University of Virginia Library

Louder and louder still the wailings grew;

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And louder the deep roar of countless wings.
Down to the vaults beneath the palace floor,
Rushed priests, lords, rulers, sorcerers, serving men,
Princes, and serving women,—all degrees,
In that great dread forgotten. But, with them,
Rushed the Plague also—the whole space of air
Close filling, as the crowded water-drops
Of heaviest rain-shower.
At the summons, came
Moses and Aaron quickly. Them the king
Beholding, toward them hastened; with a hand
Sheltering his mouth, lifted his voice, and cried;
“Oh, I have sinned against the Lord your God!
And 'gainst you also! Therefore now forgive
This once my sin, I pray thee; and entreat
The Lord your God, that this death only he
May take away: then shall your Israel go.”