 | The conquest of Canäan |  |
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BOOK IV.
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Argument.
Morning. Tribes assemble. Story of Achan. Embassy from Gibeon. Story of Mina, Joshua gives her to Elam, prince of Gibeon, in marriage, and makes peace with the Gibeonites. Feast. Joshua's prayer. Cloud descends on the tabernacle. Elam sollicits leave to return to Gibeon. Joshua consents. Sports of the Israelites. Conduct of Hanniel. Walls built around the camp. Story of Helen.
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Now the third sun illum'd the azure main,
And Israel anxious gather'd on the plain.
In every face suspense and grief appear'd,
Each son was doubted, and each parent fear'd:
Brothers on brothers cast a side-long eye,
And trembling fair-ones press'd the rising sigh.
And Israel anxious gather'd on the plain.
In every face suspense and grief appear'd,
Each son was doubted, and each parent fear'd:
Brothers on brothers cast a side-long eye,
And trembling fair-ones press'd the rising sigh.
Mid the wide concourse great Eleazar shone,
The sacred minister of Heaven's high throne.
White were his aged locks, and round his face
Calm contemplation cast a solemn grace;
O'er his pure vesture shining unguent spread,
And breath'd the fragrance of th' Arabian shade:
Full on his breast the star-bright Urim glow'd,
And o'er his brow beam'd Holiness to God.
The sacred minister of Heaven's high throne.
White were his aged locks, and round his face
Calm contemplation cast a solemn grace;
O'er his pure vesture shining unguent spread,
And breath'd the fragrance of th' Arabian shade:
Full on his breast the star-bright Urim glow'd,
And o'er his brow beam'd Holiness to God.
The sacred rites perform'd, he bent his way
To the bright dome that mock'd the rising day.
The train with reverence bow'd. Around his head
Red spires of lambent flame serenely play'd;
On the clear splendors gaz'd the crowd around,
And deep attention hush'd the shady ground.
To the bright dome that mock'd the rising day.
The train with reverence bow'd. Around his head
Red spires of lambent flame serenely play'd;
On the clear splendors gaz'd the crowd around,
And deep attention hush'd the shady ground.
Now in the sacred place the Priest ador'd,
And thus his voice Jehovah's smiles implor'd.
O thou, whose wisdom built the bright abodes,
Great KING of KINGS, and sovereign God of God's,
Almighty Father hear! Let grace divine
Shower on our host, and cleanse from every sin!
Thou seest, Omniscient Mind! what guilt unknown
Pollutes our race, and dares insult thy throne:
Thou seest; and oh may thy all-gracious voice
That guilt declare, and bid thy sons rejoice!
And thus his voice Jehovah's smiles implor'd.
O thou, whose wisdom built the bright abodes,
Great KING of KINGS, and sovereign God of God's,
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Shower on our host, and cleanse from every sin!
Thou seest, Omniscient Mind! what guilt unknown
Pollutes our race, and dares insult thy throne:
Thou seest; and oh may thy all-gracious voice
That guilt declare, and bid thy sons rejoice!
He spoke. A rushing sound of winds began,
Sung in the vail, and thro' the temple ran;
A sapphire flame, unutterably bright,
Shot from the gloom, and wrapp'd the walls in light;
The dome all trembled; earth beneath it shook;
And o'er the ark a voice in thunder spoke—
To Israel's thousands, from th' Eternal throne,
This mighty mandate by thy voice be known.
Of Judah's race, a wretch, by madness driven,
With impious hand, hath dar'd the wrath of Heaven:
Stones shall his house destroy, and flames devour;
I am commands; let all my sons adore.—
Not more; an awful darkness round him spread,
Still as the gloomy mansions of the dead.
Sung in the vail, and thro' the temple ran;
A sapphire flame, unutterably bright,
Shot from the gloom, and wrapp'd the walls in light;
The dome all trembled; earth beneath it shook;
And o'er the ark a voice in thunder spoke—
To Israel's thousands, from th' Eternal throne,
This mighty mandate by thy voice be known.
Of Judah's race, a wretch, by madness driven,
With impious hand, hath dar'd the wrath of Heaven:
Stones shall his house destroy, and flames devour;
I am commands; let all my sons adore.—
Not more; an awful darkness round him spread,
Still as the gloomy mansions of the dead.
All sad, and slow, return'd the mournful priest,
And strong impatience every eye express'd—
What the decree of Heaven! the Leader cried—
With solemn voice, the sacred Seer replied—
Of Judah's race, a wretch, by madness driven,
With impious hand, hath dar'd the wrath of Heaven:
Stones shall his house destroy, and flames devour;
I am commands; let all his sons adore.
And strong impatience every eye express'd—
What the decree of Heaven! the Leader cried—
With solemn voice, the sacred Seer replied—
Of Judah's race, a wretch, by madness driven,
With impious hand, hath dar'd the wrath of Heaven:
Stones shall his house destroy, and flames devour;
I am commands; let all his sons adore.
He spoke; and sorrow gloom'd the plain: in haste,
So Joshua's voice decreed, the lots were cast;
The wretch, so long conceal'd, arose to view,
And Achan's name to fearful vengeance drew.
Forth from the crowd, with languid steps, and slow,
The victim strode, and look'd unutter'd woe:
His useless hands hung feebly by his side;
His tottering knees their wonted aid denied;
His front was clouded with a wild dismay;
For hastening ruin darken'd o'er his way.
So Joshua's voice decreed, the lots were cast;
The wretch, so long conceal'd, arose to view,
And Achan's name to fearful vengeance drew.
Forth from the crowd, with languid steps, and slow,
The victim strode, and look'd unutter'd woe:
His useless hands hung feebly by his side;
His tottering knees their wonted aid denied;
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For hastening ruin darken'd o'er his way.
And thus the youth forlorn—My hated name
Sinks in the misery of undying shame.
Pass'd is the day of grace: my dimmed light
Fades in the skirt of everlasting night.
From the rich spoils my hand a store convey'd,
Help'd by the night, and safe in covert laid.
Beneath my tent the mischief may be found,
Where spreads the flooring o'er the secret ground.
Why did my heart resist that lovely fair,
Who sweetly warn'd me of the tempting snare?
Hear, all ye warriors! fly the fatal road,
And learn, that vengeance waits the foes of God!
Sinks in the misery of undying shame.
Pass'd is the day of grace: my dimmed light
Fades in the skirt of everlasting night.
From the rich spoils my hand a store convey'd,
Help'd by the night, and safe in covert laid.
Beneath my tent the mischief may be found,
Where spreads the flooring o'er the secret ground.
Why did my heart resist that lovely fair,
Who sweetly warn'd me of the tempting snare?
Hear, all ye warriors! fly the fatal road,
And learn, that vengeance waits the foes of God!
Great Joshua heard; and tho' his feeling mind
To crimes was gentle, and to misery kind;
Fierce on the youth he cast a dreadful eye,
That wither'd all his strength, and bade him die.
And could no honour, and no law, controul
The groveling wishes of thy gloomy soul?
How durst thou, impious, face th' Almighty rod,
Put forth rebellious hands and steal from God?
Didst thou not know, weak man! th' avenging Sky
Trac'd thy dark footsteps with all-searching eye?
Didst thou not fear, amidst the gloomy deed,
Its vengeance bursting on thy guilty head?
Didst thou not fear the stings of conscious shame?
The thunder's terror; or the lightning's flame?
Go, raise to Heaven the sad, repenting eye,
A Heaven that hears, when Misery lifts her cry!
Perhaps soft Mercy yet may lend an ear,
While thy sun glimmers in his last career.
Not pity's wish, but folly's, hides from view
The wretch, whom Justice' awful feet pursue.
Go then, unpardon'd, sink in shame forlorn,
Of Heaven the victim, and of earth the scorn;
A warning lamp, o'er guilt's benighted way,
To light bewilder'd error back to day.
To crimes was gentle, and to misery kind;
Fierce on the youth he cast a dreadful eye,
That wither'd all his strength, and bade him die.
And could no honour, and no law, controul
The groveling wishes of thy gloomy soul?
How durst thou, impious, face th' Almighty rod,
Put forth rebellious hands and steal from God?
Didst thou not know, weak man! th' avenging Sky
Trac'd thy dark footsteps with all-searching eye?
Didst thou not fear, amidst the gloomy deed,
Its vengeance bursting on thy guilty head?
Didst thou not fear the stings of conscious shame?
The thunder's terror; or the lightning's flame?
Go, raise to Heaven the sad, repenting eye,
A Heaven that hears, when Misery lifts her cry!
Perhaps soft Mercy yet may lend an ear,
While thy sun glimmers in his last career.
Not pity's wish, but folly's, hides from view
The wretch, whom Justice' awful feet pursue.
Go then, unpardon'd, sink in shame forlorn,
Of Heaven the victim, and of earth the scorn;
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To light bewilder'd error back to day.
He spoke. The victim, with dread horror pale,
Walk'd trembling onward to a distant vale;
His look of anguish ask'd a hand to save,
And Pity's eye pursued him to the grave.
Walk'd trembling onward to a distant vale;
His look of anguish ask'd a hand to save,
And Pity's eye pursued him to the grave.
Mean time around their Chief the princes stood,
And kind compassion in their bosoms glow'd:
When rob'd in fair attire, two strangers came,
And bow'd respectful, at the Hero's name.
One, pass'd his strength, was grac'd with manly scars,
Crown of the brave, and palm of glorious wars;
Tall was his frame, his countenance roughly kind,
And his calm front with honest boldness shin'd.
Dress'd in light robes, as flowers adorn the wild,
In nature's prime his young companion smil'd
Sweetness ineffable. Devoid of art,
His eye, soft-glowing, look'd the friendly heart.
And kind compassion in their bosoms glow'd:
When rob'd in fair attire, two strangers came,
And bow'd respectful, at the Hero's name.
One, pass'd his strength, was grac'd with manly scars,
Crown of the brave, and palm of glorious wars;
Tall was his frame, his countenance roughly kind,
And his calm front with honest boldness shin'd.
Dress'd in light robes, as flowers adorn the wild,
In nature's prime his young companion smil'd
Sweetness ineffable. Devoid of art,
His eye, soft-glowing, look'd the friendly heart.
Hail strangers, hail! the mighty Hero cried,
Whose port bespeaks a nation's fairest pride.
Bring your kind hands the peaceful branch from far?
Or pant your bosoms for the fate of war?
The elder chief replied—From Gibeon's king
Our friendly hands no hostile message bring.
Tho' once in sight renown'd, now silver age
Serenes his brow, and cools ambition's rage.
'Tis his first glory, Gibeon's weal t' encrease,
To soothe sad woe, and widen human bliss.
Whose port bespeaks a nation's fairest pride.
Bring your kind hands the peaceful branch from far?
Or pant your bosoms for the fate of war?
The elder chief replied—From Gibeon's king
Our friendly hands no hostile message bring.
Tho' once in sight renown'd, now silver age
Serenes his brow, and cools ambition's rage.
'Tis his first glory, Gibeon's weal t' encrease,
To soothe sad woe, and widen human bliss.
Pass'd are five morns, since round th' extended plain,
With fond impatience, rush'd a chosen train,
O'er rocks, and streams, the nimble deer pursued,
Trac'd the wild marsh, and scour'd the devious wood.
From the lone mansions of the unpierc'd shade,
At once deep cries our wondering ears invade.
Led by the unknown voice, we nimbly hied
Thro' the thick grove, and strait the scene descried.
'Twixt two rough savages, whose hungry eyes
Lower'd death, and ruin, o'er their helpless prize,
Fair as the star of morn, a lovely maid,
In pangs of terror, call'd in vain for aid.
Her robes embroider'd loosely met the view;
Her hair, unbound, in wild disorder flew;
All pale she stood, and to the pitying sky
Stretch'd her white hands, and rais'd a piercing cry.
In vain, on terror's wings, the caitiffs flew;
His eager sword this generous hero drew;
Their heads in twain the steely vengeance clave,
And hungry vultures yield the horrid grave.
With fond impatience, rush'd a chosen train,
O'er rocks, and streams, the nimble deer pursued,
Trac'd the wild marsh, and scour'd the devious wood.
From the lone mansions of the unpierc'd shade,
At once deep cries our wondering ears invade.
Led by the unknown voice, we nimbly hied
Thro' the thick grove, and strait the scene descried.
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Lower'd death, and ruin, o'er their helpless prize,
Fair as the star of morn, a lovely maid,
In pangs of terror, call'd in vain for aid.
Her robes embroider'd loosely met the view;
Her hair, unbound, in wild disorder flew;
All pale she stood, and to the pitying sky
Stretch'd her white hands, and rais'd a piercing cry.
In vain, on terror's wings, the caitiffs flew;
His eager sword this generous hero drew;
Their heads in twain the steely vengeance clave,
And hungry vultures yield the horrid grave.
To Gibeon's domes we led the beauteous fair,
Repos'd on down, and nurs'd with tenderest care.
Pleas'd with our pains, her sweet, angelic tongue
Strange truths divine, with heavenly music, sung.
Of nature's Sovereign Lord, the tale began,
How earth was form'd, and how created man;
How the tall mountains heav'd their cloud-wrapp'd spires,
And heaven was starr'd with thousand thousand fires.
Then too she told how, rous'd to fearful ire,
Jehovah bade the delug'd world expire;
Thy nation's rise; the rod of Sovereign power,
That shook proud Egypt's realms from shore to shore,
The cleaving main; the wonders of the wild,
Where hard rocks flow'd, and sands with verdure smil'd;
Food, shower'd from heaven, perfum'd the morning blast,
And quails in millions peopled all the waste.
In these dread scenes, Aradon's mighty mind
The clear displays of boundless power divin'd;
Scenes nobler far than ancient sages knew,
Than age e'er taught, or airy fancy drew.
At once, inspir'd with eager zeal to learn
What wondrous truths the glorious scheme concern,
This prince, his only hope, the monarch chose,
And join'd with me, his pleasure to disclose.
Sweet peace by us his friendly heart demands;
His gold he proffers, and his warlike bands;
At thy request, to arms the thousands fly,
With thee we conquer, or with thee we die.
Shouldst thou consent, some bright, and generous Sage,
Fam'd for pure manners, and grown wise with age,
Skill'd with unseen, yet all-persuasive art,
T'inform the mind, and softly win the heart,
Whose tenets, nobly rais'd o'er pride, and strife,
Grace the fair conduct of a virtuous life,
He asks, to spread Religion's sacred sway,
To lure his sons to heaven, and point the way.
And O what price immense canst thou demand!
What golden hoards? or boundless breadth of land?
One precious prize our grateful hands restore,
Unbought by gems, or loads of shining ore,
In thy own tent, behold thy favorite fair,
Child of thy choice, and darling of thy care!
Repos'd on down, and nurs'd with tenderest care.
Pleas'd with our pains, her sweet, angelic tongue
Strange truths divine, with heavenly music, sung.
Of nature's Sovereign Lord, the tale began,
How earth was form'd, and how created man;
How the tall mountains heav'd their cloud-wrapp'd spires,
And heaven was starr'd with thousand thousand fires.
Then too she told how, rous'd to fearful ire,
Jehovah bade the delug'd world expire;
Thy nation's rise; the rod of Sovereign power,
That shook proud Egypt's realms from shore to shore,
The cleaving main; the wonders of the wild,
Where hard rocks flow'd, and sands with verdure smil'd;
Food, shower'd from heaven, perfum'd the morning blast,
And quails in millions peopled all the waste.
In these dread scenes, Aradon's mighty mind
The clear displays of boundless power divin'd;
Scenes nobler far than ancient sages knew,
Than age e'er taught, or airy fancy drew.
At once, inspir'd with eager zeal to learn
What wondrous truths the glorious scheme concern,
This prince, his only hope, the monarch chose,
And join'd with me, his pleasure to disclose.
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His gold he proffers, and his warlike bands;
At thy request, to arms the thousands fly,
With thee we conquer, or with thee we die.
Shouldst thou consent, some bright, and generous Sage,
Fam'd for pure manners, and grown wise with age,
Skill'd with unseen, yet all-persuasive art,
T'inform the mind, and softly win the heart,
Whose tenets, nobly rais'd o'er pride, and strife,
Grace the fair conduct of a virtuous life,
He asks, to spread Religion's sacred sway,
To lure his sons to heaven, and point the way.
And O what price immense canst thou demand!
What golden hoards? or boundless breadth of land?
One precious prize our grateful hands restore,
Unbought by gems, or loads of shining ore,
In thy own tent, behold thy favorite fair,
Child of thy choice, and darling of thy care!
Thus spoke Hareshah. While glad smiles express'd
The Leader's joy, he thus his chiefs address'd.
Even now, propitious, on our lengthen'd toils
Behold th' all-watchful Eye complacent smiles!
In other realms our growing fame is heard,
Our triumphs number'd and our Guardian fear'd.
But say, brave princes, shall these bands be tied?
And Gibeon's sons to Jacob's heirs allied?
Shall some bless'd sage her thousands teach to rise
To peace, to truth, to virtue, and the skies?
Your choice I wait—he said. Quick Hanniel rose,
Whose life was contest, and whose joy t' oppose.
To save the suppliant race his wish inclin'd,
For Heaven had form'd him with a feeling mind:
But well he knew how fair his matchless art
Could gild the latent mischiefs of his heart;
How thousands on his words inchanted hung,
Touch'd by the magic of his wily tongue.
All paths with him were smooth, that shew'd a name,
Tho' slaughter'd nations pav'd the road to fame.
Thrice rose the chief to thwart the Leader's choice,
And thrice strange faltering seiz'd his opening voice;
For round he cast his keen, experienc'd view,
And peace, the wish of every bosom, knew;
With shame his dauntless front was cover'd o'er.
And the cheek blush'd, that never blush'd before.
The Leader's joy, he thus his chiefs address'd.
Even now, propitious, on our lengthen'd toils
Behold th' all-watchful Eye complacent smiles!
In other realms our growing fame is heard,
Our triumphs number'd and our Guardian fear'd.
But say, brave princes, shall these bands be tied?
And Gibeon's sons to Jacob's heirs allied?
Shall some bless'd sage her thousands teach to rise
To peace, to truth, to virtue, and the skies?
Your choice I wait—he said. Quick Hanniel rose,
Whose life was contest, and whose joy t' oppose.
To save the suppliant race his wish inclin'd,
For Heaven had form'd him with a feeling mind:
But well he knew how fair his matchless art
Could gild the latent mischiefs of his heart;
How thousands on his words inchanted hung,
Touch'd by the magic of his wily tongue.
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Tho' slaughter'd nations pav'd the road to fame.
Thrice rose the chief to thwart the Leader's choice,
And thrice strange faltering seiz'd his opening voice;
For round he cast his keen, experienc'd view,
And peace, the wish of every bosom, knew;
With shame his dauntless front was cover'd o'er.
And the cheek blush'd, that never blush'd before.
Pleas'd the great Leader saw his failing eye,
And voice, in vain, attempt a base reply,
Then smiling thus—Untaught the wiles of art
I see mild aspects speak the friendly heart.
Yes let fair Peace, o'er Gibeon's happy land,
Raise her sweet voice, and lift her sacred wand.
'Gainst hostile realms alone our falchions rise,
Foes to high Heaven, and victims of the Skies.
But far remov'd from Israel, very far,
Be every wish t' extend the waste of war:
To sooth vain pride with conquest's dreadful name;
To pamper avarice with the spoils of shame;
To take one hour from man's too hasty doom,
Or force one widow to a husband's tomb.
From death's sad scenes, and battle's horrid toils,
The real hero's generous mind recoils:
When swords alone can plead the righteous cause,
The crimson steel his hand reluctant draws;
Grief walks his partner to the dreadful plain,
And glory's mansions prove the haunts of pain.
And voice, in vain, attempt a base reply,
Then smiling thus—Untaught the wiles of art
I see mild aspects speak the friendly heart.
Yes let fair Peace, o'er Gibeon's happy land,
Raise her sweet voice, and lift her sacred wand.
'Gainst hostile realms alone our falchions rise,
Foes to high Heaven, and victims of the Skies.
But far remov'd from Israel, very far,
Be every wish t' extend the waste of war:
To sooth vain pride with conquest's dreadful name;
To pamper avarice with the spoils of shame;
To take one hour from man's too hasty doom,
Or force one widow to a husband's tomb.
From death's sad scenes, and battle's horrid toils,
The real hero's generous mind recoils:
When swords alone can plead the righteous cause,
The crimson steel his hand reluctant draws;
Grief walks his partner to the dreadful plain,
And glory's mansions prove the haunts of pain.
'Tis Israel's boast, the human weal t' increase;
To stretch the reign, and nurse the arts, of peace;
The fierce, the wild, to tame; the weak defend;
Late to begin, and soon the strife to end;
To teach vain man the bliss to virtue given,
And with new saints t' enlarge the bounds of heaven.
To stretch the reign, and nurse the arts, of peace;
The fierce, the wild, to tame; the weak defend;
Late to begin, and soon the strife to end;
To teach vain man the bliss to virtue given,
And with new saints t' enlarge the bounds of heaven.
But now, brave chiefs, to Joshua's tent repair—
My fond heart pants to find the lovely fair—
Her sire, in Edom's realm, our nation join'd,
Urg'd by the dictates of a virtuous mind:
Her, a sweet babe, his hand indulgent bore,
To virtue form'd, and nurs'd in sacred lore.
As some bright lilly, daughter of the morn,
Swells its young leaves, and bids its splendors burn;
Fair, and more fair, th' expanding beauties glow,
Dance in the sun, and shame the driving snow;
So, born for heaven, still brightening to the view,
From truth to truth, from charm to charm, she grew;
Soft was her temper; all her thoughts refin'd;
Beauty her form, and virtue was her mind.
My fond heart pants to find the lovely fair—
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Urg'd by the dictates of a virtuous mind:
Her, a sweet babe, his hand indulgent bore,
To virtue form'd, and nurs'd in sacred lore.
As some bright lilly, daughter of the morn,
Swells its young leaves, and bids its splendors burn;
Fair, and more fair, th' expanding beauties glow,
Dance in the sun, and shame the driving snow;
So, born for heaven, still brightening to the view,
From truth to truth, from charm to charm, she grew;
Soft was her temper; all her thoughts refin'd;
Beauty her form, and virtue was her mind.
Now at the tent arriv'd, the fair they found;
With many a lovely maid incompass'd round;
With smiles of joy, their friend the virgins hail'd,
And gentle tears on every cheek prevail'd.
When first her Sire appear'd, around his form
She cast, with sweetest grace, each snowy arm;
Pleas'd the great Hero eyed his lovely child,
And gave the fond embrace, and o'er the charmer smil'd.
With many a lovely maid incompass'd round;
With smiles of joy, their friend the virgins hail'd,
And gentle tears on every cheek prevail'd.
When first her Sire appear'd, around his form
She cast, with sweetest grace, each snowy arm;
Pleas'd the great Hero eyed his lovely child,
And gave the fond embrace, and o'er the charmer smil'd.
Sweet maid! he cried, where rov'dst thou from the plain?
With tears we sought thee, but we sought in vain.
With tears we sought thee, but we sought in vain.
Far in the wood, replied the fair, I stray'd,
No care disturb'd me, and no fear dismay'd;
Charm'd with the flowers, that, undistinguish'd, smil'd
With solitary beauty round the wild.
A plum'd musician, on her verdant throne,
Hymn'd, with soft transport, to the falling sun.
Slow I approach'd; the bird before me flew;
I heard the sound; how could I not pursue?
So long I wander'd, day forsook the sky;
I gaz'd, and gaz'd; but found not where to fly.
In different paths, I roam'd the woody plain;
But faint, and trembling, still return'd again.
The wolf began to howl; and all around,
The hungry panther shook the shuddering ground;
Loud roar'd the approaching lion's dread alarms,
And death rush'd by me, in a thousand forms.
No care disturb'd me, and no fear dismay'd;
Charm'd with the flowers, that, undistinguish'd, smil'd
With solitary beauty round the wild.
A plum'd musician, on her verdant throne,
Hymn'd, with soft transport, to the falling sun.
Slow I approach'd; the bird before me flew;
I heard the sound; how could I not pursue?
So long I wander'd, day forsook the sky;
I gaz'd, and gaz'd; but found not where to fly.
In different paths, I roam'd the woody plain;
But faint, and trembling, still return'd again.
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The hungry panther shook the shuddering ground;
Loud roar'd the approaching lion's dread alarms,
And death rush'd by me, in a thousand forms.
The long, long, dismal night at length was gone;
And cheerful day with pleasing beauty shone.
Hush'd was the world, save where, along the wood,
Rung the soft current of a silver flood.
Down verdant banks, with trembling steps I stray'd;
Each breeze alarm'd me, and each leaf dismay'd;
Till, near the confines of the lonely stream,
Rode two barbarians, as the tyger grim.
My hated garb displeas'd their savage eyes,
And female weakness bade their lust arise.
O why was strength to miscreant villains given?
Why lovely virtue left unarm'd by heaven?
Why must the helpless fair-one's glory stand
A prey, for every monster's brutal hand?
Thus mourn'd my heart; when Elam rush'd to fight,
Clave the dire foes, and calm'd my wild affright;
At once low-whisper'd Virtue's heavenly friend—
Weak are the fair, that heroes may defend.
And cheerful day with pleasing beauty shone.
Hush'd was the world, save where, along the wood,
Rung the soft current of a silver flood.
Down verdant banks, with trembling steps I stray'd;
Each breeze alarm'd me, and each leaf dismay'd;
Till, near the confines of the lonely stream,
Rode two barbarians, as the tyger grim.
My hated garb displeas'd their savage eyes,
And female weakness bade their lust arise.
O why was strength to miscreant villains given?
Why lovely virtue left unarm'd by heaven?
Why must the helpless fair-one's glory stand
A prey, for every monster's brutal hand?
Thus mourn'd my heart; when Elam rush'd to fight,
Clave the dire foes, and calm'd my wild affright;
At once low-whisper'd Virtue's heavenly friend—
Weak are the fair, that heroes may defend.
She spoke. The blush that gives the brightest charm,
Glow'd in her face, and told her heart's alarm.
Skill'd in the science of the human soul,
Th' experienc'd Chief beheld her passions roll,
Smil'd at th' expressive language of her eye,
The dancing bosom, and the deep drawn sigh.
Glow'd in her face, and told her heart's alarm.
Skill'd in the science of the human soul,
Th' experienc'd Chief beheld her passions roll,
Smil'd at th' expressive language of her eye,
The dancing bosom, and the deep drawn sigh.
On Elam's face he turn'd a searching view,
Trac'd his young flame, and all his wishes knew.
Oft on the virgin glanc'd his earnest gaze;
She glance for glance, and blush for blush, repays;
Their eyes prove faithful to the melting heart,
Waft the fond wish, and all the soul impart.
No pride of beauty wak'd his young desires;
Nor eye that sparkles, fraught with lambent fires;
Nor cheek, that gaily shines with morning glow;
Nor downy bosom, dipp'd in spotless snow.
He sigh'd for charms of nature more refin'd,
The Maker's image, in the fair one's mind;
Such charms, as found in heaven, delight improve,
And plac'd in angels prompt an angel's love.
Trac'd his young flame, and all his wishes knew.
Oft on the virgin glanc'd his earnest gaze;
She glance for glance, and blush for blush, repays;
Their eyes prove faithful to the melting heart,
Waft the fond wish, and all the soul impart.
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Nor eye that sparkles, fraught with lambent fires;
Nor cheek, that gaily shines with morning glow;
Nor downy bosom, dipp'd in spotless snow.
He sigh'd for charms of nature more refin'd,
The Maker's image, in the fair one's mind;
Such charms, as found in heaven, delight improve,
And plac'd in angels prompt an angel's love.
Thus while they paus'd; with sweet, and modest grace,
Fear in his eye, and blushes o'er his face,
The trembling youth began—O Chief divine!
My parent's voice thou heard'st, disdain not mine.
To this bright maid my wishes would aspire—
O blame not! frown not on the spotless fire!—
Thou know'st the joy her virtues yield to thee;
Then think her hand were paradise to me.
Fear in his eye, and blushes o'er his face,
The trembling youth began—O Chief divine!
My parent's voice thou heard'st, disdain not mine.
To this bright maid my wishes would aspire—
O blame not! frown not on the spotless fire!—
Thou know'st the joy her virtues yield to thee;
Then think her hand were paradise to me.
Pleas'd the Chief saw his eyes with fondness shine,
And mien all modest, merit's faithful sign,
And thus—O fair! 'tis thine alone to choose.
Say, must this heart so soon its darling lose?
Canst thou to Elam yield a willing hand,
And seek a guardian in a distant land?
And mien all modest, merit's faithful sign,
And thus—O fair! 'tis thine alone to choose.
Say, must this heart so soon its darling lose?
Canst thou to Elam yield a willing hand,
And seek a guardian in a distant land?
With voice sincere, unus'd her thoughts to hide,
And bosom frank, the virgin's lasting pride,
The guise, low-creeping Cunning must approve,
Fair mark of worth, and friend to virtuous love,
The maid replied—O sire! 'tis bliss to me,
To be by him belov'd, approv'd by thee.
And bosom frank, the virgin's lasting pride,
The guise, low-creeping Cunning must approve,
Fair mark of worth, and friend to virtuous love,
The maid replied—O sire! 'tis bliss to me,
To be by him belov'd, approv'd by thee.
The Chief return'd; Bless'd heir of spotless fame!
Thy choice and wisdom ever ask the same.
Receive, brave Elam! Joshua's favourite care,
As angels virtuous, and as Eden fair.
Her hand, her heart shall heal thy bleeding mind,
Warm'd with pure love, and grac'd with truth refin'd,
Thy fainting strength, thy languid eye inspire,
Improve thy joys, and wake the hero's fire,
Charm, with soft tenderness, thy griefs away,
And gild alike the darkness and the day.
And thou, brave Elam! still, as morn returns,
While early transport in thy bosom burns,
On firm foundations let thy fondness rest,
Nor cold indifference canker in thy breast.
Know, all the vows by heedless lovers given,
Though oft on earth forgot, are seal'd in heaven:
Then let thy fond connubial actions show
Truth was the language of the lover's vow.
And thou, my child, to Heaven thyself approve;
Act all the soft commands of duteous love:
So shall your lives serenely dance away,
And bliss unclouded light the setting day.
But now, brave friends, let pleasure round us roll;
Enjoy the genial feast, and snare the bowl;
Three days, with me, and every pleasure, stay;
The fourth glad morn shall gild your homeward way.
Thy choice and wisdom ever ask the same.
Receive, brave Elam! Joshua's favourite care,
As angels virtuous, and as Eden fair.
Her hand, her heart shall heal thy bleeding mind,
Warm'd with pure love, and grac'd with truth refin'd,
Thy fainting strength, thy languid eye inspire,
Improve thy joys, and wake the hero's fire,
95
And gild alike the darkness and the day.
And thou, brave Elam! still, as morn returns,
While early transport in thy bosom burns,
On firm foundations let thy fondness rest,
Nor cold indifference canker in thy breast.
Know, all the vows by heedless lovers given,
Though oft on earth forgot, are seal'd in heaven:
Then let thy fond connubial actions show
Truth was the language of the lover's vow.
And thou, my child, to Heaven thyself approve;
Act all the soft commands of duteous love:
So shall your lives serenely dance away,
And bliss unclouded light the setting day.
But now, brave friends, let pleasure round us roll;
Enjoy the genial feast, and snare the bowl;
Three days, with me, and every pleasure, stay;
The fourth glad morn shall gild your homeward way.
Thus he. The feelings of each grateful breast
With manly dignity the chiefs confess'd.
In converse mild they sate. With busy care,
Th' attendant train the cheerful feast prepare;
With kindly warmth the smoaking cauldrons glow,
And sweet thro' ether rising odours flow.
With manly dignity the chiefs confess'd.
In converse mild they sate. With busy care,
Th' attendant train the cheerful feast prepare;
With kindly warmth the smoaking cauldrons glow,
And sweet thro' ether rising odours flow.
So vast, so various, was the Leader's mind,
It rov'd through every region, unconfin'd;
From scenes sublime, with soft transition, ran
Thro' all the duties, all the weal, of man;
At once his friends, his race, his Maker, serv'd;
At once his own domestic bliss preserv'd;
In nice dependence rang'd the servant train,
And o'er his house bade beauteous order reign.
Thro' all their minds Religion's influence ran—
Men, true to Heaven, he knew were true to man—
Her sons he chose; and with all-bounteous sway,
Rewarded, rul'd, and led in virtue's way:
Hence, rich return of all his watchful toil,
No murmur pain'd him, and no houshold broil.
Peace round his mansion shed her influence mild,
And cheerful, friendly, each domestic smil'd.
It rov'd through every region, unconfin'd;
From scenes sublime, with soft transition, ran
Thro' all the duties, all the weal, of man;
At once his friends, his race, his Maker, serv'd;
At once his own domestic bliss preserv'd;
In nice dependence rang'd the servant train,
And o'er his house bade beauteous order reign.
Thro' all their minds Religion's influence ran—
Men, true to Heaven, he knew were true to man—
Her sons he chose; and with all-bounteous sway,
Rewarded, rul'd, and led in virtue's way:
96
No murmur pain'd him, and no houshold broil.
Peace round his mansion shed her influence mild,
And cheerful, friendly, each domestic smil'd.
Now the lov'd maid had 'scap'd from savage bands,
With twofold pleasure, wrought their active hands.
So just, so gentle was her angel mind,
To want so bounteous, and to all so kind,
Her, as the Leader, each alert obey'd,
And thought it bliss to please the heavenly maid,
With twofold pleasure, wrought their active hands.
So just, so gentle was her angel mind,
To want so bounteous, and to all so kind,
Her, as the Leader, each alert obey'd,
And thought it bliss to please the heavenly maid,
Mean time, selected for the genial feast,
To Joshua's tent came many a princely guest;
Their courteous hearts the noble strangers greet,
And hail the fair with gratulation sweet.
To Joshua's tent came many a princely guest;
Their courteous hearts the noble strangers greet,
And hail the fair with gratulation sweet.
O'er a vast board a wide pavilion spread,
With grandeur shin'd, and cast a pleasing shade.
There sate the guests; there cates delight the soul;
There wines inspiring tinge the spacious bowl:
They taste, enjoy, and, with light converse gay,
In calm oblivion roll their cares away.
With grandeur shin'd, and cast a pleasing shade.
There sate the guests; there cates delight the soul;
There wines inspiring tinge the spacious bowl:
They taste, enjoy, and, with light converse gay,
In calm oblivion roll their cares away.
O'or all great Joshua shone, with aspect mild,
Cheer'd every guest, and with soft splendor smil'd:
Touch'd by his eyes, each heart with rapture glow'd,
And sweet complacence every face o'erflow'd.
So round th' immense the sun's broad glories stream,
Spread boundless life, and pour the etherial flame;
Warm'd with pure light, the golden planets roll,
And smile soft-beaming joy from pole to pole,
In endless pride, at beauteous distance, rise,
Swell the great pomp, and glad the earth, and skies.
Cheer'd every guest, and with soft splendor smil'd:
Touch'd by his eyes, each heart with rapture glow'd,
And sweet complacence every face o'erflow'd.
So round th' immense the sun's broad glories stream,
Spread boundless life, and pour the etherial flame;
Warm'd with pure light, the golden planets roll,
And smile soft-beaming joy from pole to pole,
In endless pride, at beauteous distance, rise,
Swell the great pomp, and glad the earth, and skies.
There, like the day-star, beauteous Irad shone,
His splendors lessening in the nearer sun;
Full on the Chief a sparkling eye he turn'd,
And as he gaz'd, with bright ambition burn'd,
Mark'd all the glories of his awful face,
His solemn grandeur, and his matchless grace;
While hoary Hezron watch'd with boding eyes,
And saw, well-pleas'd, the future hero rise.
His splendors lessening in the nearer sun;
Full on the Chief a sparkling eye he turn'd,
And as he gaz'd, with bright ambition burn'd,
Mark'd all the glories of his awful face,
His solemn grandeur, and his matchless grace;
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And saw, well-pleas'd, the future hero rise.
There too, in transport brighten'd Caleb's pride,
With tears, embracing Elam's lovely bride;
Yet felt soft pain, to see her favourite's charms,
The destin'd treasure of a stranger's arms,
To see her days at distance doom'd to roll,
And mingling friendship soothe no more the soul.
With tears, embracing Elam's lovely bride;
Yet felt soft pain, to see her favourite's charms,
The destin'd treasure of a stranger's arms,
To see her days at distance doom'd to roll,
And mingling friendship soothe no more the soul.
In easy converse pass'd the hours away;
Each face shone cheerful, and each heart was gay;
In glad succession went the goblets round,
And blended voices gave a jocund sound.
Each face shone cheerful, and each heart was gay;
In glad succession went the goblets round,
And blended voices gave a jocund sound.
Mean time throng'd numerous round the Leader's door,
The stranger, orphan, widow, and the poor;
Call'd from each tribe, by Joshua's kind command,
A rare-felt joy inspir'd the friendless band;
They feasted, sang, and in the dance combin'd,
Pour'd forth the raptures of th' oblivious mind:
Then, moving various, o'er the camp they spread,
Each bliss imploring on the Leader's head.
The stranger, orphan, widow, and the poor;
Call'd from each tribe, by Joshua's kind command,
A rare-felt joy inspir'd the friendless band;
They feasted, sang, and in the dance combin'd,
Pour'd forth the raptures of th' oblivious mind:
Then, moving various, o'er the camp they spread,
Each bliss imploring on the Leader's head.
When now the feast was o'er, the sun drew nigh
The gilded borders of the western sky:
Forth to the temple march'd th' illustrious train,
The thousands gathering o'er th' extended plain.
From a tall rock, amid the silent crowd,
The suppliant Hero rais'd his voice aloud—
The gilded borders of the western sky:
Forth to the temple march'd th' illustrious train,
The thousands gathering o'er th' extended plain.
From a tall rock, amid the silent crowd,
The suppliant Hero rais'd his voice aloud—
O thou, whose hand illum'd yon rolling fire,
Stretch'd the wide plains, and bade the hills aspire,
Rul'd by whose power, the stars unnumber'd rise,
And swift-wing'd lightnings flame athwart the skies,
Storms ride majestic o'er th' etherial plain,
And wake the sleeping thunders of the main!
Empires, at thy command, arise, and fall;
And flight and triumph hasten at thy call!
Disclose, O Power Divine! thy sovereign voice—
Does combat please thee? combat is our choice—
Does peace delight thee? peace alone we prize,
Led by thy will, and guided by thine eyes.
By thee this land to Abraham's race was given,
'Till suns withdraw, and stars are lost in heaven:
If now the bright possession God ordain,
And crowns await us, on the crimson plain,
By some great sign th' eternal smiles display,
And point our footsteps to the fierce affray!
Stretch'd the wide plains, and bade the hills aspire,
Rul'd by whose power, the stars unnumber'd rise,
And swift-wing'd lightnings flame athwart the skies,
Storms ride majestic o'er th' etherial plain,
And wake the sleeping thunders of the main!
Empires, at thy command, arise, and fall;
And flight and triumph hasten at thy call!
Disclose, O Power Divine! thy sovereign voice—
Does combat please thee? combat is our choice—
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Led by thy will, and guided by thine eyes.
By thee this land to Abraham's race was given,
'Till suns withdraw, and stars are lost in heaven:
If now the bright possession God ordain,
And crowns await us, on the crimson plain,
By some great sign th' eternal smiles display,
And point our footsteps to the fierce affray!
At once a hollow wind began to roll,
As distant thunders rumble round the pole;
The fields grew black, the forests felt th' alarm,
And swift through ether rush'd a cloudy storm,
High heaven all trembled with the dreadful sound,
And peals on peals, convulsive, shook the ground.
Far round the sacred dome the darkness spread;
The sun's clear splendor vanish'd in the shade:
Red flames burst forth; the conscious mountains nod,
And the world smokes beneath th' approaching God.
As distant thunders rumble round the pole;
The fields grew black, the forests felt th' alarm,
And swift through ether rush'd a cloudy storm,
High heaven all trembled with the dreadful sound,
And peals on peals, convulsive, shook the ground.
Far round the sacred dome the darkness spread;
The sun's clear splendor vanish'd in the shade:
Red flames burst forth; the conscious mountains nod,
And the world smokes beneath th' approaching God.
In silent awe, the camp astonish'd stood;
And each burn'd fiercely for the day of blood.
Fix'd in still wonder, gaz'd the stranger pair,
And mark'd, with anxious mind, the darkening air,
The dome, invelop'd in the sable shroud,
And peals deep-murmuring in the hollow cloud:
With solemn look, each frequent eyed his friend,
And felt, instinctive, half-form'd prayers ascend,
And each burn'd fiercely for the day of blood.
Fix'd in still wonder, gaz'd the stranger pair,
And mark'd, with anxious mind, the darkening air,
The dome, invelop'd in the sable shroud,
And peals deep-murmuring in the hollow cloud:
With solemn look, each frequent eyed his friend,
And felt, instinctive, half-form'd prayers ascend,
Mean time the Leader every chief commands—
Two days, let peace refresh the fainting bands;
The third glad sun, awak'd by trumpet's sound,
Shall light our falchions to the deathful ground.
Sleep, hapless Ai! thy last returning day
Soon gilds thy turrets with a pitying ray.
And let the chief, th' important charge who owns,
Of all our wealth, our wives, and blooming sons,
Bid a long trench wind through the tented ground,
And guardian walls the spacious camp surround.
Two days, let peace refresh the fainting bands;
The third glad sun, awak'd by trumpet's sound,
Shall light our falchions to the deathful ground.
Sleep, hapless Ai! thy last returning day
Soon gilds thy turrets with a pitying ray.
And let the chief, th' important charge who owns,
Of all our wealth, our wives, and blooming sons,
Bid a long trench wind through the tented ground,
And guardian walls the spacious camp surround.
99
He spoke. With joy th' attendant chiefs obey'd,
And round the camp the glad commands convey'd.
The squadrons ardent wait th' appointed morn,
Cleanse their blue shields, and polish'd coats adorn.
So Joshua will'd; for well the Hero knew
How glittering steel allur'd the ravish'd view;
Thence prais'd the chief, in shining neatness arm'd,
Averse from toys, but with true beauty charm'd;
And thence in glorious panoply he blaz'd,
A great example, acting all he prais'd.
And round the camp the glad commands convey'd.
The squadrons ardent wait th' appointed morn,
Cleanse their blue shields, and polish'd coats adorn.
So Joshua will'd; for well the Hero knew
How glittering steel allur'd the ravish'd view;
Thence prais'd the chief, in shining neatness arm'd,
Averse from toys, but with true beauty charm'd;
And thence in glorious panoply he blaz'd,
A great example, acting all he prais'd.
Now round the world pale Eve her sadness threw;
Still, solemn darkness cloudy curtains drew:
Through the wide camp the Leader trac'd his way,
To learn what wishes mark'd the busy day.
Ai, full in view, each heart to combat fir'd,
And with gay prospects every breast inspir'd.
No thought of Egypt boding minds embrac'd;
No childish fear even vulgar souls disgrac'd:
In deep oblivion sunk the painful wound,
And fierce impatience hop'd th' embattled ground.
Pleas'd the great Hero heard th' exulting strain,
And wandering, listening, sought his tent again.
Still, solemn darkness cloudy curtains drew:
Through the wide camp the Leader trac'd his way,
To learn what wishes mark'd the busy day.
Ai, full in view, each heart to combat fir'd,
And with gay prospects every breast inspir'd.
No thought of Egypt boding minds embrac'd;
No childish fear even vulgar souls disgrac'd:
In deep oblivion sunk the painful wound,
And fierce impatience hop'd th' embattled ground.
Pleas'd the great Hero heard th' exulting strain,
And wandering, listening, sought his tent again.
When now the morn look'd mildly from the east,
To Joshua Elam thus his voice address'd—
O Chief of Israel, crown'd with grace divine!
Let health's green garland round thy temples twine.
To bless mankind be still thy lov'd employ;
To serve thy Maker still thy sacred joy;
No hour of thine to wasting grief be given;
Let each more brightly roll, and antedate thy heaven!
But now, his years impatient of delay,
My hoary father hopes our homeward way.
Indulge, great prince, our eager wish to bear
The rapturous tidings to his longing ear.
His soul rejoic'd will smile at nature's pains,
And life flow swifter through his icy veins.
Bid us with speed our destin'd path resume,
And bless a parent, sinking in the tomb.
To Joshua Elam thus his voice address'd—
O Chief of Israel, crown'd with grace divine!
Let health's green garland round thy temples twine.
To bless mankind be still thy lov'd employ;
To serve thy Maker still thy sacred joy;
No hour of thine to wasting grief be given;
Let each more brightly roll, and antedate thy heaven!
But now, his years impatient of delay,
My hoary father hopes our homeward way.
Indulge, great prince, our eager wish to bear
The rapturous tidings to his longing ear.
His soul rejoic'd will smile at nature's pains,
And life flow swifter through his icy veins.
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And bless a parent, sinking in the tomb.
He spoke. Hareshah join'd the youth's request:
Even Mina's eyes a secret wish confess'd.
In love's kind heat, like ice in summer's ray,
All former ties, dissolving, pass away;
To new-found friends the soul oblivious flies,
New objects charm us, and new passions rise.
The Hero saw, and kindly bade depart
The lov'd, the long-lost favourite of his heart;
With arms impassion'd clasp'd the bright-eyed fair,
Kiss'd with fond look, and dropp'd a tender tear.
On gay-dress'd camels, toward the setting day,
With converse sweet, the lovers bent their way;
Like two fair stars, that shed a lonely light,
And sink in clouds, above the mountain's height.
Two seers their steps attend, to point the way,
That ends in mansions of unchanging day.
Even Mina's eyes a secret wish confess'd.
In love's kind heat, like ice in summer's ray,
All former ties, dissolving, pass away;
To new-found friends the soul oblivious flies,
New objects charm us, and new passions rise.
The Hero saw, and kindly bade depart
The lov'd, the long-lost favourite of his heart;
With arms impassion'd clasp'd the bright-eyed fair,
Kiss'd with fond look, and dropp'd a tender tear.
On gay-dress'd camels, toward the setting day,
With converse sweet, the lovers bent their way;
Like two fair stars, that shed a lonely light,
And sink in clouds, above the mountain's height.
Two seers their steps attend, to point the way,
That ends in mansions of unchanging day.
And now, o'er all the camp, the raptur'd throng
Crowd the wide plain, and wake th' enlivening song.
Here cheerful thousands bid the walls ascend;
And broad, and deep, the lengthening trenches bend.
Here the strong arm the falchion learns to wield,
Or hurls the javelin o'er the measur'd field.
With shouts of praise the conquerors oft are crown'd,
And clanging bucklers swell th' applauding sound.
Part, join'd in crowds, in mimic fight engage,
Range their small hosts, and sport with seeming rage;
From force unequal here the vanquish'd fly;
There, with deep groans, dissembling victims die.
Crowd the wide plain, and wake th' enlivening song.
Here cheerful thousands bid the walls ascend;
And broad, and deep, the lengthening trenches bend.
Here the strong arm the falchion learns to wield,
Or hurls the javelin o'er the measur'd field.
With shouts of praise the conquerors oft are crown'd,
And clanging bucklers swell th' applauding sound.
Part, join'd in crowds, in mimic fight engage,
Range their small hosts, and sport with seeming rage;
From force unequal here the vanquish'd fly;
There, with deep groans, dissembling victims die.
Mean time all-watchful. Hanniel, round the plain,
From crowd to crowd, inspir'd the busy train.
He knew the plot, the generous Youth disclos'd,
To dark suspicion saw his name expos'd;
To wipe disgrace, his influence to recall,
And, with light, secret snares, to gather all,
From tent to tent he urg'd his active way,
And blam'd with words severe, the wild affray.
Me, cried the hero, Israel's thousands know
A fair unchanging friend, or open foe.
To generous war since Israel's voice is given,
To war I fly, and hope the smiles of Heaven.
Rouse then to arms; for glorious fight prepare;
Each thought of peace, each terror vile forbear:
Let glory's fire each warrior's breast inflame,
And deathless deeds shall brighten Jacob's name.
From crowd to crowd, inspir'd the busy train.
He knew the plot, the generous Youth disclos'd,
To dark suspicion saw his name expos'd;
To wipe disgrace, his influence to recall,
And, with light, secret snares, to gather all,
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And blam'd with words severe, the wild affray.
Me, cried the hero, Israel's thousands know
A fair unchanging friend, or open foe.
To generous war since Israel's voice is given,
To war I fly, and hope the smiles of Heaven.
Rouse then to arms; for glorious fight prepare;
Each thought of peace, each terror vile forbear:
Let glory's fire each warrior's breast inflame,
And deathless deeds shall brighten Jacob's name.
Thus he. The wile the thoughtless thousands drew,
Snar'd by soft words, and caught by gilding shew;
For war, invigor'd, glow'd th' undaunted mind,
And kindling eye-balls with new lustre shin'd.
No walls they need, to stay th' impending foe;
Yet, with light labour, swift the barriers grow;
Hope high in view display'd unmeasur'd spoil,
Sooth'd every pain, and lessen'd every toil.
Snar'd by soft words, and caught by gilding shew;
For war, invigor'd, glow'd th' undaunted mind,
And kindling eye-balls with new lustre shin'd.
No walls they need, to stay th' impending foe;
Yet, with light labour, swift the barriers grow;
Hope high in view display'd unmeasur'd spoil,
Sooth'd every pain, and lessen'd every toil.
As thus serenely pass'd the cheerful day,
And care, and grief, oblivious roll'd away,
At once shrill rang, from eastern woods afar,
The cry of foes, and growing sound of war.
The sporting warriors, prompt at dread alarms,
Ceas'd from each game, and brac'd for fight their arms;
O'er eastern fields, with rapid steps they hied.
And bands conjoining swell'd th' embattled pride.
And care, and grief, oblivious roll'd away,
At once shrill rang, from eastern woods afar,
The cry of foes, and growing sound of war.
The sporting warriors, prompt at dread alarms,
Ceas'd from each game, and brac'd for fight their arms;
O'er eastern fields, with rapid steps they hied.
And bands conjoining swell'd th' embattled pride.
From the wood hastening, flew, with wild surprize,
Two timorous youths, and rais'd lamenting cries,
With trembling voice, they said—Of nought afraid,
Through yonder grove, with easy course, we stray'd;
A savage band, by twining shrubs conceal'd,
Burst on our path, and half enclos'd the field.
Amaz'd we flew. Snar'd by the tangling vine,
Our heedless Partner fell; of Simeon's line;
Helon his name: they seiz'd him fallen; in vain
Uplifting cries, and bore him o'er the plain.
Two timorous youths, and rais'd lamenting cries,
With trembling voice, they said—Of nought afraid,
Through yonder grove, with easy course, we stray'd;
A savage band, by twining shrubs conceal'd,
Burst on our path, and half enclos'd the field.
Amaz'd we flew. Snar'd by the tangling vine,
Our heedless Partner fell; of Simeon's line;
Helon his name: they seiz'd him fallen; in vain
Uplifting cries, and bore him o'er the plain.
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Quick, at the sound, a warrior rais'd his voice—
'Tis my own son; the spring of all my joys—
Haste, haste, brave friends, my darling Helon save;
Nor yield your faithful Shallum childless to the grave.
The train, inspir'd, with nimbler footsteps flew;
Each press'd his shield, and each his falchion drew;
The youths, before them, shew'd the sadden'd way,
Where the fell heathens bore their hapless prey;
Where the close thicket wrapp'd the ambush'd force,
And bending shrubs, and footsteps mark'd their course.
Thence the glad train, with ease, the foe pursued,
And hoping, hastening, scower'd the devious wood.
'Tis my own son; the spring of all my joys—
Haste, haste, brave friends, my darling Helon save;
Nor yield your faithful Shallum childless to the grave.
The train, inspir'd, with nimbler footsteps flew;
Each press'd his shield, and each his falchion drew;
The youths, before them, shew'd the sadden'd way,
Where the fell heathens bore their hapless prey;
Where the close thicket wrapp'd the ambush'd force,
And bending shrubs, and footsteps mark'd their course.
Thence the glad train, with ease, the foe pursued,
And hoping, hastening, scower'd the devious wood.
Now, where all-anxious through the favouring shade,
Their hapless prize the heathens swift convey'd;
Weening, ere morn, through Oran's camp to bear
The youth, with tidings of th' expected war,
The heroes rush'd: his friends glad Helon knew;
Loud rose his voice; the warriors eager flew;
While the bold heathens stay'd their useless flight,
New-brac'd their shields, and strung their nerves for fight.
Their hapless prize the heathens swift convey'd;
Weening, ere morn, through Oran's camp to bear
The youth, with tidings of th' expected war,
The heroes rush'd: his friends glad Helon knew;
Loud rose his voice; the warriors eager flew;
While the bold heathens stay'd their useless flight,
New-brac'd their shields, and strung their nerves for fight.
Shrill through the woods the clash of arms arose;
These, fix'd to hold, and fierce to rescue, those;
The forest shook. In front, confess'd to view,
Full on the heathens raging Shallum flew.
One with his lance, and one with griding steel,
He slew: the victims gave a hideous yell.
To his son's voice he wing'd his furious course;
Nought stay'd his speed, and nought withstood his force.
Where two huge heathens struggling Helon led,
He wildly sprang; one flew; the other bled:
With frantic joy he seiz'd his raptur'd hand,
And urg'd him trembling toward the friendly band.
There scarce arriv'd, a javelin pierc'd his side;
He groan'd, he sunk, grew pale, and fainting died.
Aghast, his darling's fate the sire beheld,
Then rush'd delirious round the woody field;
On the fled heathens stretch'd his raging course,
O'ertook, and singly drove the gather'd force:
Three fierce he flew; the rest, in devious ways,
Fled o'er the field, and 'scap'd the hero's chace.
At length return'd, with a deep, bursting groan,
In strong embrace he clasp'd his hapless son,
Press'd to his bosom, bore him o'er the plain,
And, mid the weeping warriors, sought the camp again.
These, fix'd to hold, and fierce to rescue, those;
The forest shook. In front, confess'd to view,
Full on the heathens raging Shallum flew.
One with his lance, and one with griding steel,
He slew: the victims gave a hideous yell.
To his son's voice he wing'd his furious course;
Nought stay'd his speed, and nought withstood his force.
Where two huge heathens struggling Helon led,
He wildly sprang; one flew; the other bled:
With frantic joy he seiz'd his raptur'd hand,
And urg'd him trembling toward the friendly band.
There scarce arriv'd, a javelin pierc'd his side;
He groan'd, he sunk, grew pale, and fainting died.
Aghast, his darling's fate the sire beheld,
Then rush'd delirious round the woody field;
103
O'ertook, and singly drove the gather'd force:
Three fierce he flew; the rest, in devious ways,
Fled o'er the field, and 'scap'd the hero's chace.
At length return'd, with a deep, bursting groan,
In strong embrace he clasp'd his hapless son,
Press'd to his bosom, bore him o'er the plain,
And, mid the weeping warriors, sought the camp again.
| The conquest of Canäan | |