 | The conquest of Canäan |  |
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BOOK III.
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Argument.
Characters of Hezron, Irad, and Selima, Morning. Irad and Selima walk out on the plain, northward of the camp, and hold a conversation on the justice of the War. As they are returning to the camp, they overhear two Israelites conversing on a design of returning into Egypt. Irad communicates the discovery to Joshua. The alarm is given, and an army percieved, coming from Ai to attack the camp. Joshua goes out to the place of rendezvous, marshals a body of troops, and sends them, under the command of Zimri, to meet the army of Ai. In the mean time the camp is in a general uproar, and a large body of the Israelites assembled, westward of the camp, for the purpose of returning into Egypt, After the confusion is in a degree allayed, Tadmor harangues the in rgents, with a list of grievances, and stimulates them to perseverance. Caleb who, with Hezron, had been sent by Joshua, upon Irad's information, to watch the motions of the camp, replies to him. Ardan answers him, with impudence, and Hezron him, with severity. Insurgents march. As they are quitting the plain, Joshua comes out, with a body of troops to attack them. The chieftains set their forces in array. Joshua orders them to disperse. Ardan affronts him, and is killed. The insurgents disperse, and the chiefs return to the camp. Irad goes out to view the battle. Armies engage with violence, and equal success; until the chiefs, of Ai, influenced by superstitious fears, excited by the appearance of a thunder storm, order a retreat. Zimri also retires. Scene of the beauties of an evening after the storm concludes the book.
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Of Judah's thousands Hezron held the sway;
And love, and reverence, bade them all obey.
The chief, of simple manners, knew no art;
Truth was his language; honesty his heart:
To bless mankind his life's unvaried end;
His guest the stranger, and the poor his friend.
And love, and reverence, bade them all obey.
The chief, of simple manners, knew no art;
Truth was his language; honesty his heart:
To bless mankind his life's unvaried end;
His guest the stranger, and the poor his friend.
So fair his strong, and stubborn virtue shone,
Heaven crown'd his wishes with a lovely son.
To mould young Irad was his darling care;
To form for peace, to animate for war;
His limbs t' innerve; his vices to controul,
And lead to wisdom's fount his thirsty soul.
Heaven crown'd his wishes with a lovely son.
To mould young Irad was his darling care;
To form for peace, to animate for war;
His limbs t' innerve; his vices to controul,
And lead to wisdom's fount his thirsty soul.
In earliest years, the favourite Youth began
To shew those charms, which rarely grace the man.
To rashness brave, his bosom burn'd for fame;
Yet knew a milder, and a nobler flame:
Love's gentle fire his passions could controul,
And pure Religion warm'd his manly soul.
Not that, which broods upon the surly brow,
Or walks on frozen joints, demure, and slow;
At truth, and virtue, points the fatal wound,
Swells on the tongue, and vanishes in sound:
But that, whose influence fires th' angelic band;
Smooths the rough bosom; opes the narrow hand;
Serenely brightens in the cheerful face;
Casts round each act unutterable grace;
With rising morning, bows the secret knee,
And wafts, great God! the humble soul to thee.
To shew those charms, which rarely grace the man.
To rashness brave, his bosom burn'd for fame;
Yet knew a milder, and a nobler flame:
Love's gentle fire his passions could controul,
And pure Religion warm'd his manly soul.
Not that, which broods upon the surly brow,
Or walks on frozen joints, demure, and slow;
At truth, and virtue, points the fatal wound,
Swells on the tongue, and vanishes in sound:
But that, whose influence fires th' angelic band;
Smooths the rough bosom; opes the narrow hand;
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Casts round each act unutterable grace;
With rising morning, bows the secret knee,
And wafts, great God! the humble soul to thee.
His raptur'd father wish'd no second son;
But found both parents' charms combin'd in one;
His own strong sense, and daring thought, refin'd
By the soft graces of a mother's mind.
His lively duty cheer'd the waning year;
With hand all gentle wip'd the aged tear;
Explor'd each wish, prevented each request,
And thought it heaven to make a parent blest.
Nature's politeness, unaffected ease,
Mov'd in his limbs, and fram'd his soul to please;
To worth complacent gave the just reward,
And notic'd humble life, with kind regard.
But found both parents' charms combin'd in one;
His own strong sense, and daring thought, refin'd
By the soft graces of a mother's mind.
His lively duty cheer'd the waning year;
With hand all gentle wip'd the aged tear;
Explor'd each wish, prevented each request,
And thought it heaven to make a parent blest.
Nature's politeness, unaffected ease,
Mov'd in his limbs, and fram'd his soul to please;
To worth complacent gave the just reward,
And notic'd humble life, with kind regard.
Nature can form the soul, or rough, or fine;
But all her clouded beauties faintly shine:
Religion bids a new creation rise,
Fragrant as spring, and fair as spangled skies.
Thus, on the canvas, West, with raptur'd view,
Sees new-born worlds his magic hand pursue;
Th' impassion'd forms dissolve in soft desire,
Or glow, and tremble, with seraphic fire;
They breathe, they speak, they move, the field around,
And the ear listens for th' expected sound.
But these must fade: while Virtue's strokes shall live,
Transcend earth's sky-built tomb, and with the heavens revive.
But all her clouded beauties faintly shine:
Religion bids a new creation rise,
Fragrant as spring, and fair as spangled skies.
Thus, on the canvas, West, with raptur'd view,
Sees new-born worlds his magic hand pursue;
Th' impassion'd forms dissolve in soft desire,
Or glow, and tremble, with seraphic fire;
They breathe, they speak, they move, the field around,
And the ear listens for th' expected sound.
But these must fade: while Virtue's strokes shall live,
Transcend earth's sky-built tomb, and with the heavens revive.
Beyond his peers, by nature, Irad shone;
By virtue, ripen'd to the duteous son;
By virtue, aim'd at life's sublimest end,
Rose to the saint, and soften'd to the friend:
Pleas'd his fond nation saw his glories rise,
And a new Joshua charm'd their raptur'd eyes.
By virtue, ripen'd to the duteous son;
By virtue, aim'd at life's sublimest end,
Rose to the saint, and soften'd to the friend:
Pleas'd his fond nation saw his glories rise,
And a new Joshua charm'd their raptur'd eyes.
The virgins view'd, how could they not approve?
Esteem's the silent harbinger of love.
The kind eye, glistening with a frequent tear,
The conscious blush, that saw discovery near,
Th' unbidden sigh, that swell'd the beating breast,
And the fix'd gaze, that scarce could be repress'd,
The soft emotions to his eye reveal'd,
And new, strange tremors through his bosom thrill'd.
Esteem's the silent harbinger of love.
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The conscious blush, that saw discovery near,
Th' unbidden sigh, that swell'd the beating breast,
And the fix'd gaze, that scarce could be repress'd,
The soft emotions to his eye reveal'd,
And new, strange tremors through his bosom thrill'd.
But far o'er all Selima's charms prevail'd,
When his pleas'd heart her piercing eyes assail'd.
His youngest birth, bless'd Caleb own'd the fair,
His life's chief solace, and his favorite care.
Not nature's hand her beauty could improve;
Her voice was melody; her mind was love;
Her stature tall; her air intrancing ease;
Her skin the lilly, opening to the breeze;
Her cheek was health's inimitable die,
And the bright soul sate sparkling in her eye.
When his pleas'd heart her piercing eyes assail'd.
His youngest birth, bless'd Caleb own'd the fair,
His life's chief solace, and his favorite care.
Not nature's hand her beauty could improve;
Her voice was melody; her mind was love;
Her stature tall; her air intrancing ease;
Her skin the lilly, opening to the breeze;
Her cheek was health's inimitable die,
And the bright soul sate sparkling in her eye.
No vile cosmetic stain'd her lovely face;
No affectation murder'd real grace:
Her robes all neatness, told the world how fine,
How pure, th' angelic habitant within.
Sweetness etherial majesty controul'd,
And form'd an Irad of a softer mould.
Such was her soul, as when, of darkness born,
O'er young creation rose beginning morn,
Fair, in her front, a blushing Virtue stood,
Just sprung to life, and ey'd the forming God;
From grace to grace with glowing wisdom grew,
And smil'd, and triumph'd, in the rapturous view.
No affectation murder'd real grace:
Her robes all neatness, told the world how fine,
How pure, th' angelic habitant within.
Sweetness etherial majesty controul'd,
And form'd an Irad of a softer mould.
Such was her soul, as when, of darkness born,
O'er young creation rose beginning morn,
Fair, in her front, a blushing Virtue stood,
Just sprung to life, and ey'd the forming God;
From grace to grace with glowing wisdom grew,
And smil'd, and triumph'd, in the rapturous view.
Now twice nine years had o'er the fair-one roll'd,
Illum'd her eyes, and bade her charms unfold;
When her quick fancy, self-inspir'd to rove,
Attun'd her feelings to romantic love.
Oft on the youth she fix'd a secret gaze,
And oft, with transport, listen'd to his praise.
The charms of face, the beauty of desert,
Stole soft, and silent, through her yielding heart.
Esteem, which hermits scarce could disapprove,
Bloom'd in his smiles, and open'd into love.
Illum'd her eyes, and bade her charms unfold;
When her quick fancy, self-inspir'd to rove,
Attun'd her feelings to romantic love.
Oft on the youth she fix'd a secret gaze,
And oft, with transport, listen'd to his praise.
The charms of face, the beauty of desert,
Stole soft, and silent, through her yielding heart.
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Bloom'd in his smiles, and open'd into love.
Nor shone her glances on his breast in vain;
The gaze, that gave, return'd the pleasing pain.
Judgment, in both, the spotless flame improv'd;
They lik'd from fancy, but from reason lov'd.
The gaze, that gave, return'd the pleasing pain.
Judgment, in both, the spotless flame improv'd;
They lik'd from fancy, but from reason lov'd.
Oft would each fire his tender wish declare,
To see one band unite the lovely pair.
Oft sigh'd the youth t' unfold his anxious mind;
But still a modest fear his lips confin'd:
In pleas'd attention on her charms he hung,
And half-heard wishes trembled o'er his tongue.
At length, kind Heaven, propitious to the pair,
Led his fond steps, where love had led the fair.
In a lone walk, far-distant on the plain,
Surpriz'd, his tongue unbidden told his pain.
The beauteous maid, of frank and gentle mind,
Smil'd on his hopes, and bless'd with love refin'd,
In truth's mild beam the spotless union grew,
And gave such joys, as youthful angels knew.
To see one band unite the lovely pair.
Oft sigh'd the youth t' unfold his anxious mind;
But still a modest fear his lips confin'd:
In pleas'd attention on her charms he hung,
And half-heard wishes trembled o'er his tongue.
At length, kind Heaven, propitious to the pair,
Led his fond steps, where love had led the fair.
In a lone walk, far-distant on the plain,
Surpriz'd, his tongue unbidden told his pain.
The beauteous maid, of frank and gentle mind,
Smil'd on his hopes, and bless'd with love refin'd,
In truth's mild beam the spotless union grew,
And gave such joys, as youthful angels knew.
Now wak'd the dim-seen dawn. O'er hills afar
Rose in gay triumph morn's refulgent star;
Up the glad skies fore-running beauty spread;
The grey mist sail'd along the mountain's head;
In clouds th' embosom'd lark her matin sings,
And from his couch impatient Irad springs,
To morn's unnumber'd sweets invites the fair,
Gay prospects, magic songs, and fragrant air.
Rose in gay triumph morn's refulgent star;
Up the glad skies fore-running beauty spread;
The grey mist sail'd along the mountain's head;
In clouds th' embosom'd lark her matin sings,
And from his couch impatient Irad springs,
To morn's unnumber'd sweets invites the fair,
Gay prospects, magic songs, and fragrant air.
Rapt with the charms, which nature gives to view
The great, the high, the beauteous, and the new,
To her soft power they bow'd the yielding mind,
Warm'd as they heard, and as they gaz'd refin'd;
In flowery tribes, where thousand splendors play;
Where magic prospect holds the lingering day;
Where brighten'd Evening spreads her gayest train,
And hails young Hesper to his native main;
In cloudy wilds, where gloomy thunder lies,
The pale moon mourns, and mountains prop the skies.
The great, the high, the beauteous, and the new,
To her soft power they bow'd the yielding mind,
Warm'd as they heard, and as they gaz'd refin'd;
In flowery tribes, where thousand splendors play;
Where magic prospect holds the lingering day;
Where brighten'd Evening spreads her gayest train,
And hails young Hesper to his native main;
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The pale moon mourns, and mountains prop the skies.
O'er northern plains serene the lovers stray,
And various converse charms their easy way—
How sweet, O fair—the Youth with rapture cries—
Earth's beauteous scenes, and wonders of the skies!
The folding clouds! the gates of morn unbarr'd!
The dewy plains, with flowery gems instarr'd!
The cliff-topp'd mountain! the deep-waving grove?
The air all odour! and the world all love!
And various converse charms their easy way—
How sweet, O fair—the Youth with rapture cries—
Earth's beauteous scenes, and wonders of the skies!
The folding clouds! the gates of morn unbarr'd!
The dewy plains, with flowery gems instarr'd!
The cliff-topp'd mountain! the deep-waving grove?
The air all odour! and the world all love!
Thrice fair are nature's works—the maid replied,
And her face bloom'd in beauty's living pride—
When round her fields my thoughts untroubled roll,
An easy joy steals softly on my soul:
Fix'd as I gaze, my breast with rapture warms,
Her glories ravish, and her music charms.
But oh the fate of Ai's unhappy field,
That every joy, and every hope, dispell'd!
Fled are the charms, that nature once attir'd
And lost the sweets, that ether once inspir'd.
As now through well-know paths, retir'd I stray,
And seek accustom'd beauties round my way;
At every turn, the seeming trump alarms,
Pale corses rise, and groans, and clashing arms;
From my pain'd bosom heaves th' unbidden figh;
The still tear trembles in my labouring eye;
Lost, but to grief, my feet bewilder'd rove,
And my heart deadens to thyself, and love.
O fatal hapless combat! cause unjust!
That blends the noblest heroes with the dust;
From sad Canäan's sons their wealth demands,
The flocks they tended, and their cultur'd lands;
Bids o'er their peaceful domes destruction flame,
And blots with deep dishonour Israel's name.
And her face bloom'd in beauty's living pride—
When round her fields my thoughts untroubled roll,
An easy joy steals softly on my soul:
Fix'd as I gaze, my breast with rapture warms,
Her glories ravish, and her music charms.
But oh the fate of Ai's unhappy field,
That every joy, and every hope, dispell'd!
Fled are the charms, that nature once attir'd
And lost the sweets, that ether once inspir'd.
As now through well-know paths, retir'd I stray,
And seek accustom'd beauties round my way;
At every turn, the seeming trump alarms,
Pale corses rise, and groans, and clashing arms;
From my pain'd bosom heaves th' unbidden figh;
The still tear trembles in my labouring eye;
Lost, but to grief, my feet bewilder'd rove,
And my heart deadens to thyself, and love.
O fatal hapless combat! cause unjust!
That blends the noblest heroes with the dust;
From sad Canäan's sons their wealth demands,
The flocks they tended, and their cultur'd lands;
Bids o'er their peaceful domes destruction flame,
And blots with deep dishonour Israel's name.
The Prince rejoin'd, By all-creating Heaven,
To Abraham's sons these fruitful fields were given.
Whate'er he made, the Maker claims his own;
Gives, and resumes, advis'd and rul'd by none.
By him bestow'd, a righteous sword demands
These flocks, these cities, and these promis'd lands,
Yet not 'till crimes, beyond long-suffering great,
Had fill'd their cup, and fix'd their changeless state,
Would Heaven permit our race its gifts to claim,
Or seal the glory of th' almighty Name.
In vain mild Mercy hop'd their hearts to gain,
And Patience look'd for Penitence, in vain.
As rolling streams one course eternal keep,
All rush impetuous down the guilty steep.
To Abraham's sons these fruitful fields were given.
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Gives, and resumes, advis'd and rul'd by none.
By him bestow'd, a righteous sword demands
These flocks, these cities, and these promis'd lands,
Yet not 'till crimes, beyond long-suffering great,
Had fill'd their cup, and fix'd their changeless state,
Would Heaven permit our race its gifts to claim,
Or seal the glory of th' almighty Name.
In vain mild Mercy hop'd their hearts to gain,
And Patience look'd for Penitence, in vain.
As rolling streams one course eternal keep,
All rush impetuous down the guilty steep.
The maid return'd, The nations' foul disgrace,
Stain'd with black guilt, I grant Canäan's race.
But not alike are all from virtue driven;
Some, more than others, claim the sword of Heaven:
Yet undistinguish'd falls the general doom,
The best, the worst, we destine to the tomb.
Stain'd with black guilt, I grant Canäan's race.
But not alike are all from virtue driven;
Some, more than others, claim the sword of Heaven:
Yet undistinguish'd falls the general doom,
The best, the worst, we destine to the tomb.
Where Hazor's hundred towers majestic rise,
Frown o'er her plains, and dare avenging skies;
In all that elegance of artless charms,
Which prompts mild love, and rival hate alarms;
In that sweet union of serene desires,
Which blows with fragrant breath unmingled fires;
Young, beauteous fair-ones, through her regions known,
Outvie the maid, thou lov'st to call thy own.
To these bright virgins chosen Irads bow;
Less wise, less virtuous, and less fair than thou;
But crown'd with many a grace; of thoughts refin'd,
Of pleasing person, and of dauntless mind.
Shall this bless'd train, so young, so fair, so brave,
Fall, with black wretches, in a firey grave?
Or round wild regions must they hapless roam,
Exil'd from joy, and forc'd from cheerful home?
To hunger, thirst, and sorrow, sink a prey,
And breathe, with lingering death, their lives away,
Frown o'er her plains, and dare avenging skies;
In all that elegance of artless charms,
Which prompts mild love, and rival hate alarms;
In that sweet union of serene desires,
Which blows with fragrant breath unmingled fires;
Young, beauteous fair-ones, through her regions known,
Outvie the maid, thou lov'st to call thy own.
To these bright virgins chosen Irads bow;
Less wise, less virtuous, and less fair than thou;
But crown'd with many a grace; of thoughts refin'd,
Of pleasing person, and of dauntless mind.
Shall this bless'd train, so young, so fair, so brave,
Fall, with black wretches, in a firey grave?
Or round wild regions must they hapless roam,
Exil'd from joy, and forc'd from cheerful home?
To hunger, thirst, and sorrow, sink a prey,
And breathe, with lingering death, their lives away,
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Should'st thou, when war to Salem drives her course,
Seize the keen steel, and join the conquering force,
While thy bold breast with glory's warmth beats high,
And wreaths well-twin'd approach thy ravish'd eye,
To some lone hamlet loosely wandering come,
Where simple swains had built their peaceful home,
Where care in silence smoothly pass'd away,
And home-bred happiness deceiv'd the day;
Should there sweet, helpless children meet thy view,
Fair as young rosebuds look thro' early dew,
With infant wonder, on thine armour gaze,
And point, with artless hands, the steely blaze:
Say could thy heart one angry purpose know,
Or doom such cherubs to a single woe?
Charm'd by soft smiles, I see thy heart retire,
And mild compassion breathe a gentler fire;
Thy love parental o'er them kindly yearn,
Prompt pleasing hope, and all their wishes learn;
Thy bounteous hand each needed bliss bestow,
And in the angel lose th' intended foe.
Seize the keen steel, and join the conquering force,
While thy bold breast with glory's warmth beats high,
And wreaths well-twin'd approach thy ravish'd eye,
To some lone hamlet loosely wandering come,
Where simple swains had built their peaceful home,
Where care in silence smoothly pass'd away,
And home-bred happiness deceiv'd the day;
Should there sweet, helpless children meet thy view,
Fair as young rosebuds look thro' early dew,
With infant wonder, on thine armour gaze,
And point, with artless hands, the steely blaze:
Say could thy heart one angry purpose know,
Or doom such cherubs to a single woe?
Charm'd by soft smiles, I see thy heart retire,
And mild compassion breathe a gentler fire;
Thy love parental o'er them kindly yearn,
Prompt pleasing hope, and all their wishes learn;
Thy bounteous hand each needed bliss bestow,
And in the angel lose th' intended foe.
Yet should dread war o'er these fair regions fly,
Unnumber'd virgins, bright as those must die;
To flames unnumber'd babes resign their breath,
And ere life blossoms, meet untimely death.
Unnumber'd virgins, bright as those must die;
To flames unnumber'd babes resign their breath,
And ere life blossoms, meet untimely death.
To thee, O prince! without a blush, I own
Such woes tremendous freeze my heart to stone.
Ere Irad's arm such precious lives destroy,
Let me, far guiltier, cease from every joy;
Quick to the dreary grave my form descend,
Our love all vanish, and our union end.
Such woes tremendous freeze my heart to stone.
Ere Irad's arm such precious lives destroy,
Let me, far guiltier, cease from every joy;
Quick to the dreary grave my form descend,
Our love all vanish, and our union end.
The Prince replied, Bless'd gentleness of mind!
The grace, the glory of a heart refin'd!
When new-born, helpless beings meet our eyes,
In noble minds, such thoughts resistless rise:
Even brutes, when young, our tender wishes try,
And love forbids the infant whelp to die.
Yet oft this kindest impulse of the soul
Bids wild desire in murmuring tumults roll,
And blames the Power, whose love alone, to earth,
And all earth's drear and dark events, gave birth.
The grace, the glory of a heart refin'd!
When new-born, helpless beings meet our eyes,
In noble minds, such thoughts resistless rise:
Even brutes, when young, our tender wishes try,
And love forbids the infant whelp to die.
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Bids wild desire in murmuring tumults roll,
And blames the Power, whose love alone, to earth,
And all earth's drear and dark events, gave birth.
In thy pure bosom, angels must approve.
For sad Canäan's youth, this generous love.
But once as fair, as young, as soft as they,
As white with innocence, with smiles as gay,
Were those black throngs, whose crimes as mountains rise,
And wipe out pity from th' all bounteous skies.
As eggs innoxious, oft in meadows strew'd,
Break into asps, and pour the viper's brood;
Nurs'd in rank soils, to strength the reptiles grow,
Resound the hiss, the sting of vengeance throw,
Uprear the crest, inroll the snaky spire,
Light the keen eye-ball with terrific fire;
From fields, and forests, death, and poison gain,
And scatter wide destruction round the plain:
So, harmless once, by vile affections lur'd,
In guilt, and years, those babes alike matur'd;
A thirst for sin, all patterns left behind,
The form all putrid, poison'd all the mind,
To every crime, to every madness, driven,
Curs'd the sad world, and hiss'd the name of Heaven.
There the sot reels, the murderer prowls for blood;
There the starv'd orphan sues in vain for food;
For man man burns, with Sodom's tainted flame,
And the world sickens with incestuous shame.
Even nature's ties their bosoms bind no more,
Wives wade in nuptial, sires in filial gore;
To howling Molock blooming babes expire,
And mothers round them dance, and light the funeral fire,
For sad Canäan's youth, this generous love.
But once as fair, as young, as soft as they,
As white with innocence, with smiles as gay,
Were those black throngs, whose crimes as mountains rise,
And wipe out pity from th' all bounteous skies.
As eggs innoxious, oft in meadows strew'd,
Break into asps, and pour the viper's brood;
Nurs'd in rank soils, to strength the reptiles grow,
Resound the hiss, the sting of vengeance throw,
Uprear the crest, inroll the snaky spire,
Light the keen eye-ball with terrific fire;
From fields, and forests, death, and poison gain,
And scatter wide destruction round the plain:
So, harmless once, by vile affections lur'd,
In guilt, and years, those babes alike matur'd;
A thirst for sin, all patterns left behind,
The form all putrid, poison'd all the mind,
To every crime, to every madness, driven,
Curs'd the sad world, and hiss'd the name of Heaven.
There the sot reels, the murderer prowls for blood;
There the starv'd orphan sues in vain for food;
For man man burns, with Sodom's tainted flame,
And the world sickens with incestuous shame.
Even nature's ties their bosoms bind no more,
Wives wade in nuptial, sires in filial gore;
To howling Molock blooming babes expire,
And mothers round them dance, and light the funeral fire,
Should then these infants to dread manhood rise,
What unheard crimes would smoke thro' earth and skies!
What hosts of demons sin's dark realm would gain!
How hell gape hideous round Canäan's plain!
What unheard crimes would smoke thro' earth and skies!
What hosts of demons sin's dark realm would gain!
How hell gape hideous round Canäan's plain!
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This sea of guilt unmeasur'd to prevent,
Our chosen race eternal Justice sent,
At once the bright possession to reclaim,
And 'gainst its victims point the vengeful flame,
Thus crimes their due and dire reward shall know;
Thus God be witness'd sin's unchanging foe;
From land to land Jehovah's glory shine,
And fear, and homage, wait the Name divine.
Our chosen race eternal Justice sent,
At once the bright possession to reclaim,
And 'gainst its victims point the vengeful flame,
Thus crimes their due and dire reward shall know;
Thus God be witness'd sin's unchanging foe;
From land to land Jehovah's glory shine,
And fear, and homage, wait the Name divine.
But, O unrivall'd maid! the kindest doom
These babes may destine to an early tomb.
To manhood risen their guilt, beyond controul,
Would blot their names from life's celestial roll.
Now, in fair climes, their souls, forever bless'd,
May bloom in youth, and share immortal rest;
And hail the boundless grace, that snatch'd its foes
From sins unnumber'd, and from lasting woes.
These babes may destine to an early tomb.
To manhood risen their guilt, beyond controul,
Would blot their names from life's celestial roll.
Now, in fair climes, their souls, forever bless'd,
May bloom in youth, and share immortal rest;
And hail the boundless grace, that snatch'd its foes
From sins unnumber'd, and from lasting woes.
And, O bright maid! whate'er high Heaven design'd
Is just, is glorious to th' omniscient Mind.
When Heaven commands, the virtuous ask no more:
His will is justice, as his arm is power:
Led by his voice, our cause divine we know;
We tempt no evil, and we fear no foe.
Is just, is glorious to th' omniscient Mind.
When Heaven commands, the virtuous ask no more:
His will is justice, as his arm is power:
Led by his voice, our cause divine we know;
We tempt no evil, and we fear no foe.
All gentle Youth! Selima soft replied—
How well thy words from falsehood truth divide!
With what sweet tenderness, thy voice displays
The truth, the lustre, of th' Eternal ways.
But say, bless'd Prince! will Heaven our race succeed?
Shall we victorious gain the darling meed?
So oft our host rebellion blackens o'er,
I fear, lest triumph crown our arms no more.
When will the friendly cloud again return?
When o'er yon dome the nightly glory burn?
How well thy words from falsehood truth divide!
With what sweet tenderness, thy voice displays
The truth, the lustre, of th' Eternal ways.
But say, bless'd Prince! will Heaven our race succeed?
Shall we victorious gain the darling meed?
So oft our host rebellion blackens o'er,
I fear, lest triumph crown our arms no more.
When will the friendly cloud again return?
When o'er yon dome the nightly glory burn?
Rejoin'd the smiling Prince; too anxious maid,
Let faithless terror ne'er thy heart invade,
To Abraham seal'd the sacred covenant stands—
Thy countless sons shall rule Canäan's lands.—
Guilt's impious train these tumults shall destroy;
Too vile, too base, to share the promis'd joy.
And he, whose soul, a plant for earth too fair,
Has grown, and ripen'd for a kinder air,
Full soon may feel the hand of blasting time,
By Heaven transplanted to a nobler clime,
Pass the cold winter of the frozen tomb,
And rise, and flourish in eternal bloom.
Let faithless terror ne'er thy heart invade,
To Abraham seal'd the sacred covenant stands—
Thy countless sons shall rule Canäan's lands.—
64
Too vile, too base, to share the promis'd joy.
And he, whose soul, a plant for earth too fair,
Has grown, and ripen'd for a kinder air,
Full soon may feel the hand of blasting time,
By Heaven transplanted to a nobler clime,
Pass the cold winter of the frozen tomb,
And rise, and flourish in eternal bloom.
But to glad fields, beyond those hills that lie,
And drink mild influence from the western sky,
The rest triumphant soon shall wing their way,
Seize their vast towns, and reign from sea to sea.
And drink mild influence from the western sky,
The rest triumphant soon shall wing their way,
Seize their vast towns, and reign from sea to sea.
Then join'd in love, in bands connubial join'd,
Each passion calm'd, and every taste refin'd,
Our fears shall end, unclouded hope begin,
Peace' gentle morning o'er Canäan shine;
In soft beatitude the seasons roll,
And growing union mix the kindred soul.
Each passion calm'd, and every taste refin'd,
Our fears shall end, unclouded hope begin,
Peace' gentle morning o'er Canäan shine;
In soft beatitude the seasons roll,
And growing union mix the kindred soul.
The maid return'd—O day supremely fair!
Not blooming Eden own'd a happier pair.
But, Youth belov'd! my bosom, rack'd with pain,
Tells me, sad tale! the darling wish is vain.
Tells me that chosen mora will never come,
Nor bliss be finish'd, but beyond the tomb.
For earth too bright were those love-lighted fires!
Too bless'd th' indulgence of such pure desires!
Here unallay'd, no lot, no joy appears;
Grief poisons hope, and pleasures mix with tears.
Not blooming Eden own'd a happier pair.
But, Youth belov'd! my bosom, rack'd with pain,
Tells me, sad tale! the darling wish is vain.
Tells me that chosen mora will never come,
Nor bliss be finish'd, but beyond the tomb.
For earth too bright were those love-lighted fires!
Too bless'd th' indulgence of such pure desires!
Here unallay'd, no lot, no joy appears;
Grief poisons hope, and pleasures mix with tears.
Ah fairest, wisest, loveliest of thy kind!
Of form all finish'd and of matchless mind!
Sweet-smiling visitant from yonder sky!
Too bright to live, and O too dear to die!
Why, hapless Mina! why from friends, and home,
Didst thou, unguided, in the wild wood roam?
Perhaps the hungry wolf around thy way
Lurk'd with grim rage, and seiz'd his helpless prey.
Perhaps, O lot of anguish! brutal men
Thy path unguarded, with fell eyes, have seen.
Or dost thou pale, unseen, unburied, lie,
Sad sorrow's victim, in th' inclement sky?
How soon is thy fair course of glory run!
Thy hopes all ended! all thy duties done!
Sleep, lovely maid! in hollow'd silence rest,
Let fragrant gales thy form with leaves invest;
There with new sweets, the lonely wild-rose bloom,
And pitying strangers raise thy verdant tomb.
Of form all finish'd and of matchless mind!
Sweet-smiling visitant from yonder sky!
Too bright to live, and O too dear to die!
Why, hapless Mina! why from friends, and home,
Didst thou, unguided, in the wild wood roam?
Perhaps the hungry wolf around thy way
Lurk'd with grim rage, and seiz'd his helpless prey.
65
Thy path unguarded, with fell eyes, have seen.
Or dost thou pale, unseen, unburied, lie,
Sad sorrow's victim, in th' inclement sky?
How soon is thy fair course of glory run!
Thy hopes all ended! all thy duties done!
Sleep, lovely maid! in hollow'd silence rest,
Let fragrant gales thy form with leaves invest;
There with new sweets, the lonely wild-rose bloom,
And pitying strangers raise thy verdant tomb.
Ah hapless maid! the tender prince rejoin'd—
How thy rich graces charm'd each generous mind!
Even Joshua's love how nobly didst thou claim,
Thy wishes virtue, and thy actions fame!
When his toils rose, when dangers dire oppress'd,
And Israel's griefs hung heavy on his breast,
Thy gentle mind, a soul-supporting stay,
Seren'd those toils, and charm'd those griefs away;
A calm retreat from fear, and doubt, and strife,
And all the hidden pangs of scepter'd life.
Rest in mild slumbers, lovely maiden! rest;
Thy life be copied, and thy memory bless'd!
Each soft-eyed virgin bid thy fame revive,
Attune her lyre, and in her actions live;
So, join'd with thee, in beauty's distant clime,
Her praise shall triumph o'er the death of time.
How thy rich graces charm'd each generous mind!
Even Joshua's love how nobly didst thou claim,
Thy wishes virtue, and thy actions fame!
When his toils rose, when dangers dire oppress'd,
And Israel's griefs hung heavy on his breast,
Thy gentle mind, a soul-supporting stay,
Seren'd those toils, and charm'd those griefs away;
A calm retreat from fear, and doubt, and strife,
And all the hidden pangs of scepter'd life.
Rest in mild slumbers, lovely maiden! rest;
Thy life be copied, and thy memory bless'd!
Each soft-eyed virgin bid thy fame revive,
Attune her lyre, and in her actions live;
So, join'd with thee, in beauty's distant clime,
Her praise shall triumph o'er the death of time.
As thus the converse pass'd, with many a tear,
To the still camp approach'd the sadden'd pair.
In th' utmost skirt, a tent at distance stood;
Whence mingling voices, scarce-distinguish'd, flow'd.
Heard'st thou—a warrior low his zeal express'd—
When generous Hanniel Jacob's sons address'd?
How on his words the thousands listening hung!
How sweet persuasion charm'd us from his tongue!
From pride, from pomp, from love of titles free,
He loves the poor; he feels for thee and me.
Oh, could our tribes by sad experience learn
What children tell, and what the blind discern,
Him for their leader would they raptur'd claim,
And fly from endless toil, and endless shame.
From hideous war my wearied soul recoils;
I ask no treasures rais'd from battle's spoils.
To painful arms let sons of slaughter run;
By them be glory's painted bubble won:
To peace, of aims far different, would I fly,
In peace inglorious live, inglorious die:
While peace, while plenty, much-lov'd Egypt knows,
Hears no shrill trump, and dreads no banded foes,
These boasted flocks, and towns, and promis'd fields,
To them my first, last wish delighted yields.
To the still camp approach'd the sadden'd pair.
In th' utmost skirt, a tent at distance stood;
Whence mingling voices, scarce-distinguish'd, flow'd.
Heard'st thou—a warrior low his zeal express'd—
When generous Hanniel Jacob's sons address'd?
How on his words the thousands listening hung!
How sweet persuasion charm'd us from his tongue!
From pride, from pomp, from love of titles free,
He loves the poor; he feels for thee and me.
66
What children tell, and what the blind discern,
Him for their leader would they raptur'd claim,
And fly from endless toil, and endless shame.
From hideous war my wearied soul recoils;
I ask no treasures rais'd from battle's spoils.
To painful arms let sons of slaughter run;
By them be glory's painted bubble won:
To peace, of aims far different, would I fly,
In peace inglorious live, inglorious die:
While peace, while plenty, much-lov'd Egypt knows,
Hears no shrill trump, and dreads no banded foes,
These boasted flocks, and towns, and promis'd fields,
To them my first, last wish delighted yields.
With earnest voice, his fellow pleas'd replies—
Since toil and pain have taught thee to be wise,
Know, my brave friend, a secret, faithful band
Soon point their course to Egypt's darling land.
When first to combat Joshua bends his way,
To guard the camp these bold associates stay;
With one firm heart, our path we then begin,
And noble Hanniel leads the bless'd design.
But hush'd in silence must these counsels rest,
Scarce even to tried, and faithful friends confess'd;
Lest the dread Chief's all-watchful, piercing eye,
With sun-like ken, the hated plot descry.
Thou know'st what ills a plot disclos'd attend;
Our names must perish, and our lives must end.
Since toil and pain have taught thee to be wise,
Know, my brave friend, a secret, faithful band
Soon point their course to Egypt's darling land.
When first to combat Joshua bends his way,
To guard the camp these bold associates stay;
With one firm heart, our path we then begin,
And noble Hanniel leads the bless'd design.
But hush'd in silence must these counsels rest,
Scarce even to tried, and faithful friends confess'd;
Lest the dread Chief's all-watchful, piercing eye,
With sun-like ken, the hated plot descry.
Thou know'st what ills a plot disclos'd attend;
Our names must perish, and our lives must end.
His friend return'd—The lov'd, the bold design
My glad soul welcomes, and my hand shall join.
Hail happy tidings! hail auspicious fields!
Where genial nature every pleasure yields—
Too bless'd, to that sweet native land I fly,
That cot, that heritage, that friendly sky—
Dear scenes of youth! where peace and pleasure mild,
With cheerful health, and ceaseless plenty smil'd—
Might these, O envied lot! again be given,
'Twere bliss too great; I claim no higher heaven.
My glad soul welcomes, and my hand shall join.
Hail happy tidings! hail auspicious fields!
Where genial nature every pleasure yields—
Too bless'd, to that sweet native land I fly,
That cot, that heritage, that friendly sky—
Dear scenes of youth! where peace and pleasure mild,
With cheerful health, and ceaseless plenty smil'd—
67
'Twere bliss too great; I claim no higher heaven.
This heard, Selima to her tent withdrew;
While strait to Joshua ardent Irad flew,
To him, apart, the dangerous plot disclos'd,
And what the tribe, and where the tent, expos'd.
As some fond parent eyes his darling child,
Pleas'd, the great Hero on the favourite smil'd,
His zeal, his prudence prais'd, and on his head
Besought the Heavens their choicest bliss to shed.
While strait to Joshua ardent Irad flew,
To him, apart, the dangerous plot disclos'd,
And what the tribe, and where the tent, expos'd.
As some fond parent eyes his darling child,
Pleas'd, the great Hero on the favourite smil'd,
His zeal, his prudence prais'd, and on his head
Besought the Heavens their choicest bliss to shed.
Mean time from distant guards a cry ascends,
And round the camp the dinning voice extends:
Th' alarming trump resounds; the martial train
Pour from the tents, and crowd th' accustom'd plain,
In mazy wanderings, thickening, darkening, roll,
Fill all the field, and shade the boundless pole.
As where proud Erie winds her narrowing shores,
And o'er huge hills a boiling ocean pours,
The long white-sheeted foam, with fury hurl'd,
Down the cliffs thundering, shakes the stable world,
In solemn grandeur clouds of mist arise,
Top the tall pines, and heavy, seek the skies:
So spread the volumes of the dust afar;
So roar the clamors of commencing war.
And round the camp the dinning voice extends:
Th' alarming trump resounds; the martial train
Pour from the tents, and crowd th' accustom'd plain,
In mazy wanderings, thickening, darkening, roll,
Fill all the field, and shade the boundless pole.
As where proud Erie winds her narrowing shores,
And o'er huge hills a boiling ocean pours,
The long white-sheeted foam, with fury hurl'd,
Down the cliffs thundering, shakes the stable world,
In solemn grandeur clouds of mist arise,
Top the tall pines, and heavy, seek the skies:
So spread the volumes of the dust afar;
So roar the clamors of commencing war.
Anxious, and active, there the Leader strode,
Nerv'd every heart, and steel'd for death and blood;
From rank to rank, he hush'd the tumult's sound,
And spread deep silence o'er th' attentive ground:
Then while the chiefs combin'd the dread array,
Tow'rd a high rock he bent his rapid way;
From the tall height, to Ai he cast his eyes,
And saw, in southern fields, her squadrons rise;
A cloud, far-spreading, o'er the plain impell'd,
Roll'd up th' expanse, and wrapp'd the gloomy field;
Approaching, widening, slow the darkness came,
Emblaz'd with gleams of intermitted flame.
So, long and black, like skirts of rising oven,
Thick clouds, now gathering, fill'd the northern heaven;
Borne on slow winds, that ceaseless chang'd its form,
O'er the dark mountains fail'd th' expanding storm;
In rising grandeur far-off thunders roll,
Dim lightnings flash, and gild the clouded pole;
More wide, more vast, the solemn gloom ascends,
And frowning, deepening, round th' horizon bends.
Nerv'd every heart, and steel'd for death and blood;
From rank to rank, he hush'd the tumult's sound,
And spread deep silence o'er th' attentive ground:
Then while the chiefs combin'd the dread array,
Tow'rd a high rock he bent his rapid way;
From the tall height, to Ai he cast his eyes,
And saw, in southern fields, her squadrons rise;
A cloud, far-spreading, o'er the plain impell'd,
Roll'd up th' expanse, and wrapp'd the gloomy field;
Approaching, widening, slow the darkness came,
Emblaz'd with gleams of intermitted flame.
68
Thick clouds, now gathering, fill'd the northern heaven;
Borne on slow winds, that ceaseless chang'd its form,
O'er the dark mountains fail'd th' expanding storm;
In rising grandeur far-off thunders roll,
Dim lightnings flash, and gild the clouded pole;
More wide, more vast, the solemn gloom ascends,
And frowning, deepening, round th' horizon bends.
At once the Hero gave the loud command;
In awful silence mov'd the chosen band;
Compact, to Ai they cours'd their dreadful way,
And generous Zimri rul'd the long array,
In awful silence mov'd the chosen band;
Compact, to Ai they cours'd their dreadful way,
And generous Zimri rul'd the long array,
Mean time new scenes around the camp began,
The tribes all motion, man confus'd with man;
From tent to tent swift-hastening feet appear'd;
Low-murmuring voices, mingling sounds were heard,
Loud, and more loud, the earnest clamors grow,
Hum through the tents, and all the camp o'erflow.
To Egypt's realms—resounds the general cry—
From these sad scenes, with prosperous feet, we fly,
These hosts of foes, these fields of ceaseless fight,
This sway of bondage, and this war of flight.
Haste, freedom's sons, and seize her happy shores,
For all her peace, and wealth, and joy, are yours.
Thus round the host the mingled clamor flew,
And loud, and fierce, debates tumultuous grew;
They urg'd, persuaded, threaten'd, flatter'd, cried,
With love conjur'd, with stubborn breast denied;
Friends left their friends, with answering look severe,
Sigh'd sad departure, dropp'd th' expressive tear;
From parents children headlong burst away,
While groans recall'd them from the dire affray;
To brothers brothers gave the parting hand,
And Virtue eyed, with tears, the swerving band.
The tribes all motion, man confus'd with man;
From tent to tent swift-hastening feet appear'd;
Low-murmuring voices, mingling sounds were heard,
Loud, and more loud, the earnest clamors grow,
Hum through the tents, and all the camp o'erflow.
To Egypt's realms—resounds the general cry—
From these sad scenes, with prosperous feet, we fly,
These hosts of foes, these fields of ceaseless fight,
This sway of bondage, and this war of flight.
Haste, freedom's sons, and seize her happy shores,
For all her peace, and wealth, and joy, are yours.
Thus round the host the mingled clamor flew,
And loud, and fierce, debates tumultuous grew;
They urg'd, persuaded, threaten'd, flatter'd, cried,
With love conjur'd, with stubborn breast denied;
Friends left their friends, with answering look severe,
Sigh'd sad departure, dropp'd th' expressive tear;
From parents children headlong burst away,
While groans recall'd them from the dire affray;
To brothers brothers gave the parting hand,
And Virtue eyed, with tears, the swerving band.
All dress'd in arms, and cloth'd in rich array,
Forth from the camp the warriors bent their way:
Their hands their gold, and favourite treasures bore,
And each fond bosom hail'd th' Egyptian shore.
O'er the broad circuit of the western plain,
From all sides gathering, mov'd the numerous train,
This way, and that, in thousand paths impell'd,
Immingling, rushing, darkening, hid the field,
To one great central phalanx swiftly driven,
Gloom'd the sad ground, and cast a shade on heaven,
Frowning, and fierce, expanded o'er the plain,
And, proud of numbers, deem'd resistance vain.
Forth from the camp the warriors bent their way:
69
And each fond bosom hail'd th' Egyptian shore.
O'er the broad circuit of the western plain,
From all sides gathering, mov'd the numerous train,
This way, and that, in thousand paths impell'd,
Immingling, rushing, darkening, hid the field,
To one great central phalanx swiftly driven,
Gloom'd the sad ground, and cast a shade on heaven,
Frowning, and fierce, expanded o'er the plain,
And, proud of numbers, deem'd resistance vain.
Of name obscure, before th' increasing throng
Two haughty chieftains proudly stalk'd along;
Felt all the joys, which little minds o'errun,
From sway first tried, and influence scarce begun;
Look'd wise, inportant hurried o'er the field;
Commanded, question'd, with loud threats compell'd;
Spoke with stern voice; advising, wavering stood,
And scarce the ground was printed, where they trode.
Two haughty chieftains proudly stalk'd along;
Felt all the joys, which little minds o'errun,
From sway first tried, and influence scarce begun;
Look'd wise, inportant hurried o'er the field;
Commanded, question'd, with loud threats compell'd;
Spoke with stern voice; advising, wavering stood,
And scarce the ground was printed, where they trode.
Far round the plain the mingled tumult ran,
Chief answer'd chief, and man rehears'd to man.
Thro' each small circle loud the murmur spread,
Of spoils ungiven, virtues unrepaid,
Woes unextinguish'd, labours ne'er to end,
The starving houshold, and the naked friend—
Where now's the heart, that bless'd the prophet's sway,
That sooth'd the tribes, and bade the soul obey,
Swept Bashan's fields, o'erthrew proud Sihon's throne,
And to poor warriors left the spoils they won?
Chief answer'd chief, and man rehears'd to man.
Thro' each small circle loud the murmur spread,
Of spoils ungiven, virtues unrepaid,
Woes unextinguish'd, labours ne'er to end,
The starving houshold, and the naked friend—
Where now's the heart, that bless'd the prophet's sway,
That sooth'd the tribes, and bade the soul obey,
Swept Bashan's fields, o'erthrew proud Sihon's throne,
And to poor warriors left the spoils they won?
But now new chiefs, in wiles and learning train'd,
Wield a dread sceptre, with an iron hand;
All, all but Hanniel; Hanniel singly glows
With Israel's good, and weeps for Israel's woes.
Hail then, oh hail the bless'd, auspicious day,
That opes to brighter realms our happy way!
The chiefs, we chose, the glorious path shall guide,
Uncurs'd with learning, and unstain'd with pride.
Wield a dread sceptre, with an iron hand;
All, all but Hanniel; Hanniel singly glows
With Israel's good, and weeps for Israel's woes.
Hail then, oh hail the bless'd, auspicious day,
That opes to brighter realms our happy way!
The chiefs, we chose, the glorious path shall guide,
Uncurs'd with learning, and unstain'd with pride.
70
Thus round the plain the tumult shrill resounds;
Of different note, immix unnumber'd sounds;
High toss'd in ether helms confus'dly fly,
And clashing shields to clashing shields reply:
Loud, hoarse, and rough, wide jars discordant noise,
And raging passions swell the clamorous voice.
So, where on ocean's brim the long beach winds.
Breaks his proud waves, and all his fury binds,
Unnumber'd fowls, of various wing, arise,
And toss in wild gyrations to the skies;
From each harsh throat hard strains of discord roar,
Creak with dire din, and grate along the shore;
Loud, and more loud, the nations heaven deform,
Or gloom the strand, and croak the coming storm.
Of different note, immix unnumber'd sounds;
High toss'd in ether helms confus'dly fly,
And clashing shields to clashing shields reply:
Loud, hoarse, and rough, wide jars discordant noise,
And raging passions swell the clamorous voice.
So, where on ocean's brim the long beach winds.
Breaks his proud waves, and all his fury binds,
Unnumber'd fowls, of various wing, arise,
And toss in wild gyrations to the skies;
From each harsh throat hard strains of discord roar,
Creak with dire din, and grate along the shore;
Loud, and more loud, the nations heaven deform,
Or gloom the strand, and croak the coming storm.
As round the plain the mingled tumult ran,
Tadmor, the elder chieftain, thus began—
Hail, sons of freedom! Jacob's fairest boast!
Heirs of the sky, and virtue's genuine host!
Well did brave Hanniel teach, in words divine,
How fast our tribes, with toils, and griefs, decline;
Full well he mark'd what deep designs are laid
By chiefs, of man, nor truth, nor Heaven, afraid;
That, swell'd with pride, and train'd in artful lore,
O'erleap all right, and crush the hapless poor.
To us no leader tells the deep design,
What hosts oppose us, and what lands combine;
What towns are next besieg'd; what dangers tried;
What spoils are won, and who those spoils divide.
In Egypt's realm the long-wish'd rule to gain,
They found each art, and each bold effort, vain:
Thence thro' the waste they urg'd our fatal way,
And hop'd, in this dire land, untroubled sway;
Yet there the poor a lot far happier found,
With fasts unburden'd, and with rites unbound:
Our tributes paid, at plenteous feasts we sate,
Stretch'd in soft ease, and every dainty ate.
Oh, why from those fair regions did we come?
Why, blind and headlong, leave our darling home?
Here our own leaders Egypt's kings outdo,
And change of lords is all the good we know.
Tadmor, the elder chieftain, thus began—
Hail, sons of freedom! Jacob's fairest boast!
Heirs of the sky, and virtue's genuine host!
Well did brave Hanniel teach, in words divine,
How fast our tribes, with toils, and griefs, decline;
Full well he mark'd what deep designs are laid
By chiefs, of man, nor truth, nor Heaven, afraid;
That, swell'd with pride, and train'd in artful lore,
O'erleap all right, and crush the hapless poor.
To us no leader tells the deep design,
What hosts oppose us, and what lands combine;
What towns are next besieg'd; what dangers tried;
What spoils are won, and who those spoils divide.
In Egypt's realm the long-wish'd rule to gain,
They found each art, and each bold effort, vain:
Thence thro' the waste they urg'd our fatal way,
And hop'd, in this dire land, untroubled sway;
Yet there the poor a lot far happier found,
With fasts unburden'd, and with rites unbound:
Our tributes paid, at plenteous feasts we sate,
Stretch'd in soft ease, and every dainty ate.
71
Why, blind and headlong, leave our darling home?
Here our own leaders Egypt's kings outdo,
And change of lords is all the good we know.
Haste then, from these dread fields of misery fly;
With chiefs you chose again to Egypt hie;
Where ease, and wines, and feasts, and soft delight,
Earth ever fruitful, skies forever bright,
Awake sweet pleasure, raptur'd love revive,
And teach poor mortals what it is to live:
Now seize the hour, by Joshua's folly given,
Or op'd for Israel by a pitying Heaven.
Ai's gallant sons will sweep his host away,
Worne by long labours, and to fasts a prey;
Or, scap'd the field, their weary feet must fail;
Or, join'd in fight, our arms will soon prevail;
This day beyond persuit our course removes,
And leaves the tyrant to the slaves he loves.
With chiefs you chose again to Egypt hie;
Where ease, and wines, and feasts, and soft delight,
Earth ever fruitful, skies forever bright,
Awake sweet pleasure, raptur'd love revive,
And teach poor mortals what it is to live:
Now seize the hour, by Joshua's folly given,
Or op'd for Israel by a pitying Heaven.
Ai's gallant sons will sweep his host away,
Worne by long labours, and to fasts a prey;
Or, scap'd the field, their weary feet must fail;
Or, join'd in fight, our arms will soon prevail;
This day beyond persuit our course removes,
And leaves the tyrant to the slaves he loves.
He spoke; at once, from all th' impatient train,
A bust of triumph shook the sounding plain;
Thrice rose the shout; as oft the heavens replied;
And, borne thro' fields, and woods, the far-off murmur died.
Thus, when the vernal storm forbears to rave,
And the wild river swells his torrent wave,
Huge isles of ice, along the clifted shore.
Float slow, and cumbrous; solemn thunders roar;
In deep gradations, rise, and burst, and roll,
Wave o'er the sounding hills, and lessen to the pole.
A bust of triumph shook the sounding plain;
Thrice rose the shout; as oft the heavens replied;
And, borne thro' fields, and woods, the far-off murmur died.
Thus, when the vernal storm forbears to rave,
And the wild river swells his torrent wave,
Huge isles of ice, along the clifted shore.
Float slow, and cumbrous; solemn thunders roar;
In deep gradations, rise, and burst, and roll,
Wave o'er the sounding hills, and lessen to the pole.
When first from Joshua faithful Irad went,
He summon'd Judah's heroes to his tent,
Bade them the tribes with prudent caution eye,
Pursue their motions, and their views descry,
Their tumults hush, or should their efforts fail,
With speed to him convey th' unpleasing tale.
When round the camp disorder'd scenes began,
Strait to the sound th' attentive heroes ran;
Watch'd all the murmurs of the gathering train,
And follow'd anxious to the troubled plain;
But first the tidings to the Leader sped,
What bands assembled, and what chieftains led,
Urg'd him with haste to arm a numerous force,
And 'gainst th' insurgents bend his rapid course.
He summon'd Judah's heroes to his tent,
Bade them the tribes with prudent caution eye,
Pursue their motions, and their views descry,
Their tumults hush, or should their efforts fail,
With speed to him convey th' unpleasing tale.
When round the camp disorder'd scenes began,
Strait to the sound th' attentive heroes ran;
72
And follow'd anxious to the troubled plain;
But first the tidings to the Leader sped,
What bands assembled, and what chieftains led,
Urg'd him with haste to arm a numerous force,
And 'gainst th' insurgents bend his rapid course.
And now, when Tadmor ceas'd, the shouts decay'd;
With sweet, mild accent, thus grave Caleb said—
How slight the toil, mistaking chief, to prove
'Tis wisdom's voice directs the path, we love!
Though thorns, though serpents hedge the fatal way,
The fond heart bids, and answering feet obey.
Each truth, each argument, thy voice runs o'er,
Forbids our host to seek th' Egyptian shore.
The waste's dire ills thy plaintive words resound,
Yet through that waste the darling realm is found;
Again those countless woes our race must try;
Again with toil, and thirst, and famine, die.
Or shall we flee, by Hazor's bands compell'd,
To meet fierce Amalek, in the hostile field.
Will hosts that tremble, where Ai's sons appear,
Abide the conflict, when Philistia's near.
With sweet, mild accent, thus grave Caleb said—
How slight the toil, mistaking chief, to prove
'Tis wisdom's voice directs the path, we love!
Though thorns, though serpents hedge the fatal way,
The fond heart bids, and answering feet obey.
Each truth, each argument, thy voice runs o'er,
Forbids our host to seek th' Egyptian shore.
The waste's dire ills thy plaintive words resound,
Yet through that waste the darling realm is found;
Again those countless woes our race must try;
Again with toil, and thirst, and famine, die.
Or shall we flee, by Hazor's bands compell'd,
To meet fierce Amalek, in the hostile field.
Will hosts that tremble, where Ai's sons appear,
Abide the conflict, when Philistia's near.
But to what end, against unnumber'd foes,
Shall Israel war to gain Egyptian woes;
Shame, vice, idolatry, and bondage, join'd,
The wrath of Heaven, and hissing of mankind?
If war is destin'd Israel's fearful doom,
With war, let freedom, wealth, and glory come:
Let peace, let realms, let empire crown the toil;
The world applaud us, and th' Eternal smile
In this fair land, shall each poor warrior reign
Lord of himself, and monarch of the plain.
His house, his herd, his harvest all his own,
And changeless law transmit them to his son.
But Egypt's wealth her king alone commands,
Her sons, her gold, her products, and her lands.
For him our hands, in slavish woe, must toil,
And pamper splendor on the beggar's spoil,
Poor beyond thought, suspended on a breath,
Our life a sufferance, and a nod our death.
Shall Israel war to gain Egyptian woes;
Shame, vice, idolatry, and bondage, join'd,
The wrath of Heaven, and hissing of mankind?
If war is destin'd Israel's fearful doom,
With war, let freedom, wealth, and glory come:
Let peace, let realms, let empire crown the toil;
The world applaud us, and th' Eternal smile
In this fair land, shall each poor warrior reign
Lord of himself, and monarch of the plain.
His house, his herd, his harvest all his own,
And changeless law transmit them to his son.
But Egypt's wealth her king alone commands,
Her sons, her gold, her products, and her lands.
73
And pamper splendor on the beggar's spoil,
Poor beyond thought, suspended on a breath,
Our life a sufferance, and a nod our death.
But Israel's chiefs are train'd in dangerous lore,
And hence regardless of the humble poor.
Say, Tadmor, say, the wiles of art to shun,
To Egypt's realms impatient dost thou run?
To courts, to lords, with smooth deceit o'erhung,
Where art first budded, and where learning sprung?
Truth, conscience, Heaven, thine idle dreams deny;
Repent, return; nor, snar'd by treasons, die.
And hence regardless of the humble poor.
Say, Tadmor, say, the wiles of art to shun,
To Egypt's realms impatient dost thou run?
To courts, to lords, with smooth deceit o'erhung,
Where art first budded, and where learning sprung?
Truth, conscience, Heaven, thine idle dreams deny;
Repent, return; nor, snar'd by treasons, die.
The hero spoke. From all the angry train
A rising murmur wav'd along the plain:
As 'twixt tall hills, where rushing torrents roll,
A slow, and lingering groan ascends the pole;
Thro' gloomy caverns hums the solemn sound,
Fills all the hollow realm, and shakes the shady ground.
A rising murmur wav'd along the plain:
As 'twixt tall hills, where rushing torrents roll,
A slow, and lingering groan ascends the pole;
Thro' gloomy caverns hums the solemn sound,
Fills all the hollow realm, and shakes the shady ground.
Ardan, the younger chieftain, quick return'd,
And from his eye-balls kindling fury burn'd—
Imperious prince, I know thy heart of steel
Ne'er lov'd the poor, and never knew to feel.
But that proud voice, which aw'd my breast before,
Now fails to rule, and guides the host no more.
I mock thy threats, thy utmost power defy,
Thy reasons trample, and thy words deny.
Chang'd is the scene. Thy pride must now obey
In worth thy betters, and thy lords in sway.
Go tell yon slaves, that base, and bestial train,
Thy arts, thy arguments, and threats are vain;
Bid them their friends, their gallant brethren foe,
A host of heroes, daring to be free,
Of numbers countless, bravery never aw'd,
Dup'd by no laws, and blinded by no God,
Their course now bending to the blissful shore,
Where peace and plenty bid the cup run o'er:
While they, poor reptiles! in dread bondage lie,
Drag life in misery, and unburied die.
Haste, haste ere vengeance on thy helmet light,
And plunge thee swift to everlasting night.
And from his eye-balls kindling fury burn'd—
Imperious prince, I know thy heart of steel
Ne'er lov'd the poor, and never knew to feel.
But that proud voice, which aw'd my breast before,
Now fails to rule, and guides the host no more.
I mock thy threats, thy utmost power defy,
Thy reasons trample, and thy words deny.
Chang'd is the scene. Thy pride must now obey
In worth thy betters, and thy lords in sway.
Go tell yon slaves, that base, and bestial train,
Thy arts, thy arguments, and threats are vain;
Bid them their friends, their gallant brethren foe,
A host of heroes, daring to be free,
Of numbers countless, bravery never aw'd,
Dup'd by no laws, and blinded by no God,
Their course now bending to the blissful shore,
Where peace and plenty bid the cup run o'er:
74
Drag life in misery, and unburied die.
Haste, haste ere vengeance on thy helmet light,
And plunge thee swift to everlasting night.
Base, reptile miscreant!—Hezron fierce replied—
Go dream of Egypt; swell thine insect pride;
Thy wings expand; around thy dunghill fly;
Buzz thy small moment, and forgotten die.
For know, vain wretch! the voice of peace is o'er;
The hand of Mercy lifts her branch no more;
To speed thy doom impatient Justice flies,
And wings the vengeance of affronted skies.
Go dream of Egypt; swell thine insect pride;
Thy wings expand; around thy dunghill fly;
Buzz thy small moment, and forgotten die.
For know, vain wretch! the voice of peace is o'er;
The hand of Mercy lifts her branch no more;
To speed thy doom impatient Justice flies,
And wings the vengeance of affronted skies.
The hero spoke. A rising hiss began,
And round the plain contemptuous murmurs ran:
Quick tow'rd the camp the princes bent their course,
And, turn'd to Egypt, mov'd the rebel force.
Their standard rose: a shout to heaven ascends,
And wide, and deep, the gloomy host extends.
Far round the files each casts exulting eyes;
Each feels the prowess of his arm arise:
By pride their force, their numbers doubled o'er,
All foes despis'd, and Joshua fear'd, no more;
From voice to voice the haughty tale rebounds,
And air re-echoes with the mingling sounds.
And round the plain contemptuous murmurs ran:
Quick tow'rd the camp the princes bent their course,
And, turn'd to Egypt, mov'd the rebel force.
Their standard rose: a shout to heaven ascends,
And wide, and deep, the gloomy host extends.
Far round the files each casts exulting eyes;
Each feels the prowess of his arm arise:
By pride their force, their numbers doubled o'er,
All foes despis'd, and Joshua fear'd, no more;
From voice to voice the haughty tale rebounds,
And air re-echoes with the mingling sounds.
As near the distant groves the warriors drew,
And homeward cast a lingering, parting view;
Behold! in eastern fields, a numerous train
Pour'd from the camp, and hasten'd o'er the plain.
There trembled Ephraim's ensign in the skies;
There the bull's vengeance blaz'd from wrathful eyes;
In act to wound, with threatening horns, he stood,
Felt his vast strength, and snuff'd his rival's blood.
Behind the mighty Chief, in pomp, impell'd,
The darkening phalanx widen'd o'er the field;
Sublime, the Hero wing'd his dreadful way,
And round the rebels shed a dire dismay.
And homeward cast a lingering, parting view;
Behold! in eastern fields, a numerous train
Pour'd from the camp, and hasten'd o'er the plain.
There trembled Ephraim's ensign in the skies;
There the bull's vengeance blaz'd from wrathful eyes;
In act to wound, with threatening horns, he stood,
Felt his vast strength, and snuff'd his rival's blood.
Behind the mighty Chief, in pomp, impell'd,
The darkening phalanx widen'd o'er the field;
Sublime, the Hero wing'd his dreadful way,
And round the rebels shed a dire dismay.
75
Amaz'd, the chieftains saw his hastening course,
And rang'd, with active speed, their numerous force;
In wild, disorder'd ranks, confus'd they stood,
Spoke sounding boasts, and thirsted loud for blood.
And rang'd, with active speed, their numerous force;
In wild, disorder'd ranks, confus'd they stood,
Spoke sounding boasts, and thirsted loud for blood.
As near the noisy squadrons Joshua drew,
Round the rude files he cast a searching view;
For Hanniel's steps he gaz'd; but gaz'd in vain,
Nor found the hero on the troubled plain.
For well his mind, by sad experience, knew
What fearful ills defeated plots pursue,
How sway accustom'd, faction wild o'erthrows,
And sudden tumults end in certain woes.
Thence, to his tent by cautious thoughts confin'd,
Disjointed counsels throng'd his restless mind;
He view'd, he wish'd; but knew the wish was vain,
And boded ruin to his favorite train.
Too wise the Chief, too fix'd the host, he saw;
Too firm th' obedience to the sacred law;
In sullen silence mourn'd his lot severe,
And wail'd devoted treason, with a tear.
Round the rude files he cast a searching view;
For Hanniel's steps he gaz'd; but gaz'd in vain,
Nor found the hero on the troubled plain.
For well his mind, by sad experience, knew
What fearful ills defeated plots pursue,
How sway accustom'd, faction wild o'erthrows,
And sudden tumults end in certain woes.
Thence, to his tent by cautious thoughts confin'd,
Disjointed counsels throng'd his restless mind;
He view'd, he wish'd; but knew the wish was vain,
And boded ruin to his favorite train.
Too wise the Chief, too fix'd the host, he saw;
Too firm th' obedience to the sacred law;
In sullen silence mourn'd his lot severe,
And wail'd devoted treason, with a tear.
High in the van, the Leader rais'd his voice,
The hosts all trembling at the dreadful noise—
Haste to your tents, with swift obedience haste,
That Mercy's veil may hide the follies past;
Haste, ere this hand, by injur'd justice driven,
Plunge in your breasts, th' avenging sword of Heaven:
Your Maker's voice, with conscious speed, obey,
And let deep sorrow wash your guilt away.
The hosts all trembling at the dreadful noise—
Haste to your tents, with swift obedience haste,
That Mercy's veil may hide the follies past;
Haste, ere this hand, by injur'd justice driven,
Plunge in your breasts, th' avenging sword of Heaven:
Your Maker's voice, with conscious speed, obey,
And let deep sorrow wash your guilt away.
Thus he. Bold Ardan with shrill voice replied—
Let no vain hope inflate thy swelling pride—
Know, proud, mis-deeming leader! Heaven design'd
Jacob's brave sons to bow with willing mind;
The chiefs, we freely chose, our hearts obey,
And crouch no more, obsequious to thy sway.
To happier realms, with prosperous feet, we go,
And leave thy bondmen here to every woe;
Leave them to toil, to groan, to mourn their doom,
Languish out life, and die without a tomb:
While we, fair freedom's sons, superior fly
To peace, and transport, in a kinder sky.
Let no vain hope inflate thy swelling pride—
Know, proud, mis-deeming leader! Heaven design'd
Jacob's brave sons to bow with willing mind;
The chiefs, we freely chose, our hearts obey,
And crouch no more, obsequious to thy sway.
To happier realms, with prosperous feet, we go,
And leave thy bondmen here to every woe;
76
Languish out life, and die without a tomb:
While we, fair freedom's sons, superior fly
To peace, and transport, in a kinder sky.
The Chief disdain'd return. With wrathful look,
His eyes stream'd terror, as the culprit spoke;
Forth from the van, with awful port, he strode;
O'er his bright arms reflected lightnings glow'd;
With lifted hand, he drove th' avenging blade,
And plung'd proud Ardan swift to endless shade.
Th' astonish'd train, like hunted harts impell'd,
Scatter'd in headlong terror, o'er the field.
So, on heaven's plain when war and tumult sprung,
By Britain's pride, and earth's bright Phœnix, sung,
When Satan, madden'd with Tartarean rage,
Dar'd Michael's sword, and Michael's might engage;
In pomp divine the great Archangel stood;
A sun's broad splendors round his forehead glow'd;
Down his long wings thick, branching lightnings fell;
Dire as ten thunders, rush'd his flaming steel;
Th' Apostate sunk; fear wing'd the rebel train,
Swift as the rapid whirlwind, o'er th' empyreal plain.
His eyes stream'd terror, as the culprit spoke;
Forth from the van, with awful port, he strode;
O'er his bright arms reflected lightnings glow'd;
With lifted hand, he drove th' avenging blade,
And plung'd proud Ardan swift to endless shade.
Th' astonish'd train, like hunted harts impell'd,
Scatter'd in headlong terror, o'er the field.
So, on heaven's plain when war and tumult sprung,
By Britain's pride, and earth's bright Phœnix, sung,
When Satan, madden'd with Tartarean rage,
Dar'd Michael's sword, and Michael's might engage;
In pomp divine the great Archangel stood;
A sun's broad splendors round his forehead glow'd;
Down his long wings thick, branching lightnings fell;
Dire as ten thunders, rush'd his flaming steel;
Th' Apostate sunk; fear wing'd the rebel train,
Swift as the rapid whirlwind, o'er th' empyreal plain.
Pleas'd, the great chief, and Judah's heroes view'd
The flying train, by guilt and fear subdued;
While to high heaven their grateful praises rose,
Whose guardian hand had sav'd from countless woes.
Then loud the criers proclaim—to Egypt's land
Whatever wretch shall lure a guilty band,
By stones oppress'd, his life shall fall a prey,
And dread oblivion sweep his name away.
The flying train, by guilt and fear subdued;
While to high heaven their grateful praises rose,
Whose guardian hand had sav'd from countless woes.
Then loud the criers proclaim—to Egypt's land
Whatever wretch shall lure a guilty band,
By stones oppress'd, his life shall fall a prey,
And dread oblivion sweep his name away.
While thus the rod of vengeance Joshua sway'd,
And the dread tumults of the plain decay'd,
Th' approaching hosts, at distance, Irad view'd,
And Zimri's thousands, with glad feet pursued,
Trac'd all the pomp of war, with wild delight,
And wish'd, unarm'd, to share th' impending fight.
Like ocean's waves, the sons of Ai were driven,
And lowering Israel cast a gloom on heaven;
Proud chiefs, in golden splendor, trod the plain,
And tower'd majestic o'er the vulgar train.
So, straight and tall, beyond the forest fair,
The pine, ambitious, stands without a peer;
O'er every grove beholds his boughs ascend,
Oaks climb beneath, and humble cedars bend;
Shares the mild winds, the sullen storm defies,
And towers, and waves, and wantons, in the skies;
In pride sublime, demands the sylvan reign,
And glows, and triumphs in immortal green.
And the dread tumults of the plain decay'd,
Th' approaching hosts, at distance, Irad view'd,
And Zimri's thousands, with glad feet pursued,
Trac'd all the pomp of war, with wild delight,
And wish'd, unarm'd, to share th' impending fight.
77
And lowering Israel cast a gloom on heaven;
Proud chiefs, in golden splendor, trod the plain,
And tower'd majestic o'er the vulgar train.
So, straight and tall, beyond the forest fair,
The pine, ambitious, stands without a peer;
O'er every grove beholds his boughs ascend,
Oaks climb beneath, and humble cedars bend;
Shares the mild winds, the sullen storm defies,
And towers, and waves, and wantons, in the skies;
In pride sublime, demands the sylvan reign,
And glows, and triumphs in immortal green.
As now the tempest hid the orb of day,
The threatening fronts approach'd, in dark array;
Swift through th' expansion clouds of arrows fly;
Stones shower on stones, and whizz along the sky;
Sing the shrill strings; the hissing darts resound;
From clanging bucklers rattling pebbles bound;
Now here, now there, the warriors fall; amain
Groans murmur; armour sounds; and shouts convulse the plain.
The threatening fronts approach'd, in dark array;
Swift through th' expansion clouds of arrows fly;
Stones shower on stones, and whizz along the sky;
Sing the shrill strings; the hissing darts resound;
From clanging bucklers rattling pebbles bound;
Now here, now there, the warriors fall; amain
Groans murmur; armour sounds; and shouts convulse the plain.
With deep amaze, the sons of Ai beheld
Their foes, with ardour, tempt the deathful field.
For now, elate, they sought the early fight,
To certain victory march'd with fierce delight;
And fondly hop'd, ere Oran's host should come,
To seal devoted Israel's hapless doom.
But vain their hopes; for with firm duty strong,
Undaunted Zimri fir'd the martial throng—
Now, warriors, now—the glowing leader cried—
Shall Israel's arms regain their ravish'd pride;
Ai now shall learn, untaught our force to slight,
What virtue warms us to the generous fight:
That one lost field shall ne'er our race dismay,
Nor shame, nor terror, stain the glorious day.
Their foes, with ardour, tempt the deathful field.
For now, elate, they sought the early fight,
To certain victory march'd with fierce delight;
And fondly hop'd, ere Oran's host should come,
To seal devoted Israel's hapless doom.
But vain their hopes; for with firm duty strong,
Undaunted Zimri fir'd the martial throng—
Now, warriors, now—the glowing leader cried—
Shall Israel's arms regain their ravish'd pride;
Ai now shall learn, untaught our force to slight,
What virtue warms us to the generous fight:
That one lost field shall ne'er our race dismay,
Nor shame, nor terror, stain the glorious day.
While thus untroubled thoughts his words confess'd,
All-anxious fears disturb'd his boding breast.
The host he knew distrustful of the sky,
Propense to terror, and prepar'd to fly;
He saw them sad move lingering o'er the plain,
New arm their foes, and double all their train:
And the great Chief a strong injunction gave,
Each post with care to guard, each band to save,
Each opening fair for wise retreat t' imbrace
To tempt no loss, and hazard no disgrace.
But far beyond his thoughts, the sound of war,
The clash of arms, the shouts that rent the air,
Th' inspiring tumults of the dreadful plain,
New strung their nerves, and rous'd their hopes again.
In quick oblivion, flight and fear were lost;
Increasing ardours every bosom toss'd;
Firm-wedg'd, unshaken, rush'd the darkening train;
Spears flew; air murmur'd; corses heap'd the plain;
One flight of twinkling arms, all ether shone;
Earth roar'd one shout confus'd, one mingled groan;
Each host press'd eager; each disdain'd to fly;
And wide confusion blended earth and sky.
All-anxious fears disturb'd his boding breast.
78
Propense to terror, and prepar'd to fly;
He saw them sad move lingering o'er the plain,
New arm their foes, and double all their train:
And the great Chief a strong injunction gave,
Each post with care to guard, each band to save,
Each opening fair for wise retreat t' imbrace
To tempt no loss, and hazard no disgrace.
But far beyond his thoughts, the sound of war,
The clash of arms, the shouts that rent the air,
Th' inspiring tumults of the dreadful plain,
New strung their nerves, and rous'd their hopes again.
In quick oblivion, flight and fear were lost;
Increasing ardours every bosom toss'd;
Firm-wedg'd, unshaken, rush'd the darkening train;
Spears flew; air murmur'd; corses heap'd the plain;
One flight of twinkling arms, all ether shone;
Earth roar'd one shout confus'd, one mingled groan;
Each host press'd eager; each disdain'd to fly;
And wide confusion blended earth and sky.
Mean time the storm, along dark mountains driven,
Hung o'er the plain, and wrapp'd the mid-day heaven;
More frequent lightnings blaz'd the skies around,
And peals more dreadful shook the solid ground.
From the black clouds the whirlwinds burst amain,
Scour'd all the groves, and rag'd along the plain;
Beneath, huge shouts the murmuring concave rend,
And drifts of dust in gloomy pomp ascend.
Hung o'er the plain, and wrapp'd the mid-day heaven;
More frequent lightnings blaz'd the skies around,
And peals more dreadful shook the solid ground.
From the black clouds the whirlwinds burst amain,
Scour'd all the groves, and rag'd along the plain;
Beneath, huge shouts the murmuring concave rend,
And drifts of dust in gloomy pomp ascend.
With boding hearts, the chiefs of Ai survey'd
The sun's pure splendor lost in cloudy shade;
The sun, their god, his smiling face withdrew,
And round the world a fearful darkness flew:
Hence unapprov'd they deem'd the doubtful day,
And scann'd, with careful looks their homeward way:
As thus they backward gaz'd, the driving rain
Rush'd, with impetuous fury, o'er the plain;
Fierce down th' expansion streaming torrents shower'd,
And blood-stain'd brooks along the champain pour'd.
The clash of arms, the long-resounding cries
Wav'd o'er the world a hoarse, tumultuous noise;
From heaven's huge vault loud-rolling thunders came,
And lightnings blaz'd insufferable flame.
Then sad, dishearten'd, from the dreadful fire
Ai's generous leaders bade their host retire.
Reluctant, slow, disdaining base defeat,
From Israel's sons the grisly ranks retreat;
Surpriz'd, fierce Israel see their backward course,
Hang o'er their rear, and press with gathering force;
Intenser shouts ascend; the lightning's flame
Casts o'er the shields a strong alternate gleam;
Loud thunders roll; the fields all quake around:
And the rain rushing roars along the ground.
Then Zimri's piercing voice, with stern commands,
Restrains the fury of his eager bands.
So fierce the thousands burn for raging war,
Even single warriors urge their foes afar;
'Till near the chief, they see the standard rise,
While yet the tempest fills the midway skies,
Then deep-embosom'd in th' obscuring rain,
Their foes untroubled cross the homeward plain.
The sun's pure splendor lost in cloudy shade;
The sun, their god, his smiling face withdrew,
And round the world a fearful darkness flew:
Hence unapprov'd they deem'd the doubtful day,
And scann'd, with careful looks their homeward way:
As thus they backward gaz'd, the driving rain
Rush'd, with impetuous fury, o'er the plain;
79
And blood-stain'd brooks along the champain pour'd.
The clash of arms, the long-resounding cries
Wav'd o'er the world a hoarse, tumultuous noise;
From heaven's huge vault loud-rolling thunders came,
And lightnings blaz'd insufferable flame.
Then sad, dishearten'd, from the dreadful fire
Ai's generous leaders bade their host retire.
Reluctant, slow, disdaining base defeat,
From Israel's sons the grisly ranks retreat;
Surpriz'd, fierce Israel see their backward course,
Hang o'er their rear, and press with gathering force;
Intenser shouts ascend; the lightning's flame
Casts o'er the shields a strong alternate gleam;
Loud thunders roll; the fields all quake around:
And the rain rushing roars along the ground.
Then Zimri's piercing voice, with stern commands,
Restrains the fury of his eager bands.
So fierce the thousands burn for raging war,
Even single warriors urge their foes afar;
'Till near the chief, they see the standard rise,
While yet the tempest fills the midway skies,
Then deep-embosom'd in th' obscuring rain,
Their foes untroubled cross the homeward plain.
Mean time the winds were pass'd, the storm was o'er,
And streaming torrents ceas'd from heaven to pour;
Strait to the camp, by Zimri's voice compell'd,
The bands flow-moving cross'd the spacious field.
With joy, the chief revolv'd the troubled day,
The fate, and influence of the fierce affray;
Ai, in fierce conflict, fail'd the wreath to gain,
And Israel, dauntless, trod the skirmish'd plain;
He saw the host again to combat won
Their hopes new-kindled, and their terror gone;
Thence his own bosom boding fear dispell'd,
And promis'd triumph on the future field.
And streaming torrents ceas'd from heaven to pour;
Strait to the camp, by Zimri's voice compell'd,
The bands flow-moving cross'd the spacious field.
With joy, the chief revolv'd the troubled day,
The fate, and influence of the fierce affray;
Ai, in fierce conflict, fail'd the wreath to gain,
And Israel, dauntless, trod the skirmish'd plain;
He saw the host again to combat won
Their hopes new-kindled, and their terror gone;
Thence his own bosom boding fear dispell'd,
And promis'd triumph on the future field.
80
And now the Youth they pass'd, as, with fond eyes,
He saw the varying fate of combat rise;
To him, deep-pondering, blew the storm in vain,
Scarce heard the peals, or mark'd the battering rain:
'Till Ai, retir'd, the doubtful strife resign'd,
And calm'd the tumults of his anxious mind.
He saw the varying fate of combat rise;
To him, deep-pondering, blew the storm in vain,
Scarce heard the peals, or mark'd the battering rain:
'Till Ai, retir'd, the doubtful strife resign'd,
And calm'd the tumults of his anxious mind.
Then gentler scenes his rapt attention gain'd,
Where God's great hand in clear effulgence reign'd,
The growing beauties of the solemn even,
And all the bright sublimities of heaven.
Above tall western hills, the light of day
Shot far the splendors of his golden ray;
Bright from the storm, with tenfold grace he smil'd,
The tumult soften'd, and the world grew mild.
With pomp transcendant, rob'd in heavenly dies,
Arch'd the clear rainbow round the orient skies;
Its changeless form, its hues of beam divine,
Fair type of truth, and beauty's endless shine,
Around th' expanse, with thousand splendors rare,
Gay clouds sail'd wanton through the kindling air;
From shade to shade, unnumber'd tinctures blend;
Unnumber'd forms of wonderous light extend;
In pride stupendous, glittering walls aspire,
Grac'd with bright domes, and crown'd with towers of fires
On cliffs cliffs burn; o'er mountains mountains roll:
A burst of glory spreads from pole to pole:
Rapt with the splendor, every songster sings,
Tops the high bough, and claps his glistening wings:
With new-born green, reviving nature blooms,
And sweeter fragrance freshening air perfumes.
Where God's great hand in clear effulgence reign'd,
The growing beauties of the solemn even,
And all the bright sublimities of heaven.
Above tall western hills, the light of day
Shot far the splendors of his golden ray;
Bright from the storm, with tenfold grace he smil'd,
The tumult soften'd, and the world grew mild.
With pomp transcendant, rob'd in heavenly dies,
Arch'd the clear rainbow round the orient skies;
Its changeless form, its hues of beam divine,
Fair type of truth, and beauty's endless shine,
Around th' expanse, with thousand splendors rare,
Gay clouds sail'd wanton through the kindling air;
From shade to shade, unnumber'd tinctures blend;
Unnumber'd forms of wonderous light extend;
In pride stupendous, glittering walls aspire,
Grac'd with bright domes, and crown'd with towers of fires
On cliffs cliffs burn; o'er mountains mountains roll:
A burst of glory spreads from pole to pole:
Rapt with the splendor, every songster sings,
Tops the high bough, and claps his glistening wings:
With new-born green, reviving nature blooms,
And sweeter fragrance freshening air perfumes.
Far south the storm withdrew its troubled reign;
Descending twilight dimm'd the dusky plain;
Black night arose; her curtains hid the ground;
Less roar'd, and less, the thunders solemn sound;
The bended lightning shot a brighter stream,
Or wrapp'd all heaven in one wide, mantling flame;
By turns, o'er plains, and woods, and mountains, spread
Faint, yellow glimmerings, and a deeper shade.
Descending twilight dimm'd the dusky plain;
Black night arose; her curtains hid the ground;
Less roar'd, and less, the thunders solemn sound;
The bended lightning shot a brighter stream,
Or wrapp'd all heaven in one wide, mantling flame;
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Faint, yellow glimmerings, and a deeper shade.
From parting clouds, the moon out-breaking shone,
And sate, sole empress, on her silver throne;
In clear, full beauty, round all nature smil'd,
And claim'd o'er heaven, and earth, dominion mild;
With humbler glory, stars her court attend,
And bless'd, and union'd, silent lustre blend.
And sate, sole empress, on her silver throne;
In clear, full beauty, round all nature smil'd,
And claim'd o'er heaven, and earth, dominion mild;
With humbler glory, stars her court attend,
And bless'd, and union'd, silent lustre blend.
All these bright scenes revolv'd, his raptur'd mind,
With sweet transition, heaven in all divin'd;
Where, round the prospect, grandeur, beauty, glow'd,
They shone, the grandeur, beauty, of a God;
God look'd through all, as, with resplendence gay,
They rais'd, and bore him from himself away.
With sweet transition, heaven in all divin'd;
Where, round the prospect, grandeur, beauty, glow'd,
They shone, the grandeur, beauty, of a God;
God look'd through all, as, with resplendence gay,
They rais'd, and bore him from himself away.
| The conquest of Canäan | |