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. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. | BOOK XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
 | Messiah |  |
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BOOK XXII.
David escapes from Saul. Saul spared by David. Their reconciliation. The final parting of David and Jonathan. Saul again incited to jealousy by Ahithophel. David on the Hill Mizar. David warned of his danger by a Stranger. Saul recalled, from pursuing after David, by the advance of the Philistines. Before the battle, Ahithophel proposes to Saul to consult some Witch.
Ahithophel to Saul in secret spake.
“Are not thy doubts alive, thy fears awake?
“This Shepherd Man, whose Sire all hearts despise,
“Shall he, from dust, to serve on Princes rise?
“Rebellions plot in Israel's peaceful state.
“And steal the people's hearts—from ‘Saul the Great?’
“Prosperous, Oh, King! thy reign, I fain would see,
“Nor will I, thee to serve, from danger flee!”
“Are not thy doubts alive, thy fears awake?
“This Shepherd Man, whose Sire all hearts despise,
“Shall he, from dust, to serve on Princes rise?
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“And steal the people's hearts—from ‘Saul the Great?’
“Prosperous, Oh, King! thy reign, I fain would see,
“Nor will I, thee to serve, from danger flee!”
Days pass along, when Jonathan drew nigh
David he thus addrest. “Rise! Instant fly!
“Saul seeks once more thy life, with fiercer hate!
“This hour and safety is, the next too late!”
The Friends embrace. No lingering hope to cheer,
The look of horror tells their mutual fear.
Now, as the sun retired, and all was still,
Save the trees roaring on th' adjacent hill,
Yonng Jonathan returns with solemn tread,
Whilst David, sad at heart, despairing, fled
From haunt to haunt, from wild to forest deep,
And when he stopp'd with toil, he stopp'd to weep!
David he thus addrest. “Rise! Instant fly!
“Saul seeks once more thy life, with fiercer hate!
“This hour and safety is, the next too late!”
The Friends embrace. No lingering hope to cheer,
The look of horror tells their mutual fear.
Now, as the sun retired, and all was still,
Save the trees roaring on th' adjacent hill,
Yonng Jonathan returns with solemn tread,
Whilst David, sad at heart, despairing, fled
From haunt to haunt, from wild to forest deep,
And when he stopp'd with toil, he stopp'd to weep!
Saul learns the way he takes. With Warriors bold,
David, like beast, he hunts, from hold to hold.
And now the Monarch on Hachilah's waste,
With hideous mountains round, exulting paced.
He, with his followers, quaffs the sparkling wine,
Nor sees, apace, the lordly sun decline.
The evening closes fast. Th' intemperate crew,
Around their King, their slumbering bodies threw.
David, like beast, he hunts, from hold to hold.
And now the Monarch on Hachilah's waste,
With hideous mountains round, exulting paced.
He, with his followers, quaffs the sparkling wine,
Nor sees, apace, the lordly sun decline.
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Around their King, their slumbering bodies threw.
David, with cautious step approach'd them near.
(Abishai by his side.) He mark'd the spear
Saul had so often cast, with murderous aim!
Plunged in the ground, whilst Abner, known to fame,
Slept at his Monarch's feet. Aroused to ire,
Abishai whisper'd, “With intense desire,
“Let me dispatch thy foes—the Son, the Sire!
“So shall the crown be thine!” David replied,
“Restrain thy vehemence, lest Heaven should chide.
“Guiltless, the Lord's Anointed none may slay,
“And I, for all my wrongs, will good repay.”
Now, drawing near, David the spear upraised.
The cruise, Abishai seized. Both wondering gazed
At the sleep-conquer'd foes, then earnest strode
Up to the loftiest crags, their past abode.
(Abishai by his side.) He mark'd the spear
Saul had so often cast, with murderous aim!
Plunged in the ground, whilst Abner, known to fame,
Slept at his Monarch's feet. Aroused to ire,
Abishai whisper'd, “With intense desire,
“Let me dispatch thy foes—the Son, the Sire!
“So shall the crown be thine!” David replied,
“Restrain thy vehemence, lest Heaven should chide.
“Guiltless, the Lord's Anointed none may slay,
“And I, for all my wrongs, will good repay.”
Now, drawing near, David the spear upraised.
The cruise, Abishai seized. Both wondering gazed
At the sleep-conquer'd foes, then earnest strode
Up to the loftiest crags, their past abode.
David once more the back ward glance bestows,
When in his heart, sudden, the thought arose,
Himself once more before his King to cast!
Down the steep mountain's side he hastens fast:
He stops! He shouts! “Abner! from slumber rise!
“Art thou thus stretch'd on earth, the brave! the wise!
“Why didst thou suffer, drown'd in impotence,
“Me, to invade and bear these trophies thence?
“Behold the cruise of water, sweet and clear!
“Behold, and wonder, this thy Monarch's spear!”
When in his heart, sudden, the thought arose,
Himself once more before his King to cast!
Down the steep mountain's side he hastens fast:
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“Art thou thus stretch'd on earth, the brave! the wise!
“Why didst thou suffer, drown'd in impotence,
“Me, to invade and bear these trophies thence?
“Behold the cruise of water, sweet and clear!
“Behold, and wonder, this thy Monarch's spear!”
Saul upward starts! The well-known voice he hears!
He feels the danger past, and melts to tears.
“Approach! my Son!” he cried. The Son drew nigh,
When David thus. “Whilst thou didst yonder lie,
“Sleeping (thy guards around) on thee I gazed!
“No evil thought was mine. No sword I raised.
“To serve thee I would fly, with duty strong,
“But never, never, move to do thee wrong!”
Saul falls upon his neck. “My Son!” he said,
“Crimes of deep crimson rest upon my head.
“Forgive me! I will hence thy friend be found.
“The moon, the stars, long shall pursue their round,
“And witness Saul's contrition. Thou shalt find,
“Henceforth, thy grateful Monarch, just as kind.”
David low bow'd, submissive at his feet,
When, earnest, Jonathan advanced to greet,
Joy in his eyes. Whilst all their loves admire,
Arm join'd in arm, both to the woods retire
And there, luxurious, far from mortal view,
Thro' the long hour their converse sweet pursue.
He feels the danger past, and melts to tears.
“Approach! my Son!” he cried. The Son drew nigh,
When David thus. “Whilst thou didst yonder lie,
“Sleeping (thy guards around) on thee I gazed!
“No evil thought was mine. No sword I raised.
“To serve thee I would fly, with duty strong,
“But never, never, move to do thee wrong!”
Saul falls upon his neck. “My Son!” he said,
“Crimes of deep crimson rest upon my head.
“Forgive me! I will hence thy friend be found.
“The moon, the stars, long shall pursue their round,
“And witness Saul's contrition. Thou shalt find,
“Henceforth, thy grateful Monarch, just as kind.”
David low bow'd, submissive at his feet,
When, earnest, Jonathan advanced to greet,
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Arm join'd in arm, both to the woods retire
And there, luxurious, far from mortal view,
Thro' the long hour their converse sweet pursue.
“Hence,” cried the Prince, “in Salem's Royal Tower,
“Pleasure on thee, her copious gifts shall shower,
“And prosperous days, abundant, well repay
“For all the thorns that long have strew'd thy way!”
“Pleasure on thee, her copious gifts shall shower,
“And prosperous days, abundant, well repay
“For all the thorns that long have strew'd thy way!”
At Jonathan, whose hopes no limit knew,
David the serious look, unwonted, threw.
Solemn, he spake. “I, as these wood-leaves fall,
“Shall one day perish by the hand of Saul!”
“Not so!” said Jonathan. “The storm is o'er!
“The haven thou hast gain'd, to leave no more!”
David thus answer'd. “I have served thy Sire,
“Faithful, as well became, but I, a fire
“Have mark'd within his heart! Now, as the sky,
“'Mid evening's quiet hour, he gratefully
“Smiles on all round, anon, with fury blind,
“He rises, like the tempest-stirred wind,
“(Fierce jealousy within) when he would send,
“Down to perdition black, his dearest friend!
“The world is wide. Awhile from death reprieved,
“I will not trust who oft hath sore deceived!
“I will go forth to Gath, and whilst I own
“Faith in my God, and worship him alone,
“Look on to nobler scenes. Best friend, and dear,
“The parting hour is come! Our sojourn here,
“Must oft be dash'd with care, but Heaven is near!
“Farewell!”
David the serious look, unwonted, threw.
Solemn, he spake. “I, as these wood-leaves fall,
“Shall one day perish by the hand of Saul!”
“Not so!” said Jonathan. “The storm is o'er!
“The haven thou hast gain'd, to leave no more!”
David thus answer'd. “I have served thy Sire,
“Faithful, as well became, but I, a fire
“Have mark'd within his heart! Now, as the sky,
“'Mid evening's quiet hour, he gratefully
“Smiles on all round, anon, with fury blind,
“He rises, like the tempest-stirred wind,
“(Fierce jealousy within) when he would send,
“Down to perdition black, his dearest friend!
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“I will not trust who oft hath sore deceived!
“I will go forth to Gath, and whilst I own
“Faith in my God, and worship him alone,
“Look on to nobler scenes. Best friend, and dear,
“The parting hour is come! Our sojourn here,
“Must oft be dash'd with care, but Heaven is near!
“Farewell!”
As Jonathan, with grief opprest,
Hard at his heart the hand of David prest,
He look'd upon the ground, whilst in his mind,
The big thought labour'd, utterance how to find.
At length he cried. “Oh! hear me once again.
“The Lord who rules alone the Sons of Men,
“My Brother! he will raise thee yet to power!
“Fast comes, my Father knows, and I, the hour,
“When thou shalt sit secure on Israel's Throne,
“And Judah bend the knee to thee alone.
“One thing I ask. In bright and better days,
“When thou thy head above thy foes shalt raise,
“If I should die! as something in my breast
“Whispers I shall, and from these troubles rest,
“Think of my Offspring! Let thy love extend,
“Oh, David! to the Children of thy friend!”
David no word return'd. He look'd on high!
He clasp'd the hand of Jonathan! A sigh
Trembling burst forth! All objects veil'd in shade,
The covenant of heart, with heart, was made!
Each weeps aloud! They part, with mutual pain,
Never, on Earth, to speak, to meet again!
Hard at his heart the hand of David prest,
He look'd upon the ground, whilst in his mind,
The big thought labour'd, utterance how to find.
At length he cried. “Oh! hear me once again.
“The Lord who rules alone the Sons of Men,
“My Brother! he will raise thee yet to power!
“Fast comes, my Father knows, and I, the hour,
“When thou shalt sit secure on Israel's Throne,
“And Judah bend the knee to thee alone.
“One thing I ask. In bright and better days,
“When thou thy head above thy foes shalt raise,
“If I should die! as something in my breast
“Whispers I shall, and from these troubles rest,
“Think of my Offspring! Let thy love extend,
“Oh, David! to the Children of thy friend!”
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He clasp'd the hand of Jonathan! A sigh
Trembling burst forth! All objects veil'd in shade,
The covenant of heart, with heart, was made!
Each weeps aloud! They part, with mutual pain,
Never, on Earth, to speak, to meet again!
Saul droops his head. Ahithophel draws near.
Thus he began. “Is there no hour of cheer?
“No pleasant interlude from ills we fear?
“Why hangs my Lord his head? Repose on me!
“Throw open wide thy thoughts, and let there be
“Free converse, for my heart is knit to thee.
“Tell me, Oh, King! If I can do or say
“Aught that thy friends may serve, thy foes dismay.”
Thus he began. “Is there no hour of cheer?
“No pleasant interlude from ills we fear?
“Why hangs my Lord his head? Repose on me!
“Throw open wide thy thoughts, and let there be
“Free converse, for my heart is knit to thee.
“Tell me, Oh, King! If I can do or say
“Aught that thy friends may serve, thy foes dismay.”
Saul cried. “In agony, Oh! hear thy Lord!
“I am confin'd, even I, as with a cord.
“A thousand times my bitterest foe I see,
“And yet he 'scapes unharm'd. How this should be,
“I know not, and, with unseen fetters bound,
“Seem shorn of strength. If I thy love have found.
“(Companion and choice counsellor combined!)
“Speak, and give solace to a wounded mind.”
“I am confin'd, even I, as with a cord.
“A thousand times my bitterest foe I see,
“And yet he 'scapes unharm'd. How this should be,
“I know not, and, with unseen fetters bound,
“Seem shorn of strength. If I thy love have found.
“(Companion and choice counsellor combined!)
“Speak, and give solace to a wounded mind.”
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Ahithophel began. “The core I know,
“Oh! King, of thine unutterable woe.
“Would that the cause were vain! Now hear me, Sire.
“To serve thee is my first and chief desire.
“Unfeign'd affection makes me thus declare,
“Thou hast no peace while David breathes the air!”
“I know it,” Saul replied. “Now plainly say,
“How shall I best my mortal pang allay?”
“How? Rid thee of thy foe! an easy thing!
“Hear me, in this most solemn hour. Oh, King!
“To Mizar speed, yon hill, where David hides.
“With valiant men surround its rocky sides.
“I know it well! My spies have watch'd him there!
“I know his haunts! Around yon mountain bare,
“Present with spears th' impenetrable line,
“And who shall doubt that triumph then is thine.
“Thus arm'd for war, this is the only fear,
“Lest when thou see the trembling Traitor near,
“Thy heart, so prone to mercy, should relent,
“And he, once more, escape with banishment.”
“Oh! King, of thine unutterable woe.
“Would that the cause were vain! Now hear me, Sire.
“To serve thee is my first and chief desire.
“Unfeign'd affection makes me thus declare,
“Thou hast no peace while David breathes the air!”
“I know it,” Saul replied. “Now plainly say,
“How shall I best my mortal pang allay?”
“How? Rid thee of thy foe! an easy thing!
“Hear me, in this most solemn hour. Oh, King!
“To Mizar speed, yon hill, where David hides.
“With valiant men surround its rocky sides.
“I know it well! My spies have watch'd him there!
“I know his haunts! Around yon mountain bare,
“Present with spears th' impenetrable line,
“And who shall doubt that triumph then is thine.
“Thus arm'd for war, this is the only fear,
“Lest when thou see the trembling Traitor near,
“Thy heart, so prone to mercy, should relent,
“And he, once more, escape with banishment.”
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Saul answer'd, whilst his eye intenser hate,
Shot terrible, “Shall I forget my state,
“And parley, when my life, my throne, my all,
“With voice of thunder for destruction call?
“To pleasure, I will bid my last adieu!
“Nor smile again till David dead I view!”
Shot terrible, “Shall I forget my state,
“And parley, when my life, my throne, my all,
“With voice of thunder for destruction call?
“To pleasure, I will bid my last adieu!
“Nor smile again till David dead I view!”
There was a Grot upon the mountain's head,
Bedeck'd with crystals clear, with moss o'erspread,
Whilst flowers of every scent, and every hue,
On every side, in wild profusion grew.
A silver stream, stole from the clifts among;
That with few notes gave forth its simple song,
Sweet to the ear of him who past along.
This, by the grot, slow glided, and the place,
Seem'd made (if such there be) for Elfin Race,
With taste so subtile for creation's pride,
Who only on enchanted ground will 'bide.
Here David dwelt, and tho' a thousand cares
Sometimes would rouse his spirit, unawares,
And force th' impetuous sigh, yet chiefly here,
He half forgot the world, its hope, its fear;
Partook of joys that shall with Heaven endure,
And converse held with God and Spirits pure.
Bedeck'd with crystals clear, with moss o'erspread,
Whilst flowers of every scent, and every hue,
On every side, in wild profusion grew.
A silver stream, stole from the clifts among;
That with few notes gave forth its simple song,
Sweet to the ear of him who past along.
This, by the grot, slow glided, and the place,
Seem'd made (if such there be) for Elfin Race,
With taste so subtile for creation's pride,
Who only on enchanted ground will 'bide.
Here David dwelt, and tho' a thousand cares
Sometimes would rouse his spirit, unawares,
And force th' impetuous sigh, yet chiefly here,
He half forgot the world, its hope, its fear;
Partook of joys that shall with Heaven endure,
And converse held with God and Spirits pure.
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Oft, from mankind afar, at even time,
Up to the mountain's head he loved to climb,
The sun's declining flood of gold, to trace,
To mark the Host of Heaven begin their race,
When orb on orb, thronging the vaulted sky,
On wings of fire, mysterious, seem'd to fly,
Each moment more magnificent and fair,
The earth all still, and silence thro' the air;
Till, 'mid th' unutterable glory wide,
Raised into holy rapture, thus he cried.
“When I survey the Heavens, in pomp array'd,
“The moon, the countless stars which thou hast made,
“This spectacle, the outskirts of thy throne!
“This Temple, throng'd with myriad worlds unknown!
“Lord! what is Man, amid so vast a scene,
“That thou should'st visit him, so low! so mean!
“What is the Son of Man—that thou should'st smile,
“And fix thy heart upon a worm so vile!
“Stupendous mercy! Matchless grace, and free!
“All creatures, dust! Thyself, Infinity!”
Up to the mountain's head he loved to climb,
The sun's declining flood of gold, to trace,
To mark the Host of Heaven begin their race,
When orb on orb, thronging the vaulted sky,
On wings of fire, mysterious, seem'd to fly,
Each moment more magnificent and fair,
The earth all still, and silence thro' the air;
Till, 'mid th' unutterable glory wide,
Raised into holy rapture, thus he cried.
“When I survey the Heavens, in pomp array'd,
“The moon, the countless stars which thou hast made,
“This spectacle, the outskirts of thy throne!
“This Temple, throng'd with myriad worlds unknown!
“Lord! what is Man, amid so vast a scene,
“That thou should'st visit him, so low! so mean!
“What is the Son of Man—that thou should'st smile,
“And fix thy heart upon a worm so vile!
“Stupendous mercy! Matchless grace, and free!
“All creatures, dust! Thyself, Infinity!”
A stately Form advances, whence unknown,
With aspect high, such as might awe a throne.
Thus he began. “The warning word I bear!
“Spirits, molesting, hover in the air,
“And perils rise, for which thou must prepare!
“Where is thy shaft? thy buckler? Where thy spear?
“Thou dream'st of safety, and, lo! Saul is near!
“Around the mountain, crowd, with sword and bow,
“Ten thousand warriors, bent to lay thee low!
“Fly! Search the safe retreat, if such there be,
“And I, or far, or near, will succour thee.”
David exclaim'd. “But who and whence art thou?
“Such dignity, with that commanding brow
“O'erwhelms me! Heedless of the danger round,
“Tell me thy name, thy home, and whither bound!”
He answer'd. “Storms and tempests round thee blow!
“I am thy friend, enough for thee to know!”
David endured new feeling of dismay,
When he beheld the Stranger walk away,
(No parting greet:) with ease that seem'd not good,
Now climb the hill, till on the brow he stood
As tho' a shadow moved, not flesh and blood!
With aspect high, such as might awe a throne.
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“Spirits, molesting, hover in the air,
“And perils rise, for which thou must prepare!
“Where is thy shaft? thy buckler? Where thy spear?
“Thou dream'st of safety, and, lo! Saul is near!
“Around the mountain, crowd, with sword and bow,
“Ten thousand warriors, bent to lay thee low!
“Fly! Search the safe retreat, if such there be,
“And I, or far, or near, will succour thee.”
David exclaim'd. “But who and whence art thou?
“Such dignity, with that commanding brow
“O'erwhelms me! Heedless of the danger round,
“Tell me thy name, thy home, and whither bound!”
He answer'd. “Storms and tempests round thee blow!
“I am thy friend, enough for thee to know!”
David endured new feeling of dismay,
When he beheld the Stranger walk away,
(No parting greet:) with ease that seem'd not good,
Now climb the hill, till on the brow he stood
As tho' a shadow moved, not flesh and blood!
David, to fear, aroused, his helmet braced,
And to a secret winding, earnest, paced,
Death stands before! Backward he turns his flight!
He seeks the distant pass, his foes in sight,
And saved from death alone, by coming night!
And to a secret winding, earnest, paced,
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He seeks the distant pass, his foes in sight,
And saved from death alone, by coming night!
Saul shouts aloud, his heart with fury fired,
“The precious hour is come, so long desired!
“We saw our foe, stripp'd of his vaunted pride,
“Who, like a partridge, skimm'd the mountain's side.
“We saw him cast his helm, his spear, away,
“And, but for pitchy night, had seized our prey.
“When morn arrives, our trump the chase shall sound,
“Our sword, with traitor's blood, shall dye the ground!”
“The precious hour is come, so long desired!
“We saw our foe, stripp'd of his vaunted pride,
“Who, like a partridge, skimm'd the mountain's side.
“We saw him cast his helm, his spear, away,
“And, but for pitchy night, had seized our prey.
“When morn arrives, our trump the chase shall sound,
“Our sword, with traitor's blood, shall dye the ground!”
Young Jonathan, at midnight, hurries near!
“For nobler foe, Oh! Saul, prepare thy spear!”
(Breathless he cries) “Unsheath thy keenest blade!
“The fierce Philistines, inroad, far, have made!
“Like ocean, wrought to fury, on they haste!
“Our cities desolate, our vineyards waste!”
Saul, pallid, hears, and gnashes slow his teeth,
Then, furious, thus. “Be there another wreath
“To crown our brows! That day, that triumph o'er,
“The fierce Philistines crush'd to rise no more,
“We will return, this Jesse's Son o'erthrow!
“And o'er him shout—‘Our last and bitterest foe!’”
This said, 'mid darkness, warring with dismay,
Saul, and his army, backward urge their way.
“For nobler foe, Oh! Saul, prepare thy spear!”
(Breathless he cries) “Unsheath thy keenest blade!
“The fierce Philistines, inroad, far, have made!
“Like ocean, wrought to fury, on they haste!
“Our cities desolate, our vineyards waste!”
Saul, pallid, hears, and gnashes slow his teeth,
Then, furious, thus. “Be there another wreath
“To crown our brows! That day, that triumph o'er,
“The fierce Philistines crush'd to rise no more,
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“And o'er him shout—‘Our last and bitterest foe!’”
This said, 'mid darkness, warring with dismay,
Saul, and his army, backward urge their way.
The morning dawns, when Jonathan thus spake,
“Hear me, my Sire! nor quick to wrath awake.
“Why would'st thou, David, Israel's Champion, slay?
“Have we such men to spare, in such a day!
“Let him, in peace, before thy presence stand,
“And he, once more, from foes shall rid our land.”
The King exclaim'd. “Is David, in thy sight,
“Sole honour'd? May no second win the fight?
“Shall he be sought, to lead the wars of Saul,
“Who but ascends when thou and I shall fall!
“Tho' thou th'imploringhand, till noon, should'st raise,
“Sole arbiter of all my thoughts and ways!
“Be mine to guide the battle! Mine the praise!”
“Hear me, my Sire! nor quick to wrath awake.
“Why would'st thou, David, Israel's Champion, slay?
“Have we such men to spare, in such a day!
“Let him, in peace, before thy presence stand,
“And he, once more, from foes shall rid our land.”
The King exclaim'd. “Is David, in thy sight,
“Sole honour'd? May no second win the fight?
“Shall he be sought, to lead the wars of Saul,
“Who but ascends when thou and I shall fall!
“Tho' thou th'imploringhand, till noon, should'st raise,
“Sole arbiter of all my thoughts and ways!
“Be mine to guide the battle! Mine the praise!”
Saul hastens toward the foe. And now he spies,
From the near hill their countless pennons rise,
Whilst thro' his veins the icy feeling flies!
Ahithophel beheld his Master's eye,
Its wonted fire subdued. The evening sky
Linger'd, while all was calm, when, bending low,
Thus he essay'd to sooth the Monarch's woe.
“Be not dismay'd, my Lord. A thought is mine,
“Which thou shalt hear. If folly, to decline
“Demands no sacrifice. It is to seek
“Some witch of perish'd eye, and haggard cheek,
“And ask her of the battle! Who shall win,
“Who fall, and who survive!” A fearful grin,
Ghastly, as tho' from demon dreams awake,
Sat on Saul's face, when (whispering) thus he spake,
Distracted, “I to Endor's Wither'd Dame,
“(Soon as the west conceals her dying flame)
“Alone, will haste! I, in this hour of need,
“By wizard arts, the future page will read!”
From the near hill their countless pennons rise,
Whilst thro' his veins the icy feeling flies!
Ahithophel beheld his Master's eye,
Its wonted fire subdued. The evening sky
412
Thus he essay'd to sooth the Monarch's woe.
“Be not dismay'd, my Lord. A thought is mine,
“Which thou shalt hear. If folly, to decline
“Demands no sacrifice. It is to seek
“Some witch of perish'd eye, and haggard cheek,
“And ask her of the battle! Who shall win,
“Who fall, and who survive!” A fearful grin,
Ghastly, as tho' from demon dreams awake,
Sat on Saul's face, when (whispering) thus he spake,
Distracted, “I to Endor's Wither'd Dame,
“(Soon as the west conceals her dying flame)
“Alone, will haste! I, in this hour of need,
“By wizard arts, the future page will read!”
| Messiah | |