Messiah A Poem, in Twenty-Eight Books. By Joseph Cottle |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. | BOOK XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
 | Messiah |  |
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BOOK XX.
Saul's Jealousy. David and Jonathan.
The good we seek, the ills that men befal,
Pass on successive, fleeting shadows all!
The marriage day is past, and David's eye
Gazes enraptured o'er his cloudless sky.
All joys, all happiness, that man may know,
Around his every path, like fountains, flow.
Raised to the eminence of earthly state,
On him, like Saul, obedient thousands wait,
His was the costly robe, the sumptuous food,
And with the will the power of doing good.
With what delight that man his time employs,
Who much of Earth, but more of Heaven enjoys;
In all things round who sees the Hand Divine,
And makes his path with every virtue shine.
Such was the Son of Jesse, whilst, one prize,
To mortals, rarely given, salutes his eyes,
And warms his spirit, taught to know its worth,
Friendship unfeign'd! the pledge of Heaven on Earth!
Pass on successive, fleeting shadows all!
The marriage day is past, and David's eye
Gazes enraptured o'er his cloudless sky.
All joys, all happiness, that man may know,
Around his every path, like fountains, flow.
Raised to the eminence of earthly state,
On him, like Saul, obedient thousands wait,
His was the costly robe, the sumptuous food,
And with the will the power of doing good.
With what delight that man his time employs,
Who much of Earth, but more of Heaven enjoys;
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And makes his path with every virtue shine.
Such was the Son of Jesse, whilst, one prize,
To mortals, rarely given, salutes his eyes,
And warms his spirit, taught to know its worth,
Friendship unfeign'd! the pledge of Heaven on Earth!
In Jonathan, the brave, the frank, the true!
Who loved, when suns around their radiance threw,
Nor less, when clouds and darkness veil'd the scene,
David rejoiced, while, in the hour serene,
To him he told each varied hope and fear,
And found (no guile to hide) the heart sincere.
“It is too much!” he cried. “Such happiness
“As I, a humble Shepherd, now possess
“Makes, while the Source, of every Good, I know,
“My heart, with joy ecstatic overflow!”
Stay, gentle Youth. Did ever Angel's eyes
See one, of woman born, to Heaven arise,
Nor sorrow first prepare him for the skies?
Who loved, when suns around their radiance threw,
Nor less, when clouds and darkness veil'd the scene,
David rejoiced, while, in the hour serene,
To him he told each varied hope and fear,
And found (no guile to hide) the heart sincere.
“It is too much!” he cried. “Such happiness
“As I, a humble Shepherd, now possess
“Makes, while the Source, of every Good, I know,
“My heart, with joy ecstatic overflow!”
Stay, gentle Youth. Did ever Angel's eyes
See one, of woman born, to Heaven arise,
Nor sorrow first prepare him for the skies?
Philistines, now, for war once more advance,
Defying, with the chariot, and the lance.
“Go!” said the Monarch to his hero Son;
“Thou hast ere this the fight triumphant won;
“Instruct afresh our haughty foes to fear,
“And let them learn new terrors from thy spear!”
Defying, with the chariot, and the lance.
“Go!” said the Monarch to his hero Son;
“Thou hast ere this the fight triumphant won;
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“And let them learn new terrors from thy spear!”
To meet the fierce Philistines, once again,
David goes forth, with all his valiant men.
In the hard fight, the laurel wreath he earns,
And toward his King, triumphant now returns.
Exulting Saul began. “Let all prepare
“To hail our David, glory's choicest heir!”
He comes! Behold, yon distant hill displays
The home-bound warriors, with their sun-like blaze.
To Salem, borne by grateful hearts along,
David proceeds, 'mid tabret, dance, and song.
The Damsels shout, whilst crowding round his car,
“Who like Prince David spreads his fame afar?
“His blushing honours rise, beyond degree!
“Saul slays his thousands, but ten thousands, he!”
David goes forth, with all his valiant men.
In the hard fight, the laurel wreath he earns,
And toward his King, triumphant now returns.
Exulting Saul began. “Let all prepare
“To hail our David, glory's choicest heir!”
He comes! Behold, yon distant hill displays
The home-bound warriors, with their sun-like blaze.
To Salem, borne by grateful hearts along,
David proceeds, 'mid tabret, dance, and song.
The Damsels shout, whilst crowding round his car,
“Who like Prince David spreads his fame afar?
“His blushing honours rise, beyond degree!
“Saul slays his thousands, but ten thousands, he!”
Ahithophel, indignant hears the cry,
Fast, to the King, he hastens, whilst his eye,
Wrath-beaming, told his tale. “Heard'st thou?” he spake,
“What bursts of uproar wild the concave shake?
“Women of David say, and bend the knee,
“Saul slays his thousands, but ten thousands he!”
“Perdition!” Saul exclaim'd. “To summits prone,
“What can he seek beyond but Israel's Throne!
“I must beware! But David hastes to tell
“What joys and transports vain his bosom swell!”
Fast, to the King, he hastens, whilst his eye,
Wrath-beaming, told his tale. “Heard'st thou?” he spake,
“What bursts of uproar wild the concave shake?
“Women of David say, and bend the knee,
“Saul slays his thousands, but ten thousands he!”
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“What can he seek beyond but Israel's Throne!
“I must beware! But David hastes to tell
“What joys and transports vain his bosom swell!”
David draws near, obeisant, and thus cried,
“Tidings of joy, Oh, King! With ruin wide
“The remnant of thy foes, impetuous flee,
“And Israel's land, once more, from war is free!”
“Tidings of joy, Oh, King! With ruin wide
“The remnant of thy foes, impetuous flee,
“And Israel's land, once more, from war is free!”
No word the Monarch utter'd. Frowns severe,
The Victor told of gathering tempest near!
Pale, Jonathan advanced. “My Sire!” he said,
“Why should the gloom thy visage thus o'erspread?
“Hath not Philistia felt supreme dismay?
“And this, my Brother, nobly won the day?”
Saul look'd disdainful round, when David spake.
“Oh! King, the spoils of conquering Israel take!
“I, prostrate, at thy feet, would lay them down,
“And ask no gift, but freedom from that frown!”
“The Harp!” the Monarch cries. The Son obeys,
And now, (to Saul, reclining) duteous plays,
Sending such notes from the enchanting string,
That, all with rapture heard, save Israel's King!
David thus Saul addrest. “Oh! tell me Sire!
“What crime is mine that should arouse thine ire?
“Have I disturb'd the mind I meant to please?
“Oh! speak, and give thy suffering Servant ease!”
Saul upward sprang as tho' for mortal fray!
Grasping a javelin, that beside him lay;
He look'd with lion wrath, by fury fann'd,
Then cast the murderous weapon from his hand!
Is David slain? Confusion reigns around!
The whisper spreads—“David his death hath found!”
“Not so!” a hundred answer with delight!
“He hath escaped, and Heaven protect his flight!”
Foil'd in his aim, Saul's eye destruction beam'd,
And who might live, or die, uncertain seem'd!
Each slow retires, unnoticed, from the throne,
And now the wrathful King is left alone!
The Victor told of gathering tempest near!
Pale, Jonathan advanced. “My Sire!” he said,
“Why should the gloom thy visage thus o'erspread?
“Hath not Philistia felt supreme dismay?
“And this, my Brother, nobly won the day?”
Saul look'd disdainful round, when David spake.
“Oh! King, the spoils of conquering Israel take!
“I, prostrate, at thy feet, would lay them down,
“And ask no gift, but freedom from that frown!”
“The Harp!” the Monarch cries. The Son obeys,
And now, (to Saul, reclining) duteous plays,
Sending such notes from the enchanting string,
That, all with rapture heard, save Israel's King!
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“What crime is mine that should arouse thine ire?
“Have I disturb'd the mind I meant to please?
“Oh! speak, and give thy suffering Servant ease!”
Saul upward sprang as tho' for mortal fray!
Grasping a javelin, that beside him lay;
He look'd with lion wrath, by fury fann'd,
Then cast the murderous weapon from his hand!
Is David slain? Confusion reigns around!
The whisper spreads—“David his death hath found!”
“Not so!” a hundred answer with delight!
“He hath escaped, and Heaven protect his flight!”
Foil'd in his aim, Saul's eye destruction beam'd,
And who might live, or die, uncertain seem'd!
Each slow retires, unnoticed, from the throne,
And now the wrathful King is left alone!
Entering in haste, young Jonathan thus said,
“Oh! hear me, Sire! on me, and on my head,
“Let thy displeasure rest, but let me plead
“For David, whom I love, a friend indeed!”
“Off!” Saul exclaim'd. “The feeble sight is thine!
“Thou hast to boast the spirit infantine,
“For hadst thou sense to see, and heart to know,
“In David thou would'st view thy bitterest foe!”
“Pardon!” the Pleader cried. “No foe is he!
“He loves thy Son, sincere, and honours thee!”
“Consummate folly!” Saul, enraged, replied.
“David would fain, over his Monarch ride,
“And in the thought, aspiring, trample down,
“Thee, pitiless, to grasp thy Father's crown!
“Tear thou the film, impervious, from thine eyes,
“And see the secret serpent in disguise!
“Gaze not to Heaven, and by thy looks declare
“That I suspect, in vain, the fatal snare!
“I see (and tremble at the fearful form)
“Yon little cloud, the embryo of the storm!
“David's ambitious pant for power I know,
“And as thy Father lives, his blood shall flow!
“Hence! or thy life, thy rashness shall atone!”
The Son departs! The Father raves alone!
“Oh! hear me, Sire! on me, and on my head,
“Let thy displeasure rest, but let me plead
“For David, whom I love, a friend indeed!”
“Off!” Saul exclaim'd. “The feeble sight is thine!
“Thou hast to boast the spirit infantine,
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“In David thou would'st view thy bitterest foe!”
“Pardon!” the Pleader cried. “No foe is he!
“He loves thy Son, sincere, and honours thee!”
“Consummate folly!” Saul, enraged, replied.
“David would fain, over his Monarch ride,
“And in the thought, aspiring, trample down,
“Thee, pitiless, to grasp thy Father's crown!
“Tear thou the film, impervious, from thine eyes,
“And see the secret serpent in disguise!
“Gaze not to Heaven, and by thy looks declare
“That I suspect, in vain, the fatal snare!
“I see (and tremble at the fearful form)
“Yon little cloud, the embryo of the storm!
“David's ambitious pant for power I know,
“And as thy Father lives, his blood shall flow!
“Hence! or thy life, thy rashness shall atone!”
The Son departs! The Father raves alone!
'Mid savage wilds, remote from human eye,
David, in sorrow, paces silently.
One hastens near, young Jonathan! He spake,
“What are my cares, Oh, David! for thy sake!
“I mourn a Father's rashness! I deplore
“That thou art wandering, sad, the desert o'er!”
David, in sorrow, paces silently.
One hastens near, young Jonathan! He spake,
“What are my cares, Oh, David! for thy sake!
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“That thou art wandering, sad, the desert o'er!”
When David thus. “Why was I raised to see
“The blush of morn, and taste prosperity!
“Why was the gate of joy thrown open wide,
“And I, one moment, borne on pleasure's tide?
“Just made to taste of bliss, with fair renown,
“And then to see my cup, dash'd, crashing, down!
“Oh! that the shepherd's life once more were mine,
“Fame would I spurn, and freely power resign!”
“The blush of morn, and taste prosperity!
“Why was the gate of joy thrown open wide,
“And I, one moment, borne on pleasure's tide?
“Just made to taste of bliss, with fair renown,
“And then to see my cup, dash'd, crashing, down!
“Oh! that the shepherd's life once more were mine,
“Fame would I spurn, and freely power resign!”
O'erwhelm'd with sorrow, Jonathan replied.
“Why should my heart the truth, from David, hide?
“My Father seeks thy life! Forsake thy home!
“A while, these wastes (thy lonely refuge) roam!
“I will to Saul repair, and plead for thee,
“Brother, beloved! and if I danger see,
“Thou shalt be told, and find, till life doth end,
“In Jonathan, the same unshaken friend!”
And now th' embrace is past, tho' nought they say,
When back the Son of Saul pursues his way.
“Why should my heart the truth, from David, hide?
“My Father seeks thy life! Forsake thy home!
“A while, these wastes (thy lonely refuge) roam!
“I will to Saul repair, and plead for thee,
“Brother, beloved! and if I danger see,
“Thou shalt be told, and find, till life doth end,
“In Jonathan, the same unshaken friend!”
And now th' embrace is past, tho' nought they say,
When back the Son of Saul pursues his way.
Once more the foe on Israel's border stands!
Saul shouted, “Rouse, to war, our valiant bands!”
The secret thought disheartening, link'd with fear,
Crept thro' his soul, for David was not near!
Saul shouted, “Rouse, to war, our valiant bands!”
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Crept thro' his soul, for David was not near!
Whilst now the Monarch, in the mournful mood,
And nursing thoughts of vengeance, silent stood,
Young Jonathan advanced and thus began.
“If Saul possess one true and loyal man,
“David is he! Oh! give me power to speak!
“List to my words, and wear the spirit meek,
“Whilst I pronounce, that, thou hast deem'd thy foe,
“One whom all hearts would love, if all might know.
“Say, Oh! my Father, did not David's might,
“Put, in one day, Philistia's Sons to flight?
“Did not his arm Goliath meet and slay,
“And his huge head, before thy face display?
“Did not our tribes, with dance and song rejoice?
“And thou, thyself, the loudest lift thy voice?
“Oh! do not slay the Innocent! Oh! spare,
“For justice! For thy glory! For my prayer!”
And nursing thoughts of vengeance, silent stood,
Young Jonathan advanced and thus began.
“If Saul possess one true and loyal man,
“David is he! Oh! give me power to speak!
“List to my words, and wear the spirit meek,
“Whilst I pronounce, that, thou hast deem'd thy foe,
“One whom all hearts would love, if all might know.
“Say, Oh! my Father, did not David's might,
“Put, in one day, Philistia's Sons to flight?
“Did not his arm Goliath meet and slay,
“And his huge head, before thy face display?
“Did not our tribes, with dance and song rejoice?
“And thou, thyself, the loudest lift thy voice?
“Oh! do not slay the Innocent! Oh! spare,
“For justice! For thy glory! For my prayer!”
The storm is o'er. Saul, as an infant mild,
Casts the kind look, to cheer his sorrowing Child.
“My Son!” he said, “I feel thy searching word!
“I see my wrong! I own that I have err'd!
“Pardon thy Sire! The solemn oath I give,
“Thou shalt dispel thy fears, and David live!
“Seek him! and let him now our foes o'erthrow,
“That Saul's perpetual smile may round him flow.”
Low at his feet, behold the Pleader bend,
And now he speeds to soothe his mourning friend.
Casts the kind look, to cheer his sorrowing Child.
“My Son!” he said, “I feel thy searching word!
“I see my wrong! I own that I have err'd!
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“Thou shalt dispel thy fears, and David live!
“Seek him! and let him now our foes o'erthrow,
“That Saul's perpetual smile may round him flow.”
Low at his feet, behold the Pleader bend,
And now he speeds to soothe his mourning friend.
“Arise!” he cried, to David. “Thou shalt see
“Saul with delight, from doubt and danger free!”
He leads the Minstrel, trembling, to his Sire!
Smiling, the Monarch bids his fears retire.
“Come nigh,” he said, “for God, this day shall hear
“Our mutual vows exchanged, our pledge sincere!”
David replied, “My heart, Oh, King! is thine!
“If wrong unwitting crime unknown, be mine,
“Pardon thy Servant! In this heart shall rise
“No treacherous thoughts for David to disguise.
“Oh! let me see, tho' secret tongues revile,
“That he who serves thee well shall gain thy smile!”
Saul answer'd. “Thou art faithful! Thou shalt find
“The bounteous heart in me, the spirit kind.
“Arm for the war! Resume thy plume and spear!
“Daring our might, Philistia's Sons are near!
“Teach them once more the Son of Saul to fear!”
“Saul with delight, from doubt and danger free!”
He leads the Minstrel, trembling, to his Sire!
Smiling, the Monarch bids his fears retire.
“Come nigh,” he said, “for God, this day shall hear
“Our mutual vows exchanged, our pledge sincere!”
David replied, “My heart, Oh, King! is thine!
“If wrong unwitting crime unknown, be mine,
“Pardon thy Servant! In this heart shall rise
“No treacherous thoughts for David to disguise.
“Oh! let me see, tho' secret tongues revile,
“That he who serves thee well shall gain thy smile!”
Saul answer'd. “Thou art faithful! Thou shalt find
“The bounteous heart in me, the spirit kind.
“Arm for the war! Resume thy plume and spear!
“Daring our might, Philistia's Sons are near!
“Teach them once more the Son of Saul to fear!”
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David advances, eager for the fight.
It rages hot! Doubtful (from morn to night)
The combat lasts, when, at the waste of day
The fight is won! A torrent of dismay
Bursts on the foe, who, panic-struck, o'erthrown,
Flee headlong, and once more their master own!
It rages hot! Doubtful (from morn to night)
The combat lasts, when, at the waste of day
The fight is won! A torrent of dismay
Bursts on the foe, who, panic-struck, o'erthrown,
Flee headlong, and once more their master own!
As David to contend again for fame
Past to the war, with shout and loud acclaim,
Ahithophel (thus in his Monarch's ear)
Whispers. “With these loud blasts is coupled fear!
“What throne is firm, when one, unrivall'd, lives
“In every heart? The prop that safety gives!”
Saul clasps his hands! Vacant his eye-balls roll,
And doubt, and storm, and tempest fill his soul.
Past to the war, with shout and loud acclaim,
Ahithophel (thus in his Monarch's ear)
Whispers. “With these loud blasts is coupled fear!
“What throne is firm, when one, unrivall'd, lives
“In every heart? The prop that safety gives!”
Saul clasps his hands! Vacant his eye-balls roll,
And doubt, and storm, and tempest fill his soul.
Warm with success, while thousands shout around,
David draws near, his car with laurels crown'd.
To Saul he hastens, and, with ardent greet,
Lays his rich spoils submissive at his feet.
David draws near, his car with laurels crown'd.
To Saul he hastens, and, with ardent greet,
Lays his rich spoils submissive at his feet.
Saul, on the ground, unmoving, look'd austere.
No word he spake, nor seem'd he sound to hear!
David, in wonder lost, his Monarch eyed,
When Jonathan, approaching, eager cried,
“Sweep thy sweet harp! Once more it shall beguile
“Our Father's breast, and anger teach to smile.”
David obeys. The melting notes arise.
Saul grasps a javelin that beside him lies!
Fierce at the Minstrel's heart, the weapon flies!
It whizzes on, amid the bursting groan,
Whilst David starts, and fast escapes alone.
No word he spake, nor seem'd he sound to hear!
David, in wonder lost, his Monarch eyed,
When Jonathan, approaching, eager cried,
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“Our Father's breast, and anger teach to smile.”
David obeys. The melting notes arise.
Saul grasps a javelin that beside him lies!
Fierce at the Minstrel's heart, the weapon flies!
It whizzes on, amid the bursting groan,
Whilst David starts, and fast escapes alone.
“Speed!” cried the King. Seize on our bitterest foe!
“Crowns to the man who lays the Traitor low!”
David, to Michal hastes. “Thy Sire,” he said,
“Fain would thy David number with the dead!
“Good deeds, with Saul, thy Father, plead in vain!
“He seeks my life, who all his foes have slain!”
“Fly!” Michal answer'd. “Well I know my Sire!
“His jealous hate of thee, his fierce desire
“To count thee with the dead. Haste! or one hour
“May give thee to thy King's vindictive power!
“Behold the wall! The window here we see!
“Behold the rope! and me, to succour thee!”
David one moment prest her to his heart,
Then, faltering, cried, “Beloved! we must part!”
No voice is heard. Their breasts with anguish swell,
Whilst tears declare what language may not tell.
“Crowns to the man who lays the Traitor low!”
David, to Michal hastes. “Thy Sire,” he said,
“Fain would thy David number with the dead!
“Good deeds, with Saul, thy Father, plead in vain!
“He seeks my life, who all his foes have slain!”
“Fly!” Michal answer'd. “Well I know my Sire!
“His jealous hate of thee, his fierce desire
“To count thee with the dead. Haste! or one hour
“May give thee to thy King's vindictive power!
“Behold the wall! The window here we see!
“Behold the rope! and me, to succour thee!”
David one moment prest her to his heart,
Then, faltering, cried, “Beloved! we must part!”
No voice is heard. Their breasts with anguish swell,
Whilst tears declare what language may not tell.
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Fast thro' the night the lonely traveller flies
With drooping heart opprest, and weeping eyes;
Whilst oft, with pallid cheek, he stops to hear
Sounds, from behind, faint heard, of freezing fear.
In silent resolution of the mind,
“One will I seek,” he said, “a Master kind,
“Even Samuel! In his tent, remote from care,
“Full in his ear, will I my wrongs declare;
“And if it seem him right, as once of yore,
“Speed to my home, and tend my flock once more!”
With drooping heart opprest, and weeping eyes;
Whilst oft, with pallid cheek, he stops to hear
Sounds, from behind, faint heard, of freezing fear.
In silent resolution of the mind,
“One will I seek,” he said, “a Master kind,
“Even Samuel! In his tent, remote from care,
“Full in his ear, will I my wrongs declare;
“And if it seem him right, as once of yore,
“Speed to my home, and tend my flock once more!”
Ramah he enters. With the clasped hands,
Silent, before the Prophet, now he stands.
Samuel thus spake. “My Son! that look of woe
“Tells me that thou dost feel, what all must know.
“Pour forth thy sorrows. I, thy friend will be,
“Now, 'mid these winds of cold adversity!”
A tone so sweet, with words so soothing kind,
O'erwhelm'd, with flood of feeling, David's mind.
At length he cried. “Oh! reverenced still and dear!
“Where shall I flee from Saul's vindictive spear?
“His wars hath David fought, but what avails,
“Where hate, where jealousy, like his, prevails!
“Oh! Father, such surpassing cares are mine,
“That I these eyes could close and life resign!”
Silent, before the Prophet, now he stands.
Samuel thus spake. “My Son! that look of woe
“Tells me that thou dost feel, what all must know.
“Pour forth thy sorrows. I, thy friend will be,
“Now, 'mid these winds of cold adversity!”
A tone so sweet, with words so soothing kind,
O'erwhelm'd, with flood of feeling, David's mind.
At length he cried. “Oh! reverenced still and dear!
“Where shall I flee from Saul's vindictive spear?
“His wars hath David fought, but what avails,
“Where hate, where jealousy, like his, prevails!
“Oh! Father, such surpassing cares are mine,
“That I these eyes could close and life resign!”
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Samuel began. “When ours are cloudless skies,
“And flowers around our feet, profuse, arise;
“When sorrows their pursuit, unbidden, cease,
“While all is calm, and every breath is peace;
“We talk of Faith, pluming unpractised wings,
“And own the Hand that rules all mortal things:
“But when the clouds conflicting fill the air,
“When grief, on grief, hard presses, care on care;
“When the fond hope is blasted, cherish'd long,
“Where is our boasted Faith, confirm'd and strong?
“The glory fades away, so loved of late,
“And all is cheerless, cold and desolate!
“Let thy strong vision pierce the upper sky!
“Have hope, in every hour, for God is nigh!
“His thoughts, his ways, exceed thy feeble sight,
“For thou art dust, and He is Infinite!
“Hear me, my Son! and banish discontent;
“Each cross that throngs thy path, by Heaven was sent.
“Wait thy brief sojourn in a world of woe,
“And pass resign'd where God would have thee go.
“This is thy state of toil! A few short hours,
“And thou wilt reach those Everlasting Towers,
“Assail'd not, thro' the age that ne'er shall end,
“By troubles, that, on earth, thy spirit bend.
“Faint not! A glorious work shalt thou perform
“Before this life thou quit, of sun and storm;
“And, as the height of wisdom, Heaven begun!
“Learn in all states to say—‘Thy will be done!”
“And flowers around our feet, profuse, arise;
“When sorrows their pursuit, unbidden, cease,
“While all is calm, and every breath is peace;
“We talk of Faith, pluming unpractised wings,
“And own the Hand that rules all mortal things:
“But when the clouds conflicting fill the air,
“When grief, on grief, hard presses, care on care;
“When the fond hope is blasted, cherish'd long,
“Where is our boasted Faith, confirm'd and strong?
“The glory fades away, so loved of late,
“And all is cheerless, cold and desolate!
“Let thy strong vision pierce the upper sky!
“Have hope, in every hour, for God is nigh!
“His thoughts, his ways, exceed thy feeble sight,
“For thou art dust, and He is Infinite!
“Hear me, my Son! and banish discontent;
“Each cross that throngs thy path, by Heaven was sent.
“Wait thy brief sojourn in a world of woe,
“And pass resign'd where God would have thee go.
“This is thy state of toil! A few short hours,
“And thou wilt reach those Everlasting Towers,
“Assail'd not, thro' the age that ne'er shall end,
“By troubles, that, on earth, thy spirit bend.
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“Before this life thou quit, of sun and storm;
“And, as the height of wisdom, Heaven begun!
“Learn in all states to say—‘Thy will be done!”
David look'd up. “My Father!” he replied.
“The road is intricate, the waste is wide,
“And I will choose thy God to be my guide!
“Blind, ignorant, I know not what is best,
“But I would look to Heaven, and be at rest.”
“The road is intricate, the waste is wide,
“And I will choose thy God to be my guide!
“Blind, ignorant, I know not what is best,
“But I would look to Heaven, and be at rest.”
“Good choice is thine my Son!” the Prophet cries.
“I might disclose the scenes, erelong to rise,
“And pour strange vision on thy labouring sight!
“Some fears allay! Some sorrows bring to light!
“But wisdom he displays, who shuns to pry
“Beneath the veil that hides futurity!
“Depart, with Heaven thy portion. Thou shalt see,
“If prosperous days be good, prosperity,
“Tho' few can bear the height nor giddy be.”
David replied. “Oh! grant that on my head
“Thy blessing may descend!” the Prophet said,
“Receive the gift desired!” David bent low,
And as the Prophet's trembling hand, and slow,
Upon him rests, his sorrows fly away!
He sees and feels, a warm and cheering ray.
Thus solaced, to the winds, his fears he cast,
And, calm of spirit, back toward Salem past.
“I might disclose the scenes, erelong to rise,
“And pour strange vision on thy labouring sight!
“Some fears allay! Some sorrows bring to light!
“But wisdom he displays, who shuns to pry
“Beneath the veil that hides futurity!
“Depart, with Heaven thy portion. Thou shalt see,
“If prosperous days be good, prosperity,
“Tho' few can bear the height nor giddy be.”
David replied. “Oh! grant that on my head
“Thy blessing may descend!” the Prophet said,
“Receive the gift desired!” David bent low,
And as the Prophet's trembling hand, and slow,
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He sees and feels, a warm and cheering ray.
Thus solaced, to the winds, his fears he cast,
And, calm of spirit, back toward Salem past.
To Jonathan a faithful Servant hastes,
Him he address'd. “Out 'mid yon trackless wastes,
“Even David dwells!” As winds of winter, fleet,
Thither he speeds his friendless friend to greet;
When Jonathan began. “David, still dear,
“I sought thee, sorrowing, far, I sought thee near.”
David in silence lean'd upon his arm,
Then spake. “In friendship's voice there is a charm!
“How prized, how sweet it is, he only knows,
“Over whose head affliction's billow flows!
“My Brother! take an outcast's barren praise!
“May gladness cheer thy spirit, all thy days!
“And when the sod thy David's head hath prest,
“Oh! think on one who loved thee, gone to rest!”
Him he address'd. “Out 'mid yon trackless wastes,
“Even David dwells!” As winds of winter, fleet,
Thither he speeds his friendless friend to greet;
When Jonathan began. “David, still dear,
“I sought thee, sorrowing, far, I sought thee near.”
David in silence lean'd upon his arm,
Then spake. “In friendship's voice there is a charm!
“How prized, how sweet it is, he only knows,
“Over whose head affliction's billow flows!
“My Brother! take an outcast's barren praise!
“May gladness cheer thy spirit, all thy days!
“And when the sod thy David's head hath prest,
“Oh! think on one who loved thee, gone to rest!”
Said Jonathan. “My Brother! cease to weep.
“Tho' pitiless the storm doth o'er thee sweep,
“Banish despair! for there are yet in store
“Full cups for thee, of pleasure, running o'er!
“My Father yet his many wrongs will mourn,
“And thou, to joy and gladness, still return!”
David, amid the burst of anguish cries,
“My sun, gone down, no more on earth shall rise!
“Perplexity prevails! Do this for me,
“For the sweet love of holy charity!
“To-morrow is the monthly feast, when Saul
“His captains, and his friends around will call.
“Three days it lasts. My place will vacant lie.
“Should he inquire for David, do thou cry
“‘A yearly feast there is within his town,
“E'en Bethlehem, and he is hasten'd down,
“(Permission by me given) his vows to pay,
“And worship there, of old, a Holy Day!’
“If at the thing declared thy Sire comply,
“All then is well. But if, with furious eye,
“He hear thy words, and into tempest break,
“Then, of a truth, my life he fain would take!
“Warn me of danger! Let me 'scape the snare!
“Beyond yon cave, to which I now repair,
“Shoot thou the arrow! I shall mark the sight,
“And read in this, my safety, or my flight.”
“Tho' pitiless the storm doth o'er thee sweep,
“Banish despair! for there are yet in store
“Full cups for thee, of pleasure, running o'er!
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“And thou, to joy and gladness, still return!”
David, amid the burst of anguish cries,
“My sun, gone down, no more on earth shall rise!
“Perplexity prevails! Do this for me,
“For the sweet love of holy charity!
“To-morrow is the monthly feast, when Saul
“His captains, and his friends around will call.
“Three days it lasts. My place will vacant lie.
“Should he inquire for David, do thou cry
“‘A yearly feast there is within his town,
“E'en Bethlehem, and he is hasten'd down,
“(Permission by me given) his vows to pay,
“And worship there, of old, a Holy Day!’
“If at the thing declared thy Sire comply,
“All then is well. But if, with furious eye,
“He hear thy words, and into tempest break,
“Then, of a truth, my life he fain would take!
“Warn me of danger! Let me 'scape the snare!
“Beyond yon cave, to which I now repair,
“Shoot thou the arrow! I shall mark the sight,
“And read in this, my safety, or my flight.”
The feast is laid. The guests are gather'd round.
Saul sits supreme, in pomp and glory crown'd.
With look that made the boldest quake, he eyes
Each face, each station which around him lies.
At length he cried. “And where is Jesse's Son?”
Thus Jonathan. “The truth I may not shun.
“There is a feast, in Bethlehem, this day;
“He ask'd me to depart, and there to pay
“Accustomed homage. I permission gave,
“For who deserves our favour, like the brave!”
Saul sits supreme, in pomp and glory crown'd.
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Each face, each station which around him lies.
At length he cried. “And where is Jesse's Son?”
Thus Jonathan. “The truth I may not shun.
“There is a feast, in Bethlehem, this day;
“He ask'd me to depart, and there to pay
“Accustomed homage. I permission gave,
“For who deserves our favour, like the brave!”
Saul answer'd, in the burst of passion's flame,
“Thou Child of the Perverse! Thy Father's shame!
“Born for thine own confusion! Dost thou see
“No crime in David's acts of perfidy?
“His are designs which none but Hell might own!
“He plots to hurl thy Father from his throne!
“To crush his Son, even thee! and as I live
“To dogs will I the traitor's carcass give!”
Said Jonathan. “What injury hath he done
“To thee, his King?—to me, thy pleading Son?
“Is it a crime to conquer Israel's foes?”
Saul, from the loaded banquet, instant rose,
At Jonathan (who fear'd no danger nigh)
He hurl'd the javelin with infuriate eye,
And groan'd to see the weapon pass him by!
With fierce-eyed indignation, from the place,
Young Jonathan rush'd forth, and veil'd his face!
“Thou Child of the Perverse! Thy Father's shame!
“Born for thine own confusion! Dost thou see
“No crime in David's acts of perfidy?
“His are designs which none but Hell might own!
“He plots to hurl thy Father from his throne!
“To crush his Son, even thee! and as I live
“To dogs will I the traitor's carcass give!”
Said Jonathan. “What injury hath he done
“To thee, his King?—to me, thy pleading Son?
“Is it a crime to conquer Israel's foes?”
Saul, from the loaded banquet, instant rose,
At Jonathan (who fear'd no danger nigh)
He hurl'd the javelin with infuriate eye,
And groan'd to see the weapon pass him by!
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Young Jonathan rush'd forth, and veil'd his face!
To David fast he speeds. He cries, “Depart!
“(No avenue to Saul's relentless heart!)
“Thy life he seeks! Jehovah, Abraham's guide,
“Bless thee! and let thy joys be multiplied!
“Speed, Oh! my Brother!” David strove to speak,
As the warm tear roll'd copious down his cheek.
Silent they part! whilst each, o'erwhelm'd with care,
Look'd up, and breath'd for each the silent prayer!
“(No avenue to Saul's relentless heart!)
“Thy life he seeks! Jehovah, Abraham's guide,
“Bless thee! and let thy joys be multiplied!
“Speed, Oh! my Brother!” David strove to speak,
As the warm tear roll'd copious down his cheek.
Silent they part! whilst each, o'erwhelm'd with care,
Look'd up, and breath'd for each the silent prayer!
| Messiah | |