The Poetical Works of Henry Brooke ... In Four Volumes Octavo. Revised and corrected by the Original Manuscript With a Portrait of the Author, and His Life By Miss Brooke. The Third Edition |
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 | The Poetical Works of Henry Brooke |  |
179
BOOK II.
The King, in each anticipating thought,
Thus foil'd his foes, and future combats fought;
When lo! Ismeno, horrid Seer, drew nigh,
A vicious counsellor, and dread ally;
Ismeno, deep in all the powers of hell,
The mystic philter, and infernal spell!—
The monumental corse Ismeno warm'd,
And the pale dead with mimic life inform'd;
Compell'd the fiends to issue to his aid,
And hell's dread king in his own realms obey'd.
A Christian once, he late transferr'd his vows,
And now to Macon, fitter master, bows;
Nor well the form of either system knew,
False to the first, nor to the latter true:
Still were the terms of sacred phrase retain'd,
Mix'd in his songs, and in his rites profaned;
With lore divine the abhorrent charm he yokes,
And Highest Heaven with deepest hell invokes.
Dire from his cave, where, impiously retired,
His arts he practised and his skill acquired,
He issued, grateful to a Tyrant's will;
And thus advised the minister of ill.
Thus foil'd his foes, and future combats fought;
When lo! Ismeno, horrid Seer, drew nigh,
A vicious counsellor, and dread ally;
Ismeno, deep in all the powers of hell,
The mystic philter, and infernal spell!—
The monumental corse Ismeno warm'd,
And the pale dead with mimic life inform'd;
Compell'd the fiends to issue to his aid,
And hell's dread king in his own realms obey'd.
A Christian once, he late transferr'd his vows,
And now to Macon, fitter master, bows;
Nor well the form of either system knew,
False to the first, nor to the latter true:
180
Mix'd in his songs, and in his rites profaned;
With lore divine the abhorrent charm he yokes,
And Highest Heaven with deepest hell invokes.
Dire from his cave, where, impiously retired,
His arts he practised and his skill acquired,
He issued, grateful to a Tyrant's will;
And thus advised the minister of ill.
“You see, O King, the fury of our foes,
“Flush'd with the past, for future conquest glows;
“But fury is by answering force controll'd,
“And heaven is prompt in favour to the bold.
“Thrice happy Judah, doubly arm'd in thee!
“Expert to act, as cautious to foresee,
“Who singly boast the twofold power to save,
“Mature for counsel, as for combat brave.
“Ah would your subjects catch the kindred fire,
“And bravely emulate as you inspire,
“Then Godfrey, soon entomb'd, might here obtain
“Unenvied tenure, and a still domain.
“For me, whate'er sage science may devise,
“Whate'er of trust in deepest magic lies,
“I bring, prepared, through each adventurous state,
“To ward your danger, or to share your fate;
“Bow'd to the lore of hecromantic laws,
“The host exiled from heaven shall aid your cause:
“Then list to what my first instructions move;
“And what I counsel, let my king approve.
“Flush'd with the past, for future conquest glows;
“But fury is by answering force controll'd,
“And heaven is prompt in favour to the bold.
“Thrice happy Judah, doubly arm'd in thee!
“Expert to act, as cautious to foresee,
“Who singly boast the twofold power to save,
“Mature for counsel, as for combat brave.
“Ah would your subjects catch the kindred fire,
“And bravely emulate as you inspire,
“Then Godfrey, soon entomb'd, might here obtain
“Unenvied tenure, and a still domain.
“For me, whate'er sage science may devise,
“Whate'er of trust in deepest magic lies,
“I bring, prepared, through each adventurous state,
“To ward your danger, or to share your fate;
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“The host exiled from heaven shall aid your cause:
“Then list to what my first instructions move;
“And what I counsel, let my king approve.
“Remote, and deep withdrawn from vulgar eyes,
“A shrine beneath the Christian temple lies,
“With shew of pompous consecration placed,
“And the bright Image of their Goddess graced:
“A mortal deity this Virgin bore,
“And her those sects idolatrous adore;
“His vows to her the travell'd pilgrim pays,
“The lights perpetual round her idol blaze;
“While veil'd, and passive, she attends the throng,
“Their various offering, and their saintly song.
“But thence, by your imperial hand convey'd,
“Transport the form of this Maternal Maid,
“And laid within our Prophet's sacred fane,
“Let ritual song and circling charms retain:
“For such the force of our mysterious art,
“And such the powers my wondrous spells impart,
“That while this new Palladium we possess,
“Your arms shall ever meet the wish'd success,
“These walls impregnable ensure your reign,
“And hostile fury storm around in vain.”
“A shrine beneath the Christian temple lies,
“With shew of pompous consecration placed,
“And the bright Image of their Goddess graced:
“A mortal deity this Virgin bore,
“And her those sects idolatrous adore;
“His vows to her the travell'd pilgrim pays,
“The lights perpetual round her idol blaze;
“While veil'd, and passive, she attends the throng,
“Their various offering, and their saintly song.
“But thence, by your imperial hand convey'd,
“Transport the form of this Maternal Maid,
“And laid within our Prophet's sacred fane,
“Let ritual song and circling charms retain:
“For such the force of our mysterious art,
“And such the powers my wondrous spells impart,
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“Your arms shall ever meet the wish'd success,
“These walls impregnable ensure your reign,
“And hostile fury storm around in vain.”
He spoke; and prompt to ill the Tyrant rose:
Impatience through his kindling aspect glows;
Unhallow'd, to the latent shrine he flies,
And grasps, with arms impure, the Virgin Prize:
In vain the zealous ministry withstands,
Opprobrious, he insults their reverend bands;
Then bears his sacrilege to Macon's fane,
Where Heaven was ever deaf, and prayer prophane:
The Sorcerer with dread action stalks around,
And shocks with blasphemy the trembling ground.
Impatience through his kindling aspect glows;
Unhallow'd, to the latent shrine he flies,
And grasps, with arms impure, the Virgin Prize:
In vain the zealous ministry withstands,
Opprobrious, he insults their reverend bands;
Then bears his sacrilege to Macon's fane,
Where Heaven was ever deaf, and prayer prophane:
The Sorcerer with dread action stalks around,
And shocks with blasphemy the trembling ground.
And now succeeding morn, array'd in white,
Had silver'd Solyma with new-born light;
His charge in vain the anxious keeper sought,
As quickly vanish'd as prophanely brought:
All pale, the tidings to his prince he bears,
Who scarce the messenger in madness spares,
But o'er the Christians all his rage renews,
For malice ne'er wants colour to accuse.
Yet, whether mortal arm may boast the deed,
Or Heaven's high hand the captive Image freed,
Remote the Goddess from pollution bore,
And left the Tyrant blindly to explore—
The times declare not; but in silence chuse
To leave the deep decision to the muse,
Who would all praise in piety assign
As due to power superior and divine.
Had silver'd Solyma with new-born light;
His charge in vain the anxious keeper sought,
As quickly vanish'd as prophanely brought:
All pale, the tidings to his prince he bears,
Who scarce the messenger in madness spares,
But o'er the Christians all his rage renews,
For malice ne'er wants colour to accuse.
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Or Heaven's high hand the captive Image freed,
Remote the Goddess from pollution bore,
And left the Tyrant blindly to explore—
The times declare not; but in silence chuse
To leave the deep decision to the muse,
Who would all praise in piety assign
As due to power superior and divine.
Strict was the search the chasing monarch made,
And wide his ministers of wrath invade;
His threats, and vows, or menace, or invite,
Whom rack could terrify, or gold requite:
The wizard too his impious art applies,
And to his aid emerging demons rise:
Nor art, nor yet demoniac aid avails,
Nor deepest hell imparts what Heaven conceals.
But when, no more with baffled charms amused,
The King in wrath conceived his power abused,
His limbs all trembled, and his eyes shot flame,
And vengeful fury shook his labouring frame:
Rouz'd in the wrath of unforgiving age,
Against the faithful burn'd his endless rage;
“Perish!” he cried, “Destruction seize on all!
“So, with the race, the curs'd offender fall.
“Yes, e're the guilty 'scape the wrath decreed,
“Perish the just, and let the guiltless bleed!
“What said I, guiltless?—O ill-suited name!
“Alike all Christians all our vengeance claim;
“Foes to our Prophet, traitors to our state,
“They justly suffer by the laws they hate.
“Up, up, my subjects, with the sword and fire;
“Quick be their doom, and let their name expire!”
And wide his ministers of wrath invade;
His threats, and vows, or menace, or invite,
Whom rack could terrify, or gold requite:
The wizard too his impious art applies,
And to his aid emerging demons rise:
Nor art, nor yet demoniac aid avails,
Nor deepest hell imparts what Heaven conceals.
But when, no more with baffled charms amused,
The King in wrath conceived his power abused,
His limbs all trembled, and his eyes shot flame,
And vengeful fury shook his labouring frame:
Rouz'd in the wrath of unforgiving age,
Against the faithful burn'd his endless rage;
“Perish!” he cried, “Destruction seize on all!
“So, with the race, the curs'd offender fall.
184
“Perish the just, and let the guiltless bleed!
“What said I, guiltless?—O ill-suited name!
“Alike all Christians all our vengeance claim;
“Foes to our Prophet, traitors to our state,
“They justly suffer by the laws they hate.
“Up, up, my subjects, with the sword and fire;
“Quick be their doom, and let their name expire!”
So spoke the Tyrant; Fame received the sound,
And cloath'd in terror, pours the news around:
The blood from every Christian cheek she drains,
Strikes to their hearts, and shudders in their veins:
No force of prayer, no bold defence they try,
Fear froze their limbs, nor left the power to fly;
While o'er their souls impending horrors wait,
And half anticipate the stroke of fate:
But succour, least foreseen, deceived the grave;
For Heaven is prompt, as potent still to save.
And cloath'd in terror, pours the news around:
The blood from every Christian cheek she drains,
Strikes to their hearts, and shudders in their veins:
No force of prayer, no bold defence they try,
Fear froze their limbs, nor left the power to fly;
While o'er their souls impending horrors wait,
And half anticipate the stroke of fate:
But succour, least foreseen, deceived the grave;
For Heaven is prompt, as potent still to save.
Then dwelt in Solyma a blooming Maid,
With inward Truth, as outward charms array'd
Heroic sentiment her bosom warm'd,
And her bright limbs the Infant Graces form'd;
Yet with unconscious, or regardless eyes,
She saw no charm, or seen, refused to prize;
Within herself her treasured sweetness closed,
And private in domestic peace reposed.
But merit vainly from esteem retires;
The world pursues, discloses, and admires:
In vain from Love the bashful Charmer flies,
A bashful Youth perceives, pursues, and dies;
To him, intruding Love the maid reveal'd,
And kill'd with graces from herself conceal'd.
Love through the shade of deepest covert spies,
A blindfold Argus with a thousand eyes;
A various influence his powers impart,
And warm the chaste, and cool the wanton heart.
With inward Truth, as outward charms array'd
Heroic sentiment her bosom warm'd,
And her bright limbs the Infant Graces form'd;
185
She saw no charm, or seen, refused to prize;
Within herself her treasured sweetness closed,
And private in domestic peace reposed.
But merit vainly from esteem retires;
The world pursues, discloses, and admires:
In vain from Love the bashful Charmer flies,
A bashful Youth perceives, pursues, and dies;
To him, intruding Love the maid reveal'd,
And kill'd with graces from herself conceal'd.
Love through the shade of deepest covert spies,
A blindfold Argus with a thousand eyes;
A various influence his powers impart,
And warm the chaste, and cool the wanton heart.
Sophronia she, whose charms his love inspired;
Olindo he, whose love those charms admired;
In every grace, to every virtue train'd,
One faith instructed, and one town contain'd.
Yet he, nor hopes, nor ventures to complain,
Hush'd as the eternal calm beneath the main;
With awful glance at distance eyes the Fair,
Breathes but to sigh, and loves but to despair;
A prey to silent anguish, mourns alone,
Unseen, unmark'd, unpitied, and unknown.
Olindo he, whose love those charms admired;
In every grace, to every virtue train'd,
One faith instructed, and one town contain'd.
Yet he, nor hopes, nor ventures to complain,
Hush'd as the eternal calm beneath the main;
With awful glance at distance eyes the Fair,
Breathes but to sigh, and loves but to despair;
A prey to silent anguish, mourns alone,
Unseen, unmark'd, unpitied, and unknown.
186
The dire decree arrests Sophronia's ear,
Nor taught the Christian for herself to fear;
To nobler views her ample soul makes room,
With her own death to ward the publick doom;
The generous Maid would greatly bleed for all,
And one a sacrifice for thousands fall.
Strong zeal inspired, and native courage taught,
But female decency reproves the thought;
Nor so prevail'd, for resolutely shamed,
The bolder blush through bashfulness enflamed.
On through the gazing croud she past alone,
And like a star new risen the Virgin shone;
A veil thrown o'er her charms with thin disguise,
But half eclips'd the danger of her eyes;
Adorn'd, with easy negligence she moves,
And every eye engages, and reproves;
For mildness brightening through majestic grace,
Spoke in her mein, and lighten'd in her face.
Nor taught the Christian for herself to fear;
To nobler views her ample soul makes room,
With her own death to ward the publick doom;
The generous Maid would greatly bleed for all,
And one a sacrifice for thousands fall.
Strong zeal inspired, and native courage taught,
But female decency reproves the thought;
Nor so prevail'd, for resolutely shamed,
The bolder blush through bashfulness enflamed.
On through the gazing croud she past alone,
And like a star new risen the Virgin shone;
A veil thrown o'er her charms with thin disguise,
But half eclips'd the danger of her eyes;
Adorn'd, with easy negligence she moves,
And every eye engages, and reproves;
For mildness brightening through majestic grace,
Spoke in her mein, and lighten'd in her face.
Thus gazed by all, on past the lovely dame,
And fearless to the royal presence came;
Dire was the form the Tyrant's visage wore,
Which she in innocence, regardless, bore.
“O turn,” she cried, “the terrors of thy ire,
“Nor thou, O King, against thyself conspire;
“Taint not the guardian glories of thy reign,
“With bleeding innocents, and subjects slain:
“'Tis mine to give the traitor to thy view,
“To point thy wrath, and point the vengeance due.”
And fearless to the royal presence came;
Dire was the form the Tyrant's visage wore,
Which she in innocence, regardless, bore.
“O turn,” she cried, “the terrors of thy ire,
“Nor thou, O King, against thyself conspire;
187
“With bleeding innocents, and subjects slain:
“'Tis mine to give the traitor to thy view,
“To point thy wrath, and point the vengeance due.”
That decent confidence, and awful grace,
Mix'd with the glories of that loveliest face,
Surprized the Monarch; half abash'd he stands,
And feels, that beauty, more than kings, commands:
Low sunk before the Fair all forms of pride,
And bend for mercy to the suppliant side,
For mutual grace unbind the sovereign brow,
Wishful to find, and willing to allow;
But the fond hope no answering smiles impart,
And wayward beauty damps the kindling heart.
Not love, but sullen pleasure seiz'd his sense,
A short amazement, and a still suspense:
“At your request,” the Monarch mild replies,
“Fate is no more, and scarce the guilty dies.”
Then she—“Behold the criminal attends!
“This hand perform'd, what still my heart commends;
“From strange pollution bore our Sacred Dame,
“And I alone your dreaded vengeance claim.”
Mix'd with the glories of that loveliest face,
Surprized the Monarch; half abash'd he stands,
And feels, that beauty, more than kings, commands:
Low sunk before the Fair all forms of pride,
And bend for mercy to the suppliant side,
For mutual grace unbind the sovereign brow,
Wishful to find, and willing to allow;
But the fond hope no answering smiles impart,
And wayward beauty damps the kindling heart.
Not love, but sullen pleasure seiz'd his sense,
A short amazement, and a still suspense:
“At your request,” the Monarch mild replies,
“Fate is no more, and scarce the guilty dies.”
Then she—“Behold the criminal attends!
“This hand perform'd, what still my heart commends;
“From strange pollution bore our Sacred Dame,
“And I alone your dreaded vengeance claim.”
188
Thus, arm'd for pain, unterrified by death,
Thus the sweet Innocence resigns her breath;
Her life a ransom for her country yields,
And a whole state with wide protection shields.
Thus the sweet Innocence resigns her breath;
Her life a ransom for her country yields,
And a whole state with wide protection shields.
Surprized he paused, yet seeming to require
A form less fair, and apter to his ire:
“Say, who conspired, who prompted to the deed?
“Nor give a breast so soft as thine to bleed.”
“All rivals,” she return'd, “my works disclaim,
“Nor brook a partner in the deeds of fame:
“My courage prompted what my thoughts conspired;
“Alone I counsell'd, and alone acquired.”
“On thee alone,” the Tyrant then replied,
“Be the full weight of my resentment tried!”
“'Tis just, 'tis just,” she cried, “nor I repine;
“Mine be the penalty, the glory mine!”
A form less fair, and apter to his ire:
“Say, who conspired, who prompted to the deed?
“Nor give a breast so soft as thine to bleed.”
“All rivals,” she return'd, “my works disclaim,
“Nor brook a partner in the deeds of fame:
“My courage prompted what my thoughts conspired;
“Alone I counsell'd, and alone acquired.”
“On thee alone,” the Tyrant then replied,
“Be the full weight of my resentment tried!”
“'Tis just, 'tis just,” she cried, “nor I repine;
“Mine be the penalty, the glory mine!”
New choler now his gathering visage swells,
And all the tyrant in his heart rebels:
“How, where, hast thou presumed thy theft to hide?
“Say, quick, nor further urge thy fate!” he cried.
“Not rescued,” bold she said, “to be betray'd,
“Is the blest shape of that Celestial Maid.
“Vain you require what, now consumed with flame,
“Nor infidels can touch, nor kings reclaim.
“What would you more? your former captive freed,
“You hold the criminal who boasts the deed.
“But why the criminal to me transferr'd?
“Must subjects bleed, when kings alone have err'd?
“What you unjustly seiz'd, I justly gain'd;
“And guiltless, purified what you profaned.”
And all the tyrant in his heart rebels:
“How, where, hast thou presumed thy theft to hide?
“Say, quick, nor further urge thy fate!” he cried.
189
“Is the blest shape of that Celestial Maid.
“Vain you require what, now consumed with flame,
“Nor infidels can touch, nor kings reclaim.
“What would you more? your former captive freed,
“You hold the criminal who boasts the deed.
“But why the criminal to me transferr'd?
“Must subjects bleed, when kings alone have err'd?
“What you unjustly seiz'd, I justly gain'd;
“And guiltless, purified what you profaned.”
She spoke; and, from within, the labouring storm
Rose in his voice, and spread o'er all his form:
The dire distemper of the Tyrant's soul,
No mercy mitigates, no bounds controul;
In vain officious Love his Favourite arms,
And lends an unavailing shield of charms.
Rose in his voice, and spread o'er all his form:
The dire distemper of the Tyrant's soul,
No mercy mitigates, no bounds controul;
In vain officious Love his Favourite arms,
And lends an unavailing shield of charms.
By doom severe, he judg'd the fearless dame
With beauty's gifts to feed devouring flame:
Officious villains on his wrath attend;
Her veil and floating robe they rudely rend;
Strict round her arms the livid cordage wind,
And to the stake the lamb-like victim bind;
While meek, and silent, she attends her fate,
In pain unalter'd, and in death sedate,
Save that the rose its wonted mansion fled,
And like the lilly droop'd her beauteous head.
With beauty's gifts to feed devouring flame:
Officious villains on his wrath attend;
Her veil and floating robe they rudely rend;
190
And to the stake the lamb-like victim bind;
While meek, and silent, she attends her fate,
In pain unalter'd, and in death sedate,
Save that the rose its wonted mansion fled,
And like the lilly droop'd her beauteous head.
The busy rumour spread with murmuring sound;
The vulgar ran, and clustering pour'd around.
Olindo too in trembling haste drew near,
With love prophetic, and all pale with fear.
But when, by soul distracting woe opprest,
The dreaded truth his hapless eyes confest,
His love condemn'd, in cruel fetters bound,
And the dire ministers of death around;
The Youth all frantic through the tumult broke,
And thus the King in rage and haste bespoke:
“Not so, not so, my lord, this vaunting dame
“Shall arrogate, what only I can claim:
“She did not, would not, could not singly dare
“A work so weighty, and a deed so rare;
“The guard with unexperienc'd craft deceive,
“And from her seat the massy substance heave:
“This arm atchieved what she assumes in vain.”
(Ah thus he loved, though hopeless to obtain!)
He added,—“Favour'd by the friendly night,
“Where your proud fane admits the eastern light,
“I scaled the steep, and gain'd the dangerous pass,
“And through the postern bore the sacred mass:
“Nor shall she thus usurp a foreign spoil,
“With hazard enterprized, and earn'd with toil;
“Mine are these welcome tortures, chains, and flame,
“The trophied monument, and deathless name.”
The vulgar ran, and clustering pour'd around.
Olindo too in trembling haste drew near,
With love prophetic, and all pale with fear.
But when, by soul distracting woe opprest,
The dreaded truth his hapless eyes confest,
His love condemn'd, in cruel fetters bound,
And the dire ministers of death around;
The Youth all frantic through the tumult broke,
And thus the King in rage and haste bespoke:
“Not so, not so, my lord, this vaunting dame
“Shall arrogate, what only I can claim:
“She did not, would not, could not singly dare
“A work so weighty, and a deed so rare;
“The guard with unexperienc'd craft deceive,
“And from her seat the massy substance heave:
“This arm atchieved what she assumes in vain.”
(Ah thus he loved, though hopeless to obtain!)
191
“Where your proud fane admits the eastern light,
“I scaled the steep, and gain'd the dangerous pass,
“And through the postern bore the sacred mass:
“Nor shall she thus usurp a foreign spoil,
“With hazard enterprized, and earn'd with toil;
“Mine are these welcome tortures, chains, and flame,
“The trophied monument, and deathless name.”
Her eyes from earth the grateful Charmer rais'd,
And gently chiding, on her Lover gazed:
“Say whence the frenzy that infects thy mind,
“And why, ah why, to me severely kind?
“Sufficient to my fate, howe'er I seem,
“Thy life would but more cruelly redeem:
“I want not such society in pain;
“Whate'er he dares inflict, I dare sustain.”
And gently chiding, on her Lover gazed:
“Say whence the frenzy that infects thy mind,
“And why, ah why, to me severely kind?
“Sufficient to my fate, howe'er I seem,
“Thy life would but more cruelly redeem:
“I want not such society in pain;
“Whate'er he dares inflict, I dare sustain.”
The Maid, in vain, the enamour'd Youth addrest,
Nor shook the steady purpose of his breast:
His fate, in vain, the stedfast Youth demands;
The Maid, as stedfast, and as kind, withstands.
O wondrous pair!—Unpleasing, pleasing sight!
Where love, and virtue, amicably fight;
Where death alone is to the victor dear,
And safety's all the vanquish'd wretch can fear.
Nor shook the steady purpose of his breast:
His fate, in vain, the stedfast Youth demands;
The Maid, as stedfast, and as kind, withstands.
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Where love, and virtue, amicably fight;
Where death alone is to the victor dear,
And safety's all the vanquish'd wretch can fear.
But now his wrath the King no longer rein'd,
Who vengeful judged his regal power disdain'd:
“Cease, cease!” with cruel irony he cries;
“You both have won, and shall obtain the prize.”
Quick, at his beck, the guards, who waited round,
With chains, the brave, the blooming stripling bound;
Then back to back the Lovely Pair they tied,
And whom they join in death, in death divide.
Who vengeful judged his regal power disdain'd:
“Cease, cease!” with cruel irony he cries;
“You both have won, and shall obtain the prize.”
Quick, at his beck, the guards, who waited round,
With chains, the brave, the blooming stripling bound;
Then back to back the Lovely Pair they tied,
And whom they join in death, in death divide.
And now, applied to the surrounding pyre,
Contagious breath provokes the lingering fire.
A mournful pause the plaintive lover broke,
And to his loved, his patient partner, spoke:
“Are then my vows, my tedious sufferings crown'd,
“With thee in such eternal spousals bound?
“Far other ties my flattering fancy framed,
“Far other fire my faithful breast inflamed!
“Nor these the ties that bind connubial hearts;
“Nor these the fires the bridal lamp imparts!
Contagious breath provokes the lingering fire.
A mournful pause the plaintive lover broke,
And to his loved, his patient partner, spoke:
“Are then my vows, my tedious sufferings crown'd,
“With thee in such eternal spousals bound?
“Far other ties my flattering fancy framed,
“Far other fire my faithful breast inflamed!
“Nor these the ties that bind connubial hearts;
“Nor these the fires the bridal lamp imparts!
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“Sad is the scene our nuptial pomp displays,
“And long I earn'd what fate severely pays,
“While life still sunder'd whom the grave unites,
“And death my fond unfailing faith requites.
“But yet, with thee, even agony finds ease;
“Death knows to charm, and pain can learn to please:
“Thy fate alone can teach me to repine,
“And all the pangs you feel are doubly mine.
“Ah! could I but obtain, that, breast to breast,
“Of thee in this my latest hour possest,
“I might but catch thee with my closing eye,
“And my last breath within thy bosom sigh—
“That were a bliss, beyond what life could give;
“It were indeed too much to feel, and live!”
“And long I earn'd what fate severely pays,
“While life still sunder'd whom the grave unites,
“And death my fond unfailing faith requites.
“But yet, with thee, even agony finds ease;
“Death knows to charm, and pain can learn to please:
“Thy fate alone can teach me to repine,
“And all the pangs you feel are doubly mine.
“Ah! could I but obtain, that, breast to breast,
“Of thee in this my latest hour possest,
“I might but catch thee with my closing eye,
“And my last breath within thy bosom sigh—
“That were a bliss, beyond what life could give;
“It were indeed too much to feel, and live!”
Thus he, with various agitation moved;
And thus the Maid with gentle speech reproved.
And thus the Maid with gentle speech reproved.
“Not these the griefs, the cares, you should attend;
“Far other griefs, far other cares, impend—
“The dreadful summons of offended Power,
“The doubtful sentence, and the mortal hour!
“The lapse of frailty, and the kindling flame,
“Alike thy penitence and transport claim;
“The martyr, with peculiar splendours bright,
“Selected sits above the sons of light!
“View yon fair azure with desiring eye,
“Nor fear to tread the glories of the sky:
“But O—beyond, beyond,—what scenes invite!
“O'er Heaven, another Heaven, still opening to our sight!”
“Far other griefs, far other cares, impend—
“The dreadful summons of offended Power,
“The doubtful sentence, and the mortal hour!
“The lapse of frailty, and the kindling flame,
“Alike thy penitence and transport claim;
194
“Selected sits above the sons of light!
“View yon fair azure with desiring eye,
“Nor fear to tread the glories of the sky:
“But O—beyond, beyond,—what scenes invite!
“O'er Heaven, another Heaven, still opening to our sight!”
Soft sorrows seiz'd the pale deploring crowd:
The Pagans wept their pitying griefs aloud;
But not the Christians the still tempest show,
They drink their tears, and choak the swelling woe.
The King, who felt unwonted pity rise,
Melt in his soul, and moisten in his eyes,
Retired, the soft emotion to controul,
And fix the flinty temper of his soul.
But you, bright Maid, transcendent greatness proved,
By weeping floods and circling flames unmoved;
Inspired an anguish you refused to own,
In grief superior, and in crowds alone!
The Pagans wept their pitying griefs aloud;
But not the Christians the still tempest show,
They drink their tears, and choak the swelling woe.
The King, who felt unwonted pity rise,
Melt in his soul, and moisten in his eyes,
Retired, the soft emotion to controul,
And fix the flinty temper of his soul.
But you, bright Maid, transcendent greatness proved,
By weeping floods and circling flames unmoved;
Inspired an anguish you refused to own,
In grief superior, and in crowds alone!
Thus hope was far from every weeping eye,
And death amid involving fires drew nigh;
When, mounted like some favourite son of fame,
A Stranger to the mourning concourse came:
In foreign semblance, and unwonted mode,
Proud thro' the parting throng the hero rode;
Clorinda's corselet graced the warrior's breast,
And the famed tygress raven'd on her crest;
The admiring crouds her awful signal own,
To routed hosts and trembling nations known.
And death amid involving fires drew nigh;
When, mounted like some favourite son of fame,
A Stranger to the mourning concourse came:
195
Proud thro' the parting throng the hero rode;
Clorinda's corselet graced the warrior's breast,
And the famed tygress raven'd on her crest;
The admiring crouds her awful signal own,
To routed hosts and trembling nations known.
With nobler gifts of native worth adorn'd,
The heroic Maid her sex's softness scorn'd;
Scorn'd each important toil of female hearts,
The tricking ornament, and needled arts,
The silken indolence, the soft fatigue,
The chamber'd spleen, and closeted intrigue:
Nor envious breath her virgin honour stain'd,
Through wander'd climes and foughten fields retain'd;
While o'er the beauties of her loveliest face,
Delight sat fierce, and smiled with dreaded grace.
The heroic Maid her sex's softness scorn'd;
Scorn'd each important toil of female hearts,
The tricking ornament, and needled arts,
The silken indolence, the soft fatigue,
The chamber'd spleen, and closeted intrigue:
Nor envious breath her virgin honour stain'd,
Through wander'd climes and foughten fields retain'd;
While o'er the beauties of her loveliest face,
Delight sat fierce, and smiled with dreaded grace.
With early thirst of each adventurous deed,
She steer'd the manage of the bounding steed;
With infant arm would launch the whistling spear,
Whirl the rough disk, and wield the sword in air;
And foil'd each rival with contending grace,
Strain'd in the grasp, or distanced in the race.
Now from the hills the shaggy spoils she tore,
The brinded lion, and the tusky boar;
And last whole hosts beneath her prowess yield,
She riots like a tygress o'er the field.
From Persia late the fair destroyer came,
And bore deep hatred to the Christian name;
Oft had she bathed the mountains with their blood,
And with their bodies choak'd the purpling flood:
At Salem just arrived, her wandering view,
Aspiring flames and murmuring tumults drew.
When curious to enquire she turn'd with speed,
And o'er the pavement urg'd her flying steed.
She steer'd the manage of the bounding steed;
With infant arm would launch the whistling spear,
Whirl the rough disk, and wield the sword in air;
And foil'd each rival with contending grace,
Strain'd in the grasp, or distanced in the race.
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The brinded lion, and the tusky boar;
And last whole hosts beneath her prowess yield,
She riots like a tygress o'er the field.
From Persia late the fair destroyer came,
And bore deep hatred to the Christian name;
Oft had she bathed the mountains with their blood,
And with their bodies choak'd the purpling flood:
At Salem just arrived, her wandering view,
Aspiring flames and murmuring tumults drew.
When curious to enquire she turn'd with speed,
And o'er the pavement urg'd her flying steed.
The crowd gave way; the Amazonian Fair
With strict regard beheld the captive pair—
The Virgin silent, while the Youth repined;
The stronger plaintive, and the weak resigned;
But plaintive he, as in her sufferings pain'd,
No pangs but for the dearer Maid sustain'd;
She silent, as her speech were in her eyes,
To hold superior converse with the skies,
As though her soul had took a previous flight,
The mortal sufferings passed, and Heaven in sight.
With strict regard beheld the captive pair—
The Virgin silent, while the Youth repined;
The stronger plaintive, and the weak resigned;
But plaintive he, as in her sufferings pain'd,
No pangs but for the dearer Maid sustain'd;
She silent, as her speech were in her eyes,
To hold superior converse with the skies,
As though her soul had took a previous flight,
The mortal sufferings passed, and Heaven in sight.
Clorinda's breast divine compassion fill'd,
Her silver lids the pitying drops distill'd;
But chief she mourn'd, and chief admired the Maid,
Placid in pain, nor even in death dismay'd;
Then fervent thus a neighbouring Sage addrest:
“Ah! whence this lovely pair, and why distrest?
“Such death, where such apparent virtues shine,
“What crime can merit, or what heart design?”
Her silver lids the pitying drops distill'd;
197
Placid in pain, nor even in death dismay'd;
Then fervent thus a neighbouring Sage addrest:
“Ah! whence this lovely pair, and why distrest?
“Such death, where such apparent virtues shine,
“What crime can merit, or what heart design?”
She spoke; the man of courtesy explain'd
Whate'er of note the mournful tale contain'd:
Her soul, with kindred dignity inspired,
Their guilt acquitted, and their worth admired;
And soon her enterprising thoughts presume
By suit, or battle, to reverse their doom:
Quick from the stake the approaching sire she drew,
And thus spoke terror to the listening crew:
“Let none, with cruel or adventurous hand,
“Officious dare to act what I withstand,
“Till from the court returning orders bring
“Freedom, or fate, determin'd by your King:
“Nor fear in this to rouse the monarch's rage;
“My will's your warrant, and my word your gage.”
So saying, to their souls she look'd dismay,
As only born for others to obey;
Then swift to court the lovely suitor ran,
But obvious met the King, and brief began.
Whate'er of note the mournful tale contain'd:
Her soul, with kindred dignity inspired,
Their guilt acquitted, and their worth admired;
And soon her enterprising thoughts presume
By suit, or battle, to reverse their doom:
Quick from the stake the approaching sire she drew,
And thus spoke terror to the listening crew:
“Let none, with cruel or adventurous hand,
“Officious dare to act what I withstand,
“Till from the court returning orders bring
“Freedom, or fate, determin'd by your King:
“Nor fear in this to rouse the monarch's rage;
“My will's your warrant, and my word your gage.”
So saying, to their souls she look'd dismay,
As only born for others to obey;
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But obvious met the King, and brief began.
“E're this, O King, Clorinda's distant fame
“Has haply taught your ear a stranger's name,
“Who comes, you'll say presumptuous, thus alone,
“To guard our faith, and vindicate your throne.
“Whate'er of war the various terms comprize,
“Within my sphere of copious battle lies;
“Nor aught above me, nor beneath I know,
“From the proud bulwark to repel the foe,
“To form the phalanx, or to lead the field,
“Or hand to hand the deadly weapon wield.”
“Has haply taught your ear a stranger's name,
“Who comes, you'll say presumptuous, thus alone,
“To guard our faith, and vindicate your throne.
“Whate'er of war the various terms comprize,
“Within my sphere of copious battle lies;
“Nor aught above me, nor beneath I know,
“From the proud bulwark to repel the foe,
“To form the phalanx, or to lead the field,
“Or hand to hand the deadly weapon wield.”
She ceas'd; and thus the King—“O glorious Maid!
“Arm of the host you condescend to aid,
“From pole to pole thy honour'd name is known,
“Thy fame unbounded by the distant Lone:
“Not all this warlike confidence of towers,
“The force of native and auxiliar powers,
“Such trust defensive of our throne provide,
“As that right hand, that weapon at thy side.
“Come Godfrey, come, with laurels on thy brow,
“Thy march too swift, so late, is tedious now;
“Nor less than his Clorinda's glories claim,
“Thy word as absolute, as great thy fame!
“Thine be the sphere of arbitrary sway,
“The secret council, and the bold array;
“Beneath thy scepter'd hand my powers I yield,
“First in the throne, as foremost in the field!
“Arm of the host you condescend to aid,
“From pole to pole thy honour'd name is known,
“Thy fame unbounded by the distant Lone:
“Not all this warlike confidence of towers,
“The force of native and auxiliar powers,
“Such trust defensive of our throne provide,
“As that right hand, that weapon at thy side.
“Come Godfrey, come, with laurels on thy brow,
“Thy march too swift, so late, is tedious now;
199
“Thy word as absolute, as great thy fame!
“Thine be the sphere of arbitrary sway,
“The secret council, and the bold array;
“Beneath thy scepter'd hand my powers I yield,
“First in the throne, as foremost in the field!
He spoke; with easy grace the Virgin bow'd,
And suppliant thus her generous plea avow'd:
“Though Aladine may deem the matter new,
“Where gifts precede, and services ensue,
“So highly your munificencee I hold,
“Your bounty bids the diffident be bold.
“Then for the aid I bring, the life would spend,
“For all I shall perform, or may intend,
“To my request those wretched captives give,
“And grant the lovely criminals may live.
“Their sentence merely on suspicion built,
“Much might be urg'd abating of their guilt;
“But every plea of innocence I wave,
“And sole, in lieu of future service, crave.
“Yet, mighty King, permit me to disclaim
“The guilt imputed to the Christian name;
“Nor should I from receiv'd opinion lead,
“Were reason not resistless to persuade;
“For ill the wizard's pedant arts retain
“That sanctitude which Macon's laws ordain,
“Whose tenets, all replete with lore divine,
“Prohibit idols from his hallow'd shrine.
“To him miraculous ascribe the deed,
“His fane from guilt from profanation freed;
“Nor thou repine, when guardian powers reject
“What rites might innovate, or arts infect.
“Let Ismen exercise, remote from arms,
“His maze of tricks, and unavailing charms;
“But the keen use of more decisive powers,
“The magic of the circling blade be ours!”
And suppliant thus her generous plea avow'd:
“Though Aladine may deem the matter new,
“Where gifts precede, and services ensue,
“So highly your munificencee I hold,
“Your bounty bids the diffident be bold.
“Then for the aid I bring, the life would spend,
“For all I shall perform, or may intend,
“To my request those wretched captives give,
“And grant the lovely criminals may live.
“Their sentence merely on suspicion built,
“Much might be urg'd abating of their guilt;
“But every plea of innocence I wave,
“And sole, in lieu of future service, crave.
“Yet, mighty King, permit me to disclaim
“The guilt imputed to the Christian name;
“Nor should I from receiv'd opinion lead,
“Were reason not resistless to persuade;
200
“That sanctitude which Macon's laws ordain,
“Whose tenets, all replete with lore divine,
“Prohibit idols from his hallow'd shrine.
“To him miraculous ascribe the deed,
“His fane from guilt from profanation freed;
“Nor thou repine, when guardian powers reject
“What rites might innovate, or arts infect.
“Let Ismen exercise, remote from arms,
“His maze of tricks, and unavailing charms;
“But the keen use of more decisive powers,
“The magic of the circling blade be ours!”
She said; and tho' the Monarch's stubborn breast
Was proof to aught soft pity could suggest,
Yet high observance of the gallant Maid,
Her honour'd presence, and her promised aid,
Prevail'd: “All pleading,” he return'd, “is vain;
“Clorinda ne'er can ask, but to obtain:
“Nor I their innocence or guilt debate;
“Be you alike sole mistress of their fate!”
Was proof to aught soft pity could suggest,
Yet high observance of the gallant Maid,
Her honour'd presence, and her promised aid,
Prevail'd: “All pleading,” he return'd, “is vain;
“Clorinda ne'er can ask, but to obtain:
“Nor I their innocence or guilt debate;
“Be you alike sole mistress of their fate!”
Thus were they freed. Olindo, happiest youth!
Great is the recompence that waits thy truth;
Pure was thy constant flame, severe the test,
And Heaven with equal retribution blest.
Now beyond hope exulting, from despair
He past associate with the yielding Fair:
To death he loved her; and the grateful Maid,
With a long life of mutual love repaid.
Great is the recompence that waits thy truth;
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And Heaven with equal retribution blest.
Now beyond hope exulting, from despair
He past associate with the yielding Fair:
To death he loved her; and the grateful Maid,
With a long life of mutual love repaid.
But, ever to a tyrant's soul ingrate,
He held such virtue dangerous in the state;
And distant far the bridal exiles sent,
Rich in their love, and each in each content.
With these he banishes the brave, and young,
And every Christian arm with vigour strung;
In hostage then the softer sex retains,
The tender infant binds in needless chains,
Whose helpless cries the wonted names require,
The endearing husband, and protecting sire.
He held such virtue dangerous in the state;
And distant far the bridal exiles sent,
Rich in their love, and each in each content.
With these he banishes the brave, and young,
And every Christian arm with vigour strung;
In hostage then the softer sex retains,
The tender infant binds in needless chains,
Whose helpless cries the wonted names require,
The endearing husband, and protecting sire.
Some through the devious wild, or mountain shade,
Where chance, or sadness tempted, pensive stray'd;
While some, with glory and resentment fired,
To heights of more determin'd worth aspired,
Bold to Emmaus bend their warlike course,
And with new arms augment the Christian force;
For to Emmaus now approach'd their powers,
Emmaus, west from Salem's regal towers.
Who treads the fresh of April's early dew,
(A thousand scenes of rural scope in view)
At leisure may the mediate space beguile,
By the third hour, the third of Hebrew style.
While distant yet, the town and neighbouring coast,
With the first ken, salute the Christian host,
“Emmaus!” loud, triumphing legions cry,
And catch the place with long desiring eye.
Where chance, or sadness tempted, pensive stray'd;
While some, with glory and resentment fired,
To heights of more determin'd worth aspired,
Bold to Emmaus bend their warlike course,
And with new arms augment the Christian force;
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Emmaus, west from Salem's regal towers.
Who treads the fresh of April's early dew,
(A thousand scenes of rural scope in view)
At leisure may the mediate space beguile,
By the third hour, the third of Hebrew style.
While distant yet, the town and neighbouring coast,
With the first ken, salute the Christian host,
“Emmaus!” loud, triumphing legions cry,
And catch the place with long desiring eye.
And now, down heaven, the swift careering sun
His evening course of steep direction run;
At Godfrey's word the travell'd armies stand,
And canvas cities rise to his command,
Whose tented canopy, and flaxen shed,
O'er many a field with ready structure spread.
His evening course of steep direction run;
At Godfrey's word the travell'd armies stand,
And canvas cities rise to his command,
Whose tented canopy, and flaxen shed,
O'er many a field with ready structure spread.
Nor yet heaven's lamp forsook the etherial plain,
But hover'd verging on the western main,
When lo! two peers, attractive of the eye,
In mode of foreign ornament drew nigh:
Peace in their hands and open brow they bear,
Complacence in their gentle mien and air;
While gorgeous equipage attendant wait
Their embassy from Egypt's scepter'd state.
But hover'd verging on the western main,
When lo! two peers, attractive of the eye,
In mode of foreign ornament drew nigh:
Peace in their hands and open brow they bear,
Complacence in their gentle mien and air;
203
Their embassy from Egypt's scepter'd state.
The first Aletes, vers'd in every vice;
Base was his birth, conspicuous was his rise:
O'er Nile his proud vicegerence widely spread,
And stored with wiles was his sagacious head;
Soft on his lips persuasive fiction hung,
Guile fill'd his heart, and eloquence his tongue;
His manners easy, though his genius shrewd,
Fair to engage, and subtle to delude;
Smooth to persuade with false illusive phrase,
To vindicate with blame, or kill with praise.
Base was his birth, conspicuous was his rise:
O'er Nile his proud vicegerence widely spread,
And stored with wiles was his sagacious head;
Soft on his lips persuasive fiction hung,
Guile fill'd his heart, and eloquence his tongue;
His manners easy, though his genius shrewd,
Fair to engage, and subtle to delude;
Smooth to persuade with false illusive phrase,
To vindicate with blame, or kill with praise.
With him Argantes, huge Circassian, came,
A stranger late, but quickly known to fame;
Through Egypt, prime in arms, the warrior shone,
And now a Satrap graced the Memphian throne.
Furious the bent of his unconquer'd soul,
Nor knew his heart or pity or controul;
Slave to his will, his will by passion sway'd,
Proud, restless, fierce, untired, and undismay'd,
Nor earth he thought his match in arms could yield,
As yet unrival'd through the sanguine field!
His impious arm the only God adored,
His reason perch'd upon his conquering sword.
A stranger late, but quickly known to fame;
Through Egypt, prime in arms, the warrior shone,
And now a Satrap graced the Memphian throne.
Furious the bent of his unconquer'd soul,
Nor knew his heart or pity or controul;
Slave to his will, his will by passion sway'd,
Proud, restless, fierce, untired, and undismay'd,
Nor earth he thought his match in arms could yield,
As yet unrival'd through the sanguine field!
His impious arm the only God adored,
His reason perch'd upon his conquering sword.
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Admittance to the General's ear they sue,
And introduced the royal Godfrey view.
Low on a couch, in unaffected state,
Amid surrounding chiefs the Hero sate:
Plain was his vestment, negligence with grace,
And awe with meekness lived within his face;
As Godfrey only could his state adorn,
Too great to value, though too meek to scorn,
And introduced the royal Godfrey view.
Low on a couch, in unaffected state,
Amid surrounding chiefs the Hero sate:
Plain was his vestment, negligence with grace,
And awe with meekness lived within his face;
As Godfrey only could his state adorn,
Too great to value, though too meek to scorn,
Argantes entering, scarce his head inclin'd;
Haughty his mien, expressive of his mind:
As from due rite he purposely abstain'd,
For conscious merits in himself retain'd.
Haughty his mien, expressive of his mind:
As from due rite he purposely abstain'd,
For conscious merits in himself retain'd.
Not so Aletes; struck with decent awe,
Entering he seem'd half wishing to withdraw;
As one surprised, his forward step represt,
And bore his hand respectful to his breast;
Then easy, bow'd with deference profound,
And fix'd his eyes half closing on the ground.
Spontaneous through his lips, a wonted road,
The stream of voluntary diction flow'd,
Gentle as dews or summer's evening rain
To slake the fevers of the sultry plain;
While thus the Syriac melted from his tongue,
And listening princes on the cadence hung.
Entering he seem'd half wishing to withdraw;
As one surprised, his forward step represt,
And bore his hand respectful to his breast;
Then easy, bow'd with deference profound,
And fix'd his eyes half closing on the ground.
Spontaneous through his lips, a wonted road,
The stream of voluntary diction flow'd,
Gentle as dews or summer's evening rain
To slake the fevers of the sultry plain;
While thus the Syriac melted from his tongue,
And listening princes on the cadence hung.
205
“O, mightiest thou! sole worthy of the sway,
“Where circling heroes, chiefs like these, obey,
“Who bear fresh wreaths on each victorious head,
“Fired by thy deeds, and by thy conduct led.
“Beyond the Herculean pillar flies thy fame,
“And Egypt even to Nubia tells thy name.
“But chief our monarch marks thy wondrous ways,
“Lists to thy name, and dwells upon thy praise:
“No envy his superior bosom fires,
“He hears with pleasure, with esteem admires;
“To worth like thine perceives his heart allied,
“And is by love, if not religion tied.
“Yet well apprized of what your arms intend,
“Opposed where he in honour must defend,
“From Us his amicable purpose know,
“A faithful friend, but a reluctant foe.
“Where circling heroes, chiefs like these, obey,
“Who bear fresh wreaths on each victorious head,
“Fired by thy deeds, and by thy conduct led.
“Beyond the Herculean pillar flies thy fame,
“And Egypt even to Nubia tells thy name.
“But chief our monarch marks thy wondrous ways,
“Lists to thy name, and dwells upon thy praise:
“No envy his superior bosom fires,
“He hears with pleasure, with esteem admires;
“To worth like thine perceives his heart allied,
“And is by love, if not religion tied.
“Yet well apprized of what your arms intend,
“Opposed where he in honour must defend,
“From Us his amicable purpose know,
“A faithful friend, but a reluctant foe.
“With thee in arms, in council, and in mind,
“In equal amity, and hate combin'd,
“He vows, whate'er encountering dangers wait,
“To fix the fortunes of thy wavering state;
“Be Sion only sacred to repose,
“He joins with Godfrey, should the world oppose.
“In equal amity, and hate combin'd,
“He vows, whate'er encountering dangers wait,
“To fix the fortunes of thy wavering state;
“Be Sion only sacred to repose,
“He joins with Godfrey, should the world oppose.
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“Transcendent Chief! whose memorable page,
“Shall send a tale to every future age,
“Short is the span that gives thy deeds a date,
“But long the time that wondring shall relate!
“Thy rapid progress knows nor rest, nor bound—
“What cities forced, or levell'd with the ground!
“What battles fought! what victories obtain'd!
“What provinces subdued! what empires gain'd!
“Amazement flies, or trembles, at thy name;
“Nor is there left a further work for fame:
“New added power can add no new applause;
“And glory, spread to either pole, must pause.
“Shall send a tale to every future age,
“Short is the span that gives thy deeds a date,
“But long the time that wondring shall relate!
“Thy rapid progress knows nor rest, nor bound—
“What cities forced, or levell'd with the ground!
“What battles fought! what victories obtain'd!
“What provinces subdued! what empires gain'd!
“Amazement flies, or trembles, at thy name;
“Nor is there left a further work for fame:
“New added power can add no new applause;
“And glory, spread to either pole, must pause.
“Soar'd to the zenith of a cloudless day,
“Thy fortune culminates her warmest ray;
“Her next advance the western steep invites,
“Prone she descends, and suddenly benights.
“Ah think, great Chief!—the dangerous venture shun,
“Where all thy deeds may be at once undone:
“Doubtful thy hope, and thy advantage small;
“But great the loss, and wondrous deep the fall.
“Thy fortune culminates her warmest ray;
“Her next advance the western steep invites,
“Prone she descends, and suddenly benights.
“Ah think, great Chief!—the dangerous venture shun,
“Where all thy deeds may be at once undone:
“Doubtful thy hope, and thy advantage small;
“But great the loss, and wondrous deep the fall.
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“Yet, Godfrey may reject our fond address;
“He views the future in the past success:
“His sword with blood of routed armies stain'd,
“Beneath his hand reluctant nations rein'd,
“With all the bold the boundless wish can crave,
“That bribes the fortunate, or fires the brave—
“These, these may win him to the waste of war,
“And passions prompt what reason would abhor.
“Delusive orators! they still persuade,
“Unsheath'd to brandish that redoubted blade;
“Still to pursue where fortune would betray,
“Where glory smooths the faithless arduous way,
“Till Macon be no more; and waste, forlorn,
“Sad Asia like some widow'd matron mourn:
“Fair hopes, high projects, and allurements sweet,
“But covert ruin, and assured deceit.
“He views the future in the past success:
“His sword with blood of routed armies stain'd,
“Beneath his hand reluctant nations rein'd,
“With all the bold the boundless wish can crave,
“That bribes the fortunate, or fires the brave—
“These, these may win him to the waste of war,
“And passions prompt what reason would abhor.
“Delusive orators! they still persuade,
“Unsheath'd to brandish that redoubted blade;
“Still to pursue where fortune would betray,
“Where glory smooths the faithless arduous way,
“Till Macon be no more; and waste, forlorn,
“Sad Asia like some widow'd matron mourn:
“Fair hopes, high projects, and allurements sweet,
“But covert ruin, and assured deceit.
“If zeal exhibits no intemperate dream,
“Nor clouds of wrath eclipse thy reasoning beam;
“How just, how different would the scene arise,
“Nor hope, but apprehension meet thine eyes!
“Will Fortune, false as the alternate sea,
“For thee perpetual flow, alone for thee?
“High the ascent her hourly favourites know,
“But steep the precipice that sinks below;
“One step alone 'twixt triumph and defeat,
“The gulphy ruin and the towery height.
“Say, Chief! should Nile with all his dread allies,
“Potent of wealth and arms, in vengeance rise;
“The Turk, the Persian, and Cassano's heir,
“Frown in the van, and deepen in the rear;
“What mortal power could such a storm asswage,
“Or check the thunder launch'd in all its rage?
“Nor clouds of wrath eclipse thy reasoning beam;
“How just, how different would the scene arise,
“Nor hope, but apprehension meet thine eyes!
“Will Fortune, false as the alternate sea,
“For thee perpetual flow, alone for thee?
“High the ascent her hourly favourites know,
“But steep the precipice that sinks below;
208
“The gulphy ruin and the towery height.
“Say, Chief! should Nile with all his dread allies,
“Potent of wealth and arms, in vengeance rise;
“The Turk, the Persian, and Cassano's heir,
“Frown in the van, and deepen in the rear;
“What mortal power could such a storm asswage,
“Or check the thunder launch'd in all its rage?
“Perhaps, to western aid thy prospects bend;
“Aid from the Greek,—that tried, that trusty friend!
“Yes, yes, his faith attesting nations own;
“'Tis Punic all, and to a proverb known!
“His plighted powers we then may learn to fear,
“When you grow credulous, or he sincere;
“When those who late thy peaceful march withstood,
“To buy thy progress will expend their blood;
“Who late retail'd the venal air for hire,
“Fight in thy cause, and at thy side expire.
“Aid from the Greek,—that tried, that trusty friend!
“Yes, yes, his faith attesting nations own;
“'Tis Punic all, and to a proverb known!
“His plighted powers we then may learn to fear,
“When you grow credulous, or he sincere;
“When those who late thy peaceful march withstood,
“To buy thy progress will expend their blood;
“Who late retail'd the venal air for hire,
“Fight in thy cause, and at thy side expire.
“Shrunk to the limits of this warlike round,
“All hope is to thy proper squadrons bound;
“To these, who, distant from their native soil,
“By death diminish, and decline with toil:
“And is it hence, thy brave presumption grows,
“To foil the fury of united foes?
“Not slight the fray thy former conquests boast,
“When with full powers you quell'd each separate host;
“How then should such combining hosts dismay,
“When Egypt lengthens out their dread array?
“All hope is to thy proper squadrons bound;
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“By death diminish, and decline with toil:
“And is it hence, thy brave presumption grows,
“To foil the fury of united foes?
“Not slight the fray thy former conquests boast,
“When with full powers you quell'd each separate host;
“How then should such combining hosts dismay,
“When Egypt lengthens out their dread array?
“Yet, should I yield thee more than man for might,
“In terrors drest, invincible in fight,
“In heavenly panoply thy warriors cased,
“With heavenly ardour every sinew braced;
“Still Godfrey, still thy mightier Foe remains,
“More fierce than millions on encountering plains—
“Go, whirl thy sword, go, launch the impetuous spear,
“And let remorseless Famine learn to fear!
“Alas! too soon thy matchless force must feel,
“That hunger's sharper than the wounding steel.
“In terrors drest, invincible in fight,
“In heavenly panoply thy warriors cased,
“With heavenly ardour every sinew braced;
“Still Godfrey, still thy mightier Foe remains,
“More fierce than millions on encountering plains—
“Go, whirl thy sword, go, launch the impetuous spear,
“And let remorseless Famine learn to fear!
“Alas! too soon thy matchless force must feel,
“That hunger's sharper than the wounding steel.
“No harvests here wave hopeful to thy eye;
“Consumed around, the blasted pastures lie;
“The tiller has himself undone his toil,
“Nor left for him to reap, or thee to spoil;
“While wasting fires have robb'd thy fainting steed,
“And wide devour'd, lest fiercer foes should feed:
“Deep guarded battlements the grain immure,
“From force defend, and from access secure.
“But then your fleet shall waft the large supply,
“And seas shall yield, what hostile lands deny;
“Yes, you shall live as please the tide and wind,
“When gales are constant, and when storms are kind.
“Consumed around, the blasted pastures lie;
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“Nor left for him to reap, or thee to spoil;
“While wasting fires have robb'd thy fainting steed,
“And wide devour'd, lest fiercer foes should feed:
“Deep guarded battlements the grain immure,
“From force defend, and from access secure.
“But then your fleet shall waft the large supply,
“And seas shall yield, what hostile lands deny;
“Yes, you shall live as please the tide and wind,
“When gales are constant, and when storms are kind.
Yet could thy power the struggling tempest rein,
“Direct the blast, and rule the indignant main;
“How will thy feeble, thy unequal fleet,
“Such joint, such formidable forces meet,
“When launch'd around our naval powers unite,
“And from the boundless ocean snatch the sight?
“Direct the blast, and rule the indignant main;
“How will thy feeble, thy unequal fleet,
“Such joint, such formidable forces meet,
“When launch'd around our naval powers unite,
“And from the boundless ocean snatch the sight?
“Strange is the turn of thy capricious state,
“Where double conquest must prevent defeat;
“As strange our favouring fate, where one success
“Shall with a sure, a double conquest bless:
“If we, by land, or sea, thy powers sustain,
“Vain are thy powers, by land and ocean vain;
“And if by sea, or land, thy forces fail,
“By land and sea alike our arms prevail.
“In vain by land the fruitless field you boast,
“When Famine triumphs o'er thy conquering host;
“In vain thy fleet shall waft the plenty o'er,
“Thy conquering fleet, when armies are no more.
“Where double conquest must prevent defeat;
“As strange our favouring fate, where one success
“Shall with a sure, a double conquest bless:
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“Vain are thy powers, by land and ocean vain;
“And if by sea, or land, thy forces fail,
“By land and sea alike our arms prevail.
“In vain by land the fruitless field you boast,
“When Famine triumphs o'er thy conquering host;
“In vain thy fleet shall waft the plenty o'er,
“Thy conquering fleet, when armies are no more.
“If yet, nor love, nor interest can invite,
“And only wars remorseless wars delight,
“How has thy soul her former praise disclaim'd,
“Through every clime, for every virtue famed!
“But ah, if war thy milder thoughts deform,
“May Heaven with gentle hand appease the storm;
“Through Asia may the horrid conflicts cease,
“And Godfrey rule the conquer'd realms in peace!
“And only wars remorseless wars delight,
“How has thy soul her former praise disclaim'd,
“Through every clime, for every virtue famed!
“But ah, if war thy milder thoughts deform,
“May Heaven with gentle hand appease the storm;
“Through Asia may the horrid conflicts cease,
“And Godfrey rule the conquer'd realms in peace!
“And you! whose arms, in dubious battle tried,
“The virtues of your matchless Chief divide,
“Who share, alike, his council and his care,
“Who every toil and every peril share;
“Let Heavenly Peace the swelling passion sway,
“Nor smiling Fortune, faithless fair, betray.
“The mariner, though sails and cordage torn,
“Thro' sands, and rocks, and whirling eddies born,
“At length within the friendly haven cast,
“With transport sees that every danger's past:
“Escaped like him the trusty port retain,
“Nor tempt the future tempest on the main.”
“The virtues of your matchless Chief divide,
“Who share, alike, his council and his care,
“Who every toil and every peril share;
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“Nor smiling Fortune, faithless fair, betray.
“The mariner, though sails and cordage torn,
“Thro' sands, and rocks, and whirling eddies born,
“At length within the friendly haven cast,
“With transport sees that every danger's past:
“Escaped like him the trusty port retain,
“Nor tempt the future tempest on the main.”
He ended smooth; but, through the warlike round,
Of deep disgust the murmuring accents sound;
Impassion'd gestures all their soul avow,
And indignation bends in every brow.
Thrice and again, his quick discerning view
The Chief around his circling heroes threw;
And thus sedate the much experienced man,
With gentle but determined voice began.
Of deep disgust the murmuring accents sound;
Impassion'd gestures all their soul avow,
And indignation bends in every brow.
Thrice and again, his quick discerning view
The Chief around his circling heroes threw;
And thus sedate the much experienced man,
With gentle but determined voice began.
“Aletes! deep thy art, and smooth thy phrase;
“And well you mix the menace with the praise.
“If, in sincerity, as it should seem,
“Our acts are honour'd with your king's esteem,
“You may assure the monarch, on our part,
“Of all due deference, and a grateful heart.
“But where your words with threatening ardour warm,
“Collect all Asia in the coming storm,
“I answer in my plain accustom'd style,
“Not graced with eloquence, yet free from guile.
“And well you mix the menace with the praise.
“If, in sincerity, as it should seem,
“Our acts are honour'd with your king's esteem,
“You may assure the monarch, on our part,
“Of all due deference, and a grateful heart.
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“Collect all Asia in the coming storm,
“I answer in my plain accustom'd style,
“Not graced with eloquence, yet free from guile.
“Know then, that all our suffering powers sustain,
“Thro' hostile climes, and the tempestuous main,
“Sole centering to one glorious object tends,
“And only leads where all our labour ends—
“To free yon sacred, venerable wall!
“Let every threat, let every ruin fall,
“Nor death can terrify, nor toil distress,
“Since Heaven with future recompence will bless.
“Thro' hostile climes, and the tempestuous main,
“Sole centering to one glorious object tends,
“And only leads where all our labour ends—
“To free yon sacred, venerable wall!
“Let every threat, let every ruin fall,
“Nor death can terrify, nor toil distress,
“Since Heaven with future recompence will bless.
“'Tis not the transient gust of mortal joys,
“Gems, crowns, or pageant scepters, glittering toys!
“Not Fame in all her pomp of titles drest,
“Inspires the fervour of a Christian breast:
“Who to the spheres their constant course assign'd,
“Alone directs the movements of our mind;
“He is the Pole whose fix'd attraction charms,
“The Voice that dictates, and the Cause that arms.
“His Hand alone the whirling surge restrains,
“And o'er his tempest throws the lordly reins.
“Alike to us the wintery gusts arise,
“Or Syrius fires the equinoctial skies;
“Warm'd by his breath, or shaded by his wing,
“His Presence tempers our eternal spring.
“Smooth'd, where He leads, the strong ribb'd hills subside,
“The dangers vanish, and the floods divide;
“Low lie proud heads, and every hostile power,
“And from its basis smoaks the tumbling tower.
“Gems, crowns, or pageant scepters, glittering toys!
“Not Fame in all her pomp of titles drest,
“Inspires the fervour of a Christian breast:
“Who to the spheres their constant course assign'd,
“Alone directs the movements of our mind;
“He is the Pole whose fix'd attraction charms,
“The Voice that dictates, and the Cause that arms.
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“And o'er his tempest throws the lordly reins.
“Alike to us the wintery gusts arise,
“Or Syrius fires the equinoctial skies;
“Warm'd by his breath, or shaded by his wing,
“His Presence tempers our eternal spring.
“Smooth'd, where He leads, the strong ribb'd hills subside,
“The dangers vanish, and the floods divide;
“Low lie proud heads, and every hostile power,
“And from its basis smoaks the tumbling tower.
“Not from the cumbrous shield, or brittle spear,
“Or strength of mortal arm, we hope—or fear;
“Nor list, if Grecia, or the world be foes;
“We trust a Power, who can alone oppose;
“Nor shall the world against our host abide,
“Against one man, if Heaven be on his side.
“Or strength of mortal arm, we hope—or fear;
“Nor list, if Grecia, or the world be foes;
“We trust a Power, who can alone oppose;
“Nor shall the world against our host abide,
“Against one man, if Heaven be on his side.
“But if, before yon consecrated wall,
“His Will, inscrutable, ordains our fall,
“Our bones shall mingle with that hallow'd clay,
“Where once the Prince of Life, Messiah lay:
“So will we fall, triumphant, though o'erthrown;
“So will we die!—but, trust me, not alone—
“Sad Asia shall the mournful vigil keep,
“And (friendless) we will give the foe to weep.
“His Will, inscrutable, ordains our fall,
“Our bones shall mingle with that hallow'd clay,
“Where once the Prince of Life, Messiah lay:
“So will we fall, triumphant, though o'erthrown;
“So will we die!—but, trust me, not alone—
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“And (friendless) we will give the foe to weep.
“Yet think not we in savage wars delight,
“That terms of honourable peace we slight;
“Or vain of conquest, equally despise
“Such formidable foes, such strong allies.
“But why your monarch prop these distant walls,
“Where neither interest claims, nor justice calls?
“If east, or west, his conquering ensigns bend,
“Pleas'd with his power, we rise not to defend;
“Still with his glory may his sway increase,
“Still may he rule his native realms in peace,
“Nor toil to find unnecessary foes,
“But take and grant reciprocal repose!”
“That terms of honourable peace we slight;
“Or vain of conquest, equally despise
“Such formidable foes, such strong allies.
“But why your monarch prop these distant walls,
“Where neither interest claims, nor justice calls?
“If east, or west, his conquering ensigns bend,
“Pleas'd with his power, we rise not to defend;
“Still with his glory may his sway increase,
“Still may he rule his native realms in peace,
“Nor toil to find unnecessary foes,
“But take and grant reciprocal repose!”
He ceas'd; when, passion maddening in his eye,
Argantes in a storm of wrath drew nigh,
The impetuous gust disdaining to controul;
And thus loosed all the fury of his soul.
“Yes, Chief, henceforward let the sword decide;
“War is thy wish, nor be thy wish denied.
“Ill hast thou answer'd to our terms of peace;
“But cause of strife to mortals ne'er can cease.”
Argantes in a storm of wrath drew nigh,
The impetuous gust disdaining to controul;
And thus loosed all the fury of his soul.
“Yes, Chief, henceforward let the sword decide;
“War is thy wish, nor be thy wish denied.
“Ill hast thou answer'd to our terms of peace;
“But cause of strife to mortals ne'er can cease.”
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So saying, quick his flowing garb be seiz'd,
And folding with terrific action rais'd:
“Here, thou contemner of events!” he cries,
“Here, peace and war within my vesture lies.
“If war be in thy bold election, say;
“Choose as you list, but choose without delay.”
And folding with terrific action rais'd:
“Here, thou contemner of events!” he cries,
“Here, peace and war within my vesture lies.
“If war be in thy bold election, say;
“Choose as you list, but choose without delay.”
Such uttering arrogance, and scornful air,
Not likely such a princely round should bear:
Incensed, no voice attends their Chief's reply;
“War, war!” at once, “War, war!” aloud they cry.
With rising wrath the fierce Circassian burn'd,
And “War, eternal, mortal war!” return'd.
Not likely such a princely round should bear:
Incensed, no voice attends their Chief's reply;
“War, war!” at once, “War, war!” aloud they cry.
With rising wrath the fierce Circassian burn'd,
And “War, eternal, mortal war!” return'd.
His robe with hasty furious hand exposed,
The gates of Janus seem at once disclosed:
Peace scared, on trembling pinions urged her flight;
And Hate, and Discord, issuing claim'd the light.
All dread, and terrible, Argantes stands:
Dire as Tiphoius with his hundred hands,
Or Babel, that in spite of Heaven arose;
So towers the chief, and menaces his foes.
With awful grace superior, Godfrey smiled,
And thus rejoin'd more menacingly mild.
The gates of Janus seem at once disclosed:
Peace scared, on trembling pinions urged her flight;
And Hate, and Discord, issuing claim'd the light.
All dread, and terrible, Argantes stands:
Dire as Tiphoius with his hundred hands,
Or Babel, that in spite of Heaven arose;
So towers the chief, and menaces his foes.
With awful grace superior, Godfrey smiled,
And thus rejoin'd more menacingly mild.
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“Our answer let your Memphian monarch hear,
“Who better knows to threat, than we to fear—
“If here he means we should attend the sight,
“Swift be his march, and well assured his might:
“Or soon we'll wait him on Egyptian soil;
“For we are, haply, more inured to toil.
“Who better knows to threat, than we to fear—
“If here he means we should attend the sight,
“Swift be his march, and well assured his might:
“Or soon we'll wait him on Egyptian soil;
“For we are, haply, more inured to toil.
The Hero spoke, and gracefully humane
Dismiss'd the chiefs with their attending train:
Aletes had a helm of richest price,
With plumage proud, the beamy spoil of Nice:
But to Argantes' mightier hand he gave
A massy sword, fit present for the brave;
Though gold the hilt, and gem'd with costliest stone,
Superior to the mass the model shone;
Curious to view, but ponderous 'twas to feel,
And like a meteor gleam'd the lengthening steel.
The bounty, quick, the proud Circassian took,
Eyed with delight, and with dread action shook:
“Soon Bulloign! much too soon,” he cried, you'll find,
“Such trust was ne'er to better hands assigned.”
Dismiss'd the chiefs with their attending train:
Aletes had a helm of richest price,
With plumage proud, the beamy spoil of Nice:
But to Argantes' mightier hand he gave
A massy sword, fit present for the brave;
Though gold the hilt, and gem'd with costliest stone,
Superior to the mass the model shone;
Curious to view, but ponderous 'twas to feel,
And like a meteor gleam'd the lengthening steel.
The bounty, quick, the proud Circassian took,
Eyed with delight, and with dread action shook:
“Soon Bulloign! much too soon,” he cried, you'll find,
“Such trust was ne'er to better hands assigned.”
They parted thus; and to his peer addrest,
Argantes spoke the boldness of his breast:
“Go thou to Egypt with the morning light;
“I go to Sion, and I go this night.
“My pen or presence to no end conduce,
“Where deeds are dead, and only words of use:
“Talk is thy province, and may have its charms;
“Be mine the war, the nobler clash of arms!”
Argantes spoke the boldness of his breast:
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“I go to Sion, and I go this night.
“My pen or presence to no end conduce,
“Where deeds are dead, and only words of use:
“Talk is thy province, and may have its charms;
“Be mine the war, the nobler clash of arms!”
Brief spoke the Pagan, nor reply attends,
But turn'd with haughty step to Salem bends;
The dictates of his swift impetuous soul
No rites of embassy, no laws controul:
Beneath the glimmering of the starry ray,
Impatient he directs his warlike way;
While warm in every act, and every thought,
Contention bled, and future combats fought.
But turn'd with haughty step to Salem bends;
The dictates of his swift impetuous soul
No rites of embassy, no laws controul:
Beneath the glimmering of the starry ray,
Impatient he directs his warlike way;
While warm in every act, and every thought,
Contention bled, and future combats fought.
And now still night, diffused to either pole,
From heaven her balmy visitation stole;
With soft constraint the drowsied sense opprest,
And weigh'd the weary bustling world to rest.
Through nature, peace and short oblivion reign:
The tempest slumbers on the silent main;
Hush'd through the sylvan shade, and dreary den,
Smooth lake, and peopled flood, and willow'd fen,
Each foot, and fin, and feather, finds repose;
With gentler pace each lazy current flows;
Exiled from every heart Oppression fled,
And Labour sunk upon the grateful bed.
From heaven her balmy visitation stole;
With soft constraint the drowsied sense opprest,
And weigh'd the weary bustling world to rest.
Through nature, peace and short oblivion reign:
The tempest slumbers on the silent main;
Hush'd through the sylvan shade, and dreary den,
Smooth lake, and peopled flood, and willow'd fen,
Each foot, and fin, and feather, finds repose;
With gentler pace each lazy current flows;
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And Labour sunk upon the grateful bed.
But not the shade with kindly opiate blest,
That lull'd the remnant of the world to rest,
Nor toil persuasive of profound repose,
Through Godfrey's camp could give an eye to close:
Impatience hangs upon the lingering night,
Counts the long hour, and claims the promised light;
Still through the gloom exploring looks essay
The dawning whiteness of the eastern ray,
That shall o'er long-sought Solyma arise,
And give her spires to their expecting eyes:
That lull'd the remnant of the world to rest,
Nor toil persuasive of profound repose,
Through Godfrey's camp could give an eye to close:
Impatience hangs upon the lingering night,
Counts the long hour, and claims the promised light;
Still through the gloom exploring looks essay
The dawning whiteness of the eastern ray,
That shall o'er long-sought Solyma arise,
And give her spires to their expecting eyes:
| The Poetical Works of Henry Brooke | |