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. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. | BOOK XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
 | Messiah |  |
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BOOK XXVI.
Ahithophel's Soliloquy. Instigates Absalom to rebellion. David escapes into the Wilderness. Shimei curses David. Hushai resists the advice of Ahithophel, who hangs himself. Defeat and death of Absalom.
The year rolls round, whilst each succeeding day,
To David bears some new and sore dismay.
No sun declines but he perceives within,
'Mid deep remorse, the lengthen'd fruit of sin.
The friend, to foe, with rage remorseless, turns!
The son, debased, with fire unholy burns!
Th' affection nature taught too soon decays,
The Brother lifts his hand, the Brother slays!
To David bears some new and sore dismay.
No sun declines but he perceives within,
'Mid deep remorse, the lengthen'd fruit of sin.
The friend, to foe, with rage remorseless, turns!
The son, debased, with fire unholy burns!
Th' affection nature taught too soon decays,
The Brother lifts his hand, the Brother slays!
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What form is that, who, by the river's side,
Now thoughtful stands, now walks, with stately stride?
Now lifts his hand, and stamps upon the ground,
And pauses now, in deeper musings drown'd?—
Ahithophel! The proud presumptuous man,
After a statue stillness, thus began.
Now thoughtful stands, now walks, with stately stride?
Now lifts his hand, and stamps upon the ground,
And pauses now, in deeper musings drown'd?—
Ahithophel! The proud presumptuous man,
After a statue stillness, thus began.
“What is this world? and what is yonder sky?
“And (darker depth of myst'ry!) what am I?
“I hear of happiness, and seem to see
“The glimpse of joy in many, if it be,
“Cheated am I! The sun which men behold,
“The trees, the flowers around, in robe of gold,
“I love them not! Pleasure I never find
“In murmuring stream or gently-breathing wind,
“Or ocean! Other eye, and other ear,
“May see, or fancy, hear, or seem to hear,
“Sweet melodies, with beauty's winning dress,
“But all to me is harsh and nakedness!
“Time was, alas! when all the future shone!
“Time was, when I had hopes, but they are gone!
“Reflection, spare me! With thy torturing fang,
“Turn off! for wretchedness doth on me hang!
“Ambition me hath duped. My thoughts have pored
“On mightiest grandeur. I to Crowns have soared!
“Buoy'd up, by the inspiring vision clear,
“That gave me all to hope, and nought to fear!
“But I am now (my evening closing fast)
“Thrown shelterless, to th' loud and wintry blast!
“A Judge o'er human ways—can there such be?
“Then why was I, so steep'd in misery!
“Thoughts, with molesting vehemence, will rise,
“Prospects, to which I dare not close my eyes!
“Oh! I have lost the spring-tide of my year,
“The morning of my life, and night is near!
“But where are pleasant thoughts, and joys serene?
“Where are the rays to gild my parting scene?
“I have exchanged, for vanities and toys,
“Time's choicest gifts, and life's divinest joys!
“I have a cheerless home! No offspring there!
“No second self to sooth, or burden share!
“The hopes which some, in tranquil state, sustain,
“When their last foe prepares to break their chain;
“The sun-shine, which their peaceful spirits feel,
“When earth recedes, and shadows round them steal,
“Oh! tempest of despair, I know them not!
“Horror, and horrid prospects are my lot!
“To feel the pang of disappointment rude;
“To see each good I sought my grasp elude;
“To perish, without hope! nor leave behind
“One friend to weep, or whisper praises kind!
“The cup hath still its dregs. Tho' tottering, old,
“I will go forth, and rouse some spirit bold
“To deeds of death and vengeance, and arise
“To heights, that shall my name immortalize!
“Or—If I fail, plunge headlong in the deep,
“And brave the phantom of Eternal Sleep!”
“And (darker depth of myst'ry!) what am I?
“I hear of happiness, and seem to see
“The glimpse of joy in many, if it be,
“Cheated am I! The sun which men behold,
“The trees, the flowers around, in robe of gold,
“I love them not! Pleasure I never find
“In murmuring stream or gently-breathing wind,
“Or ocean! Other eye, and other ear,
“May see, or fancy, hear, or seem to hear,
“Sweet melodies, with beauty's winning dress,
“But all to me is harsh and nakedness!
“Time was, alas! when all the future shone!
“Time was, when I had hopes, but they are gone!
“Reflection, spare me! With thy torturing fang,
“Turn off! for wretchedness doth on me hang!
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“On mightiest grandeur. I to Crowns have soared!
“Buoy'd up, by the inspiring vision clear,
“That gave me all to hope, and nought to fear!
“But I am now (my evening closing fast)
“Thrown shelterless, to th' loud and wintry blast!
“A Judge o'er human ways—can there such be?
“Then why was I, so steep'd in misery!
“Thoughts, with molesting vehemence, will rise,
“Prospects, to which I dare not close my eyes!
“Oh! I have lost the spring-tide of my year,
“The morning of my life, and night is near!
“But where are pleasant thoughts, and joys serene?
“Where are the rays to gild my parting scene?
“I have exchanged, for vanities and toys,
“Time's choicest gifts, and life's divinest joys!
“I have a cheerless home! No offspring there!
“No second self to sooth, or burden share!
“The hopes which some, in tranquil state, sustain,
“When their last foe prepares to break their chain;
“The sun-shine, which their peaceful spirits feel,
“When earth recedes, and shadows round them steal,
“Oh! tempest of despair, I know them not!
“Horror, and horrid prospects are my lot!
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“To see each good I sought my grasp elude;
“To perish, without hope! nor leave behind
“One friend to weep, or whisper praises kind!
“The cup hath still its dregs. Tho' tottering, old,
“I will go forth, and rouse some spirit bold
“To deeds of death and vengeance, and arise
“To heights, that shall my name immortalize!
“Or—If I fail, plunge headlong in the deep,
“And brave the phantom of Eternal Sleep!”
Ahithophel, with malice in his eyes,
To Absalom, the Son of Fury, flies.
Thus he began. “Thy Father's locks are grey.
“To thee, we look, whom all would fain obey!
“With thrones at stake, who would his time engage
“Toying with straws, nor warfare valiant wage?
“Who hath a heart like thee? the first to lead
“Where frowning danger guards the hero's meed!
“Trust not to pillars to record thy name!
“Build for thyself the conqueror's deathless fame!
“Thou art our hope, born for the high career,
“Only below the stars—naught higher here!
“Upraise thy standard! Mount thy sun-like car!
“And fearless sound the thundering blast of war!”
To Absalom, the Son of Fury, flies.
Thus he began. “Thy Father's locks are grey.
“To thee, we look, whom all would fain obey!
“With thrones at stake, who would his time engage
“Toying with straws, nor warfare valiant wage?
“Who hath a heart like thee? the first to lead
“Where frowning danger guards the hero's meed!
“Trust not to pillars to record thy name!
“Build for thyself the conqueror's deathless fame!
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“Only below the stars—naught higher here!
“Upraise thy standard! Mount thy sun-like car!
“And fearless sound the thundering blast of war!”
Thus Absalom. “How can I freeze the tear?
“How 'gainst an aged Father lift the spear?”
“How 'gainst an aged Father lift the spear?”
“A Father!” Thus Ahithophel replied.
“A Father! Shall I smile, or shall I chide?
“And are not Fathers Men, and Men the same?
“Nature excites no individual flame,
“But burns for all alike. Those men are best,
“Who wisest are!—whose spirits bold are drest
“In no false shackles: guidance who disown,
“And on their own firm reason rest alone.
“This dotage blind to kin hath been the bane
“Of every age, but I have burst the chain.
“My Sire, like thine, deserved and met my hate;
“He cursed me, dying, whilst I smiled sedate!
“This was proud triumph over prejudice!
“Receive, with my example, my advice,
“And spurn the bondage, all the servile guides
“Which Nature for her apes and fools provides.
“Trust me, for thou art young and I am sage,
“Th' instruction take of Wisdom as of Age,
“My power of thought is deeper far than thine!
“On me the beams of truth unsullied shine!
“Some talk of future worlds, all fancies vain!
“Which sapient spirits hear but to disdain.
“This life is all of man! and wise is he
“Who most possesses where the right is free!”
“A Father! Shall I smile, or shall I chide?
“And are not Fathers Men, and Men the same?
“Nature excites no individual flame,
“But burns for all alike. Those men are best,
“Who wisest are!—whose spirits bold are drest
“In no false shackles: guidance who disown,
“And on their own firm reason rest alone.
“This dotage blind to kin hath been the bane
“Of every age, but I have burst the chain.
“My Sire, like thine, deserved and met my hate;
“He cursed me, dying, whilst I smiled sedate!
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“Receive, with my example, my advice,
“And spurn the bondage, all the servile guides
“Which Nature for her apes and fools provides.
“Trust me, for thou art young and I am sage,
“Th' instruction take of Wisdom as of Age,
“My power of thought is deeper far than thine!
“On me the beams of truth unsullied shine!
“Some talk of future worlds, all fancies vain!
“Which sapient spirits hear but to disdain.
“This life is all of man! and wise is he
“Who most possesses where the right is free!”
Young Absalom thus spake. “Fresh fears arise.
“What blood must flow before I gain the prize!”
“And what is blood?” Ahithophel replied:
“A fluid, red! a humour! a warm tide
“Diverted from its course!—in some new way,
“To Nature, sent its homage still to pay.
“Fear not a drought of blood! Should whirlwinds sweep
“Kingdoms, like atoms, to eternal sleep,
“New hosts, by an abiding law, will rise.
“We shall not want fresh subjects to despise!
“What! shall the rabble-rout of human-kind,
“Pity for them, a sottish mass, and blind!
“Frustrate the aims of intellect! of mind!
“The wise, like us, must rule, while slaves obey,
“And we will mountains scorn that bar our way!
“Pluck up thy soul, and ere an hour be past,
“Send thro' the land rebellion's stoutest blast!”
“What blood must flow before I gain the prize!”
“And what is blood?” Ahithophel replied:
“A fluid, red! a humour! a warm tide
“Diverted from its course!—in some new way,
“To Nature, sent its homage still to pay.
“Fear not a drought of blood! Should whirlwinds sweep
“Kingdoms, like atoms, to eternal sleep,
“New hosts, by an abiding law, will rise.
“We shall not want fresh subjects to despise!
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“Pity for them, a sottish mass, and blind!
“Frustrate the aims of intellect! of mind!
“The wise, like us, must rule, while slaves obey,
“And we will mountains scorn that bar our way!
“Pluck up thy soul, and ere an hour be past,
“Send thro' the land rebellion's stoutest blast!”
The blast is heard! Thousands the voice attend!
And round th' aspiring Prince devoted bend.
Wide spreading, from the farthest hill to hill,
The cries of “Absalom!” the concave fill!
And round th' aspiring Prince devoted bend.
Wide spreading, from the farthest hill to hill,
The cries of “Absalom!” the concave fill!
“What shout is that?” said David, as he rose,
Scared with the feverish dream of storms and woes.
One, hastening, cried. “Oh! King, I fear to name
“Thy once-loved Absalom's disgrace and shame!
“Rebellion's standard he hath dared to raise,
“And the wide host, to him, obedience pays!”
Scared with the feverish dream of storms and woes.
One, hastening, cried. “Oh! King, I fear to name
“Thy once-loved Absalom's disgrace and shame!
“Rebellion's standard he hath dared to raise,
“And the wide host, to him, obedience pays!”
Smiting his breast, David to earth look'd down,
And veil'd the face that wore a Father's frown.
Ittai advances eager and thus spake.
“Thy valiant sword, thy buckler instant take!
“Go forth, and in thy majesty and might,
“Act but thyself, and put thy foes to flight!”
“One friend!” the Monarch cried. “Oh! weep with me!
“I have a Son, long loved, and tenderly,
“He seeks my life!” Another cried aloud,
“Hear you that shout? Mark you, yon pennons proud?
“E'en Absalom draws near!” Whilst all retire;
Lo! Joab hastens, with the eye of fire.
“Monarch!” he said. “From Salem speed along!
“Thy evil Son is near! Thy foes are strong!
“Trust to this arm! Thou must retire, and gain
“Replenish'd strength, to break the rebel's chain.”
And veil'd the face that wore a Father's frown.
Ittai advances eager and thus spake.
“Thy valiant sword, thy buckler instant take!
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“Act but thyself, and put thy foes to flight!”
“One friend!” the Monarch cried. “Oh! weep with me!
“I have a Son, long loved, and tenderly,
“He seeks my life!” Another cried aloud,
“Hear you that shout? Mark you, yon pennons proud?
“E'en Absalom draws near!” Whilst all retire;
Lo! Joab hastens, with the eye of fire.
“Monarch!” he said. “From Salem speed along!
“Thy evil Son is near! Thy foes are strong!
“Trust to this arm! Thou must retire, and gain
“Replenish'd strength, to break the rebel's chain.”
From Salem's tower, with hurrying step, while night
Her dreary robe put on, David, his flight,
Unknowing where, began; (some few around
Whose hearts adversity but closer bound)
And on they pace in silence, whilst ascend
Prayers, heard alone by Him, the mourner's friend!
The thought of home deserted, and, the road,
Weary, that led to no secure abode,
Weigh'd down each heart. And now, before, is seen
Cedron! and all beyond a waste of green,
A wilderness, wide-stretching. At the view
Each spirit sunk. David, awhile, withdrew,
And, kneeling, to his Maker, thus began.
“Oh! hear thy servant! I, a sinful man!
“Look up to Thee in this my depth of woe!
“No other friend have I! Where'er I go,
“Be with me! Thou canst make the desert shine,
“And bless with better gifts than corn and wine!
Her dreary robe put on, David, his flight,
Unknowing where, began; (some few around
Whose hearts adversity but closer bound)
And on they pace in silence, whilst ascend
Prayers, heard alone by Him, the mourner's friend!
The thought of home deserted, and, the road,
Weary, that led to no secure abode,
Weigh'd down each heart. And now, before, is seen
Cedron! and all beyond a waste of green,
A wilderness, wide-stretching. At the view
Each spirit sunk. David, awhile, withdrew,
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“Oh! hear thy servant! I, a sinful man!
“Look up to Thee in this my depth of woe!
“No other friend have I! Where'er I go,
“Be with me! Thou canst make the desert shine,
“And bless with better gifts than corn and wine!
A Stranger near him stands, who, solemn cried.
“Trust thou in God! The wilderness is wide,
“Yet fair and fragrant are the scenes that lie
“Before thee—veil'd from thy material eye!
“Advance! and Cedron cross, in strength divine;
“This I shall pass, with deeper cares than thine!
“Fear not! Tho' great thy foes, around thy head,
“Angels, ordain'd, their unseen banners spread!
“Confide in Heaven, nor man, nor demon dread!”
David prepared to cry, “Oh! tell thy name!”
He look'd! He saw alone the volleying flame
Up-mounting! Lo! It vanish'd from his sight!
And all again was stillness! all was night!”
“Trust thou in God! The wilderness is wide,
“Yet fair and fragrant are the scenes that lie
“Before thee—veil'd from thy material eye!
“Advance! and Cedron cross, in strength divine;
“This I shall pass, with deeper cares than thine!
“Fear not! Tho' great thy foes, around thy head,
“Angels, ordain'd, their unseen banners spread!
“Confide in Heaven, nor man, nor demon dread!”
David prepared to cry, “Oh! tell thy name!”
He look'd! He saw alone the volleying flame
Up-mounting! Lo! It vanish'd from his sight!
And all again was stillness! all was night!”
Once more the King his faithful followers seeks,
(Who stand perplex'd and sad, whilst down their cheeks,
Tear follows tear.) He spake. “Shall we confide
“Alone, in Heaven, while flows th' unruffled tide,
“And when the clouds augment, the tempests blow,
“Shrink back to doubt, and dread our faintest foe?
“Cast off your fears! This brook, to cross, we haste,
“And urge our steps toward Esdraelon's wide waste.
“I will the first advance, for God can bless,
“And still support us, 'mid this wilderness.”
He said, and hastening on with fearless tread,
Pass'd, undismay'd, o'er Cedron's pebbly bed.
The band, beholding, glad at heart the while,
Follow their King, and look to Heaven and smile.
(Who stand perplex'd and sad, whilst down their cheeks,
Tear follows tear.) He spake. “Shall we confide
“Alone, in Heaven, while flows th' unruffled tide,
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“Shrink back to doubt, and dread our faintest foe?
“Cast off your fears! This brook, to cross, we haste,
“And urge our steps toward Esdraelon's wide waste.
“I will the first advance, for God can bless,
“And still support us, 'mid this wilderness.”
He said, and hastening on with fearless tread,
Pass'd, undismay'd, o'er Cedron's pebbly bed.
The band, beholding, glad at heart the while,
Follow their King, and look to Heaven and smile.
The Mount of Olives, now, they slow ascend,
When, one, advancing, cried. “Oh! King, thy friend,
“Ahithophel, to Absalom is fled!
“He leads the rebel host, with threatnings dread!”
David, in silence, slowly bow'd his head.
Thus he began. “To Thee, all power belongs!
“Oh! God, thou know'st thy servant's many wrongs!
“He whom I fed, and most desired to bless,
“Whose vows I heard and thought them faithfulness,
“With whom I took sweet counsel—he is fled,
“And longs to see me number'd with the dead!
“Oh! aggravated anguish! To repair
“Oft, to the House of God, the House of Prayer,
“Was our delight, and tho' a load of care
“Prest on my mind, I found it lighten'd there.
“Th' Almighty knows the heart, and He alone!
“Ahithophel, a Friend, I strove to own.
“Features and new, to memory, now are shewn.
“Was there not something ever in his eye,
“A character of fearful mystery,
“Chill, subtile, fathomless, that in my mind
“Call'd up repugnant feelings, undefin'd,
“Till charity subdued the harsh offence,
“And turn'd the serpent into innocence?
“Ah! now I see that he hath ever been,
“False at the core! a pool of stagnant green,
“Fair to behold, with death, beneath, unseen!
“Oh, God! confound his counsels. May they be
“Snares to my foes, and foolishness to thee!”
When, one, advancing, cried. “Oh! King, thy friend,
“Ahithophel, to Absalom is fled!
“He leads the rebel host, with threatnings dread!”
David, in silence, slowly bow'd his head.
Thus he began. “To Thee, all power belongs!
“Oh! God, thou know'st thy servant's many wrongs!
“He whom I fed, and most desired to bless,
“Whose vows I heard and thought them faithfulness,
“With whom I took sweet counsel—he is fled,
“And longs to see me number'd with the dead!
“Oh! aggravated anguish! To repair
“Oft, to the House of God, the House of Prayer,
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“Prest on my mind, I found it lighten'd there.
“Th' Almighty knows the heart, and He alone!
“Ahithophel, a Friend, I strove to own.
“Features and new, to memory, now are shewn.
“Was there not something ever in his eye,
“A character of fearful mystery,
“Chill, subtile, fathomless, that in my mind
“Call'd up repugnant feelings, undefin'd,
“Till charity subdued the harsh offence,
“And turn'd the serpent into innocence?
“Ah! now I see that he hath ever been,
“False at the core! a pool of stagnant green,
“Fair to behold, with death, beneath, unseen!
“Oh, God! confound his counsels. May they be
“Snares to my foes, and foolishness to thee!”
“Whom do I view?” cried David, “Hushai there?
“Be thou thy Monarch's friend, his burden bear!
“That thou art famed for wisdom, long I knew;
“Thou now canst serve me, if thy heart be true.
“Haste to my Son. To Absalom thus say,
“‘Let me thy wants supply, thy word obey.’
“Thou may'st withstand Ahithophel, and make
“His counsels vain, his lordly influence.shake.
“Search out my Son's designs. Still faithful be,
“And send me tidings, as thou lovest me!”
Hushai, obedient, from the King withdrew,
Whilst David and his host their way pursue.
“Be thou thy Monarch's friend, his burden bear!
“That thou art famed for wisdom, long I knew;
“Thou now canst serve me, if thy heart be true.
“Haste to my Son. To Absalom thus say,
“‘Let me thy wants supply, thy word obey.’
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“His counsels vain, his lordly influence.shake.
“Search out my Son's designs. Still faithful be,
“And send me tidings, as thou lovest me!”
Hushai, obedient, from the King withdrew,
Whilst David and his host their way pursue.
Morn opens fair, the wilds around are seen,
The sky is cloudless, all the air serene.
“Curse thee! Oh! Curse thee! Let thy head prepare,
“Oh! Man of Belial! Judgment full to bear!”
David look'd up. He Shimei saw! who cried,
Still louder, “Where is now thy vaunted pride?
“Oh! Man of blood! Of Heaven and Earth disdain'd!
“Saul, but for thee, o'er Israel, still, had reign'd;
“And now th' Almighty pours upon thy head
“Scorn from the living, curses from the dead!
“Lo! Absalom shall reign, whilst thou, his Sire,
“Oh! Man of Blood! shalt 'mid these wastes expire!”
The sky is cloudless, all the air serene.
“Curse thee! Oh! Curse thee! Let thy head prepare,
“Oh! Man of Belial! Judgment full to bear!”
David look'd up. He Shimei saw! who cried,
Still louder, “Where is now thy vaunted pride?
“Oh! Man of blood! Of Heaven and Earth disdain'd!
“Saul, but for thee, o'er Israel, still, had reign'd;
“And now th' Almighty pours upon thy head
“Scorn from the living, curses from the dead!
“Lo! Absalom shall reign, whilst thou, his Sire,
“Oh! Man of Blood! shalt 'mid these wastes expire!”
Abishai thus. “This dog, as base, as low,
“Let me advance, and crush him with one blow!”
“Not so, my Son!” said David. “I can bear
“The voice upbraiding. Evil days that were,
“Alas! that are, yet, fresh in memory's page,
“(That saw my crimes, in youth, still wept in age)
“Rush o'er my brain, and make me bow my head
“At all that Shimei, sent of God! hath said.”
“Let me advance, and crush him with one blow!”
“Not so, my Son!” said David. “I can bear
“The voice upbraiding. Evil days that were,
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“(That saw my crimes, in youth, still wept in age)
“Rush o'er my brain, and make me bow my head
“At all that Shimei, sent of God! hath said.”
“Shout!” Absalom exclaimed, (as from the tower
That Salem bound, he saw, like evening's hour,
Fast passing into shade, his Father's host
Fade on his sight, his trust, his only boast
A feeble band, who, to the desert flee,
To drink secure their cup of misery.)
“Give me your counsel, Men! I wait to hear
“All that we now may hope, or stoop to fear.”
Ahithophel, advancing, spake aloud.
“Rejoice, Oh, Prince! This is a triumph proud!
“All confidence is ours! Give me this day
“Twelve thousand men, that I may track the way
“David hath fled, and (in his sore distress,
“Wild, wandering, heartless, 'mid the wilderness)
“I will o'ertake, and with a lightning brand,
“Sweep thy old Sire from Israel's groaning land!”
That Salem bound, he saw, like evening's hour,
Fast passing into shade, his Father's host
Fade on his sight, his trust, his only boast
A feeble band, who, to the desert flee,
To drink secure their cup of misery.)
“Give me your counsel, Men! I wait to hear
“All that we now may hope, or stoop to fear.”
Ahithophel, advancing, spake aloud.
“Rejoice, Oh, Prince! This is a triumph proud!
“All confidence is ours! Give me this day
“Twelve thousand men, that I may track the way
“David hath fled, and (in his sore distress,
“Wild, wandering, heartless, 'mid the wilderness)
“I will o'ertake, and with a lightning brand,
“Sweep thy old Sire from Israel's groaning land!”
Cried Absalom. “For wisdom far renown'd,
“Thy words are weighty, as thy thoughts profound;
“Yet, in this case, where kingdoms are at stake,
“Pardon thy Prince, if still he counsel take.
“Let Hushai speak, the sage of cautious mind,
“In every maze, who wisdom's path can find.
“Oh, Man! thy thoughts declare.”
“Thy words are weighty, as thy thoughts profound;
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“Pardon thy Prince, if still he counsel take.
“Let Hushai speak, the sage of cautious mind,
“In every maze, who wisdom's path can find.
“Oh, Man! thy thoughts declare.”
Hushai drew near,
Thus he began. “There is an hour for fear,
“When footsteps cross, but now the path is clear.
“Ahithophel, the wise, is foolish here!
“Move not from Salem with the partial band,
“Hoping to fright the lion from his stand!
“Thy Sire, a man of war, nor weak, nor mute,
“As the robb'd bear, is chafed and resolute.
“When all thy strength is gather'd, and each friend,
“Lifting his spear, shall on thy voice attend;
“Go forth thyself. The tree of ages bow,
“Nor bind the garland round a subject's brow!”
Loud shouts arise, from all the warriors round,
Whilst Absalom, approving, stamps the ground!
Thus he began. “There is an hour for fear,
“When footsteps cross, but now the path is clear.
“Ahithophel, the wise, is foolish here!
“Move not from Salem with the partial band,
“Hoping to fright the lion from his stand!
“Thy Sire, a man of war, nor weak, nor mute,
“As the robb'd bear, is chafed and resolute.
“When all thy strength is gather'd, and each friend,
“Lifting his spear, shall on thy voice attend;
“Go forth thyself. The tree of ages bow,
“Nor bind the garland round a subject's brow!”
Loud shouts arise, from all the warriors round,
Whilst Absalom, approving, stamps the ground!
Ahithophel, with the disdainful tread,
Walks stately forth, declining not his head.
Beneath a branching tree, no witness nigh,
He breathes the curse, and rolls his ghastly eye.
Thus he exclaim'd. “Oh! base as infantine!
“Is this the best return for deeds like mine?
“Choose what thou wilt, Oh! stars, regard my vow!
“My will, my neck of brass, shall never bow.
“This arm hath rent the crown from David's brow,
“(Whom first I hated, from that evil day
“When, raised to power, he forced me to obey,
“And, unknown, stemm'd the torrent of my sway.
“But chiefly, in my heart, abhorrence rose,
“For that he served the God whom I oppose!)
“This mind hath hatch'd rebellion. I, alone,
“Free, to a Son, have given a Father's throne!
“Vile as the dust! can I exist, and know,
“That one o'er me is raised? my mortal foe!
“One, on whose sweep of thought, so weak, so vain,
“I look'd, and scorn'd the emmet and his grain!
“Shall Hushai, man, to folly only wise,
“Over my head, his Lord, to honours rise?
“By less than lightning, I, an oak, be cleft,
“His word be taken, and my counsel left?
“Oh! Earth, from childhood, whereour pleasures end!
“Thou'st been to me a murderer, not a friend!
“No speckled scenes were mine, some foul, some fair,
“But each hath blackness been, one flood of care!
“My life all wretchedness! my end—despair!
“Till this, safe seated on the mountain's brow,
“Must I descend, and tread the valley now!
“Now, in old age, endure disgrace and woe,
“Scorn'd by my friend, and taunted by my foe?
“Now, when my fortunes just appear'd complete!
“Now, when I saw the prize beneath my feet!
“Come sleep eternal! I will gaze on thee,
“And if I cannot rule, Oh! misery!
“Hated, and hating, I will cease to be!”
He said, and with coil'd rope, from branch, on high,
Down-plunged! and felt, too late, how dread to die!
Friendless, to pass into Eternity!
To rush, uncall'd, before his Maker's sight!
And dare the frown of vengeance infinite!
Walks stately forth, declining not his head.
Beneath a branching tree, no witness nigh,
He breathes the curse, and rolls his ghastly eye.
469
“Is this the best return for deeds like mine?
“Choose what thou wilt, Oh! stars, regard my vow!
“My will, my neck of brass, shall never bow.
“This arm hath rent the crown from David's brow,
“(Whom first I hated, from that evil day
“When, raised to power, he forced me to obey,
“And, unknown, stemm'd the torrent of my sway.
“But chiefly, in my heart, abhorrence rose,
“For that he served the God whom I oppose!)
“This mind hath hatch'd rebellion. I, alone,
“Free, to a Son, have given a Father's throne!
“Vile as the dust! can I exist, and know,
“That one o'er me is raised? my mortal foe!
“One, on whose sweep of thought, so weak, so vain,
“I look'd, and scorn'd the emmet and his grain!
“Shall Hushai, man, to folly only wise,
“Over my head, his Lord, to honours rise?
“By less than lightning, I, an oak, be cleft,
“His word be taken, and my counsel left?
“Oh! Earth, from childhood, whereour pleasures end!
“Thou'st been to me a murderer, not a friend!
“No speckled scenes were mine, some foul, some fair,
“But each hath blackness been, one flood of care!
“My life all wretchedness! my end—despair!
470
“Must I descend, and tread the valley now!
“Now, in old age, endure disgrace and woe,
“Scorn'd by my friend, and taunted by my foe?
“Now, when my fortunes just appear'd complete!
“Now, when I saw the prize beneath my feet!
“Come sleep eternal! I will gaze on thee,
“And if I cannot rule, Oh! misery!
“Hated, and hating, I will cease to be!”
He said, and with coil'd rope, from branch, on high,
Down-plunged! and felt, too late, how dread to die!
Friendless, to pass into Eternity!
To rush, uncall'd, before his Maker's sight!
And dare the frown of vengeance infinite!
The first rude panic o'er, a mighty band,
Around their King, all faithful followers, stand;
Fearless of heart, and panting to display
Zeal for their injured Sovereign, old and grey!
To cheer their spirits, Joab now draws near,
(A sun his helmet, and a beam his spear)
The tidings fly—“Joab doth now appear!”
David he seeks, the future path to learn,
And feels, with patriot hopes, his bosom burn.
“I lead the fight!” the King exclaim'd aloud,
“My locks are white, my head with age is bow'd,
“Yet, on my brow, the laurel still is green,
“And on my heart the warrior's name is seen!”
Around their King, all faithful followers, stand;
Fearless of heart, and panting to display
Zeal for their injured Sovereign, old and grey!
To cheer their spirits, Joab now draws near,
(A sun his helmet, and a beam his spear)
The tidings fly—“Joab doth now appear!”
David he seeks, the future path to learn,
And feels, with patriot hopes, his bosom burn.
471
“My locks are white, my head with age is bow'd,
“Yet, on my brow, the laurel still is green,
“And on my heart the warrior's name is seen!”
One shout thro' all the martial host is heard,
“Spare!” “Spare! our King.” Joab his speech preferr'd.
“Oh! Prince, our hearts are thine. Our swords for thee
“Will strive for life, less than for mastery!
“But thou art sacred! We the brunt will bear.
“Thou, for thy people's good, thy head must spare.
“Retire, Oh! King, and let our feats sublime
“Sound on some Minstrel's Harp in after time.”
“Go!” David spake.
“Spare!” “Spare! our King.” Joab his speech preferr'd.
“Oh! Prince, our hearts are thine. Our swords for thee
“Will strive for life, less than for mastery!
“But thou art sacred! We the brunt will bear.
“Thou, for thy people's good, thy head must spare.
“Retire, Oh! King, and let our feats sublime
“Sound on some Minstrel's Harp in after time.”
“Go!” David spake.
Now all, both true and brave;
Eager as death, and silent as the grave,
March to the fight. As Joab past along,
“Stop!” cried the King. “Mine is no common wrong!
“For, lo! a Son, a Parent's fond delight,
“Dear to his heart, and precious in his sight,
“Uplifts his hand, Oh! direful to relate,
“He seeks a Father's life, and burns with hate!
“Yet still a Son is he. Oh! may he live
“To hear from me, the accents, ‘I forgive!’
“May he survive to mourn this evil deed!
“To ask, of God, forgiveness, and succeed!
“Oh! spare the Youth! Repress thy high disdain!
“Some part of thine indignant spirit rein!
“A Father pleads, and shall he plead in vain?”
The warlike Chief, opprest with other care,
Hastes, with surrounding hosts, the war to dare.
Eager as death, and silent as the grave,
March to the fight. As Joab past along,
“Stop!” cried the King. “Mine is no common wrong!
“For, lo! a Son, a Parent's fond delight,
“Dear to his heart, and precious in his sight,
“Uplifts his hand, Oh! direful to relate,
“He seeks a Father's life, and burns with hate!
472
“To hear from me, the accents, ‘I forgive!’
“May he survive to mourn this evil deed!
“To ask, of God, forgiveness, and succeed!
“Oh! spare the Youth! Repress thy high disdain!
“Some part of thine indignant spirit rein!
“A Father pleads, and shall he plead in vain?”
The warlike Chief, opprest with other care,
Hastes, with surrounding hosts, the war to dare.
The fearful trump is heard, with maddening rage,
The hostile ranks, like wintry storms, engage;
Fierce, furious, deep'ning still the awful roar,
Where thousands groaning, perish, drench'd in gore.
From the lost day, that darkest clouds invest,
(Swift as the eagle at the hour of rest)
The rebel Son, whilst falchions round him flame,
Flies eager, whelm'd in flood-like rage and shame.
A forest near, he plunges in the shade,
And thro' each thicket bursts that barrier made.
An oak (whose father saw the mighty flood)
Spreading its monstrous arms, before him stood.
He guides his foaming horse beneath the tree,
His head, all bare, in wild uncertainty.
Ah! woeful hour, as thus he furious sped,
Sudden, the thick boughs caught the traitor's head!
His courser rushes on, and, in despair,
Leaves the rebellious Son, suspended there!
Joab up-hastening, mercy scorns to hear,
And, thro' his heart impetuous drives the spear!
The hostile ranks, like wintry storms, engage;
Fierce, furious, deep'ning still the awful roar,
Where thousands groaning, perish, drench'd in gore.
From the lost day, that darkest clouds invest,
(Swift as the eagle at the hour of rest)
The rebel Son, whilst falchions round him flame,
Flies eager, whelm'd in flood-like rage and shame.
A forest near, he plunges in the shade,
And thro' each thicket bursts that barrier made.
An oak (whose father saw the mighty flood)
Spreading its monstrous arms, before him stood.
He guides his foaming horse beneath the tree,
His head, all bare, in wild uncertainty.
473
Sudden, the thick boughs caught the traitor's head!
His courser rushes on, and, in despair,
Leaves the rebellious Son, suspended there!
Joab up-hastening, mercy scorns to hear,
And, thro' his heart impetuous drives the spear!
| Messiah | |