 | The conquest of Canäan |  |
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BOOK V.
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Argument.
Evening. Irad and Selima walk out on the plain southward of the camp, and begin a conversation concerning the nature and designation of the visible heavens. Original state of Man, and of Creation. Reflections on the fall of Man. Wisdom and benevolence of the present system asserted. Threefold state of man, emblematized in the butterfly. Fanciful ideas of Heaven. An old man, in the habit of a beggar, sollicits alms of Irad, and is directed to repair to Hezron. The old man informs him that his request was but a pretence, and he came out of the Camp to stimulate him to the war, and uses a variety of arguments to accomplish the design. He retires, and Irad and Selima, terrified by the appearance of a meteor, return to the Camp. Morning. Irad goes to his father, and with earnest sollicitations, obtains leave to go out to the next battle. He communicates the intelligence to Selima. A thousand young volunteers choose him their leader. Evening. Joshua sends Zimri with a body of troops to lie in ambush on the western side of Ai.
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Now sunk the sun beneath the western main,
And deepening twilight shaded every plain.
To the known tent untroubled Irad sped,
And forth, with proffer'd hand, Selima led.
Through southern fields they trac'd their easy way,
And love, and rapture, chang'd the night to day.
The western beam decay'd: th' expanding sky
Spread clear, and boundless, to th' attentive eye:
Scarce fill'd, the moon ascends the vaulted even,
And slow behind rolls on the pride of heaven;
With joy, th' unenvious planets round her play,
Join their glad beams, and swell the mimic day;
From star to star the mingling lustre flies;
Unmeasur'd beauty clothes the lucid skies;
Hush'd in calm silence sleeps the world screne,
And floating splendor gilds the shadowy scene.
And deepening twilight shaded every plain.
To the known tent untroubled Irad sped,
And forth, with proffer'd hand, Selima led.
Through southern fields they trac'd their easy way,
And love, and rapture, chang'd the night to day.
The western beam decay'd: th' expanding sky
Spread clear, and boundless, to th' attentive eye:
Scarce fill'd, the moon ascends the vaulted even,
And slow behind rolls on the pride of heaven;
With joy, th' unenvious planets round her play,
Join their glad beams, and swell the mimic day;
From star to star the mingling lustre flies;
Unmeasur'd beauty clothes the lucid skies;
Hush'd in calm silence sleeps the world screne,
And floating splendor gilds the shadowy scene.
Round the mix'd glories of the spacious sky
The pair instinctive turn'd a raptur'd eye,
From scene to scene with rising wonder ran,
And mild, with accent sweet, the maid began—
In yon broad field what scenes of glory shine!
The bright effusions of a source divine!
Great as the hand, that form'd yon lucid way!
Fair as the morn, that op'd immortal day!
In earliest youth, when first my feeble mind
In nature's works celestial power divin'd,
To those gay regions fancy stretch'd her flight,
And rov'd, and sported, mid the gems of light.
For whom, I cried, ascend yon glowing fires?
What favourite first-born of th' angelic choirs?
Those azure curtains? that sublime abode?
A tent of glory for some darling God!
Say, loveliest Prince! for thy superior mind
Walks, with sure step, in wisdom's path refin'd,
Why rove so far th' unnumber'd flames on high?
Why cast their endless beauty through the sky?
Is yon blue frame, that limits morn and even,
The sapphire pavement of some nobler heaven?
Are stars but gems of inborn light, that spread
With dust of gold the streets where angels tread?
Or if for man these works of glory shine,
For earth-born reptiles furniture divine;
Say why so strange the acts of Heaven appear,
There such bright pomp, such wondrous meanness here.
The pair instinctive turn'd a raptur'd eye,
From scene to scene with rising wonder ran,
And mild, with accent sweet, the maid began—
In yon broad field what scenes of glory shine!
The bright effusions of a source divine!
Great as the hand, that form'd yon lucid way!
Fair as the morn, that op'd immortal day!
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In nature's works celestial power divin'd,
To those gay regions fancy stretch'd her flight,
And rov'd, and sported, mid the gems of light.
For whom, I cried, ascend yon glowing fires?
What favourite first-born of th' angelic choirs?
Those azure curtains? that sublime abode?
A tent of glory for some darling God!
Say, loveliest Prince! for thy superior mind
Walks, with sure step, in wisdom's path refin'd,
Why rove so far th' unnumber'd flames on high?
Why cast their endless beauty through the sky?
Is yon blue frame, that limits morn and even,
The sapphire pavement of some nobler heaven?
Are stars but gems of inborn light, that spread
With dust of gold the streets where angels tread?
Or if for man these works of glory shine,
For earth-born reptiles furniture divine;
Say why so strange the acts of Heaven appear,
There such bright pomp, such wondrous meanness here.
The Youth return'd—Fair as those lucid eyes,
All lovely maid! thy bright ideas rise.
In vain proud man, with self-applause runs o'er
His arts of Egypt, and his Eastern lore,
Thy soul, on nature's pinions, takes her flight,
And, self-instructed, gains a nobler height.
All lovely maid! thy bright ideas rise.
In vain proud man, with self-applause runs o'er
His arts of Egypt, and his Eastern lore,
Thy soul, on nature's pinions, takes her flight,
And, self-instructed, gains a nobler height.
When from the deep, ascended earth, and heaven,
To man, sole heir, the mighty boon was given.
Unlike his sons, no guilt his mind deform'd;
His life, his limbs, no fierce diseases storm'd;
Nor death's cold poison pal'd his growing bloom,
Nor knew his feet the journey to the tomb.
Young beauty's purple splendor round him play'd;
Immortal Health his vigorous limbs array
Life, eldest heiress of th' empyreal sky,
Smil'd on his cheek, and blossom'd in his eye.
Array'd in endless light, his infant mind
Shone with fair truth, and glow'd with grace refin'd;
Her robe sky-tinctur'd, Virtue round him threw;
Unchanging jubilee his passions knew;
Heaven's living lamp, with clear, and constant shine,
Sunn'd the pure regions of the world within.
To man, sole heir, the mighty boon was given.
Unlike his sons, no guilt his mind deform'd;
His life, his limbs, no fierce diseases storm'd;
Nor death's cold poison pal'd his growing bloom,
Nor knew his feet the journey to the tomb.
Young beauty's purple splendor round him play'd;
Immortal Health his vigorous limbs array
Life, eldest heiress of th' empyreal sky,
Smil'd on his cheek, and blossom'd in his eye.
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Shone with fair truth, and glow'd with grace refin'd;
Her robe sky-tinctur'd, Virtue round him threw;
Unchanging jubilee his passions knew;
Heaven's living lamp, with clear, and constant shine,
Sunn'd the pure regions of the world within.
Far other glories then arose to view;
Parts answering parts, and beauties ever new.
With strong, bright charms the heaven angelic shin'd;
The varying prospect chain'd th' inchanted mind;
Soft strains of rapture bade all ether ring;
The gales, all fragrance, shed the light of spring;
From stars, from moonbeams, life's sweet influence flew,
Inspir'd the streams, and glow'd in fostering dew;
Bade with strong life the purpling fruits refine,
And warm'd the bosom with a youth divine.
Parts answering parts, and beauties ever new.
With strong, bright charms the heaven angelic shin'd;
The varying prospect chain'd th' inchanted mind;
Soft strains of rapture bade all ether ring;
The gales, all fragrance, shed the light of spring;
From stars, from moonbeams, life's sweet influence flew,
Inspir'd the streams, and glow'd in fostering dew;
Bade with strong life the purpling fruits refine,
And warm'd the bosom with a youth divine.
Then reign'd fair Love, th' immortal bliss of heaven;
Then social angels came on clouds of even;
Here trac'd new wonders of th' omniscient Mind,
Strange to their world, and first on earth design'd;
In countless forms, where love and beauty glow'd,
And stamp'd a rival of the bright abode.
Then social angels came on clouds of even;
Here trac'd new wonders of th' omniscient Mind,
Strange to their world, and first on earth design'd;
In countless forms, where love and beauty glow'd,
And stamp'd a rival of the bright abode.
His hand such nature to the man assign'd,
His form so temper'd, and so wrought his mind,
All gave delight; where spring display'd her prime;
Or where blank winter froze the desert clime;
The vale's soft pride; the flower's etherial form;
The mountain's grandeur, and the solemn storm.
His form so temper'd, and so wrought his mind,
All gave delight; where spring display'd her prime;
Or where blank winter froze the desert clime;
The vale's soft pride; the flower's etherial form;
The mountain's grandeur, and the solemn storm.
But when foul guilt debas'd the beauteous mind,
The skies grew dim, and sickening nature pin'd.
With converse sweet, no more kind angels came:
No blissful morning shed th' eternal beam;
No more from starry realms life's influence fell,
And peace, and Eden bade the world farewell.
The skies grew dim, and sickening nature pin'd.
With converse sweet, no more kind angels came:
No blissful morning shed th' eternal beam;
No more from starry realms life's influence fell,
And peace, and Eden bade the world farewell.
Yet still with clear, though faded lustre, glow'd
The love, the greatness, of a bounteous God.
What though cold east winds wither'd all the plain;
Though blasts, and mildews shrunk the golden grain;
Pale evening's, skirts the frost, and damp o'erhung;
Air bred disease, and worms the fruitage stung:
Still o'er the mountains stars serenely rise;
Still the soft moonbeam trembles from the skies;
The sun, fair image of unborrow'd day,
Lights heaven, and earth, and cheers the boundless sea;
Reviving seasons, crown'd with lustre, roll,
And plains of plenty glad th' expecting soul.
The love, the greatness, of a bounteous God.
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Though blasts, and mildews shrunk the golden grain;
Pale evening's, skirts the frost, and damp o'erhung;
Air bred disease, and worms the fruitage stung:
Still o'er the mountains stars serenely rise;
Still the soft moonbeam trembles from the skies;
The sun, fair image of unborrow'd day,
Lights heaven, and earth, and cheers the boundless sea;
Reviving seasons, crown'd with lustre, roll,
And plains of plenty glad th' expecting soul.
These splendid scenes surprize thy curious mind;
For worms too noble, and for foes too kind.
But not too noble, or too kind, they shine,
The works of wisdom, power, and love, divine.
From morn's gay bounds, to skirts of distant even,
They teach the hand, and spread the name, of Heaven;
In beauty, grandeur, make Jehovah known,
But mark, with faded charms, a world undone.
Yet these, could man the common bliss pursue,
Would gentle peace, and smiling joy, renew,
Light, with soft-beaming hope, the cheerful day,
And drive grim war, and cankering hate, away.
For worms too noble, and for foes too kind.
But not too noble, or too kind, they shine,
The works of wisdom, power, and love, divine.
From morn's gay bounds, to skirts of distant even,
They teach the hand, and spread the name, of Heaven;
In beauty, grandeur, make Jehovah known,
But mark, with faded charms, a world undone.
Yet these, could man the common bliss pursue,
Would gentle peace, and smiling joy, renew,
Light, with soft-beaming hope, the cheerful day,
And drive grim war, and cankering hate, away.
Thus spoke the Prince. The tender maid replies,
While her sad bosom heaves unbidden sighs.
Fair scenes of bliss thy living words disclose,
Realms of gay youth, and times of sweet repose.
Oh had our sire! but hence, ye wishes vain!
No fancied joy shall edge returning pain—
Yet too, too blissful is the fond employ,
To nurse gay hope, and dream unreal joy;
Abroad in fields of airy light to roam,
And fly th' envenom'd grief, that lurks at home.
Ah, had the fatal fruit, untasted hung,
What bliss had brighten'd! and what glory sprung!
In gentlest union these bless'd hands had join'd,
One wish inform'd us, and one soul intwin'd;
On some lone hill our envied mansion stood,
Where rich perfumes in morning breezes flow'd;
Sweet Peace around it wav'd her balmy wing,
And Youth unchanging dress'd eternal spring.
There, O bless'd lot! each innocent employ
Had form'd, and cherish'd mild, domestic joy:
The walk all-pleasing, virtuous love refin'd;
Our flocks, our prospects, sooth'd th' improving mind;
For me, the garden op'd its spicy bloom;
For thee, soft vesture whiten'd o'er the loom:
Our growing bliss the sun delay'd to see,
And the poor heathen been as bless'd as we.
Ah dire reverse! while round this field of gore,
War's hoarse rough-grating clangors ceaseless roar;
While sons, and fathers, in one hour are slain,
And each bright youth must tempt the fatal plain;
While the sad virgin sees, with wearied eye,
No hope remains her, but to weep, and die;
While pain, and grief, each half-form'd joy invade,
And suns gay-rising set in mournful shade.
While her sad bosom heaves unbidden sighs.
Fair scenes of bliss thy living words disclose,
Realms of gay youth, and times of sweet repose.
Oh had our sire! but hence, ye wishes vain!
No fancied joy shall edge returning pain—
Yet too, too blissful is the fond employ,
To nurse gay hope, and dream unreal joy;
Abroad in fields of airy light to roam,
And fly th' envenom'd grief, that lurks at home.
Ah, had the fatal fruit, untasted hung,
What bliss had brighten'd! and what glory sprung!
In gentlest union these bless'd hands had join'd,
One wish inform'd us, and one soul intwin'd;
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Where rich perfumes in morning breezes flow'd;
Sweet Peace around it wav'd her balmy wing,
And Youth unchanging dress'd eternal spring.
There, O bless'd lot! each innocent employ
Had form'd, and cherish'd mild, domestic joy:
The walk all-pleasing, virtuous love refin'd;
Our flocks, our prospects, sooth'd th' improving mind;
For me, the garden op'd its spicy bloom;
For thee, soft vesture whiten'd o'er the loom:
Our growing bliss the sun delay'd to see,
And the poor heathen been as bless'd as we.
Ah dire reverse! while round this field of gore,
War's hoarse rough-grating clangors ceaseless roar;
While sons, and fathers, in one hour are slain,
And each bright youth must tempt the fatal plain;
While the sad virgin sees, with wearied eye,
No hope remains her, but to weep, and die;
While pain, and grief, each half-form'd joy invade,
And suns gay-rising set in mournful shade.
Kind, tender maid! the smiling Prince return'd—
The hapless fall how sweetly hast thou mourn'd!
Thy voice, all music, wins the raptur'd ear;
Yet more persuasive drops that melting tear.
But, O bright maid! by strong affections driven,
Let no fond wish oppose the choice of Heaven.
To man's first guilt ten thousand ills adjoin'd,
Writhe the torn limbs, and agonize the mind:
Pain, famine, toil, the sword, the ruthless wave,
Care, envy, broken faith, sad sorrow, and the grave.
Yet God's high acts unerring wisdom guides,
And boundless love his every choice decides.
Hence all events, and hence all beings right,
Best in their places, to best ends unite.
Hence from small ills unmeasur'd good shall flow;
Hence joys unnumber'd spring from every woe:
Through the vast whole th' eternal glories shine,
One great I am, all-beauteous, all divine.
The hapless fall how sweetly hast thou mourn'd!
Thy voice, all music, wins the raptur'd ear;
Yet more persuasive drops that melting tear.
But, O bright maid! by strong affections driven,
Let no fond wish oppose the choice of Heaven.
To man's first guilt ten thousand ills adjoin'd,
Writhe the torn limbs, and agonize the mind:
Pain, famine, toil, the sword, the ruthless wave,
Care, envy, broken faith, sad sorrow, and the grave.
Yet God's high acts unerring wisdom guides,
And boundless love his every choice decides.
Hence all events, and hence all beings right,
Best in their places, to best ends unite.
Hence from small ills unmeasur'd good shall flow;
Hence joys unnumber'd spring from every woe:
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One great I am, all-beauteous, all divine.
Taus the great Prophet sung; and oft my sire
With these bless'd truths my tender heart would fire,
When, won to virtue, on his lips I hung,
And learn'd pure wisdom from his friendly tongue.
With these bless'd truths my tender heart would fire,
When, won to virtue, on his lips I hung,
And learn'd pure wisdom from his friendly tongue.
Heaven's high behest, had faithless man obey'd,
A peaceful earth his eye had still survey'd;
Mild hours and seasons soft o'er nature run;
His sons, in millions, spread to lands unknown;
To Eden's bowers the filial nations come,
Hail'd their great sire, and own'd their happy home.
While from his throne, supreme of all below,
He saw well pleas'd, his mighty kingdom grow;
His subjects children, love his potent sway,
And one vast houshold spread to every sea.
A peaceful earth his eye had still survey'd;
Mild hours and seasons soft o'er nature run;
His sons, in millions, spread to lands unknown;
To Eden's bowers the filial nations come,
Hail'd their great sire, and own'd their happy home.
While from his throne, supreme of all below,
He saw well pleas'd, his mighty kingdom grow;
His subjects children, love his potent sway,
And one vast houshold spread to every sea.
But, sprung from earth, and still to earth confin'd,
No fairer bliss had flow'd for poor mankind:
No law had given the high, stupendous claim,
To soar, and brighten in th' immortal flame.
Now to those climes where, 'twixt delight and pain,
Expands, untravers'd, night's eternal main,
Worms, born of dust, may point their lofty way,
And seize the bliss of ever-rising day.
No fairer bliss had flow'd for poor mankind:
No law had given the high, stupendous claim,
To soar, and brighten in th' immortal flame.
Now to those climes where, 'twixt delight and pain,
Expands, untravers'd, night's eternal main,
Worms, born of dust, may point their lofty way,
And seize the bliss of ever-rising day.
Oft on the flower, embosom'd in perfume,
Thou seest gay butterflies in beauty bloom;
With curious eye, the wondrous insect scan,
By Heaven ordain'd a threefold type of man.
First from the dung-hill sprang the shining form,
And crawl'd to view, a hideous, loathsome worm;
To creep, with toil, his inch-long journeys, curs'd;
The ground his mansion, and his food the dust:
To the next plant, his moment o'er, he drew,
And built his tomb and turn'd to earth anew.
Oft, from the leaf depending, hast thou seen
Their tombs, with gold bedropp'd, and cloth'd in green;
There slept th' expectant, 'till the plastic beam
Purg'd his vile dross, and bade his splendors flame.
Then burst the bonds: at once in glory rise
His form etherial, and his changing dies,
Full on the lucid morn his wings unfold,
Starr'd with strong light, and gay in living gold;
Through fields of air at large the wonder flies,
Wafts on the beams, and mounts th' expanded skies,
O'er flowery beauties plumes of triumph waves;
Imbibes their fragrance, and their charms out-braves;
The birds his kindred, heaven his mansion, claims,
And shines, and wantons, in the noon-day flames.
Thou seest gay butterflies in beauty bloom;
With curious eye, the wondrous insect scan,
By Heaven ordain'd a threefold type of man.
First from the dung-hill sprang the shining form,
And crawl'd to view, a hideous, loathsome worm;
To creep, with toil, his inch-long journeys, curs'd;
The ground his mansion, and his food the dust:
To the next plant, his moment o'er, he drew,
And built his tomb and turn'd to earth anew.
Oft, from the leaf depending, hast thou seen
Their tombs, with gold bedropp'd, and cloth'd in green;
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Purg'd his vile dross, and bade his splendors flame.
Then burst the bonds: at once in glory rise
His form etherial, and his changing dies,
Full on the lucid morn his wings unfold,
Starr'd with strong light, and gay in living gold;
Through fields of air at large the wonder flies,
Wafts on the beams, and mounts th' expanded skies,
O'er flowery beauties plumes of triumph waves;
Imbibes their fragrance, and their charms out-braves;
The birds his kindred, heaven his mansion, claims,
And shines, and wantons, in the noon-day flames.
So man, poor worm! the nursling of a day!
Springs from the dust, and dwells in humble clay;
Around his little mole-hill doom'd to creep,
To drag life's load, and end his toil with sleep.
In silence to the grave his form descends,
And waits the trump, that time and nature ends,
There strength imbibes, the beam of heaven to bear:
There learns, refin'd, to breathe its fragrant air;
Of life the bloom, of youth the splendor, gains,
And, cloth'd in beauty, hopes empyreal plains.
Then, wing'd with light, the deathless man shall rise,
Sail through yon stars, and soar from skies to skies;
See heavens, o'er heavens, beneath him lessening roll,
And feel the Godhead warm his changing soul;
From beauty's fount inhale th' immortal ray,
And grow from light to light, in cloudless day;
Mid morn's fair legions, crown'd with grace, be known,
The peer of angels, and of God the son.
Springs from the dust, and dwells in humble clay;
Around his little mole-hill doom'd to creep,
To drag life's load, and end his toil with sleep.
In silence to the grave his form descends,
And waits the trump, that time and nature ends,
There strength imbibes, the beam of heaven to bear:
There learns, refin'd, to breathe its fragrant air;
Of life the bloom, of youth the splendor, gains,
And, cloth'd in beauty, hopes empyreal plains.
Then, wing'd with light, the deathless man shall rise,
Sail through yon stars, and soar from skies to skies;
See heavens, o'er heavens, beneath him lessening roll,
And feel the Godhead warm his changing soul;
From beauty's fount inhale th' immortal ray,
And grow from light to light, in cloudless day;
Mid morn's fair legions, crown'd with grace, be known,
The peer of angels, and of God the son.
But O what scenes in that far region glow!
What crowns of patience! what rewards of woe!
What crowns of patience! what rewards of woe!
From yon tall hill, when morn's inviting air
To woodland wandering lur'd thy chosen fair,
Thou know'st how sweet gay prospects to descry,
And catch new Edens with the ravish'd eye.
In living green, the lawns at distance lay,
Where snowy flocks mov'd round in vernal play;
High tower'd the nodding groves; the cliffs sublime
Left the low world, and dar'd th' assaults of time;
Huge domes heav'd haughty to the morning fires,
And the sun trembled round a thousand spires:
All heaven was mild; and borne from subject vales,
A cloud of fragrance cheer'd th' inchanting gales.
To woodland wandering lur'd thy chosen fair,
Thou know'st how sweet gay prospects to descry,
And catch new Edens with the ravish'd eye.
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Where snowy flocks mov'd round in vernal play;
High tower'd the nodding groves; the cliffs sublime
Left the low world, and dar'd th' assaults of time;
Huge domes heav'd haughty to the morning fires,
And the sun trembled round a thousand spires:
All heaven was mild; and borne from subject vales,
A cloud of fragrance cheer'd th' inchanting gales.
Such pleasing scenes if this drear earth supply,
What scenes, what glories bloom beyond the sky!
There with strong life the plains immortal glow;
There Beauty bids her streams of rapture flow:
There changing, brightening, reigns th' extatic power;
Smiles in each fruit, and burns in every flower;
In solemn domes, with growing pride, aspires;
Gems with fair stars, and robes in living fires;
Round the trees wantons; on the mountains blooms;
Charms in new songs, and melts in strange perfumes.
And O, of liquid light what seas extend!
What skies impurple! and what stars ascend!
But cease, my tongue! nor headlong rush too near
The sun, that kindles heaven's eternal year.
What scenes, what glories bloom beyond the sky!
There with strong life the plains immortal glow;
There Beauty bids her streams of rapture flow:
There changing, brightening, reigns th' extatic power;
Smiles in each fruit, and burns in every flower;
In solemn domes, with growing pride, aspires;
Gems with fair stars, and robes in living fires;
Round the trees wantons; on the mountains blooms;
Charms in new songs, and melts in strange perfumes.
And O, of liquid light what seas extend!
What skies impurple! and what stars ascend!
But cease, my tongue! nor headlong rush too near
The sun, that kindles heaven's eternal year.
When great Messiah shall those gates unbar,
Where grief recedes, and pain, and death, and war;
Then freed from dross, from every stain refin'd,
And dress'd in all the elegance of mind,
To her own mansion shall thy Soul aspire,
And add new raptures to the sainted choir.
With love divine thy heart has learn'd to glow;
Smil'd at each joy, and wept at every woe;
In each soft station amiably stood,
And shewn the bright ambition to be good;
The best, the loveliest daughter, sister, friend;
Thy life all virtue, and the heavens thine end.
Scarce, of thy years, can blooming cherubs claim
A purer conscience, or a fairer name.
Where grief recedes, and pain, and death, and war;
Then freed from dross, from every stain refin'd,
And dress'd in all the elegance of mind,
To her own mansion shall thy Soul aspire,
And add new raptures to the sainted choir.
With love divine thy heart has learn'd to glow;
Smil'd at each joy, and wept at every woe;
In each soft station amiably stood,
And shewn the bright ambition to be good;
The best, the loveliest daughter, sister, friend;
Thy life all virtue, and the heavens thine end.
Scarce, of thy years, can blooming cherubs claim
A purer conscience, or a fairer name.
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Pleas'd as he spoke, an aged Form drew near,
The moon-beams whitening o'er his silver hair.
His quivering limbs a tatter'd garb array'd;
A staff his slow, and faltering footsteps stay'd—
Oh youth! he said, in wealth thy lot is cast;
Let humble Poverty thy bounty taste.
Large as thy treasure be thy heart to give;
Thy bread impart, and bid my children live.
The moon-beams whitening o'er his silver hair.
His quivering limbs a tatter'd garb array'd;
A staff his slow, and faltering footsteps stay'd—
Oh youth! he said, in wealth thy lot is cast;
Let humble Poverty thy bounty taste.
Large as thy treasure be thy heart to give;
Thy bread impart, and bid my children live.
Sire! cried the Youth, to Hezron's tent repair;
The poor, unfriended, never enter'd there.
To share his wealth the Heaven-sent strangers come;
There orphans, beggars, find a constant home.
His pious acts in sweet memorial rise,
And prayers of thousands bless him from the skies.
The poor, unfriended, never enter'd there.
To share his wealth the Heaven-sent strangers come;
There orphans, beggars, find a constant home.
His pious acts in sweet memorial rise,
And prayers of thousands bless him from the skies.
Return'd the sage. To life's far distant end,
On thee may Judah's envied bliss descend!
From Asher's race I spring, nor of thy sire,
Nor thee, fair Prince! or clothes, or food require.
My highest wish the gifts of Heaven exceed;
Though small my portion, yet far less my need.
On thee may Judah's envied bliss descend!
From Asher's race I spring, nor of thy sire,
Nor thee, fair Prince! or clothes, or food require.
My highest wish the gifts of Heaven exceed;
Though small my portion, yet far less my need.
But O lov'd Youth! my faithful counsels hear;
Let hoary Age command thy listening ear.
Thy growth, thy beauty, nobler than thy peers,
Mine eyes attentive mark'd from earliest years:
I saw thy limbs in fair proportion rise,
And thy face smile the image of the skies.
Thy mind all-lovely, every voice proclaim'd;
For sense distinguish'd, and for virtue fam'd;
Bounteous and brave thy heart; thy tongue discreet;
Thy manners courteous, and thy temper sweet.
Let hoary Age command thy listening ear.
Thy growth, thy beauty, nobler than thy peers,
Mine eyes attentive mark'd from earliest years:
I saw thy limbs in fair proportion rise,
And thy face smile the image of the skies.
Thy mind all-lovely, every voice proclaim'd;
For sense distinguish'd, and for virtue fam'd;
Bounteous and brave thy heart; thy tongue discreet;
Thy manners courteous, and thy temper sweet.
Oft on these plains when gathering armies spread,
The long van darken'd, and proud ensigns play'd;
Absorb'd, I saw thee war's gay splendors view,
Trace the deep files, and moving chiefs pursue;
I saw the martial flame instinctive rise,
And growing lightnings tremble in thine eyes;
I saw, and smil'd; and Israel's voice approv'd,
That destin'd empire to thine arm belov'd.
The long van darken'd, and proud ensigns play'd;
Absorb'd, I saw thee war's gay splendors view,
Trace the deep files, and moving chiefs pursue;
I saw the martial flame instinctive rise,
And growing lightnings tremble in thine eyes;
116
That destin'd empire to thine arm belov'd.
But still, impell'd by strong desire to find
If Fame well sung the beauties of thy mind,
I watch'd thy steps, when evening hid the main,
Assum'd these rags and sought thee on the plain.
For know, fair Prince! in Truth's unbiass'd state,
The proud are little, and the lowly great,
From man, man claims, of high, or low degree,
The courteous manners, I have found in thee.
If Fame well sung the beauties of thy mind,
I watch'd thy steps, when evening hid the main,
Assum'd these rags and sought thee on the plain.
For know, fair Prince! in Truth's unbiass'd state,
The proud are little, and the lowly great,
From man, man claims, of high, or low degree,
The courteous manners, I have found in thee.
Now o'er thy head have twice ten summers
run;
The Youth is ripen'd, and the man begun:
Thy shapely limbs are sinew'd into force,
To hurl the dart; to speed the nimble course:
Yet on what plain in triumph hast thou stood?
When, bold and active, dar'd the strife of blood?
No scar of thine attests the patriot wound;
Thine arm inglorious, and thy wreaths unbound:
Should'st thou, when Joshua sleeps, the sceptre bear;
How shall thy untaught mind conduct to war?
How know what counsels wisdom bids embrace?
What strength to arm? the ambush where to place?
Where on the field to stretch the dreadful wing?
Or with what words of fire the languid arm to string?
Rise then, brave Youth! from ease unhonour'd rise!
Let sun-bright glory tempt thine eager eyes!
When next approaching combat threats the field
Seize the strong lance, and grasp the sheltering shield;
If Hezron grant, the van's bright station claim,
And leave the foremost in the chase of fame!
The Youth is ripen'd, and the man begun:
Thy shapely limbs are sinew'd into force,
To hurl the dart; to speed the nimble course:
Yet on what plain in triumph hast thou stood?
When, bold and active, dar'd the strife of blood?
No scar of thine attests the patriot wound;
Thine arm inglorious, and thy wreaths unbound:
Should'st thou, when Joshua sleeps, the sceptre bear;
How shall thy untaught mind conduct to war?
How know what counsels wisdom bids embrace?
What strength to arm? the ambush where to place?
Where on the field to stretch the dreadful wing?
Or with what words of fire the languid arm to string?
Rise then, brave Youth! from ease unhonour'd rise!
Let sun-bright glory tempt thine eager eyes!
When next approaching combat threats the field
Seize the strong lance, and grasp the sheltering shield;
If Hezron grant, the van's bright station claim,
And leave the foremost in the chase of fame!
Ill fits vile ease a Prince of worth divine,
Whose countless graces fair as angels shine;
At home, unnotic'd, stretch'd in sloth, to lie,
While friends, while fathers toil, and bleed, and die:
To share the spoils distain'd with others' gore,
A mean, false plunderer, when the battle's o'er.
Then while to war thy bold companions run,
While deeds of glory, wreaths of life, are won;
On the dread sword while Israel's cause suspends;
While empire victory, ruin flight attends;
While in full view the field of promise lies,
And the brave arm shall win th' unmeasur'd prize;
Demand thy share, thy share of danger claim;
The toils of danger give the crown of fame.
To thee, through tribes, through nations yet to come,
Let grateful Israel owe her prosperous doom;
Her endless rule; her land in beauty dress'd;
Her stream of glory, and her ages bless'd.
Thus, in far distant times, when Joshua's name
Shall pass, all-fragrant, down the tide of fame;
When future heroes to their sons shall tell
How Hezron triumph'd, and how Sihon fell;
Combin'd with theirs, thy deeds shall waft along,
Swell the glad theme, and mingle in the song.
Whose countless graces fair as angels shine;
At home, unnotic'd, stretch'd in sloth, to lie,
While friends, while fathers toil, and bleed, and die:
117
A mean, false plunderer, when the battle's o'er.
Then while to war thy bold companions run,
While deeds of glory, wreaths of life, are won;
On the dread sword while Israel's cause suspends;
While empire victory, ruin flight attends;
While in full view the field of promise lies,
And the brave arm shall win th' unmeasur'd prize;
Demand thy share, thy share of danger claim;
The toils of danger give the crown of fame.
To thee, through tribes, through nations yet to come,
Let grateful Israel owe her prosperous doom;
Her endless rule; her land in beauty dress'd;
Her stream of glory, and her ages bless'd.
Thus, in far distant times, when Joshua's name
Shall pass, all-fragrant, down the tide of fame;
When future heroes to their sons shall tell
How Hezron triumph'd, and how Sihon fell;
Combin'd with theirs, thy deeds shall waft along,
Swell the glad theme, and mingle in the song.
No shameful sloth, no dread of manly toil,
No mean, false wish to share in others' spoil,
No love of ease, the generous Youth replied—
To tents confine me, and to Hezron's side.
Far other wish my glowing mind inspires;
Fame wings my thoughts, and war my bosom fires.
When Glory's sons assembling hosts array,
Th' extatic view bears all my soul away.
My pulse beats high; my bristling hair ascends;
My heaving heart a thrilling anguish rends:
Sighs, prayers, and tears confess the growing pain;
But sighs, and prayers, and melting tears are vain.
By love, beyond my highest claim impell'd,
My sire constrains me from th' embattled field.
Youth, frowns the chief, to ruin heedless flies;
From arms refrain, 'till years shall make thee wise.
No mean, false wish to share in others' spoil,
No love of ease, the generous Youth replied—
To tents confine me, and to Hezron's side.
Far other wish my glowing mind inspires;
Fame wings my thoughts, and war my bosom fires.
When Glory's sons assembling hosts array,
Th' extatic view bears all my soul away.
My pulse beats high; my bristling hair ascends;
My heaving heart a thrilling anguish rends:
Sighs, prayers, and tears confess the growing pain;
But sighs, and prayers, and melting tears are vain.
By love, beyond my highest claim impell'd,
My sire constrains me from th' embattled field.
Youth, frowns the chief, to ruin heedless flies;
From arms refrain, 'till years shall make thee wise.
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Go tell thy sire, the kindling sage return'd,
Thy hated absence Israel long have mourn'd.
In forceful language, ask their wondering eyes,
Why sunk in sloth, their darling Irad lies,
Their voice demands thee to th' important plain,
To generous toils, and glories bought with pain:
They pant, they burn, to see thy splendors shine,
Thy falchion triumph, and thy garlands twine.
Not fame alone, but duty points the way,
And truth and virtue chide the dull delay.
Thy hated absence Israel long have mourn'd.
In forceful language, ask their wondering eyes,
Why sunk in sloth, their darling Irad lies,
Their voice demands thee to th' important plain,
To generous toils, and glories bought with pain:
They pant, they burn, to see thy splendors shine,
Thy falchion triumph, and thy garlands twine.
Not fame alone, but duty points the way,
And truth and virtue chide the dull delay.
This said, the Ancient o'er the plain withdrew,
And, fading from the moon-beam, left the view.
And, fading from the moon-beam, left the view.
As lost in silence stood the wondering pair,
Or maz'd, bewilder'd, rov'd they knew not where,
A cloud ascending eastern skies o'erspread,
Involv'd the moon, and wrapp'd the world in shade:
A dim-seen lustre cloth'd all heaven around,
And long, black shadows floated o'er the ground.
As deep and solemn the far whirlwind roars,
Or waves run rumbling under cavern'd shores,
With murmuring noise, o'er western mountains came
A broad, and dark-red meteor's awful flame:
Far o'er the woods, and plains, its sanguine hair
Stream'd wild, and dreadful, on the burden'd air.
As eastern groves its lessening light absorb,
Like thousand thunders, bursts the rending orb;
Wide-shooting flames the glimmering sky surround;
A gloomy glory spreads the twilight ground;
Loud o'er the world a long, hoarse echo roars,
And sad Canäan groans through all her shores.
Or maz'd, bewilder'd, rov'd they knew not where,
A cloud ascending eastern skies o'erspread,
Involv'd the moon, and wrapp'd the world in shade:
A dim-seen lustre cloth'd all heaven around,
And long, black shadows floated o'er the ground.
As deep and solemn the far whirlwind roars,
Or waves run rumbling under cavern'd shores,
With murmuring noise, o'er western mountains came
A broad, and dark-red meteor's awful flame:
Far o'er the woods, and plains, its sanguine hair
Stream'd wild, and dreadful, on the burden'd air.
As eastern groves its lessening light absorb,
Like thousand thunders, bursts the rending orb;
Wide-shooting flames the glimmering sky surround;
A gloomy glory spreads the twilight ground;
Loud o'er the world a long, hoarse echo roars,
And sad Canäan groans through all her shores.
Quick to the camp return'd th' astonish'd pair,
And half, in broken slumbers, lost their care.
O'er anxious Irad hovering visions play'd,
Call'd up fair scenes, or dismal terrors shed;
Oft from his couch, in act to smite, he sprang,
And oft his voice in shouts imperfect rang.
And half, in broken slumbers, lost their care.
O'er anxious Irad hovering visions play'd,
Call'd up fair scenes, or dismal terrors shed;
Oft from his couch, in act to smite, he sprang,
And oft his voice in shouts imperfect rang.
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When first through broken clouds the morning shin'd,
In purpose firm he fix'd his doubtful mind;
At Hezron's feet, with graceful reverence stood,
And claim'd the blessing, e'er with joy bestow'd.
With dawning smiles, he bless'd his lovely son,
And sweet complacence round his aspect shone.
Will Hezron bend his ear? the favourite cries—
Speak, my belov'd—th' indulgent sire replies.
In purpose firm he fix'd his doubtful mind;
At Hezron's feet, with graceful reverence stood,
And claim'd the blessing, e'er with joy bestow'd.
With dawning smiles, he bless'd his lovely son,
And sweet complacence round his aspect shone.
Will Hezron bend his ear? the favourite cries—
Speak, my belov'd—th' indulgent sire replies.
Thou know'st my bosom feels the warrior's flame,
Sighs for gay arms, and pants for generous fame;
For Israel weeps, to aid her cause aspires,
And burns tumultuous with resistless fires.
When next our host the shining falchion wield,
Bless'd sire! command me to th' embattled field.
Youths, o'er whose heads a few more months have run
In sport, the peers, the rivals of thy son,
In glory's bright career with heroes join,
And their fair names even now begin to shine.
Grant, best of parents! grant one blissful day,
And threefold duty shall thy love repay.
Sighs for gay arms, and pants for generous fame;
For Israel weeps, to aid her cause aspires,
And burns tumultuous with resistless fires.
When next our host the shining falchion wield,
Bless'd sire! command me to th' embattled field.
Youths, o'er whose heads a few more months have run
In sport, the peers, the rivals of thy son,
In glory's bright career with heroes join,
And their fair names even now begin to shine.
Grant, best of parents! grant one blissful day,
And threefold duty shall thy love repay.
Why dost thou bring—the anxious sire replied—
The dread request, my love has oft denied?
Why must thy sire his favourite treasure lose?
Why will thy heart the path of danger choose?
That path, conceal'd where various evil lies,
And the brave perish, while the dastard flies.
More circling summers have those youths beheld;
Th'accustom'd age commands them to the field.
Scarce nineteen suns thine infant eyes have seen;
Secure from shame, enjoy thy hours serene.
Let truth, let wisdom be thy virtuous care;
And the sweet converse of thy darling fair.
Still with thy partners draw the mimic field;
The javelin hurl, the heavy falchion wield:
So taught their use, shalt thou, when battles join,
With fairer names, with veteran heroes shine;
In marshal'd hosts a nobler office claim,
And stride more swiftly in the chase of fame.
The dread request, my love has oft denied?
Why must thy sire his favourite treasure lose?
Why will thy heart the path of danger choose?
That path, conceal'd where various evil lies,
And the brave perish, while the dastard flies.
More circling summers have those youths beheld;
Th'accustom'd age commands them to the field.
Scarce nineteen suns thine infant eyes have seen;
Secure from shame, enjoy thy hours serene.
Let truth, let wisdom be thy virtuous care;
And the sweet converse of thy darling fair.
Still with thy partners draw the mimic field;
The javelin hurl, the heavy falchion wield:
So taught their use, shalt thou, when battles join,
With fairer names, with veteran heroes shine;
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And stride more swiftly in the chase of fame.
Return'd the favourite—To thy faithful son
Whene'er thy choice, indulgent sire, was known,
No counter choice unduteous words confess'd,
But my sole answer was obedience bless'd.
When last mild evening clos'd the cheerful day,
O'er southern plains I trac'd my careless way;
There as I gaz'd the works of Heaven around,
A chief, of Asher's race, my footsteps found—
Youth, cried the hoary sage, the changing sun
Beholds, well pleas'd, thy riper years begun.
The scenes of dangerous war thy breast demand,
And thy lov'd nation asks thine aiding hand;
Their eyes require thee on the hostile plain,
Nor let a nation claim thy aid in vain.
Go tell thy sire, while friends, while brothers die,
'Tis shame, 'tis guilt, in torpid ease to lie.
His duty bids him dress thy limbs in arms,
And thine strait summons to the trump's alarms.
Haste, virtuous Youth! thy nation's voice obey,
And fly, where Glory points her envied way.
Ah sire belov'd! to shame, to fatal shame
Yield not thy darling Irad's opening name.
Think, best of parents! with what stings of gall,
Contempt and scorn a generous mind appall.
Save me from piercing scorn; from ruin save;
From dastards snatch me; rank me with the brave;
Thy nation's call, more loud than thunders hear;
Though Irad fail, let Israel gain thine ear.
Whene'er thy choice, indulgent sire, was known,
No counter choice unduteous words confess'd,
But my sole answer was obedience bless'd.
When last mild evening clos'd the cheerful day,
O'er southern plains I trac'd my careless way;
There as I gaz'd the works of Heaven around,
A chief, of Asher's race, my footsteps found—
Youth, cried the hoary sage, the changing sun
Beholds, well pleas'd, thy riper years begun.
The scenes of dangerous war thy breast demand,
And thy lov'd nation asks thine aiding hand;
Their eyes require thee on the hostile plain,
Nor let a nation claim thy aid in vain.
Go tell thy sire, while friends, while brothers die,
'Tis shame, 'tis guilt, in torpid ease to lie.
His duty bids him dress thy limbs in arms,
And thine strait summons to the trump's alarms.
Haste, virtuous Youth! thy nation's voice obey,
And fly, where Glory points her envied way.
Ah sire belov'd! to shame, to fatal shame
Yield not thy darling Irad's opening name.
Think, best of parents! with what stings of gall,
Contempt and scorn a generous mind appall.
Save me from piercing scorn; from ruin save;
From dastards snatch me; rank me with the brave;
Thy nation's call, more loud than thunders hear;
Though Irad fail, let Israel gain thine ear.
With anxious look, th' unwilling sire replies,
The tears fast-streaming from his reverend eyes—
O son belov'd! beyond expression dear!
The ground of every joy! and every fear!
This painful tale disparts my troubled soul,
And bids my tears in large effusion roll.
How can my heart to savage war resign
My wealth, my boast, my glory, all that's mine;
The child, the joy, the image, of my mind;
The best, the only trace, I leave behind;
To prayers long-tried, all-fervent, kindly given;
The richest bounty of indulgent Heaven?
The tears fast-streaming from his reverend eyes—
O son belov'd! beyond expression dear!
The ground of every joy! and every fear!
This painful tale disparts my troubled soul,
And bids my tears in large effusion roll.
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My wealth, my boast, my glory, all that's mine;
The child, the joy, the image, of my mind;
The best, the only trace, I leave behind;
To prayers long-tried, all-fervent, kindly given;
The richest bounty of indulgent Heaven?
From infant years thy lovely form to raise,
To lure thy mind to all that merits praise;
'Gainst fatal snares thy youthful heart to arm,
With truth illumine, and with virtue warm,
Ten thousand sighs I breath'd, ten thousand prayers,
Watch'd countless nights, and felt unnumber'd cares.
Each opening wish, each rising thought, I scann'd;
Each new-born virtue nurs'd with fostering hand:
The flower etherial saw, with rapture, bloom,
Glow with strong light, and charm with choice perfume,
And each glad morn beheld my praises rise,
A grateful tribute to the bounteous skies.
To lure thy mind to all that merits praise;
'Gainst fatal snares thy youthful heart to arm,
With truth illumine, and with virtue warm,
Ten thousand sighs I breath'd, ten thousand prayers,
Watch'd countless nights, and felt unnumber'd cares.
Each opening wish, each rising thought, I scann'd;
Each new-born virtue nurs'd with fostering hand:
The flower etherial saw, with rapture, bloom,
Glow with strong light, and charm with choice perfume,
And each glad morn beheld my praises rise,
A grateful tribute to the bounteous skies.
As, touch'd with joy, thy beauties I behold,
Thy limbs invigorate, and thy thoughts unfold;
Thy pure complacence eye the all-lovely Mind;
Thy love, thy goodness flow to all mankind;
Thy aims expand beyond the flight of youth;
Thy tongue unvarying yield the voice of truth;
Thy cheerful bounty make the poor thy care;
Thy spotless mind affect so bright a fair;
Thy sweet obedience every wish forerun,
And my blise double in my darling son;
Too bless'd, I wish, my pains, my toils review'd,
Each pain repeated, and each toil renew'd.
Thy limbs invigorate, and thy thoughts unfold;
Thy pure complacence eye the all-lovely Mind;
Thy love, thy goodness flow to all mankind;
Thy aims expand beyond the flight of youth;
Thy tongue unvarying yield the voice of truth;
Thy cheerful bounty make the poor thy care;
Thy spotless mind affect so bright a fair;
Thy sweet obedience every wish forerun,
And my blise double in my darling son;
Too bless'd, I wish, my pains, my toils review'd,
Each pain repeated, and each toil renew'd.
But chief, when that bright fair, who gave thee breath,
Sunk, pale and hapless, in the arms of death,
Thy hand so gently sooth'd her long decay;
So sweetly guileful lur'd her pains away;
Whole nights, whole days, sustain'd her drooping head;
Dried her sad tears, and watch'd her weary bed;
Like some mild angel, sent from pitying skies,
Shed dewy slumbers on her languid eyes;
Illum'd the grave, seren'd the rugged way,
And cheer'd each fainting Hope of future day:
Me from myself thy matchless duty stole,
And chain'd thee lovely to my inmost soul.
Sunk, pale and hapless, in the arms of death,
Thy hand so gently sooth'd her long decay;
So sweetly guileful lur'd her pains away;
Whole nights, whole days, sustain'd her drooping head;
Dried her sad tears, and watch'd her weary bed;
122
Shed dewy slumbers on her languid eyes;
Illum'd the grave, seren'd the rugged way,
And cheer'd each fainting Hope of future day:
Me from myself thy matchless duty stole,
And chain'd thee lovely to my inmost soul.
Now to far regions is that parent gone,
And, but for thee, thy sire were left alone:
From thee remov'd, no second self I know;
And, O bless'd favourite! solitude is woe.
And, but for thee, thy sire were left alone:
From thee remov'd, no second self I know;
And, O bless'd favourite! solitude is woe.
When wing'd, my sweet companion trac'd her flight,
A wildering gloom obscur'd the cheerful light;
Each joy was banish'd from my hapless doom,
And not a wish remain'd me, but the tomb.
Her tent, forsaken, seem'd in shades to mourn;
Her empty seat implor'd her bless'd return:
Friends grac'd my board; her vacant place I view'd;
Down gush'd the tear, and every pang renew'd.
Through distant fields I roam'd; the fields were sad:
No more her presence bade the flowers be glad:
A solemn twilight round all nature spread,
Drear as dun caves, that house the silent dead.
Alone in crowds I stood, in fields alone;
My hope, my friend, my lovely solace gone.
A wildering gloom obscur'd the cheerful light;
Each joy was banish'd from my hapless doom,
And not a wish remain'd me, but the tomb.
Her tent, forsaken, seem'd in shades to mourn;
Her empty seat implor'd her bless'd return:
Friends grac'd my board; her vacant place I view'd;
Down gush'd the tear, and every pang renew'd.
Through distant fields I roam'd; the fields were sad:
No more her presence bade the flowers be glad:
A solemn twilight round all nature spread,
Drear as dun caves, that house the silent dead.
Alone in crowds I stood, in fields alone;
My hope, my friend, my lovely solace gone.
But thou wast left. In thy angelic face
Smil'd her lov'd image, glow'd her matchless grace:
To thee I flew; and, in thy duty, view'd
Her power to charm, her wish to bless, renew'd.
That peace, the world beside could never give,
I found in thee, and lov'd again to live.
Too rich, too great, I own my Heaven-lent store;
On earth, if thou may'st live, I ask no more.
Smil'd her lov'd image, glow'd her matchless grace:
To thee I flew; and, in thy duty, view'd
Her power to charm, her wish to bless, renew'd.
That peace, the world beside could never give,
I found in thee, and lov'd again to live.
Too rich, too great, I own my Heaven-lent store;
On earth, if thou may'st live, I ask no more.
Shall then thy sire that dread persuasion hear?
Or feel the urgence of that forceful tear?
Ah! how can Hezron thy lov'd life destroy,
And yield th' insatiate grave my only joy?
Or feel the urgence of that forceful tear?
Ah! how can Hezron thy lov'd life destroy,
And yield th' insatiate grave my only joy?
123
For, O fond Irad! all the pride of state,
Fair dreams, and painted bubbles, of the great,
No real joy, no gentle peace, contain,
But gay deceit, and undiscover'd pain.
Whate'er in Wisdom prompts a wish to live,
Soft, calm domestic scenes alone can give.
Should'st thou be slain, even these must ceaseless mourn;
No joy betides me, and no hopes return;
A poor, despairing stranger, here I stay,
'Till Death's loud voice shall summon me away.
Fair dreams, and painted bubbles, of the great,
No real joy, no gentle peace, contain,
But gay deceit, and undiscover'd pain.
Whate'er in Wisdom prompts a wish to live,
Soft, calm domestic scenes alone can give.
Should'st thou be slain, even these must ceaseless mourn;
No joy betides me, and no hopes return;
A poor, despairing stranger, here I stay,
'Till Death's loud voice shall summon me away.
But ah! to combat Israel Irad calls—
The piercing sound my struggling heart appalls—
Was all my bliss for Israel's weal bestow'd?
And is a nation's voice the voice of God?
Go then, my son, may he thy bosom guard,
To triumph lead thee, and with fame reward;
Bright, and more bright, extend thy prosperous doom,
Or speed my footsteps to an early tomb.
The piercing sound my struggling heart appalls—
Was all my bliss for Israel's weal bestow'd?
And is a nation's voice the voice of God?
Go then, my son, may he thy bosom guard,
To triumph lead thee, and with fame reward;
Bright, and more bright, extend thy prosperous doom,
Or speed my footsteps to an early tomb.
Thus the great chief; and rising as he spoke,
In his right hand a sword suspended took;
Forth from the sheath the blade refulgent drew,
And his sad eye-balls kindled at the view.
Behold, brave youth—with earnest voice he cried—
Thine is the sword, thy sire's, thy grandsire's pride;
By death of kings, and generous chiefs, renown'd,
With wreaths ennobled, and with triumphs crown'd.
When Egypt's sons , on proud Sabea's plains,
By Moses guided, pour'd their countless trains;
High in his haughty car a chieftain rode,
Bore down whole troops, and roll'd through brooks of blood;
Deep in his breast, while thousands round him fell,
Thy generous Grandsire lodg'd this shining steel;
Then ceas'd the fight; Sabea's millions fled,
And the earth groan'd beneath the piles of dead.
To Jahaz' deathless field when Sihon drew,
When combat thicken'd, and when dangers grew,
This arm, this falchion clave the monarch's side,
And low on earth abas'd his impious pride.
In his right hand a sword suspended took;
Forth from the sheath the blade refulgent drew,
And his sad eye-balls kindled at the view.
Behold, brave youth—with earnest voice he cried—
Thine is the sword, thy sire's, thy grandsire's pride;
By death of kings, and generous chiefs, renown'd,
With wreaths ennobled, and with triumphs crown'd.
When Egypt's sons , on proud Sabea's plains,
By Moses guided, pour'd their countless trains;
High in his haughty car a chieftain rode,
Bore down whole troops, and roll'd through brooks of blood;
Deep in his breast, while thousands round him fell,
Thy generous Grandsire lodg'd this shining steel;
Then ceas'd the fight; Sabea's millions fled,
And the earth groan'd beneath the piles of dead.
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When combat thicken'd, and when dangers grew,
This arm, this falchion clave the monarch's side,
And low on earth abas'd his impious pride.
From Hezron's hand the honour'd gift embrace.
Dread of thy foes, and glory of thy race;
And while thy arm their weapon learns to wield,
Let the same spirit prompt thee to the field.
Each wild excess, each useless danger shun;
But first in virtue's course auspicious run:
Outstrip thy peers; To Joshua's height aspire;
Let real glory all thy wishes fire:
Let mine, my fire's, my tribe's, my nation's fame
Imbibe new splendors from thy added name.
Yet not one fear my boding mind alarms,
Lest Irad's deeds distain his parent's arms;
I know thy generous mind; and, forc'd to yield,
Assur'd, behold thee grace th' embattled field.
And oh! wilt thou, whose hand from every foe
My life preserv'd, and sooth'd in every woe,
My darling son defend! from thee he came;
Scarce born, I gave him to th' eternal Name;
Thine are his virtues; round his youthful head
A guardian shield may thy good angel spread.
Dread of thy foes, and glory of thy race;
And while thy arm their weapon learns to wield,
Let the same spirit prompt thee to the field.
Each wild excess, each useless danger shun;
But first in virtue's course auspicious run:
Outstrip thy peers; To Joshua's height aspire;
Let real glory all thy wishes fire:
Let mine, my fire's, my tribe's, my nation's fame
Imbibe new splendors from thy added name.
Yet not one fear my boding mind alarms,
Lest Irad's deeds distain his parent's arms;
I know thy generous mind; and, forc'd to yield,
Assur'd, behold thee grace th' embattled field.
And oh! wilt thou, whose hand from every foe
My life preserv'd, and sooth'd in every woe,
My darling son defend! from thee he came;
Scarce born, I gave him to th' eternal Name;
Thine are his virtues; round his youthful head
A guardian shield may thy good angel spread.
Thus spoke the chief. In Irad's feeling soul
A strange, tumultuous joy began to roll:
As oft t' unfold his grateful heart he tried,
The suffocated sounds in silence died.
Down dropp'd the sword; and strait, with homage due,
The Youth enkindling from the tent withdrew;
Quick to the lovely fair-one trac'd his way,
And strove the tumult of his thoughts t' allay.
Her in the tent, with maidens compass'd round,
Select companions of her sports, he found.
There, sweetly welcom'd with instinctive smiles,
He smooth'd his face with new, but harmless wiles,
And, while soft art her tender mind prepar'd,
His own design, his sire's consent declar'd.
With guarded lips he spoke; but dire surprize
Pierc'd her sad heart, and gloom'd her starry eyes;
With one deep sigh, she felt her strength decay,
Slid to the ground, and breath'd her life away.
Quick to her aid the Youth impassion'd flew:
And, with the virgins, bade her life renew;
Again reviv'd the splendor of her eye,
And ting'd her cheek with health's transcendent die.
O best belov'd! with tender voice he said—
Let not such anguish wound my beauteous maid!
Let cheerful hope thy timorous thoughts inspire,
And thine eye languish with a brighter fire!
A strange, tumultuous joy began to roll:
As oft t' unfold his grateful heart he tried,
The suffocated sounds in silence died.
Down dropp'd the sword; and strait, with homage due,
The Youth enkindling from the tent withdrew;
Quick to the lovely fair-one trac'd his way,
And strove the tumult of his thoughts t' allay.
Her in the tent, with maidens compass'd round,
Select companions of her sports, he found.
There, sweetly welcom'd with instinctive smiles,
He smooth'd his face with new, but harmless wiles,
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His own design, his sire's consent declar'd.
With guarded lips he spoke; but dire surprize
Pierc'd her sad heart, and gloom'd her starry eyes;
With one deep sigh, she felt her strength decay,
Slid to the ground, and breath'd her life away.
Quick to her aid the Youth impassion'd flew:
And, with the virgins, bade her life renew;
Again reviv'd the splendor of her eye,
And ting'd her cheek with health's transcendent die.
O best belov'd! with tender voice he said—
Let not such anguish wound my beauteous maid!
Let cheerful hope thy timorous thoughts inspire,
And thine eye languish with a brighter fire!
When o'er my head a few short days shall roll,
My hastening feet must reach th' appointed goal;
To manhood grown, the law, from heaven reveal'd,
Resistless calls me to th' imbattled field.
If Israel's sons my falchion earlier claim,
And kindly summon to the path of fame,
Why should'st thou mourn? 'tis duty points the way;
When duty calls us, safety bids obey.
My hastening feet must reach th' appointed goal;
To manhood grown, the law, from heaven reveal'd,
Resistless calls me to th' imbattled field.
If Israel's sons my falchion earlier claim,
And kindly summon to the path of fame,
Why should'st thou mourn? 'tis duty points the way;
When duty calls us, safety bids obey.
Thou know'st when evening last the skies attir'd,
The sage, reproving, generous thoughts inspir'd;
First from his mouth my nation's choice I knew;
And swift to war my soul obsequious flew:
No place, no hope, to vile delay was given;
The call of nations is the call of Heaven.
Led by his voice, I trust his guardian care;
With equal ease he saves in peace, and war.
The same good hand, that thro' the woodland shade,
To friends, to safety, loveliest Mina led,
Though thousands fall, may Irad's bosom shield,
And wing th' averted javelin through the field.
The sage, reproving, generous thoughts inspir'd;
First from his mouth my nation's choice I knew;
And swift to war my soul obsequious flew:
No place, no hope, to vile delay was given;
The call of nations is the call of Heaven.
Led by his voice, I trust his guardian care;
With equal ease he saves in peace, and war.
The same good hand, that thro' the woodland shade,
To friends, to safety, loveliest Mina led,
Though thousands fall, may Irad's bosom shield,
And wing th' averted javelin through the field.
Thus he, with softest voice, and fondest eye—
Then stopp'd; and anxious, hop'd the maid's reply.
She, plung'd in grief, and lost in dread amaze,
Sate silent, solemn, fix'd in mournful gaze:
With tenderest action on her looks he hung,
And thus vain solace tunes again his tongue.
Then stopp'd; and anxious, hop'd the maid's reply.
126
Sate silent, solemn, fix'd in mournful gaze:
With tenderest action on her looks he hung,
And thus vain solace tunes again his tongue.
But, doom'd to fall, should Heaven my life demand,
And death betide me from a heathen's hand,
I fall in virtue's course. Far happier doom,
In that bless'd path, to find a speedy tomb!
Than, lost in sports, or sunk in shameful ease,
To drag a worthless life, and swell inglorious days.
And O bright maid! without one guilty fear,
My thoughts can view resistless death draw near.
In that far clime, where joy extends her reign,
My pinion'd soul shall spring to life again;
Strong with empyreal youth, shall trace her way,
And join the nations of immortal day.
Thence, when thy form is summon'd to the tomb,
Perchance my spirit, wing'd with light, shall come,
Hail thy release from toil, and grief, and pain,
And raptur'd guide thee o'er the trackless main;
In bonds etherial there our souls be join'd,
And prove th' extatic nuptials of the mind.
And death betide me from a heathen's hand,
I fall in virtue's course. Far happier doom,
In that bless'd path, to find a speedy tomb!
Than, lost in sports, or sunk in shameful ease,
To drag a worthless life, and swell inglorious days.
And O bright maid! without one guilty fear,
My thoughts can view resistless death draw near.
In that far clime, where joy extends her reign,
My pinion'd soul shall spring to life again;
Strong with empyreal youth, shall trace her way,
And join the nations of immortal day.
Thence, when thy form is summon'd to the tomb,
Perchance my spirit, wing'd with light, shall come,
Hail thy release from toil, and grief, and pain,
And raptur'd guide thee o'er the trackless main;
In bonds etherial there our souls be join'd,
And prove th' extatic nuptials of the mind.
With silent, sad, and discontented air,
And face averted, sate the listening fair.
While the deep woe her feeling bosom mourn'd,
With a long, heavy sigh, she thus return'd.
With boding heart I heard the sage's tale,
But felt fond hopes the dire design would fail;
That Hezron's choice, so often tried in vain,
Would still confine thee from the fatal plain.
Yet thy lov'd maid, with gentle words, design'd
To change thy wish, and sooth thy eager mind,
But my soul trembled at the dreadful light,
And every sense was lost in wild affright.
And face averted, sate the listening fair.
While the deep woe her feeling bosom mourn'd,
With a long, heavy sigh, she thus return'd.
With boding heart I heard the sage's tale,
But felt fond hopes the dire design would fail;
That Hezron's choice, so often tried in vain,
Would still confine thee from the fatal plain.
Yet thy lov'd maid, with gentle words, design'd
To change thy wish, and sooth thy eager mind,
But my soul trembled at the dreadful light,
And every sense was lost in wild affright.
Now to dire fate my fondest hope must yield,
While empty fame allures thee to the field.
But O bless'd youth! by soft intreaties won,
Where duty calls not, hideous danger shun.
Let not thy ardour fame's high impulse feel,
Tempt nearer fight, and try the deathful steel.
The fatal front to veteran warriors give;
Be thy rich boon, thy bless'd reward, to live.
I know thy bosom burns with glory's fire;
I know what visions war's bright beams inspire.
I fear, would Heaven the cause were less to fear,
Lest thy bold footsteps headlong rush too near;
Lest, wing'd with zeal, on instant death thou fly,
And leave thy hapless maid to weep, and die.
While empty fame allures thee to the field.
127
Where duty calls not, hideous danger shun.
Let not thy ardour fame's high impulse feel,
Tempt nearer fight, and try the deathful steel.
The fatal front to veteran warriors give;
Be thy rich boon, thy bless'd reward, to live.
I know thy bosom burns with glory's fire;
I know what visions war's bright beams inspire.
I fear, would Heaven the cause were less to fear,
Lest thy bold footsteps headlong rush too near;
Lest, wing'd with zeal, on instant death thou fly,
And leave thy hapless maid to weep, and die.
For ah! on Irad all my joys suspend;
Grow with thy bliss, and with thy life extend.
Should then dread war compel thee to the grave,
The sad, untimely portion of the brave,
Whither, ah whither can Selima fly?
Where find a friend, to bid her early die?
Robb'd of thy face, the world's a desart drear;
The house of pain, and grief, and cankering care;
Forlorn, and friendless, life's lone path I tread,
And ask no lot, but with the silent dead.
Nor all those joys, thou know'st to paint so fair,
Can sooth sad woe, or lighten dark despair.
With thee conjoin'd, I claim my only doom,
Alike well-pleas'd, or here, or in the tomb.
Scarce would my soul, without thee heaven explore,
Where the first joy shall be to part no more.
Grow with thy bliss, and with thy life extend.
Should then dread war compel thee to the grave,
The sad, untimely portion of the brave,
Whither, ah whither can Selima fly?
Where find a friend, to bid her early die?
Robb'd of thy face, the world's a desart drear;
The house of pain, and grief, and cankering care;
Forlorn, and friendless, life's lone path I tread,
And ask no lot, but with the silent dead.
Nor all those joys, thou know'st to paint so fair,
Can sooth sad woe, or lighten dark despair.
With thee conjoin'd, I claim my only doom,
Alike well-pleas'd, or here, or in the tomb.
Scarce would my soul, without thee heaven explore,
Where the first joy shall be to part no more.
Oh, would the Chief thy anguish'd maiden hear,
And mark thy station in the humbler rear!
There no fell heathen would thy life annoy;
Nor fatal danger threat Selima's joy:
'Till age, 'till art, from sure experience won,
Had taught thee cautious every wile to shun.
And then, ah then might peace our days serene;
War cease to rage, and foes no more be seen;
Bliss, in glad streams, around our land extend,
And every sigh, and grief, and terror end.
And mark thy station in the humbler rear!
There no fell heathen would thy life annoy;
Nor fatal danger threat Selima's joy:
'Till age, 'till art, from sure experience won,
Had taught thee cautious every wile to shun.
And then, ah then might peace our days serene;
War cease to rage, and foes no more be seen;
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And every sigh, and grief, and terror end.
Thus spoke the saddening maid. With pleasing guile,
The tender Prince recall'd her vanish'd smile;
With tales amusive lur'd her grief away,
And cheer'd her soul with hope's inlivening ray.
The tender Prince recall'd her vanish'd smile;
With tales amusive lur'd her grief away,
And cheer'd her soul with hope's inlivening ray.
Meantime, through Israel spread the rumour far,
That matchless Irad join'd the coming war.
Charm'd with the tale, a bold, and generous train
Of youths, his rivals, throng'd the vacant plain;
And there, with one glad voice, the hero chose
To guide their footsteps 'gainst th' expected foes.
To him too youths the flattering message bare;
With modest grace, and sweet, becoming air,
Surpriz'd he heard, and while their hearts he won,
Assum'd the trust, and own'd the honour done.
That matchless Irad join'd the coming war.
Charm'd with the tale, a bold, and generous train
Of youths, his rivals, throng'd the vacant plain;
And there, with one glad voice, the hero chose
To guide their footsteps 'gainst th' expected foes.
To him too youths the flattering message bare;
With modest grace, and sweet, becoming air,
Surpriz'd he heard, and while their hearts he won,
Assum'd the trust, and own'd the honour done.
And now decay'd the sounds of busy day;
The sun descending beam'd his final ray;
In starry grandeur rose the boundless night,
And temper'd ether with a milder light.
As through the host a general silence flow'd,
To Zimri's tent the watchful Leader strode,
And thus—Brave chief, to Ai direct thy course;
Thy sole command awaits a chosen force:
Through the deep forest steer thy southward way,
Where stately portals hail the setting day.
When first the clarion's voice to conflict calls,
Forsake thy ambush, and ascend her walls;
O'er all her domes let sudden flames aspire,
And her proud turrets sink in hostile fire:
Then through her northern gates direct thy way,
And lead thy squadrons to the fierce affray.
The sun descending beam'd his final ray;
In starry grandeur rose the boundless night,
And temper'd ether with a milder light.
As through the host a general silence flow'd,
To Zimri's tent the watchful Leader strode,
And thus—Brave chief, to Ai direct thy course;
Thy sole command awaits a chosen force:
Through the deep forest steer thy southward way,
Where stately portals hail the setting day.
When first the clarion's voice to conflict calls,
Forsake thy ambush, and ascend her walls;
O'er all her domes let sudden flames aspire,
And her proud turrets sink in hostile fire:
Then through her northern gates direct thy way,
And lead thy squadrons to the fierce affray.
I go—the chief replied. The moon's broad round
Look'd in full lustre on the tented ground;
Fair o'er the shadowy hills she gently rose,
And shew'd a path for Ai's exulting foes.
In glimmering steel, a long, refulgent train,
Stretch'd in just files, and dazzled all the plain.
Slow to the wood their fading steps they press'd,
The Chief, in silent joy, retir'd to rest.
Look'd in full lustre on the tented ground;
Fair o'er the shadowy hills she gently rose,
And shew'd a path for Ai's exulting foes.
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Stretch'd in just files, and dazzled all the plain.
Slow to the wood their fading steps they press'd,
The Chief, in silent joy, retir'd to rest.
| The conquest of Canäan | |