Fancy frame.
Short was his sport; for swift as Thunders stroke
Rives the frail Trunk of some heav'en-threatning Oak,
The Princes Sword did his proud head divide;
The parted Scull hung down on either side.
Just as he fell, his vengeful Steel he drew
Half way; no more the trembling Joints could do,
Which Abdon snatcht, and dy'ed it in the blood
Of an amazed wretch that next him stood.
Some close to earth shaking and grove'ling ly,
Like Larks when they the Tyrant Hobby spy.
Some wonder strook stand fixt; some fly, some arm
Wildly, at th' unintelligible Alarm.
Like the main Channel of an high-swoln Flood,
In vain by Dikes and broken works withstood:
So Jonathan, once climb'd th'opposing hill,
Does all around with noise and ruine fill.
Like some large Arm of which another way
388
With cryes th' affrighted Country flies before,
Behind the following waters lowdly roar.
Twenty at least slain on this out-guard ly,
To th' adjoin'd Camp the rest distracted fly,
And ill mixt wonders tell, and into't bear,
Blind terrour, deaf disorder, helpless fear.
The Conqu'erors too press boldly in behind,
Doubling the wild confusions which they find.
Hamgar at first, the Prince of Ashdod Town,
Chief 'mongst the Five in riches and renown,
And General then by course oppos'd their way,
Till drown'd in Death at Jonathans feet he lay,
And curst the Heavens for rage, and bit the ground;
His Life for ever spilt stain'd all the grass around.
His Brother too, who vertuous hast did make
His fortune to revenge, or to partake,
Falls grove'ling o're his trunk, on mother earth;
Death mixt no less their Bloods than did their birth.
Mean while the well-pleas'd Abdons restless Sword
Dispatcht the following train t'attend their Lord.
On still o're panting corps great Jonathan led;
Hundreds before him fell, and Thousands fled.
Prodigious Prince! which does most wondrous show,
Thy' Attempt, or thy Success! thy Fate or Thou!
Who durst alone that dreadful Host assail,
With purpose not to Dye, but to Prevail!
Infinite Numbers thee no more affright,
Then God, whose Unity is Infinite.
If Heav'en to men such mighty thoughts would give,
What Breast but thine capacious to receive
The vast Infusion? or what Soul but Thine
Durst have believ'd that Thought to be Divine?
Thou follow'dst Heaven in the Design, and we
Find in the Act 'twas Heav'en that follow'd Thee.
Thou ledst on Angels, and that sacred band
(The De'ities great Lieut'enant) didst command.
'Tis true, Sir, and no Figure, when I say
Angels themselves fought under him that day.
Clouds with ripe Thunder charg'd some thither drew,
389
Hot drops of Southern Showers (the sweats of Death)
The voyce of storms and winged whirl-winds breath:
The flames shot forth from fighting Dragons Eyes,
The smokes that from scorcht Fevers Ovens rise,
The reddest fires with which sad Comets glow;
And Sodoms neighb'ring Lake did spir'its bestow
Of finest Sulphur; amongst which they put
Wrath, Fury, Horrour, and all mingled shut
Into a cold moist Cloud, t'enflame it more;
And make th'enraged Prisoner louder roar.
Th'assembled Clouds burst o're their Armies head;
Noise, Darkness, dismal Lightnings round them spread.
Another Spir'it with a more potent wand
Than that which Nature fear'd in Moses hand,
And went the way that pleas'd, the Mountain strook;
The Mountain felt it; the vast Mountain shook.
Through the wide ayr another Angel flew
About their Host, and thick amongst them threw
Discord, Despair, Confusion, Fear, Mistake;
And all th' Ingredients that swift ruine make.
The fertile glebe requires no time to breed;
It quickens and receives at once the Seed.
One would have thought, this dismal day to'have seen,
That Natures self in her Death-pangs had been.
Such will the face of that great hour appear;
Such the distracted Sinners conscious fear.
In vain some few strive the wild flight to stay;
In vain they threaten, and in vain they pray;
Unheard, unheeded, trodden down they ly,
Beneath the wretched feet of crouds that fly.
O're their own Foot trampled the vi'olent Horse.
The guidless Chariots with impet'uous course
Cut wide through both; and all their bloody way
Horses, and Men, torn, bruis'd, and mangled lay.
Some from the Rocks cast themselves down headlong;
The faint weak Passion grows so bold and strong.
To almost certain present death they fly
From a remote and causeless fear to dy.
Much diffe'rent error did some troops possess;
390
Their fellow troops for th'entred foe they take;
And Isra'els war with mutual slaughter make.
Mean while the King from Gabaas hill did view,
And hear the thickning Tumult as it grew
Still great and loud; and though he knows not why
They fled, no more then they themselves that fly;
Yet by the storms and terrors of the aire,
Guesses some vengeful Sp'irits working there;
Obeys the loud occasions sacred call,
And fiercely on the trembling Host does fall.
At the same time their Slaves and Prisoners rise;
Nor does their much-wisht Liberty suffice
Without Revenge; the scatter'd arms they seise,
And their proud vengeance with the memory please
Of who so lately bore them; All about
From Rocks and Caves the Hebrews issue out
At the glad noise; joy'd that their foes had shown
A fear that drowns the scandal of their own.
Still did the Prince midst all this storm appeare,
Still scatter'd Deaths and Terrors every where.
Still did he break, still blunt his wearied Swords;
Still slaughter new supplies to'his hand affords.
Where troops yet stood, there still he hotly flew,
And till at last all fled, scorn'd to pursue.
All fled at last, but many in vain; for still
Th'insatiate Conqu'eror was more swift to kill
Then they to save their Lives. Till, lo! at last,
Nature, whose power he had so long surpast,
Would yield no more, but to him stronger foes,
Drought, faintness, and fierce Hunger did oppose.
Reeking all o're in dust, and blood, and sweat,
Burnt with the Suns and violent actions heat,
'Gainst an old Oak his trembling Limbs he staid,
For some short ease; Fate in th'old Oak had laid
Provisions up for his relief; and Lo!
The hollow trunck did with bright Honey flow.
With timely food his decay'd Sp'irits recruit;
Strong he returns, and fresh to the pursuit,
His strength and sp'irits the Honey did restore;
391
Behold, Sir, and mark well the treach'erous fate,
That does so close on humane glories wait!
Behold the strong, and yet fantastick Net
T'ensnare triumphant Virtue darkly set!
Could it before (scarce can it since) be thought,
The Prince who had alone that morning fought,
A Duel with an Host, had th'Host orethrowne,
And threescore thousand hands disarm'd with One;
Washt off his Countrys shame, and doubly dyde
In Blood and Blushes the Philistian pride,
Had sav'ed and fixt his Fathers tott'ering Crown,
And the bright Gold new burnisht with renown,
Should be e're night by's King and Fathers breath,
Without a fault, vow'd and condemn'd to death?
Destin'ed the bloody Sacrifice to be
Of Thanks Himself for his own Victorie?
Alone with various fate like to become,
Fighting, an Host; Dying, an Hecatombe?
Yet such, Sir, was his case.
For Saul who fear'd lest the full plenty might
(In the abandon'ed Camp expos'ed to sight)
His hungry men from the pursuit diswade;
A rash, but solemn vow to heav'en had made.
Curst be the wretch, thrice cursed let him be
Who shall touch food this busie day (said he)
Whil'st the blest Sun does with his fav'ouring light
Assist our vengeful Swords against their flight.
Be he thrice curst; and if his Life we spare,
On us those Curses fall that he should bear.
Such was the Kings rash vow; who little thought
How near to him Fate th' Application brought.
The two-edg'd Oath, wounds deep, perform'd or broke;
Ev'en Perjury its least and bluntest stroke.
'Twas his own Son, whom God and Mankind lov'ed,
His own victorious Son that he devov'ed;
On whose bright head the baleful Curses light;
But Providence, his Helmet in the fight,
Forbids their entrance or their setling there;
They with brute sound dissolv'ed into the ayre.
392
Unknown, unheard of, till he'his Life did find
Entangled in't? whilst wonders he did do
Must he dye now for not be'ing Prophet too?
To all but him this Oath was meant and said;
He afar off, the ends for which 'twas made
Was acting then, till faint and out of breath,
He grew half dead with toil of giving death.
What could his Crime in this condition be,
Excus'ed by Ign'orance and Necessitie?
Yet the remorseless King, who did disdain
That man should hear him swear or threat in vain,
Though'gainst himself; or fate a way should see
By which attaqu'ed and conquer'd he might be:
Who thought Compassion, female weakness here,
And Equity Injustice would appeare
In his own Cause; who falsely fear'd beside
The solemn Curse on Jon'athan did abide,
And the infected Limb not cut away,
Would like a Gangrene o're all Isra'el stray;
Prepar'ed this God-like Sacrifice to kill;
And his rash vow more rashly to fulfil.
What tongue can th'horror and amazement tell
Which on all Israel that sad moment fell?
Tamer had been their grief, fewer their tears,
Had the Philistian fate that day bin theirs.
Not Sauls proud heart could master his swoln Ey;
The Prince alone stood mild and patient by,
So bright his sufferings, so triumphant show'd,
Less to the best then worst of fates he ow'ed.
A victory now he o're himself might boast;
He Conquer'd now that Conqu'eror of an Host.
It charm'd through tears the sad Spectators sight,
Did reverence, love, and gratitude excite
And pious rage, with which inspir'ed they now
Oppose to Sauls a better publick Vow.
They all consent all Israel ought to be
Accurst and kill'd themselves rather then He.
Thus wi[t]h kind force they the glad King withstood,
And sav'ed their wondrous Saviours sacred blood.
393
Thus David spoke; and much did yet remain
Behind th'attentive Prince to entertain,
Edom and Zoba's war, for what befel
In that of Moab, was known there too well.
The boundless quarrel with curst Am'alecs land;
Where Heav'en it self did Cruelty command
And practis'ed on Sauls Mercy, nor did e're
More punish Inno'cent Blood, then Pity there.
But, Lo! they 'arriv'ed now at th'appointed place;
Well-chosen and well furnisht for the Chase.
Behind th'attentive Prince to entertain,
Edom and Zoba's war, for what befel
In that of Moab, was known there too well.
The boundless quarrel with curst Am'alecs land;
Where Heav'en it self did Cruelty command
And practis'ed on Sauls Mercy, nor did e're
More punish Inno'cent Blood, then Pity there.
But, Lo! they 'arriv'ed now at th'appointed place;
Well-chosen and well furnisht for the Chase.
| The Works of Mr Abraham Cowley | |