 | The conquest of Canäan |  |
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BOOK VI.
132
Argument.
Morning. Army assembles under the command of Hezron, and Joshua. Irad sollicits, and obtains a post, in the front of the western division. Orders. Israelites march. Army of Ai. Characters of Oran, and Carmi. Battle. Feigned retreat of the Israelites. Hanniel's disobedience, and overthrow. Joshua rescues him. Signal of return to battle. Joshua's address. Battle renewed. Joshua retires, and gives Caleb the command. Exploits of Irad. Exploits of Hezron, and of Caleb. Death of Ludon. Oran. Death of Hezron. Exploits of Carmi. His death. Irad rallies Judah. Joshua descends to battle, kills Oran, and puts the Heathens to flight. Zimri, having set Ai on fire, comes out upon the rear of the enemy. Final rout, and overthrow of the Heathens. Irad's distress at the fate of his father. Interview of Irad and Selima. Evening.
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Now dawning light conceal'd the worlds on high,
And morn in beauty cloth'd the cloudless sky:
Loud o'er the field the trump's shrill sound began,
And swift to arms the startled thousands ran;
From all the camp burst forth the numerous throng,
Shook their tall spears, and wak'd the martial song;
Wide wav'd their plumes, refulgent flash'd their shields,
And spiry banners trembled o'er the fields,
South of the camp, in two deep squares they stood,
And fierce for combat, fac'd the plain of blood.
And morn in beauty cloth'd the cloudless sky:
Loud o'er the field the trump's shrill sound began,
And swift to arms the startled thousands ran;
From all the camp burst forth the numerous throng,
Shook their tall spears, and wak'd the martial song;
Wide wav'd their plumes, refulgent flash'd their shields,
And spiry banners trembled o'er the fields,
South of the camp, in two deep squares they stood,
And fierce for combat, fac'd the plain of blood.
Before the western band great Hezron rose,
Joy of his race, and terror of his foes:
Averse from pomp, in useful steel array'd,
Pleas'd, his just ranks the mighty chief survey'd;
Pleas'd to the well-known field of combat drew; dew;
When duty call'd, his soul no terror knew
Joy of his race, and terror of his foes:
Averse from pomp, in useful steel array'd,
Pleas'd, his just ranks the mighty chief survey'd;
Pleas'd to the well-known field of combat drew; dew;
When duty call'd, his soul no terror knew
Of equal strength battalions eastward stood,
And high in front exalted Joshua strode.
By nature fashion'd millions to controul,
In peace, in war, the great all-moving soul,
His mind expanded look'd existence through;
His heart undaunted danger never knew;
With calm endurance, toils and fears engag'd,
Climb'd as they rose, and triumph'd as they rag'd;
Patient, serene, as ills and injuries tried,
Meek without meanness, noble without pride,
Frank yet impervious, manly yet refin'd,
As the sun watchful, and as angels kind.
His Maker first, his conscience next he fear'd,
All rights kept sacred, and all laws rever'd;
Each wandering friend, with faithful friendship blam'd;
Each foe applauded, as fair merit claim'd:
Alike his kingdom wealth and want approv'd;
The noble reverenc'd, and the peasant lov'd.
His form majestic, seem'd by God design'd
The glorious mansion of so vast a mind:
An awful grandeur in his countenance sate;
Calm wisdom round him cast a solemn state:
His deathful arm no single force withstood;
His speed, his skill, no vigor could elude;
His piercing eye his mighty soul display'd;
His lofty limbs resplendent arms array'd;
With varied lightenings his broad falchion shone,
And his clear buckler mock'd the rising sun.
And high in front exalted Joshua strode.
By nature fashion'd millions to controul,
In peace, in war, the great all-moving soul,
His mind expanded look'd existence through;
His heart undaunted danger never knew;
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Climb'd as they rose, and triumph'd as they rag'd;
Patient, serene, as ills and injuries tried,
Meek without meanness, noble without pride,
Frank yet impervious, manly yet refin'd,
As the sun watchful, and as angels kind.
His Maker first, his conscience next he fear'd,
All rights kept sacred, and all laws rever'd;
Each wandering friend, with faithful friendship blam'd;
Each foe applauded, as fair merit claim'd:
Alike his kingdom wealth and want approv'd;
The noble reverenc'd, and the peasant lov'd.
His form majestic, seem'd by God design'd
The glorious mansion of so vast a mind:
An awful grandeur in his countenance sate;
Calm wisdom round him cast a solemn state:
His deathful arm no single force withstood;
His speed, his skill, no vigor could elude;
His piercing eye his mighty soul display'd;
His lofty limbs resplendent arms array'd;
With varied lightenings his broad falchion shone,
And his clear buckler mock'd the rising sun.
Fair in the front of Judah's manly train,
A young gay band, adorn'd the gladsome plain.
Bright was their steely mail; their polish'd shields
With dazling splendor streak'd the smiling fields;
Soft breezes sported through their plumy pride;
Their trembling falchions glitter'd by their side;
Equal their bravery, and their thirst of fame;
Their age, their stature, and their arms the same.
A young gay band, adorn'd the gladsome plain.
Bright was their steely mail; their polish'd shields
With dazling splendor streak'd the smiling fields;
Soft breezes sported through their plumy pride;
Their trembling falchions glitter'd by their side;
Equal their bravery, and their thirst of fame;
Their age, their stature, and their arms the same.
In the fair front, more beauteous than the morn,
When cloudless splendors orient skies adorn,
First of his race exalted Irad stood,
His soul inflam'd, his falchion drawn for blood;
On Joshua's steps his ceaseless eye was turn'd,
Charm'd with the pomp, that round the hero burn'd;
Tall was his stature, lofty was his mien,
His eye refulgent, and his brow serene:
Topp'd with two snowy plumes, that play'd in air,
A silver morion crown'd his auburn hair:
Far o'er the train his form sublimely shone,
By nobler arms, and manlier beauty, known.
So, when calm spring invests the sparkling plain,
And night sails silent up th' etherial main,
Round the broad azure stars unnumber'd glow,
And shadowy lustre robes the world below:
Thron'd in the western heaven young Hesper shines;
His silver car to nether realms declines;
O'er the gay mountains smiles his living eye,
And sinks, in splendor, down the gladsome sky.
When cloudless splendors orient skies adorn,
First of his race exalted Irad stood,
His soul inflam'd, his falchion drawn for blood;
On Joshua's steps his ceaseless eye was turn'd,
Charm'd with the pomp, that round the hero burn'd;
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His eye refulgent, and his brow serene:
Topp'd with two snowy plumes, that play'd in air,
A silver morion crown'd his auburn hair:
Far o'er the train his form sublimely shone,
By nobler arms, and manlier beauty, known.
So, when calm spring invests the sparkling plain,
And night sails silent up th' etherial main,
Round the broad azure stars unnumber'd glow,
And shadowy lustre robes the world below:
Thron'd in the western heaven young Hesper shines;
His silver car to nether realms declines;
O'er the gay mountains smiles his living eye,
And sinks, in splendor, down the gladsome sky.
From host to host the Chief majestic strode,
Inspir'd their hopes, and steel'd their souls for blood;
Their perfect ranks his skilful eyes divide,
And his great bosom swells with manly pride.
As tow'rd the western square he bent his way,
Where hoary Hezron led the long array;
To meet his steps impatient Irad ran,
And bent one knee before the godlike man:
And thus—To youth will Joshua lend an ear?—
—Speak my brave son; thine every wish declare—
—With gentle voice, he said—The Youth replied—
See that fair train, inwrapp'd in steely pride!
In war, though young, our bosoms pant to shine,
And feel the wish, that brighter glows in thine.
Give, best of men! this brave, though youthful band
In the bright front of charging fight to stand.
Oh, by my father's toils in fields of blood,
Whose love this freedom, and this sword bestow'd,
Indulge this ardent wish! nor let thy frown
Quench a young flame, that emulates thy own.
Inspir'd their hopes, and steel'd their souls for blood;
Their perfect ranks his skilful eyes divide,
And his great bosom swells with manly pride.
As tow'rd the western square he bent his way,
Where hoary Hezron led the long array;
To meet his steps impatient Irad ran,
And bent one knee before the godlike man:
And thus—To youth will Joshua lend an ear?—
—Speak my brave son; thine every wish declare—
—With gentle voice, he said—The Youth replied—
See that fair train, inwrapp'd in steely pride!
In war, though young, our bosoms pant to shine,
And feel the wish, that brighter glows in thine.
Give, best of men! this brave, though youthful band
In the bright front of charging fight to stand.
Oh, by my father's toils in fields of blood,
Whose love this freedom, and this sword bestow'd,
Indulge this ardent wish! nor let thy frown
Quench a young flame, that emulates thy own.
I grant thy wish—the mighty Chief replied,
Smiling superior o'er his manly pride,—
Go, first of youths, defend thy maker's laws,
And lift the falchion, in thy country's cause.
May God's good hand thy tender footsteps guard,
With caution bless thee, and with fame reward!
Smiling superior o'er his manly pride,—
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And lift the falchion, in thy country's cause.
May God's good hand thy tender footsteps guard,
With caution bless thee, and with fame reward!
He spoke, and kindly raptur'd Irad rear'd;
His swimming eye the grateful mind declar'd;
Swift he return'd, on high his shield display'd,
Shook his blue sword, and thought the fight delay'd.
His swimming eye the grateful mind declar'd;
Swift he return'd, on high his shield display'd,
Shook his blue sword, and thought the fight delay'd.
Near the bless'd scene enraptur'd Hezron stood,
And life ran nimbler thro' his languid blood;
Charm'd with the kind regard, to Irad given,
He kneel'd to earth, and bless'd all-bounteous Heaven,
That Heaven which gave, his every wish to crown,
The Chief to Israel, and to him the son.
And life ran nimbler thro' his languid blood;
Charm'd with the kind regard, to Irad given,
He kneel'd to earth, and bless'd all-bounteous Heaven,
That Heaven which gave, his every wish to crown,
The Chief to Israel, and to him the son.
Now, rang'd for combat, wait the warrior bands,
And his brave leaders Joshua thus commands—
'Till this right hand exalt the javelin bright,
Let every rank conduct a mimic flight:
Slow, firm, and close, be mov'd the fair retreat;
Nor wing'd with ruin wild, and foul defeat:
Meantime a missive death let arrows rain,
And slings unnumber'd tempest all the plain.
But when the javelin's beams in ether burn,
Swift to the fight let every rank return;
Each vigorous arm the sword's broad terrors rear,
Or hurl the vengeance of the slaughtering spear;
Brace firm the spacious shield; disdain to fly;
Rush to glad conquest, or with glory die.
And his brave leaders Joshua thus commands—
'Till this right hand exalt the javelin bright,
Let every rank conduct a mimic flight:
Slow, firm, and close, be mov'd the fair retreat;
Nor wing'd with ruin wild, and foul defeat:
Meantime a missive death let arrows rain,
And slings unnumber'd tempest all the plain.
But when the javelin's beams in ether burn,
Swift to the fight let every rank return;
Each vigorous arm the sword's broad terrors rear,
Or hurl the vengeance of the slaughtering spear;
Brace firm the spacious shield; disdain to fly;
Rush to glad conquest, or with glory die.
He spoke: o'er southern plains, in long array,
To Ai's high walls the squadrons bent their way.
Undaunted Ai, th' approaching storm beheld,
And rous'd her heroes to the darkening field;
Her chiefs command, her northern gates unfold,
Bright arms burst forth, and hosts to fight are roll'd;
Like gloomy clouds, the blackening thousands rise,
And shrill-voic'd clarions thunder in the skies.
To Ai's high walls the squadrons bent their way.
Undaunted Ai, th' approaching storm beheld,
And rous'd her heroes to the darkening field;
Her chiefs command, her northern gates unfold,
Bright arms burst forth, and hosts to fight are roll'd;
Like gloomy clouds, the blackening thousands rise,
And shrill-voic'd clarions thunder in the skies.
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Two warlike chiefs th' embattled heathens guide,
Their forms majestic cloath'd in golden pride.
Wrapp'd in blue mail, insufferably vain,
With cruel front, that frown'd a stern disdain,
Around, dark Oran cast a sanguine eye,
Wav'd his broad shield, and dar'd th' avenging sky.
Grim in the van, with lofty stalk, he strode,
And shook his spear distain'd with drops of blood,
Blood, by his hand, in ancient battles shed,
In wasted realms, and fields bestrew'd with dead.
Sheath'd, in his hall the crimson'd weapon lay,
Lest cankering time should cleanse the stain away;
There, oft retir'd, he turn'd it o'er, and o'er,
And with fierce transport view'd the purple gore,
There call'd to mind the orphans of his spear,
Smil'd horrid o'er the scene, nor knew to drop a tear.
Their forms majestic cloath'd in golden pride.
Wrapp'd in blue mail, insufferably vain,
With cruel front, that frown'd a stern disdain,
Around, dark Oran cast a sanguine eye,
Wav'd his broad shield, and dar'd th' avenging sky.
Grim in the van, with lofty stalk, he strode,
And shook his spear distain'd with drops of blood,
Blood, by his hand, in ancient battles shed,
In wasted realms, and fields bestrew'd with dead.
Sheath'd, in his hall the crimson'd weapon lay,
Lest cankering time should cleanse the stain away;
There, oft retir'd, he turn'd it o'er, and o'er,
And with fierce transport view'd the purple gore,
There call'd to mind the orphans of his spear,
Smil'd horrid o'er the scene, nor knew to drop a tear.
Behind him darkly roll'd a cloudy band,
Rous'd to the war from many a distant land,
With various arms in one great host combin'd,
And various banners streaming on the wind.
'Gainst Joshua's host the chief imperious strode,
And with fond prescience hail'd the scenes of blood;
A gloomy smile array'd his shaggy brow,
And thus his horrid joy began to flow.
Bless'd be the Gods, who gave this rapturous hour!
For this their fires shall many a youth devour;
While their gor'd children bleeding parents view,
And tears in vain their lifeless forms bedew.
Warriors rejoice; yon troop forgets the day,
When Ai's brave squadrons swept their host away;
Soon shall our spears be bath'd in brooks of blood,
And fields grow fruitful with a genial flood.
Rous'd to the war from many a distant land,
With various arms in one great host combin'd,
And various banners streaming on the wind.
'Gainst Joshua's host the chief imperious strode,
And with fond prescience hail'd the scenes of blood;
A gloomy smile array'd his shaggy brow,
And thus his horrid joy began to flow.
Bless'd be the Gods, who gave this rapturous hour!
For this their fires shall many a youth devour;
While their gor'd children bleeding parents view,
And tears in vain their lifeless forms bedew.
Warriors rejoice; yon troop forgets the day,
When Ai's brave squadrons swept their host away;
Soon shall our spears be bath'd in brooks of blood,
And fields grow fruitful with a genial flood.
'Gainst Judah's hosts, inclos'd in burnish'd arms,
With matchless bravery and unrival'd charms.
Ai's dauntless sons to fight young Carmi led,
And now the helm first sparkled on his head.
Mov'd by his ceaseless sighs for martial fame,
His royal fire the parent's fears o'ercame.
Reluctant sent him to the deathful plain,
And fondly hop'd his lovely steps again.
There pleas'd with fame's imaginary charms,
He clasp'd the phantom in his eager arms,
On the bright glories turn'd a raptur'd eye,
And gaz'd, and gaz'd, and fancied bliss was nigh.
With matchless bravery and unrival'd charms.
Ai's dauntless sons to fight young Carmi led,
And now the helm first sparkled on his head.
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His royal fire the parent's fears o'ercame.
Reluctant sent him to the deathful plain,
And fondly hop'd his lovely steps again.
There pleas'd with fame's imaginary charms,
He clasp'd the phantom in his eager arms,
On the bright glories turn'd a raptur'd eye,
And gaz'd, and gaz'd, and fancied bliss was nigh.
Now, mid the grandeur of the deep array,
A dreadful space in gloom tremendous lay:
No banners wave in air, nor trumpet's sound;
But silent terror saddens all the ground.
Loud burst the clarion's voice, and trembling far,
Shoot the broad ensigns o'er the frowning war;
As thousand stars thro' kindling ether stream,
Bright showers of arrows cast a transient gleam:
From slings tempestuous countless pebbles rain,
Whizz thro' the skies, and whiten all the plain;
The shrill helms clatter, death pursues the wound,
And prostrate heroes clothe the sprinkled ground.
So, when red summer burns the sultry pole,
O'er darkening hills a cloud's black volumes roll;
Hoarse rush the winds; hoarse drives the rattling hail,
Batters the craggs, and tempests all the vale;
Deep groan the forests, torne their branches fall,
And one tumultuous ruin buries all.
Ere the loose combat long suspense had hung,
“Retire,” the great command around them rung;
Then, closely wedg'd, recedes the yielding fight,
And well-feign'd terror clothes the mimic flight.
Swift tow'rd their yielding foes the heathens spring,
Their bucklers blaze, their flashing lances sing:
Oft they rush forward, oft the bands retreat;
For Israel's host disdains a base defeat;
From ranks behind unnumber'd arrows shower,
And stones unnumber'd down the concave pour;
Thick fall the foremost, clanging arms resound,
And streams of crimson die th' embattled ground.
A dreadful space in gloom tremendous lay:
No banners wave in air, nor trumpet's sound;
But silent terror saddens all the ground.
Loud burst the clarion's voice, and trembling far,
Shoot the broad ensigns o'er the frowning war;
As thousand stars thro' kindling ether stream,
Bright showers of arrows cast a transient gleam:
From slings tempestuous countless pebbles rain,
Whizz thro' the skies, and whiten all the plain;
The shrill helms clatter, death pursues the wound,
And prostrate heroes clothe the sprinkled ground.
So, when red summer burns the sultry pole,
O'er darkening hills a cloud's black volumes roll;
Hoarse rush the winds; hoarse drives the rattling hail,
Batters the craggs, and tempests all the vale;
Deep groan the forests, torne their branches fall,
And one tumultuous ruin buries all.
Ere the loose combat long suspense had hung,
“Retire,” the great command around them rung;
Then, closely wedg'd, recedes the yielding fight,
And well-feign'd terror clothes the mimic flight.
Swift tow'rd their yielding foes the heathens spring,
Their bucklers blaze, their flashing lances sing:
Oft they rush forward, oft the bands retreat;
For Israel's host disdains a base defeat;
From ranks behind unnumber'd arrows shower,
And stones unnumber'd down the concave pour;
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And streams of crimson die th' embattled ground.
Meantime, fierce Hanniel, burning still for fame,
And sickening still at Joshua's envied name,
Deem'd this the destin'd hour, to pluck the crown
From the Chief's head, and plant it on his own.
Oh heaven, he cried, shall Israel ever flee,
The dupe of cunning, and the coward's prey?
Must these pain'd eyes again our ruin view,
Curse our wild counsels, and our follies rue?
Come every generous chief, whose bosom brave
To foul disgrace prefers a hero's grave,
Join Hanniel's path; and soon proud Ai shall see
A few, bold warriors yet disdain to flee.
Whate'er my voice commands, my hand shall dare,
My deeds unspotted, as my dictates fair;—
Far nobler doom, to fall in manly fight,
Than share, with titled names in splendid flight.—
This said his course the hero forward bends,
No chief applauds him, and no chief attends:
Two vulgar warriors, sad rebuff to pride!
Alone rush on, and clamour at his side.
Their dauntless course their raptur'd foes descry,
And well-aim'd lances glitter thro' the sky;
Thick round the warriors, sinks the hissing steel,
And death's cold hand the brave attendants feel;
In Hanniel's thigh expands a painful wound,
And the stunn'd hero raging bites the ground.
And sickening still at Joshua's envied name,
Deem'd this the destin'd hour, to pluck the crown
From the Chief's head, and plant it on his own.
Oh heaven, he cried, shall Israel ever flee,
The dupe of cunning, and the coward's prey?
Must these pain'd eyes again our ruin view,
Curse our wild counsels, and our follies rue?
Come every generous chief, whose bosom brave
To foul disgrace prefers a hero's grave,
Join Hanniel's path; and soon proud Ai shall see
A few, bold warriors yet disdain to flee.
Whate'er my voice commands, my hand shall dare,
My deeds unspotted, as my dictates fair;—
Far nobler doom, to fall in manly fight,
Than share, with titled names in splendid flight.—
This said his course the hero forward bends,
No chief applauds him, and no chief attends:
Two vulgar warriors, sad rebuff to pride!
Alone rush on, and clamour at his side.
Their dauntless course their raptur'd foes descry,
And well-aim'd lances glitter thro' the sky;
Thick round the warriors, sinks the hissing steel,
And death's cold hand the brave attendants feel;
In Hanniel's thigh expands a painful wound,
And the stunn'd hero raging bites the ground.
Swift to his aid, impassion'd, Joshua flew,
Tho' well proud Hanniel's dark designs he knew
Heard all the vaunts, the close injustice saw,
And felt th' infractions of his prudent law:
Yet now the chief lay weltering in his gore;
Foes in distress to him were foes no more—
O'er the pale form he threw his guardian shield,
And bore him languid thro' the dreadful field:
Thick shower the stones, the flashing javelins sing;
And his bright arms with ceaseless murmurs ring.
Borne by four warriors o'er the distant plain,
Reluctant Hanniel sought the camp again:
There friendly plants his dying strength renew,
And sleep's soft influence aids the balmy dew.
While Joshua thus—Hence taught, ye warriors, know,
Wild, headstrong wishes guide to certain woe,
In peace, laws only claim a righteous sway;
In war, one voice commands, the rest obey.
Proud disobedience Heaven consigns to shame;
The path of duty leads alone to fame.
He spoke—With awe the silent squadrons heard,
The precept reverenc'd, and the teacher fear'd;
Each saw, abash'd, the terrors of his frown,
And pleas'd, condemn'd rebellion, not his own.
Tho' well proud Hanniel's dark designs he knew
Heard all the vaunts, the close injustice saw,
And felt th' infractions of his prudent law:
Yet now the chief lay weltering in his gore;
Foes in distress to him were foes no more—
O'er the pale form he threw his guardian shield,
And bore him languid thro' the dreadful field:
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And his bright arms with ceaseless murmurs ring.
Borne by four warriors o'er the distant plain,
Reluctant Hanniel sought the camp again:
There friendly plants his dying strength renew,
And sleep's soft influence aids the balmy dew.
While Joshua thus—Hence taught, ye warriors, know,
Wild, headstrong wishes guide to certain woe,
In peace, laws only claim a righteous sway;
In war, one voice commands, the rest obey.
Proud disobedience Heaven consigns to shame;
The path of duty leads alone to fame.
He spoke—With awe the silent squadrons heard,
The precept reverenc'd, and the teacher fear'd;
Each saw, abash'd, the terrors of his frown,
And pleas'd, condemn'd rebellion, not his own.
Meantime, brave Irad, on the western plain,
With pangs retir'd from Ai's contemptuous train,
As oft th' imperious taunt his rage inspires,
And his scorch'd bosom flames with eager fires,
Their utmost strength his vengeance promps to try,
He longs, he pants, to bid th' insulters fly;
Oft toward the host his course instinctive turns;
His drawn sword trembles, and his buckler burns;
But still his soul, in child-hood taught t' obey,
Restrains the wish, and backward turns his way.
With pangs retir'd from Ai's contemptuous train,
As oft th' imperious taunt his rage inspires,
And his scorch'd bosom flames with eager fires,
Their utmost strength his vengeance promps to try,
He longs, he pants, to bid th' insulters fly;
Oft toward the host his course instinctive turns;
His drawn sword trembles, and his buckler burns;
But still his soul, in child-hood taught t' obey,
Restrains the wish, and backward turns his way.
Now with pure splendor glow'd meridian light,
And Ai triumphant chas'd th' imagin'd flight,
When gay in dazzling arms, great Joshua turn'd:
His eyeballs sparkled, and his bosom burn'd:
The glittering lance his mighty hand uprear'd;
Loud rose his voice, and distant squadrons fear'd.
Behold, he cried, yon sheets of smoke ascend!
What heavy volumes round the skies extend!
Brave Zimri's conquering arm, while Heaven inspires,
Bursts Ai's proud portals, and her turrets fires;
Now wheel your course; to active vengeance spring:
Brace the strong hand: the bloody falchion wing;
See, Heaven's propitious finger points the way!
Fear chains their limbs, and terror yields the prey;
O'er our glad course commencing grory smiles,
And boundless treasures crown triumphant toils.
And Ai triumphant chas'd th' imagin'd flight,
When gay in dazzling arms, great Joshua turn'd:
His eyeballs sparkled, and his bosom burn'd:
The glittering lance his mighty hand uprear'd;
Loud rose his voice, and distant squadrons fear'd.
Behold, he cried, yon sheets of smoke ascend!
What heavy volumes round the skies extend!
Brave Zimri's conquering arm, while Heaven inspires,
Bursts Ai's proud portals, and her turrets fires;
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Brace the strong hand: the bloody falchion wing;
See, Heaven's propitious finger points the way!
Fear chains their limbs, and terror yields the prey;
O'er our glad course commencing grory smiles,
And boundless treasures crown triumphant toils.
He spoke; the warriors eyed th' exalted sign;
And thrilling bosoms own'd the voice divine;
Swift wheel'd, the ranks to combat vigorous rise;
Red lances shower, and shouts convulse the skies.
An equal ardour Ai undaunted brings,
Fronts the dire foe, and fierce to danger springs—
As, borne by warring winds, thro' ether roll
Two rising storms, and cloud the northern pole;
O'er some dark mountain's head their volumes driven
With floods of livid lightening deluge heaven;
Peal following peal, careering thunders fly,
Burst o'er the world, and rend the shuddering sky.
With equal noise the storms of war resound;
The blackening volumes cloud the hostile ground;
Thro' the shock'd air in mingled tumult rise,
The conqueror's triumphs, and the victim's cries.
And thrilling bosoms own'd the voice divine;
Swift wheel'd, the ranks to combat vigorous rise;
Red lances shower, and shouts convulse the skies.
An equal ardour Ai undaunted brings,
Fronts the dire foe, and fierce to danger springs—
As, borne by warring winds, thro' ether roll
Two rising storms, and cloud the northern pole;
O'er some dark mountain's head their volumes driven
With floods of livid lightening deluge heaven;
Peal following peal, careering thunders fly,
Burst o'er the world, and rend the shuddering sky.
With equal noise the storms of war resound;
The blackening volumes cloud the hostile ground;
Thro' the shock'd air in mingled tumult rise,
The conqueror's triumphs, and the victim's cries.
And now the chief to prudent Caleb's charge,
While the cloud thickens, and the sounds enlarge,
Commends the host that own his mighty sway,
And bends to distant rocks his backward way.
Here high in air he lifts the lance's beam,
And power divine supplies a ceaseless stream;
With pointed circles glows the weapon bright,
And casts th' effulgence of excessive light.
While the cloud thickens, and the sounds enlarge,
Commends the host that own his mighty sway,
And bends to distant rocks his backward way.
Here high in air he lifts the lance's beam,
And power divine supplies a ceaseless stream;
With pointed circles glows the weapon bright,
And casts th' effulgence of excessive light.
Long o'er the plain, impatient to pursue,
Had panting Irad fix'd an anxious view,
Sigh'd the great Leader's warning voice to hear,
Or catch the radiance of th' expected spear:
The ready sword his hand all eager press'd;
The well-brac'd buckler glitter'd o'er his breast:
In th' utmost western ranks he silent stood
And look'd far onward thro' the field of blood;
Pain'd, lest the destin'd sign, forgot should fail,
Or some base dart the Leader's life assail.
But when the sun-bright point instarr'd the air,
The blooming hero kenn'd the beam afar;
To his brave peers, with ardent joy he cries,
And all the warrior sparkled in his eyes.
Lo, generous youths, on yon delightsome plain
Shines the fair javelin, wish'd so long in vain!
Now spurn the hated flight; to combat spring;
Let virtue rouse you, and let glory wing.
Now shall our sires, and now the Leader, know
What flames heroic in our bosoms glow;
Ai now shall learn, untaught our strength to slight
Not fear, but wisdom plann'd our seeming flight,
On their own heads redoubled vengeance feel,
Or fly inglorious from the conquering steel.
Rise then, brave youths, their impious scoffs repay;
My arm to triumph leads the envied way.
Had panting Irad fix'd an anxious view,
Sigh'd the great Leader's warning voice to hear,
Or catch the radiance of th' expected spear:
The ready sword his hand all eager press'd;
The well-brac'd buckler glitter'd o'er his breast:
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And look'd far onward thro' the field of blood;
Pain'd, lest the destin'd sign, forgot should fail,
Or some base dart the Leader's life assail.
But when the sun-bright point instarr'd the air,
The blooming hero kenn'd the beam afar;
To his brave peers, with ardent joy he cries,
And all the warrior sparkled in his eyes.
Lo, generous youths, on yon delightsome plain
Shines the fair javelin, wish'd so long in vain!
Now spurn the hated flight; to combat spring;
Let virtue rouse you, and let glory wing.
Now shall our sires, and now the Leader, know
What flames heroic in our bosoms glow;
Ai now shall learn, untaught our strength to slight
Not fear, but wisdom plann'd our seeming flight,
On their own heads redoubled vengeance feel,
Or fly inglorious from the conquering steel.
Rise then, brave youths, their impious scoffs repay;
My arm to triumph leads the envied way.
He spoke; the voice each active hero warms;
With dreadful din they clash their glittering arms,
Full on their dauntless foes impetuous fall,
And break resistless o'er th' embodied wall.
As winter's shrilling blast begins to roar,
And drives, in gloomy rage, along the shore;
Torne, in it's path, the trees confus'dly lie:
The white waves roll, the boughs tumultuous fly,
Not with less force, o'er piles of warriors slain;
Pours the bold band across the bloody plain;
Death leads their way: with youthful vigor light,
They deal swift vengeance thro' the dusty fight,
Regardless of the storm, that round them flies,
Of dying murmurs, and of conquering cries.
With dreadful din they clash their glittering arms,
Full on their dauntless foes impetuous fall,
And break resistless o'er th' embodied wall.
As winter's shrilling blast begins to roar,
And drives, in gloomy rage, along the shore;
Torne, in it's path, the trees confus'dly lie:
The white waves roll, the boughs tumultuous fly,
Not with less force, o'er piles of warriors slain;
Pours the bold band across the bloody plain;
Death leads their way: with youthful vigor light,
They deal swift vengeance thro' the dusty fight,
Regardless of the storm, that round them flies,
Of dying murmurs, and of conquering cries.
High in the van exalted Irad strode,
And now commenc'd the toils of death and blood.
When first his arm, immingling in the strife,
Drew the red stream, and spilt a human life,
(A lovely youth oppos'd his hapless head,
And with pure crimson died the infant blade)
Thro' his chill'd veins a new, strange horror ran,
And half-form'd tears in either eye began;
In his young heart, unus'd to create woe,
Instinctive sympathy began to glow;
The dreadful scene he gaz'd, and shook to hear
The hollow groan and see pale death so near.
But soon fresh transports in his bosom rise,
Rous'd by shrill arms, and fir'd by barbarous cries:
Again his spirit claims th' imbattled foe,
And bids two heroes to his falchion bow;
Thro' cleaving ranks he wings a dreadful way,
And clouds of rolling dust obscure the day.
And now commenc'd the toils of death and blood.
143
Drew the red stream, and spilt a human life,
(A lovely youth oppos'd his hapless head,
And with pure crimson died the infant blade)
Thro' his chill'd veins a new, strange horror ran,
And half-form'd tears in either eye began;
In his young heart, unus'd to create woe,
Instinctive sympathy began to glow;
The dreadful scene he gaz'd, and shook to hear
The hollow groan and see pale death so near.
But soon fresh transports in his bosom rise,
Rous'd by shrill arms, and fir'd by barbarous cries:
Again his spirit claims th' imbattled foe,
And bids two heroes to his falchion bow;
Thro' cleaving ranks he wings a dreadful way,
And clouds of rolling dust obscure the day.
Meantime in Judah's van great Hezron sped,
His voice arous'd them and his footsteps led;
With fix'd firm course, the hoary hero strode,
His brown arms purpled with the bursting blood;
Ranks after ranks against his falchion rise,
And chief on chief in swift succession dies.
For now each breast such active vengeance warms;
They spurn the trifling toil of missive arms;
Each braces firm the shield, and joys to wheel
The surer vengeance of the griding steel.
Full on great Hezron's course the heathens rush'd,
And the first chiefs by following chiefs were crush'd:
In solemn pomp, against the growing storm
The mighty hero rear'd his moveless form.
In vain bright swords around him ceaceless hung,
Troops press'd in vain, and clattering armour rung.
So, on some hill, while angry tempests lower,
In stately grandeur, stands the moss-grown tower;
Loud roar the winds; impetuous drives the rain,
And all the fury of th' etherial main;
Still, rear'd to heaven, it frowns with pride sublime,
Spurns the fierce storm, and mocks the waste of time.
His voice arous'd them and his footsteps led;
With fix'd firm course, the hoary hero strode,
His brown arms purpled with the bursting blood;
Ranks after ranks against his falchion rise,
And chief on chief in swift succession dies.
For now each breast such active vengeance warms;
They spurn the trifling toil of missive arms;
Each braces firm the shield, and joys to wheel
The surer vengeance of the griding steel.
Full on great Hezron's course the heathens rush'd,
And the first chiefs by following chiefs were crush'd:
In solemn pomp, against the growing storm
The mighty hero rear'd his moveless form.
In vain bright swords around him ceaceless hung,
Troops press'd in vain, and clattering armour rung.
So, on some hill, while angry tempests lower,
In stately grandeur, stands the moss-grown tower;
Loud roar the winds; impetuous drives the rain,
And all the fury of th' etherial main;
144
Spurns the fierce storm, and mocks the waste of time.
Far distant, Caleb swept the crimson plain,
Guided the fight, and pil'd the numerous slain;
Round his great arm the cloudy squadrons hung;
Clash'd on his buckler countless weapons rung;
Chiefs after chiefs oppos'd his wasting course,
Met his broad steel, and felt its fatal force.
Guided the fight, and pil'd the numerous slain;
Round his great arm the cloudy squadrons hung;
Clash'd on his buckler countless weapons rung;
Chiefs after chiefs oppos'd his wasting course,
Met his broad steel, and felt its fatal force.
Ludon, the Hivites' prince, his arm defied
All rough with gold, and gay in barbarous pride;
With giant strength the heathen hurl'd his spear,
Its terrors quivering through the parted air;
Loud o'er brave Caleb's shoulders sung the steel,
And pierc'd a warrior's breast; the warrior fell;
His blue mail clang'd; to rise he tried in vain,
But writh'd in dying anguish on the plain.
The mighty leader rais'd his sword on high,
Its transient lightnings circling in the sky,
Full on the Heathen's neck a griding wound
Sunk; the loos'd head fell spouting to the ground.
Amaz'd, the Hivites saw their monarch lost.
And deathlike murmurs groan'd around the host.
All rough with gold, and gay in barbarous pride;
With giant strength the heathen hurl'd his spear,
Its terrors quivering through the parted air;
Loud o'er brave Caleb's shoulders sung the steel,
And pierc'd a warrior's breast; the warrior fell;
His blue mail clang'd; to rise he tried in vain,
But writh'd in dying anguish on the plain.
The mighty leader rais'd his sword on high,
Its transient lightnings circling in the sky,
Full on the Heathen's neck a griding wound
Sunk; the loos'd head fell spouting to the ground.
Amaz'd, the Hivites saw their monarch lost.
And deathlike murmurs groan'd around the host.
Near the bold leader Oran rear'd his steel,
Where the storm thicken'd, and the fiercest fell:
Imperious taunts provoke the rage of war,
Loud threats insult, and tumult sounds afar;
Wedg'd in a moveless throng, the battle grows,
Cries deeper roar, and shriller ring the blows.
With joy, unfeeling Oran strides the slain,
And hails the ruins of th' accustom'd plain;
No anguish melts, no wound his pity charms,
No fate impassions, and no groan alarms:
Thro' the red scenes he hews a raptur'd way,
And mingling darkness intercepts the day.
Where the storm thicken'd, and the fiercest fell:
Imperious taunts provoke the rage of war,
Loud threats insult, and tumult sounds afar;
Wedg'd in a moveless throng, the battle grows,
Cries deeper roar, and shriller ring the blows.
With joy, unfeeling Oran strides the slain,
And hails the ruins of th' accustom'd plain;
No anguish melts, no wound his pity charms,
No fate impassions, and no groan alarms:
Thro' the red scenes he hews a raptur'd way,
And mingling darkness intercepts the day.
Meantime fierce Irad o'er the field is driven,
And boasts th' assistance of a favouring heaven
Though new to war, with war his bosom glows,
And knows no transport, but the slight of foes.
And boasts th' assistance of a favouring heaven
145
And knows no transport, but the slight of foes.
In scenes of distant death bold Hezron stands,
Dies his blue arms, and pains his aged hands;
Full many a chief his veteran falchion crowns,
Thick slit the shades, and blood the verdure drowns.
Impetuous Carmi springs the chief to meet,
Conscious of youth, and light with nimble feet;
His arm all active strews the sanguine ground,
Wakes the deep groan, and deals the frequent wound:
Full on his angry sword the warriors rush,
Impel th' upright, the falling heedless crush:
No chief the fury of his arm withstands,
And ruin widens o'er bold Hezron's bands.
Amaz'd, the hero saw the deluge spread,
And wide, and wider rise the piles of dead,
Flight first commence in hosts that own his sway,
And proud Ai hail a second conquering day:
From his sad bosom heav'd a heavy groan;
Round the whole war he miss'd his favourite son:
Untaught to droop, he hopes congenial fire
May yet ward shame, and yet the troops inspire.—
Where now, he cries, are fled the boasts of morn?
The towering stalk? the brow of lifted scorn?
Then Judah's warriors promis'd deeds of fame,
Hiss'd impious flight, and spurn'd the dastard's shame.
Far other scenes now rend these hapless eyes;
The foe advances, and the boaster flies;
Broke but by fear, ye wing inglorious flight,
Giants in words, and maidens in the fight;
Oh had kind Heaven dispens'd a speedier doom,
And this frail form in Bashan found a tomb!
Then had these palsied limbs, in peace repos'd;
Unpain'd with shame, these eyes in triumph clos'd;
Pleas'd to the last, survey'd my favourite race,
View'd no base flight, and bled for no disgrace.—
Hence, hence, ye timorous souls, to Joshua fly,
And tell the Chief, ye saw your leader die.
Dies his blue arms, and pains his aged hands;
Full many a chief his veteran falchion crowns,
Thick slit the shades, and blood the verdure drowns.
Impetuous Carmi springs the chief to meet,
Conscious of youth, and light with nimble feet;
His arm all active strews the sanguine ground,
Wakes the deep groan, and deals the frequent wound:
Full on his angry sword the warriors rush,
Impel th' upright, the falling heedless crush:
No chief the fury of his arm withstands,
And ruin widens o'er bold Hezron's bands.
Amaz'd, the hero saw the deluge spread,
And wide, and wider rise the piles of dead,
Flight first commence in hosts that own his sway,
And proud Ai hail a second conquering day:
From his sad bosom heav'd a heavy groan;
Round the whole war he miss'd his favourite son:
Untaught to droop, he hopes congenial fire
May yet ward shame, and yet the troops inspire.—
Where now, he cries, are fled the boasts of morn?
The towering stalk? the brow of lifted scorn?
Then Judah's warriors promis'd deeds of fame,
Hiss'd impious flight, and spurn'd the dastard's shame.
Far other scenes now rend these hapless eyes;
The foe advances, and the boaster flies;
Broke but by fear, ye wing inglorious flight,
Giants in words, and maidens in the fight;
Oh had kind Heaven dispens'd a speedier doom,
And this frail form in Bashan found a tomb!
Then had these palsied limbs, in peace repos'd;
Unpain'd with shame, these eyes in triumph clos'd;
Pleas'd to the last, survey'd my favourite race,
View'd no base flight, and bled for no disgrace.—
146
And tell the Chief, ye saw your leader die.
The hero spoke; and urg'd by passion's force,
On furious Carmi bent his aged course;
Awful in gleam of arms, the chiefs appear,
Here the bold youth, the white-hair'd hero there:
But ere his sword great Hezron could extend,
Or circling bands their ancient chief defend,
A long, bright lance his wary foe beheld,
And snatch'd it glittering on the bloody field;
Swift through the hero's side he forc'd the steel;
Pierc'd to the heart, the aged warrior fell;
There lay, a corse, bespread with purple stains,
The form, that triumph'd on a hundred plains.
On furious Carmi bent his aged course;
Awful in gleam of arms, the chiefs appear,
Here the bold youth, the white-hair'd hero there:
But ere his sword great Hezron could extend,
Or circling bands their ancient chief defend,
A long, bright lance his wary foe beheld,
And snatch'd it glittering on the bloody field;
Swift through the hero's side he forc'd the steel;
Pierc'd to the heart, the aged warrior fell;
There lay, a corse, bespread with purple stains,
The form, that triumph'd on a hundred plains.
On Ridgefield's hills, to shame to virtue dead,
Thus dastard bands the foe inglorious fled;
When Wooster singly brav'd the deathful ground,
Fir'd hosts in vain, and met the fatal wound.
In dangers born, to arms in childhood train'd,
From Gallia's heroes many a palm he gain'd;
With freedom's sacred flame serenely glow'd
For justice arm'd, and sought the field for God;
With steady zeal his nation's interest lov'd;
(No terror touch'd him, and no injury mov'd)
Far in the front, with dauntless bosom bled,
And crown'd the honours of his hoary head.
Thus dastard bands the foe inglorious fled;
When Wooster singly brav'd the deathful ground,
Fir'd hosts in vain, and met the fatal wound.
In dangers born, to arms in childhood train'd,
From Gallia's heroes many a palm he gain'd;
With freedom's sacred flame serenely glow'd
For justice arm'd, and sought the field for God;
With steady zeal his nation's interest lov'd;
(No terror touch'd him, and no injury mov'd)
Far in the front, with dauntless bosom bled,
And crown'd the honours of his hoary head.
Bent o'er his foe, the lovely Carmi stood,
And view'd, with tears of grief, his bursting blood;
And thus—Unhappy sire, he sadly cried—
Perhaps thy monarch's joy, thy nation's pride.—
How like my father's bends thy hoary brow?
His limbs, his countenance, and his locks of snow,
All in thy venerable face I see—
Perhaps the parent of a son like me—
And view'd, with tears of grief, his bursting blood;
And thus—Unhappy sire, he sadly cried—
Perhaps thy monarch's joy, thy nation's pride.—
How like my father's bends thy hoary brow?
His limbs, his countenance, and his locks of snow,
All in thy venerable face I see—
Perhaps the parent of a son like me—
He spoke; and fiercely wheel'd his bloody sword,
Sprang to the fight, and many a hero gor'd;
His voice, his eyes the joyful host inspire,
And through the sweetness flames a dreadful fire.
Active as light, o'er trembling ranks he hung;
Shouts shook the plains, the frighted forests rung:
Unnumber'd sullen groans were heard around;
Unnumber'd corses cloath'd the purple ground:
From post to post retir'd pale Judah's train,
And chief on chief increas'd the piles of slain.
Dark as an evening cloud, bold Ai was driven,
Gloom'd all the fields, and cast a shade on heaven;
Wide roll'd the storm; wide drove the dust along,
And ruin hover'd o'er the flying throng.
Sprang to the fight, and many a hero gor'd;
147
And through the sweetness flames a dreadful fire.
Active as light, o'er trembling ranks he hung;
Shouts shook the plains, the frighted forests rung:
Unnumber'd sullen groans were heard around;
Unnumber'd corses cloath'd the purple ground:
From post to post retir'd pale Judah's train,
And chief on chief increas'd the piles of slain.
Dark as an evening cloud, bold Ai was driven,
Gloom'd all the fields, and cast a shade on heaven;
Wide roll'd the storm; wide drove the dust along,
And ruin hover'd o'er the flying throng.
Meantime, brave Irad turn'd his sparkling eyes,
And saw in distant fields the clouds arise;
Sad flight and terror fill'd the backward plain,
And the foe shouted o'er his kindred slain.
As, when autumnal clouds the skies deform,
Bursts the wild whirlwind from the gloomy storm;
Hoarse crash the pines; oaks stiffly stubborn fall,
And sudden thunders listening swains appall:
So, wing'd by Heaven, impetuous Irad flew;
As swift their darling chief the youths pursue;
Whelm'd in their path, the falling bands expire,
And crowds of warriors from their steps retire.
And saw in distant fields the clouds arise;
Sad flight and terror fill'd the backward plain,
And the foe shouted o'er his kindred slain.
As, when autumnal clouds the skies deform,
Bursts the wild whirlwind from the gloomy storm;
Hoarse crash the pines; oaks stiffly stubborn fall,
And sudden thunders listening swains appall:
So, wing'd by Heaven, impetuous Irad flew;
As swift their darling chief the youths pursue;
Whelm'd in their path, the falling bands expire,
And crowds of warriors from their steps retire.
Now, where brave Carmi swept the purple ground,
Terrific Irad shook his buckler's round;
Alike in years they seem'd, alike in arms,
Of equal stature, and of rival charms:
Nor this, nor that, the dangerous fight can yield;
But each demands the empire of the field.
From the fierce chiefs the wondering bands retreat;
Blows following blows their sounding shields repeat;
Uncleft, each faithful orb the stroke rebounds,
Blunts the keen blade, and intercepts the wounds:
'Till Irad's nimble arm, with sudden wheel,
Through Carmi's side impels the fatal steel,
Pure streams of crimson stain the subject ground,
And the freed soul pervades the gaping wound.
Terrific Irad shook his buckler's round;
Alike in years they seem'd, alike in arms,
Of equal stature, and of rival charms:
Nor this, nor that, the dangerous fight can yield;
But each demands the empire of the field.
From the fierce chiefs the wondering bands retreat;
Blows following blows their sounding shields repeat;
Uncleft, each faithful orb the stroke rebounds,
Blunts the keen blade, and intercepts the wounds:
'Till Irad's nimble arm, with sudden wheel,
Through Carmi's side impels the fatal steel,
148
And the freed soul pervades the gaping wound.
Not that fair pride, that soul-supporting flame,
That lights the splendors of th' immortal name;
Not all the bravery nature can impart,
Nor the fond wishes of a virgin's heart.
Nor parents' vows, nor nations' prayers could save,
The young, bright hero from an early grave.
He fell, with beauty's fairest beams adorn'd,
While foes admir'd him, and while Irad mourn'd.
Ah youth, too soon allotted to the tomb;
Oh had kind Heaven dispens'd a softer doom,
On thy fair deeds a sweet reward bestow'd,
And op'd the mansions of the bless'd abode!
That lights the splendors of th' immortal name;
Not all the bravery nature can impart,
Nor the fond wishes of a virgin's heart.
Nor parents' vows, nor nations' prayers could save,
The young, bright hero from an early grave.
He fell, with beauty's fairest beams adorn'd,
While foes admir'd him, and while Irad mourn'd.
Ah youth, too soon allotted to the tomb;
Oh had kind Heaven dispens'd a softer doom,
On thy fair deeds a sweet reward bestow'd,
And op'd the mansions of the bless'd abode!
Thus, where sad Charlestown lifts her hills on high,
Where once gay structures charm'd the morning sky,
Ere Howe's barbarian hand in savage fire
Wrapp'd the tall dome, and whelm'd the sacred spire,
In life's fair prime, and new to war's alarms,
Brave Warren sunk, in all the pride of arms.
With me, each generous mind the hour recall,
When pale Columbia mourn'd her favourite's fall;
Mourn'd the bright statesman, hero, patriot, fled,
The friend extinguish'd, and the genius dead;
While he, the darling of the wife, and good,
Seal'd his firm truth, and built his name in blood.
Where once gay structures charm'd the morning sky,
Ere Howe's barbarian hand in savage fire
Wrapp'd the tall dome, and whelm'd the sacred spire,
In life's fair prime, and new to war's alarms,
Brave Warren sunk, in all the pride of arms.
With me, each generous mind the hour recall,
When pale Columbia mourn'd her favourite's fall;
Mourn'd the bright statesman, hero, patriot, fled,
The friend extinguish'd, and the genius dead;
While he, the darling of the wife, and good,
Seal'd his firm truth, and built his name in blood.
Loud as the rushing storm, the din of war
Burst o'er the plain, and shook the fields afar;
Fierce Irad rais'd a loud, distinguish'd cry—
Here see, my friends, their gasping leader lie.—
Through Ai's wide host my sword shall hew your way;
Shall Judah's sons alone desert the day?
Shall Joshua know you fled? to glory rise;
Lift all your arms, and pierce the knave that flies.
Burst o'er the plain, and shook the fields afar;
Fierce Irad rais'd a loud, distinguish'd cry—
Here see, my friends, their gasping leader lie.—
Through Ai's wide host my sword shall hew your way;
Shall Judah's sons alone desert the day?
Shall Joshua know you fled? to glory rise;
Lift all your arms, and pierce the knave that flies.
The hero spoke; abash'd the warriors heard,
Rung their blue arms, and high the standard rear'd;
Aloft in air a Lion's gloomy form
Lower'd, like the darkness of a sullen storm;
Around his head his shaggy terrors frown'd,
And his red eyeballs gleam'd destruction round,
Swift from the bearer's hand fierce Irad drew
The banner'd staff, and mid the heathens threw;
With joy they sprang to seize the glittering prize,
And smiles of triumph sparkled in their eyes.
Shame flush'd the cheeks of Judah's glowing train;
Their bosoms heav'd; their faces flash'd disdain;
To seize the shining spoil each warrior sprang;
The combat thicken'd; and all ether rang;
Far roll'd the darkness of the dusty cloud;
Loud rose their cries, and armour clash'd aloud.
The blackening tempest Ai undaunted kenn'd,
Pleas'd to procure, and stubborn to defend;
Scarce Irad's arm could cleave the firm-wedg'd train,
As fierce he strove the standard to regain;
Through ranks on ranks he forc'd a sanguine way,
Ere his red falchion won the splendid prey;
With smiles, he saw the crimson tumult grow,
And hail'd the vengeance gathering o'er the foe.
Rung their blue arms, and high the standard rear'd;
149
Lower'd, like the darkness of a sullen storm;
Around his head his shaggy terrors frown'd,
And his red eyeballs gleam'd destruction round,
Swift from the bearer's hand fierce Irad drew
The banner'd staff, and mid the heathens threw;
With joy they sprang to seize the glittering prize,
And smiles of triumph sparkled in their eyes.
Shame flush'd the cheeks of Judah's glowing train;
Their bosoms heav'd; their faces flash'd disdain;
To seize the shining spoil each warrior sprang;
The combat thicken'd; and all ether rang;
Far roll'd the darkness of the dusty cloud;
Loud rose their cries, and armour clash'd aloud.
The blackening tempest Ai undaunted kenn'd,
Pleas'd to procure, and stubborn to defend;
Scarce Irad's arm could cleave the firm-wedg'd train,
As fierce he strove the standard to regain;
Through ranks on ranks he forc'd a sanguine way,
Ere his red falchion won the splendid prey;
With smiles, he saw the crimson tumult grow,
And hail'd the vengeance gathering o'er the foe.
From the tall rock great Joshua cast his eyes,
And saw the varying scenes of combat rise.
To Carmi's force beheld pale Judah yield,
And rose to save the triumphs of the field;
But soon new shouts ascend the clouded sky,
His friends now triumph, and the Heathens fly.
And saw the varying scenes of combat rise.
To Carmi's force beheld pale Judah yield,
And rose to save the triumphs of the field;
But soon new shouts ascend the clouded sky,
His friends now triumph, and the Heathens fly.
Now nearer scenes his searching view demand,
Where mighty Caleb rules the warrior band;
Fierce Oran's sword begins inglorious flight,
And his loud clamours animate the fight:
Scarce Caleb's arm the conflict can sustain,
His voice arouse, or deeds inspire, the train;
So fierce the heathens throng th' embattled ground,
So thick the warriors fall, the groans resound.
The Hero view'd, and tow'rd the fainting throng,
Swift as a rapid whirlwind, rush'd along;
As 'gainst a mound, when tempests ride the gale,
The raging river foams along the vale;
Down the wall crumbles, and with dreadful reign
Sweeps a wild deluge on the wasted plain.
Bursting upon the dark embodied throng
Thus the wide ruin Joshua drove along;
Around his course increas'd the piles of dead,
The brave sunk fighting, and the coward fled.
Where mighty Caleb rules the warrior band;
Fierce Oran's sword begins inglorious flight,
And his loud clamours animate the fight:
Scarce Caleb's arm the conflict can sustain,
His voice arouse, or deeds inspire, the train;
So fierce the heathens throng th' embattled ground,
So thick the warriors fall, the groans resound.
150
Swift as a rapid whirlwind, rush'd along;
As 'gainst a mound, when tempests ride the gale,
The raging river foams along the vale;
Down the wall crumbles, and with dreadful reign
Sweeps a wild deluge on the wasted plain.
Bursting upon the dark embodied throng
Thus the wide ruin Joshua drove along;
Around his course increas'd the piles of dead,
The brave sunk fighting, and the coward fled.
Now, where unfeeling Oran crush'd the slain,
All grim with dust, and red with many a stain,
While smiles of transport gather'd on his brow,
His fierce eye sparkling o'er the bleeding foe,
While high for death he rear'd his sanguine arm,
And a brave warrior bow'd to shun the storm,
Great Joshua's full-orb'd buckler caught the wound,
And lightnings darted from the moony round,
Then, by his hand with rushing thunder thrown,
On Oran's helmet burst a mighty stone,
That, bounding onward 'gainst a warrior's side,
Crush'd his strong ribs, and shed a plenteous tide.
Stunn'd by the staggering blow, the leader fell,
Writh'd with the pain, and gave a hideous yell;
Furious he lay, with heaving, panting breath,
Roll'd up his whitening eyes, and frown'd in death;
Cursing the shield, which seiz'd his nimble dart,
And stopp'd its passage to the warrior's heart:
Swift on his throat descends th' indignant blade,
Bursts the black gore, and leaps the grisly head.
All grim with dust, and red with many a stain,
While smiles of transport gather'd on his brow,
His fierce eye sparkling o'er the bleeding foe,
While high for death he rear'd his sanguine arm,
And a brave warrior bow'd to shun the storm,
Great Joshua's full-orb'd buckler caught the wound,
And lightnings darted from the moony round,
Then, by his hand with rushing thunder thrown,
On Oran's helmet burst a mighty stone,
That, bounding onward 'gainst a warrior's side,
Crush'd his strong ribs, and shed a plenteous tide.
Stunn'd by the staggering blow, the leader fell,
Writh'd with the pain, and gave a hideous yell;
Furious he lay, with heaving, panting breath,
Roll'd up his whitening eyes, and frown'd in death;
Cursing the shield, which seiz'd his nimble dart,
And stopp'd its passage to the warrior's heart:
Swift on his throat descends th' indignant blade,
Bursts the black gore, and leaps the grisly head.
Loud o'er the tumult rose the Hero's cry;
The host all quakes, the distant groves reply—
Rush on, bold heroes, conquest crowns the day;
Now spring to fight, and seize the trembling prey.
This arm on Oran drove the final wound;
Let shouts of triumph shake the hostile ground:
Wealth, and fair peace, the generous contest yields,
And wreaths of glory bloom in bloody fields.—
As in th' enkindled wood fierce winds arise,
And storms of fire are blown across the skies;
In blazing trains, the towering pines descend,
And rushing thunders all the forest rend:
So, loud and furious, Israel throng'd the fight,
And their blue armour flash'd a dreadful light;
O'er the pale rear tremendous Joshua hung;
Their gloomy knell his voice terrific rung;
From glowing eyeballs flash'd his wrath severe,
Grim Death before him hurl'd his murdering spear;
Heads, sever'd from their necks, bestrew'd his way,
And gushing bodies round his footsteps lay.
The host all quakes, the distant groves reply—
Rush on, bold heroes, conquest crowns the day;
Now spring to fight, and seize the trembling prey.
This arm on Oran drove the final wound;
Let shouts of triumph shake the hostile ground:
151
And wreaths of glory bloom in bloody fields.—
As in th' enkindled wood fierce winds arise,
And storms of fire are blown across the skies;
In blazing trains, the towering pines descend,
And rushing thunders all the forest rend:
So, loud and furious, Israel throng'd the fight,
And their blue armour flash'd a dreadful light;
O'er the pale rear tremendous Joshua hung;
Their gloomy knell his voice terrific rung;
From glowing eyeballs flash'd his wrath severe,
Grim Death before him hurl'd his murdering spear;
Heads, sever'd from their necks, bestrew'd his way,
And gushing bodies round his footsteps lay.
Meantime Ai's sounding portals wide unfold,
And fierce to combat bursting bands are roll'd;
In dreadful pomp ascends the widening train;
Battalions on battalions cloud the plain:
There glowing Zimri wings his rapid force,
And eager thousands darken round his course,
And fierce to combat bursting bands are roll'd;
In dreadful pomp ascends the widening train;
Battalions on battalions cloud the plain:
There glowing Zimri wings his rapid force,
And eager thousands darken round his course,
Ai's ghastly sons the smoking walls survey'd,
And wild amaze each pallid front array'd;
Here lay in gore their brethren, and their sires;
There sunk their mansions in terrific fires;
Before, behind, their foes increas'd alarms;
They rais'd one shriek, and dropp'd their useless arms:
Where'er an opening rank receiv'd the day,
Or dust obscure disclos'd a glimmering ray,
Borne by light fear, they left the lingering wind,
They fled, they flew, nor cast a look behind;
Oft on the spear's protended point they ran;
While throng'd resistless, meeting man with man,
Steel stretch'd to steel, and shield to shield oppos'd;
On every side the power of Israel clos'd.
So thick they throng'd, no spear could miss its course;
In vain no falchion spent its ardent force:
Less heard and less, resounded piercing cries,
And dust besprinkled ceas'd to fill the skies.
So, when tall navies lift imperial sails,
And hope th' indulgence of propitious gales,
When the cold north's fierce winds the main deform,
And, fill'd with thunders, rolls the raging storm,
Heav'd from the bottom, foaming billows rise,
And climb, and climb, and roar against the skies;
O'er shiver'd masts unroll the surging waves,
And the pale sailors plunge in watery graves.
Swift as a whirlwind, o'er the southern plain,
Impetuous Zimri drove the Hivite train:
With prosperous course, they sped their hasty slight,
Sunk in the wood, and vanish'd from the sight.
And wild amaze each pallid front array'd;
Here lay in gore their brethren, and their sires;
There sunk their mansions in terrific fires;
Before, behind, their foes increas'd alarms;
They rais'd one shriek, and dropp'd their useless arms:
Where'er an opening rank receiv'd the day,
Or dust obscure disclos'd a glimmering ray,
Borne by light fear, they left the lingering wind,
They fled, they flew, nor cast a look behind;
Oft on the spear's protended point they ran;
While throng'd resistless, meeting man with man,
Steel stretch'd to steel, and shield to shield oppos'd;
On every side the power of Israel clos'd.
So thick they throng'd, no spear could miss its course;
In vain no falchion spent its ardent force:
152
And dust besprinkled ceas'd to fill the skies.
So, when tall navies lift imperial sails,
And hope th' indulgence of propitious gales,
When the cold north's fierce winds the main deform,
And, fill'd with thunders, rolls the raging storm,
Heav'd from the bottom, foaming billows rise,
And climb, and climb, and roar against the skies;
O'er shiver'd masts unroll the surging waves,
And the pale sailors plunge in watery graves.
Swift as a whirlwind, o'er the southern plain,
Impetuous Zimri drove the Hivite train:
With prosperous course, they sped their hasty slight,
Sunk in the wood, and vanish'd from the sight.
And now, obedient to the Chief's command,
Round the tall standard throng'd each wearied band;
A smile of transport every face adorn'd,
Their wounds unheeded, and the dead scarce mourn'd.
Round the tall standard throng'd each wearied band;
A smile of transport every face adorn'd,
Their wounds unheeded, and the dead scarce mourn'd.
Nor knew fair Irad how his parent lay,
But, fir'd with glory, steer'd his careless way;
Near the great Chief he mov'd with conscious grace,
And conscious blushes crimson'd o'er his face;
When, pale and ghastly, on the bloody ground,
Stain'd with black dust, and pierc'd with many a wound,
Stiff gore besprinkling all his locks of snow,
And a cold cloud around his reverend brow,
Hezron appear'd: at once his nerves congeal'd;
His frozen lips a dumb, dead silence seal'd;
A moveless statue, o'er the sire he hung,
Nor streaming tears releas'd his marbled tongue.
Then round the corse impassion'd arms he threw,
And wash'd the clotted gore in filial dew;
Glu'd to the form with strong embraces lay,
And kiss'd, with quivering lips, the senseless clay.
At length the Chief, soft pity in his eyes,
Reach'd his kind hand, and forc'd the Youth to rise:
Four mournful warriors Hezron's body bore,
And their eyes glisten'd with a tender shower.
But, fir'd with glory, steer'd his careless way;
Near the great Chief he mov'd with conscious grace,
And conscious blushes crimson'd o'er his face;
When, pale and ghastly, on the bloody ground,
Stain'd with black dust, and pierc'd with many a wound,
Stiff gore besprinkling all his locks of snow,
And a cold cloud around his reverend brow,
Hezron appear'd: at once his nerves congeal'd;
His frozen lips a dumb, dead silence seal'd;
A moveless statue, o'er the sire he hung,
Nor streaming tears releas'd his marbled tongue.
Then round the corse impassion'd arms he threw,
And wash'd the clotted gore in filial dew;
Glu'd to the form with strong embraces lay,
And kiss'd, with quivering lips, the senseless clay.
At length the Chief, soft pity in his eyes,
Reach'd his kind hand, and forc'd the Youth to rise:
153
And their eyes glisten'd with a tender shower.
The sun declin'd; besmear'd with dust, and blood,
Slow o'er the plain the wearied squadrons trode;
When, fair as Phosphor leads the morning train,
Dress'd in new beams, and beauteous from the main;
Crown'd with white flowers, that breath'd a rich perfume
And cloth'd in loveliness, of gayest bloom,
Rose in soft splendor Caleb's youngest pride,
A thousand maidens following at her side.
In snow-white robes of flowing silk array'd,
First of the virgins walk'd the blushing maid;
Her long, dark hair loose-floated in the wind;
Her glowing eyes confess'd th' etherial mind;
A wreath of olive flourish'd in her hand;
A silver lyre obey'd her soft command;
With sounds harmonious rang the warbled strings,
And thus the maids, and thus Selima sings.
Who comes from Ai, adorn'd with gay attire,
Bright as the splendor of the morning fire?
Fair as the spring, ascends the lovely form,
And dreadful as the blaze, that lights the storm!
Ye maids, with flowerets strew the conqueror's way,
Strike the loud harp, and sing the dreadful day!
To Irad's steps the matchless fair-one came,
Her breast quick panting, and her cheeks on flame;
Her beauteous hand the verdant crown display'd;
Graceful he bow'd, and plac'd it on his head.
Slow to her train the trembling fair withdrew,
The charm'd youths following with a moveless view,
So, wing'd with light, and dress'd in strange array,
The mantling glory of the rising day,
With sweet complacence, such as angels show
To souls unprison'd from this world of woe,
Parted soft-smiling from our general sire
Some bright-ey'd Virtue, of the heavenly choir,
Far in the solar walk, with wonderous flight,
The form celestial lessen'd on his sight.
Slow o'er the plain the wearied squadrons trode;
When, fair as Phosphor leads the morning train,
Dress'd in new beams, and beauteous from the main;
Crown'd with white flowers, that breath'd a rich perfume
And cloth'd in loveliness, of gayest bloom,
Rose in soft splendor Caleb's youngest pride,
A thousand maidens following at her side.
In snow-white robes of flowing silk array'd,
First of the virgins walk'd the blushing maid;
Her long, dark hair loose-floated in the wind;
Her glowing eyes confess'd th' etherial mind;
A wreath of olive flourish'd in her hand;
A silver lyre obey'd her soft command;
With sounds harmonious rang the warbled strings,
And thus the maids, and thus Selima sings.
Who comes from Ai, adorn'd with gay attire,
Bright as the splendor of the morning fire?
Fair as the spring, ascends the lovely form,
And dreadful as the blaze, that lights the storm!
Ye maids, with flowerets strew the conqueror's way,
Strike the loud harp, and sing the dreadful day!
To Irad's steps the matchless fair-one came,
Her breast quick panting, and her cheeks on flame;
Her beauteous hand the verdant crown display'd;
Graceful he bow'd, and plac'd it on his head.
Slow to her train the trembling fair withdrew,
The charm'd youths following with a moveless view,
So, wing'd with light, and dress'd in strange array,
The mantling glory of the rising day,
With sweet complacence, such as angels show
To souls unprison'd from this world of woe,
Parted soft-smiling from our general sire
Some bright-ey'd Virtue, of the heavenly choir,
154
The form celestial lessen'd on his sight.
Again the youth his wonted life regain'd;
A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd;
A rising glow his tender thoughts confess'd,
And the soft motions of his melting breast.
But soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o'erspread;
Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendor fled;
Returning anguish froze his feeling soul,
Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll.
A transient sparkle in his eye obtain'd;
A rising glow his tender thoughts confess'd,
And the soft motions of his melting breast.
But soon dark glooms the feeble smiles o'erspread;
Like morn's gay hues, the fading splendor fled;
Returning anguish froze his feeling soul,
Deep sighs burst forth, and tears began to roll.
| The conquest of Canäan | |