 | The conquest of Canäan |  |
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BOOK VII.
156
Argument.
Evening described. Irad's dream. He goes out to the walls of Ai. His lamentation for his father. Reflections on the fate of Ai. Appearance of an army. Irad returns in haste, and alarms the Camp. Joshua, at his request, allots him a body of forces, with whom he goes out to attack the Heathens. Battle by the burning of Ai, between Hazor, &c. and Israel. Irad's exploits. He kills Adnor, and pursues Samlah to the eastern part of the host. Uzal. Shelumiel. Jabin's character, and exploits. He kills Shammah, and Seraiab. Jobab. Confusion of the Israelites. Irad returns and rallies them. He attacks Jobab, with success. Kindling of the neighbouring forest separates the combatants.
The scene of this battle is partly on the plain east of Ai, partly in the forest still eastward, and partly northward of the forest.
157
O'er the wide world immeasurably spread,
Night, still and gloomy, cast a solemn shade.
In heavens half-clouded stars unfrequent hung;
Scarce heard, the blast with mournful murmurs rung;
Above tall, eastern hills, the moon's pale eye
Look'd sad, and dreadful, from the cheerless sky.
Her cold, wan face, half-hid behind a cloud,
That wrapp'd the mountains in a sable shroud,
With feeble lustre streak'd the shadowy plains,
And edg'd her vapoury robes with dismal stains.
All, but the savage race, to sleep retir'd,
And the last gleams of western skies expir'd.
Night, still and gloomy, cast a solemn shade.
In heavens half-clouded stars unfrequent hung;
Scarce heard, the blast with mournful murmurs rung;
Above tall, eastern hills, the moon's pale eye
Look'd sad, and dreadful, from the cheerless sky.
Her cold, wan face, half-hid behind a cloud,
That wrapp'd the mountains in a sable shroud,
With feeble lustre streak'd the shadowy plains,
And edg'd her vapoury robes with dismal stains.
All, but the savage race, to sleep retir'd,
And the last gleams of western skies expir'd.
Stretch'd in his tent, unhappy Irad lay,
And sad oblivion bore his toils away.
In that still hour, when rapt on eagle-wings,
To distant climes bewilder'd fancy springs,
A death-like slumber seal'd his tearful eyes,
And thus unreal scenes in vision rise.
And sad oblivion bore his toils away.
In that still hour, when rapt on eagle-wings,
To distant climes bewilder'd fancy springs,
A death-like slumber seal'd his tearful eyes,
And thus unreal scenes in vision rise.
Through lonely fields, in russet gloom array'd,
Lost in mute grief, with weary steps he stray'd.
A shadowy light, like evening's dusky ray,
Spread o'er the world, and form'd a twilight day.
Before his wandering path, a northern grove
Shed midnight round, and pierc'd the clouds above:
Slow wav'd the tall, dark pines: a hollow sound
Roll'd through the wood, and shook th' autumnal ground.
Dull-murmuring fell the sullen, swelling streams,
Lulling to sleep, and blue in glimmering beams.
With broad, black horrors o'er its bosom spread,
An eastern mountain rear'd its shaggy head;
High hung the hoary cliff; the cedars height,
Less seen, and less, withdrew beyond the fight.
Strange unknown scenes the regions wild display,
And solitary music slowly dies away.
Lost in mute grief, with weary steps he stray'd.
A shadowy light, like evening's dusky ray,
Spread o'er the world, and form'd a twilight day.
Before his wandering path, a northern grove
Shed midnight round, and pierc'd the clouds above:
158
Roll'd through the wood, and shook th' autumnal ground.
Dull-murmuring fell the sullen, swelling streams,
Lulling to sleep, and blue in glimmering beams.
With broad, black horrors o'er its bosom spread,
An eastern mountain rear'd its shaggy head;
High hung the hoary cliff; the cedars height,
Less seen, and less, withdrew beyond the fight.
Strange unknown scenes the regions wild display,
And solitary music slowly dies away.
From the thick grove, in dark-brown robes reveal'd,
A form stalk'd solemn o'er the shuddering field;
Of other worlds he seem'd; nor cast an eye
On the brown plain, or on the gloomy sky.
Regardless of the scenes that round him mourn'd,
On Irad's path his sad, slow steps he turn'd;
Pale stood the Youth; the stately shape drew nigh;
Gash'd was his cheek, and fix'd his lofty eye;
Like a light flame, low hung his beard of snow,
And death's cold terrors hover'd on his brow.
'Twas Hezron's self. With weak, but solemn sound,
As sullen graves beneath the foot resound,
His voice began—On fate's dark verge I stand,
Whence thickening dangers roll across thy land.
Night wraps the world; approaching storms arise,
Hang o'er thy race, and cloud the southern skies.
My mouldering bones a colder night detains,
Clos'd in the tomb, and bound in icy chains:
But the wing'd spirit fairer climes surround.
And heaven unfolding bids her songs resound.
Faintly he spoke. By strange, immortal spell,
His wounds grew smooth, his sightless garments fell:
His pallid face a sudden beauty sir'd,
And with strong life his changing eye inspir'd;
O'er his white robes a purple splendor ray'd;
Long glittering pinions loosely round him play'd;
In dreadful pomp, sublime the Vision stood,
And living fragrance breath'd along the wood.
A form stalk'd solemn o'er the shuddering field;
Of other worlds he seem'd; nor cast an eye
On the brown plain, or on the gloomy sky.
Regardless of the scenes that round him mourn'd,
On Irad's path his sad, slow steps he turn'd;
Pale stood the Youth; the stately shape drew nigh;
Gash'd was his cheek, and fix'd his lofty eye;
Like a light flame, low hung his beard of snow,
And death's cold terrors hover'd on his brow.
'Twas Hezron's self. With weak, but solemn sound,
As sullen graves beneath the foot resound,
His voice began—On fate's dark verge I stand,
Whence thickening dangers roll across thy land.
Night wraps the world; approaching storms arise,
Hang o'er thy race, and cloud the southern skies.
My mouldering bones a colder night detains,
Clos'd in the tomb, and bound in icy chains:
But the wing'd spirit fairer climes surround.
And heaven unfolding bids her songs resound.
Faintly he spoke. By strange, immortal spell,
His wounds grew smooth, his sightless garments fell:
His pallid face a sudden beauty sir'd,
And with strong life his changing eye inspir'd;
O'er his white robes a purple splendor ray'd;
Long glittering pinions loosely round him play'd;
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And living fragrance breath'd along the wood.
At once the hero, startled, rais'd his head;
Still was his tent, and all the tumult fled;
Again to sleep he clos'd his wearied eyes,
And broken slumbers o'er his toils arise.
Still was his tent, and all the tumult fled;
Again to sleep he clos'd his wearied eyes,
And broken slumbers o'er his toils arise.
Sudden, his name re-echoing from the walls,
A wild, and visionary murmur calls—
Irad awake; my voice thine ear invades,
From the dark mansions of imprison'd shades;
In southern plains the clarion's thunders rise,
And shouts of triumph fill the rending skies.
A wild, and visionary murmur calls—
Irad awake; my voice thine ear invades,
From the dark mansions of imprison'd shades;
In southern plains the clarion's thunders rise,
And shouts of triumph fill the rending skies.
Swift from his couch the Youth astonish'd rose,
(While every vein the dreadful murmur froze)
With active hand his arms around him brac'd;
With nimble feet the glimmering champain pass'd,
And tow'rd Ai's flames, that rag'd with awful force,
Suspense, but fearless, steer'd his lonely course.
Still o'er his head the airy phantom hung;
Irad awake—the voice unreal rung:
Sad grief, and anxious doubt his thoughts oppress'd,
But love's soft whispers still disturb'd his breast.
(While every vein the dreadful murmur froze)
With active hand his arms around him brac'd;
With nimble feet the glimmering champain pass'd,
And tow'rd Ai's flames, that rag'd with awful force,
Suspense, but fearless, steer'd his lonely course.
Still o'er his head the airy phantom hung;
Irad awake—the voice unreal rung:
Sad grief, and anxious doubt his thoughts oppress'd,
But love's soft whispers still disturb'd his breast.
Now solemn silence sail'd along the air;
No bird complain'd; no echoing voice was near;
Save the slow murmur of the passing gale,
That swept the plain, and sounded through the vale.
The flames dark-glimmer'd on the hero's shield,
And cast long shadows o'er the pallid field:
Round the dread scenes he turn'd regardless eyes,
And thus began, with intermingled sighs—
No bird complain'd; no echoing voice was near;
Save the slow murmur of the passing gale,
That swept the plain, and sounded through the vale.
The flames dark-glimmer'd on the hero's shield,
And cast long shadows o'er the pallid field:
Round the dread scenes he turn'd regardless eyes,
And thus began, with intermingled sighs—
And art thou sled forever? this thine end,
Thou best of parents, and thou surest friend?
And could'st thou fall, a prey to murdering war?
What cruel demon drove my feet so far?
Was no kind angel hovering o'er the throng?
Where look'd the Power, thy virtue serv'd so long?
Thy soul so pure—thy life so firmly just—
Scarce Heaven's own law could more demand from dust.
Why, O thou righteous Mind? but cease my tongue,
Nor blame the dread decree, that cannot wrong.
Mine the sole fault—and mine the single blame—
Wild with the magic of that phantom, fame.
Didst thou for this the guilty shield bestow,
To leave thee naked to the fatal blow?
Didst thou for this the sword accurs'd impart,
That should have plung'd beneath the murderer's heart?
Far other love, far other faithful cares
Nurs'd my young limbs, and watch'd my rising years;
My early steps, from pleasure's slippery road,
Lur'd with soft smiles, and led them up to God;
Thy own bright actions prompting to pursue,
To virtue charm'd me, and to glory drew;
With Joshua's self my wishes forc'd to vie.
Boast of mankind, and chosen of the Sky.
Thou best of parents, and thou surest friend?
And could'st thou fall, a prey to murdering war?
What cruel demon drove my feet so far?
Was no kind angel hovering o'er the throng?
Where look'd the Power, thy virtue serv'd so long?
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Scarce Heaven's own law could more demand from dust.
Why, O thou righteous Mind? but cease my tongue,
Nor blame the dread decree, that cannot wrong.
Mine the sole fault—and mine the single blame—
Wild with the magic of that phantom, fame.
Didst thou for this the guilty shield bestow,
To leave thee naked to the fatal blow?
Didst thou for this the sword accurs'd impart,
That should have plung'd beneath the murderer's heart?
Far other love, far other faithful cares
Nurs'd my young limbs, and watch'd my rising years;
My early steps, from pleasure's slippery road,
Lur'd with soft smiles, and led them up to God;
Thy own bright actions prompting to pursue,
To virtue charm'd me, and to glory drew;
With Joshua's self my wishes forc'd to vie.
Boast of mankind, and chosen of the Sky.
Pale, in the visions of the guilty bed,
Thy form affrights me, and thine eyes upbraid.
There scenes of dire distress thy words unroll,
Doom'd for my life, and opening on my soul.
Or does thy mind its lov'd employ pursue,
To guard from ill, and hidden dangers shew?
Perhaps thy thoughts, beyond the silent tomb,
Watch, as in life, thy nation's secret doom;
Some rushing fate unknown discern afar,
Some threatening ambush, or some wasting war.
Thy form affrights me, and thine eyes upbraid.
There scenes of dire distress thy words unroll,
Doom'd for my life, and opening on my soul.
Or does thy mind its lov'd employ pursue,
To guard from ill, and hidden dangers shew?
Perhaps thy thoughts, beyond the silent tomb,
Watch, as in life, thy nation's secret doom;
Some rushing fate unknown discern afar,
Some threatening ambush, or some wasting war.
Perhaps the first of maids thy care demands,
And claims her safety from aerial hands.
Ah! knew the fair what crimes to me belong.
Her lovely voice had spar'd th' applauding song;
A breast more pure her melting arms embrac'd,
And the bright garland worthier temples grac'd.
And claims her safety from aerial hands.
Ah! knew the fair what crimes to me belong.
Her lovely voice had spar'd th' applauding song;
A breast more pure her melting arms embrac'd,
And the bright garland worthier temples grac'd.
Thus spoke the chief, when now his steps were nigh
Ai's awful flames, that wav'd across the sky;
All pale, and gloomy, climb'd the dreadful blaze,
And smoky volumes curl'd above the rays;
A dreary gleam enrob'd the shady ground,
And the brown land-scape faintly rose around.
Touch'd by the solemn scene, the hero cried—
Where hapless Ai! is now thy towery pride?
Where now thy manly sons, whose sinewy arms
Rose, a strong bulwark 'gainst impending harms
Where now the heaven-topp'd spire? the gilded wall?
Thy kings, thy heroes? whelm'd in ruin all—
Destruction's clouds sail'd blackening o'er thy light,
And wide oblivion's never-ending night.
Ai's awful flames, that wav'd across the sky;
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And smoky volumes curl'd above the rays;
A dreary gleam enrob'd the shady ground,
And the brown land-scape faintly rose around.
Touch'd by the solemn scene, the hero cried—
Where hapless Ai! is now thy towery pride?
Where now thy manly sons, whose sinewy arms
Rose, a strong bulwark 'gainst impending harms
Where now the heaven-topp'd spire? the gilded wall?
Thy kings, thy heroes? whelm'd in ruin all—
Destruction's clouds sail'd blackening o'er thy light,
And wide oblivion's never-ending night.
Where yon tall dome shoots forth the greedy flame,
Perhaps some hero hop'd a deathless name.
Oft when return'd from war, his tender race
Climb'd his fond knee and ask'd the sweet embrace:
Oft, with a parent's glistening eye, he view'd
His face, his virtues in their forms renew'd.
Perhaps some daughter, darling of his care,
Beam'd, like Selima fairest of the fair:
And could those flames some lovely maid destroy,
A nation's glory and a parent's joy?
Could babes, sweet-smiling, claim no hand to save,
But find, unwept, a furnace for a grave?
Perhaps some hero hop'd a deathless name.
Oft when return'd from war, his tender race
Climb'd his fond knee and ask'd the sweet embrace:
Oft, with a parent's glistening eye, he view'd
His face, his virtues in their forms renew'd.
Perhaps some daughter, darling of his care,
Beam'd, like Selima fairest of the fair:
And could those flames some lovely maid destroy,
A nation's glory and a parent's joy?
Could babes, sweet-smiling, claim no hand to save,
But find, unwept, a furnace for a grave?
Thus mourn'd his generous heart the doom severe,
And paid lost Ai the tribute of a tear.
Like ocean's long, deep roar, a rushing sound
Burst from the wood, and pour'd along the ground;
At once wide trembled o'er the awful fields
The sudden gleam of spears, and helms, and shields,
Impetuous roll'd unseen the rattling car,
And banner'd terrors wav'd th' approach of war.
Loud rung bold Irad's voice; the dreadful sound
Stopp'd the long host, and shook th' affrighted ground;
Thrice, like the burst of thunder, hoarse he cried;
Thrice, stood the host; and thrice the sky replied:
The cry wav'd solemn through the winding vales;
Night shook, and murmurs fill'd the rushing gales.
The southern guards soon caught the boding sound,
And spread th' alarm the startled camp around;
Loud as tall billows rend the rocky shore,
Rose the sonorous clarion's bursting roar:
Swift to the camp the hero wing'd his way,
Rous'd all the host, and scatter'd wide dismay—
Arm, warriors, arm! to instant battle fly!
The foe's at hand! ye combat, or ye die.
Swift to these tents unnumber'd bands repair;
Hark! how the trumpet fills the troubled air!
In southern fields ascends the wasting war,
And fierce as whirlwinds rolls the rapid car.
Arm, ere our camp be wrapp'd in one broad flame,
And Israel's manly thousands want a name,
And paid lost Ai the tribute of a tear.
Like ocean's long, deep roar, a rushing sound
Burst from the wood, and pour'd along the ground;
At once wide trembled o'er the awful fields
The sudden gleam of spears, and helms, and shields,
Impetuous roll'd unseen the rattling car,
And banner'd terrors wav'd th' approach of war.
Loud rung bold Irad's voice; the dreadful sound
Stopp'd the long host, and shook th' affrighted ground;
Thrice, like the burst of thunder, hoarse he cried;
Thrice, stood the host; and thrice the sky replied:
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Night shook, and murmurs fill'd the rushing gales.
The southern guards soon caught the boding sound,
And spread th' alarm the startled camp around;
Loud as tall billows rend the rocky shore,
Rose the sonorous clarion's bursting roar:
Swift to the camp the hero wing'd his way,
Rous'd all the host, and scatter'd wide dismay—
Arm, warriors, arm! to instant battle fly!
The foe's at hand! ye combat, or ye die.
Swift to these tents unnumber'd bands repair;
Hark! how the trumpet fills the troubled air!
In southern fields ascends the wasting war,
And fierce as whirlwinds rolls the rapid car.
Arm, ere our camp be wrapp'd in one broad flame,
And Israel's manly thousands want a name,
Thus, round the host, his animating cry
Urg'd sleep's oblivious hand from every eye;
Each waking mind the strange alarm appalls;
Arm, warriors, arm! each startled hero calls:
From tent to tent the wild confusion flies;
Shouts rend the plains; groans murmur; shrieks arise;
A rushing noise invades the listening ear;
In swift succession half-seen forms appear;
Shrill rings the rattling mail; the trump's big sound
Cleaves the dun heaven, and shakes the gloomy ground.
Round a broad flame, that, by the Chief's command,
Shoots lofty spires, and gleams along the sand,
Deep throng the squadrons; high the standards stream,
And wave, and glimmer, in the livid beam.
There, while the terrors of the lovely fair
Froze every breast, and breath'd a wide despair.
A quickening glow the Leader's voice inspir'd;
Hush'd were their cries; their lessening fears retir'd;
Through every bosom thrill'd a new delight,
And brac'd each sinew for the manly fight.
Urg'd sleep's oblivious hand from every eye;
Each waking mind the strange alarm appalls;
Arm, warriors, arm! each startled hero calls:
From tent to tent the wild confusion flies;
Shouts rend the plains; groans murmur; shrieks arise;
A rushing noise invades the listening ear;
In swift succession half-seen forms appear;
Shrill rings the rattling mail; the trump's big sound
Cleaves the dun heaven, and shakes the gloomy ground.
Round a broad flame, that, by the Chief's command,
Shoots lofty spires, and gleams along the sand,
Deep throng the squadrons; high the standards stream,
And wave, and glimmer, in the livid beam.
There, while the terrors of the lovely fair
Froze every breast, and breath'd a wide despair.
A quickening glow the Leader's voice inspir'd;
Hush'd were their cries; their lessening fears retir'd;
Through every bosom thrill'd a new delight,
And brac'd each sinew for the manly fight.
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Now, rang'd in ranks, the host expectant stood,
Prepar'd for combat, steel'd to death and blood;
Sudden, before the Chief, with panting breast,
The generous Youth preferr'd his bold request—
Near Ai's red flames I steer'd my careless way,
Robb'd of wish'd slumbers, and to grief a prey,
When sheath'd in gleaming arms, a mighty train,
Pour'd from the wood, and cover'd all the plain:
On foaming coursers, chiefs impel the war,
Or whirl the terrors of the wasting car.
And wilt thou, Chief divine, from Irad hear
The dictates of a mind, that knows no fear?
Shall this young arm again the lance command,
And lead to fight a strong, undaunted band,
To Ai's wide ruins wing our active course,
And tempt the fury of barbarian force?
Shall thine unconquer'd sword the camp defend,
And ward the fate, if shame our steps attend?
Safe in thy prudence shall the race endure,
And Joshua's name our wives, and sons secure.
Lo, dress'd in steel, we wait thy ruling breath!
Counsel is ruin, and delay is death.
Go, in Jehovah's name—the Chief replied—
Forth stalk'd the Youth, and warm'd with martial pride;
O'er southern fields the bands appointed steer'd,
Squar'd in just ranks, and not a warrior fear'd.
Prepar'd for combat, steel'd to death and blood;
Sudden, before the Chief, with panting breast,
The generous Youth preferr'd his bold request—
Near Ai's red flames I steer'd my careless way,
Robb'd of wish'd slumbers, and to grief a prey,
When sheath'd in gleaming arms, a mighty train,
Pour'd from the wood, and cover'd all the plain:
On foaming coursers, chiefs impel the war,
Or whirl the terrors of the wasting car.
And wilt thou, Chief divine, from Irad hear
The dictates of a mind, that knows no fear?
Shall this young arm again the lance command,
And lead to fight a strong, undaunted band,
To Ai's wide ruins wing our active course,
And tempt the fury of barbarian force?
Shall thine unconquer'd sword the camp defend,
And ward the fate, if shame our steps attend?
Safe in thy prudence shall the race endure,
And Joshua's name our wives, and sons secure.
Lo, dress'd in steel, we wait thy ruling breath!
Counsel is ruin, and delay is death.
Go, in Jehovah's name—the Chief replied—
Forth stalk'd the Youth, and warm'd with martial pride;
O'er southern fields the bands appointed steer'd,
Squar'd in just ranks, and not a warrior fear'd.
Now where Ai's sons bestrew'd the plain, they came,
Faintly illumin'd by the distant flame;
No foe appear'd: the world more gloomy grew,
And, lost in clouds, etherial realms withdrew;
Save where lone stars diffus'd a feeble beam,
Like the far taper's solitary gleam:
Slow winds breath'd hollow through the dark profound,
And deepening horror brooded o'er the ground.
Faintly illumin'd by the distant flame;
No foe appear'd: the world more gloomy grew,
And, lost in clouds, etherial realms withdrew;
Save where lone stars diffus'd a feeble beam,
Like the far taper's solitary gleam:
Slow winds breath'd hollow through the dark profound,
And deepening horror brooded o'er the ground.
East of proud Ai, an ancient forest stood,
And southward far was stretch'd the lofty wood;
North lay fair plains; and next the walls, array'd
With scatter'd trees, a spacious level spread.
And southward far was stretch'd the lofty wood;
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With scatter'd trees, a spacious level spread.
Now near the burning domes, the squadrons stood,
Their breasts impatient for the scenes of blood:
On every face a death-like glimmer sate,
The unbless'd harbinger of instant fate.
High thro' the gloom, in pale and dreadful spires,
Rose the long terrors of the dark-red fires;
Torches, and torrent sparks, by whirlwinds driven,
Stream'd thro' the smoke, and fir'd the clouded heaven.
As oft tall turrets sunk with rushing sound,
Broad flames burst forth, and swept th' etherial round,
The bright expansion lighten'd all the scene,
And deeper shadows lengthen'd o'er the green.
Loud thro' the walls that cast a golden gleam,
Crown'd with tall pyramids of bending flame,
As thunders rumble down the darkening vales,
Roll'd the deep solemn voice of rushing gales:
The bands admiring gaz'd the wonderous sight,
And Expectation trembled for the fight.
Their breasts impatient for the scenes of blood:
On every face a death-like glimmer sate,
The unbless'd harbinger of instant fate.
High thro' the gloom, in pale and dreadful spires,
Rose the long terrors of the dark-red fires;
Torches, and torrent sparks, by whirlwinds driven,
Stream'd thro' the smoke, and fir'd the clouded heaven.
As oft tall turrets sunk with rushing sound,
Broad flames burst forth, and swept th' etherial round,
The bright expansion lighten'd all the scene,
And deeper shadows lengthen'd o'er the green.
Loud thro' the walls that cast a golden gleam,
Crown'd with tall pyramids of bending flame,
As thunders rumble down the darkening vales,
Roll'd the deep solemn voice of rushing gales:
The bands admiring gaz'd the wonderous sight,
And Expectation trembled for the fight.
At once the sounding clarion breath'd alarms;
Wide from the forest burst the flash of arms;
Thick gleam'd the helms; and o'er astonish'd fields,
Like thousand meteors, rose the flame-bright shields.
In gloomy pomp, to furious combat roll'd
Ranks sheath'd in mail, and chiefs in glimmering gold;
In floating lustre bounds the dim-seen steed,
And cars unfinish'd, swift to cars succeed:
From all the host ascends a dark-red glare,
Here in full blaze, in distant twinklings there;
Slow waves the dreadful light, as round the shore
Night's solemn blasts with deep concussion roar,
So rush'd the footsteps of th' embattled train,
And send an awful murmur o'er the plain.
Wide from the forest burst the flash of arms;
Thick gleam'd the helms; and o'er astonish'd fields,
Like thousand meteors, rose the flame-bright shields.
In gloomy pomp, to furious combat roll'd
Ranks sheath'd in mail, and chiefs in glimmering gold;
In floating lustre bounds the dim-seen steed,
And cars unfinish'd, swift to cars succeed:
From all the host ascends a dark-red glare,
Here in full blaze, in distant twinklings there;
Slow waves the dreadful light, as round the shore
Night's solemn blasts with deep concussion roar,
So rush'd the footsteps of th' embattled train,
And send an awful murmur o'er the plain.
Tall in th' opposing van, bold Irad stood,
And bade the clarion sound the voice of blood.
Loud blew the trumpet on the sweeping gales,
Rock'd the deep groves, and echoed round the vales;
A ceaseless murmur all the concave fills,
Waves thro' the quivering camp, and trembles o'er the hills.
And bade the clarion sound the voice of blood.
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Rock'd the deep groves, and echoed round the vales;
A ceaseless murmur all the concave fills,
Waves thro' the quivering camp, and trembles o'er the hills.
High in the gloomy blaze the standards flew;
Th' impatient Youth his burnish'd falchion drew;
Ten-thousand swords his eager bands display'd,
And crimson terrors danc'd on every blade.
With equal rage, the bold, Hazorian train
Pour'd a wide deluge o'er the shadowy plain;
Loud rose the songs of war, loud clang'd the shields,
Dread shouts of vengeance shook the shuddering fields;
With mingled din, shrill, martial music rings,
And swift to combat each fierce hero springs.
So broad, and dark, a midnight storm ascends,
Bursts on the main, and trembling nature rends;
The red foam burns, the watery mountains rise,
One deep unmeasur'd thunder heaves the skies;
The bark drives lonely; shivering and forlorn,
The poor, sad sailors wish the lingering morn:
Not with less fury rush'd the vengeful train;
Not with less tumult roar'd th' embattled plain.
Now in the oak's black shade they fought conceal'd;
And now they shouted thro' the open field;
The long, pale splendors of the curling flame
Cast o'er their polish'd arms a livid gleam;
An umber'd lustre floated round their way,
And lighted falchions to the fierce affray.
Now the swift chariots 'gainst the stubborn oak
Dash; the dark earth re-echoes to the shock.
From shade to shade the forms tremendous stream,
And their arms flash a momentary flame.
Mid hollow tombs, as fleets an airy train,
Lost in the skies, or fading o'er the plain;
So visionary shapes, around the fight,
Shoot thro' the gloom, and vanish from the sight;
Thro' twilight paths the maddening coursers bound,
The shrill swords crack, the clashing shields resound.
There, lost in grandeur might the eye behold
The dark-red glimmerings of the steel, and gold;
The chief; the steed; the nimbly-rushing car;
And all the horrors of the gloomy war.
Here the thick clouds, with purple lustre bright,
Spread o'er the long long host and gradual sunk in night;
Here half the world was wrapp'd in rolling fires,
And dreadful vallies sunk between the spires.
Swift ran black forms across the livid flame,
And oaks wav'd slowly in the trembling beam:
Loud rose the mingled noise; with hollow sound,
Deep-rolling whirlwinds roar, and thundering flames resound.
Th' impatient Youth his burnish'd falchion drew;
Ten-thousand swords his eager bands display'd,
And crimson terrors danc'd on every blade.
With equal rage, the bold, Hazorian train
Pour'd a wide deluge o'er the shadowy plain;
Loud rose the songs of war, loud clang'd the shields,
Dread shouts of vengeance shook the shuddering fields;
With mingled din, shrill, martial music rings,
And swift to combat each fierce hero springs.
So broad, and dark, a midnight storm ascends,
Bursts on the main, and trembling nature rends;
The red foam burns, the watery mountains rise,
One deep unmeasur'd thunder heaves the skies;
The bark drives lonely; shivering and forlorn,
The poor, sad sailors wish the lingering morn:
Not with less fury rush'd the vengeful train;
Not with less tumult roar'd th' embattled plain.
Now in the oak's black shade they fought conceal'd;
And now they shouted thro' the open field;
The long, pale splendors of the curling flame
Cast o'er their polish'd arms a livid gleam;
An umber'd lustre floated round their way,
And lighted falchions to the fierce affray.
Now the swift chariots 'gainst the stubborn oak
Dash; the dark earth re-echoes to the shock.
From shade to shade the forms tremendous stream,
And their arms flash a momentary flame.
Mid hollow tombs, as fleets an airy train,
Lost in the skies, or fading o'er the plain;
So visionary shapes, around the fight,
Shoot thro' the gloom, and vanish from the sight;
166
The shrill swords crack, the clashing shields resound.
There, lost in grandeur might the eye behold
The dark-red glimmerings of the steel, and gold;
The chief; the steed; the nimbly-rushing car;
And all the horrors of the gloomy war.
Here the thick clouds, with purple lustre bright,
Spread o'er the long long host and gradual sunk in night;
Here half the world was wrapp'd in rolling fires,
And dreadful vallies sunk between the spires.
Swift ran black forms across the livid flame,
And oaks wav'd slowly in the trembling beam:
Loud rose the mingled noise; with hollow sound,
Deep-rolling whirlwinds roar, and thundering flames resound.
As drives a blast along the midnight heath,
Rush'd raging Irad on the scenes of death;
High o'er his shoulder gleam'd his brandish'd blade,
And scatter'd ruin round the twilight shade.
Full on a giant hero's sweeping car
He pour'd the tempest of resistless war;
His twinkling lance the heathen rais'd on high,
And hurl'd it, fruitless, through the gloomy sky;
From the bold Youth the maddening coursers wheel,
Gash'd by the vengeance of his slaughtering steel,
'Twixt two tall oaks the helpless chief they drew;
The shrill car dash'd; the crack'd wheels rattling flew;
Crush'd in his arms, to rise he strove in vain,
And lay unpitied on the dreary plain.
Rush'd raging Irad on the scenes of death;
High o'er his shoulder gleam'd his brandish'd blade,
And scatter'd ruin round the twilight shade.
Full on a giant hero's sweeping car
He pour'd the tempest of resistless war;
His twinkling lance the heathen rais'd on high,
And hurl'd it, fruitless, through the gloomy sky;
From the bold Youth the maddening coursers wheel,
Gash'd by the vengeance of his slaughtering steel,
'Twixt two tall oaks the helpless chief they drew;
The shrill car dash'd; the crack'd wheels rattling flew;
Crush'd in his arms, to rise he strove in vain,
And lay unpitied on the dreary plain.
Now Samlah's hands to war the chariot guide,
Fair, beauteous, tall, fam'd Hamor's youngest pride;
O'er Achsaph's towers he stretch'd a potent sway,
And saw surrounding realms his rod obey.
Adnor, an elder birth, proud grandeur spurn'd;
Lord of his soul, inferior realms he scorn'd;
Nor felt one pang, nor shew'd one envious frown,
When doating Age to Samlah gave the crown.
Round his young steps he cast a kind survey,
And taught the blessings of an equal sway;
The pride of arts allur'd him to pursue;
To wisdom form'd him, and to virtue drew;
To reason's rules his stormy passions wrought,
And shone, a pattern of the truths he taught.
Fair, beauteous, tall, fam'd Hamor's youngest pride;
O'er Achsaph's towers he stretch'd a potent sway,
And saw surrounding realms his rod obey.
Adnor, an elder birth, proud grandeur spurn'd;
Lord of his soul, inferior realms he scorn'd;
Nor felt one pang, nor shew'd one envious frown,
When doating Age to Samlah gave the crown.
167
And taught the blessings of an equal sway;
The pride of arts allur'd him to pursue;
To wisdom form'd him, and to virtue drew;
To reason's rules his stormy passions wrought,
And shone, a pattern of the truths he taught.
From Jabin's loins a matchless virgin sprung,
And every voice with Salma's praises rung.
Her, Adnor led to share his brother's throne,
And made, delighted, Samlah's bliss his own.
Five weeks the prince beheld in transport glide,
Bless'd in the beauties of his lovely bride:
Heedless of war he dwelt, 'till Jabin's voice
Rous'd him to arms, and call'd to ruder joys.
And every voice with Salma's praises rung.
Her, Adnor led to share his brother's throne,
And made, delighted, Samlah's bliss his own.
Five weeks the prince beheld in transport glide,
Bless'd in the beauties of his lovely bride:
Heedless of war he dwelt, 'till Jabin's voice
Rous'd him to arms, and call'd to ruder joys.
Now, where bold Irad scatter'd blood and fate,
In the same car the friendly brothers sate;
When Adnor thus—Oh fly yon miscreant's arm;
Nor tempt the terrors of the sweeping storm!
Its wonted aid my broken spear denies—
With a fierce look, th' impatient youth replies—
Me dost thou urge to base, unmanly flight?
Leap from the chariot; hide in covering night?
Shall Salma hear? shall Samlah's growing name
Waste with the pangs of never-ending shame?
He said, and furious, urg'd his rapid car,
Crush'd the firm ranks, and shouted to the war;
On Irad's course he drove; the hero turn'd,
And a brown glimmering from his buckler burn'd:
'Twixt the bold leaders pour'd an ardent band;
Sword clash'd on sword, and hand rose up to hand;
They fell; new squadrons o'er their corses rise,
And louder tumults echo from the skies.
Imperious Samlah lifts a haughty cry—
Hence, on your lives, presuming dastards fly!
Who dares transgress shall find a sudden doom:
Give Samlah place—give kings, and heroes room—
He spoke. His friends, all anxious for their king,
Still crowd the war, and swift to danger spring;
Loud sung the vengeance of his pointed steel,
And a bold veteran, deeply wounded, fell;
Enrag'd, the bands on either side retreat,
And leave the furious monarch to his fate.
In the same car the friendly brothers sate;
When Adnor thus—Oh fly yon miscreant's arm;
Nor tempt the terrors of the sweeping storm!
Its wonted aid my broken spear denies—
With a fierce look, th' impatient youth replies—
Me dost thou urge to base, unmanly flight?
Leap from the chariot; hide in covering night?
Shall Salma hear? shall Samlah's growing name
Waste with the pangs of never-ending shame?
He said, and furious, urg'd his rapid car,
Crush'd the firm ranks, and shouted to the war;
On Irad's course he drove; the hero turn'd,
And a brown glimmering from his buckler burn'd:
'Twixt the bold leaders pour'd an ardent band;
Sword clash'd on sword, and hand rose up to hand;
They fell; new squadrons o'er their corses rise,
And louder tumults echo from the skies.
Imperious Samlah lifts a haughty cry—
Hence, on your lives, presuming dastards fly!
Who dares transgress shall find a sudden doom:
Give Samlah place—give kings, and heroes room—
168
Still crowd the war, and swift to danger spring;
Loud sung the vengeance of his pointed steel,
And a bold veteran, deeply wounded, fell;
Enrag'd, the bands on either side retreat,
And leave the furious monarch to his fate.
Swift from the chariot faithful Adnor sprang;
On Irad's shield his rushing falchion rang:
The Youth's quick wheeling, thro his shoulder glides;
Drops the cleft arm, and gush the living tides.
He sunk; and Irad, touch'd with pity, cried—
Ah youth! whose bosom glows with generous pride,
To scenes of endless gloom thy spirit flies;
Wing, wing thy voice, for pardon, to the skies!
Oh, Sire of all, may this brave warrior's mind,
In life's fair climes, some lowly mansion find!
On Irad's shield his rushing falchion rang:
The Youth's quick wheeling, thro his shoulder glides;
Drops the cleft arm, and gush the living tides.
He sunk; and Irad, touch'd with pity, cried—
Ah youth! whose bosom glows with generous pride,
To scenes of endless gloom thy spirit flies;
Wing, wing thy voice, for pardon, to the skies!
Oh, Sire of all, may this brave warrior's mind,
In life's fair climes, some lowly mansion find!
He spoke. The chief his answering mind address'd—
If soft compassion warm thy friendly breast,
Oh hear! nor spurn a dying brother's prayer!
Let Samlah's tender years thy pity share!
Oh may a fire, a bride, thy bosom move!
The charms of beauty, and the calls of love!
Thus the kind youth, and fainting, as he cried,
He liv'd for Samlah, and for Samlah died.
So frown'd dread night on Abraham's fatal plain,
When thou, Montgomery, pride of chiefs, wast slain.
Spare, sons of freedom! spare that generous tear;
To heaven resign, nor name the doom severe—
Great, brave, and just, to ward Columbia's shame,
He hunted toil, in fields of growing fame;
Alive, fair Victory ne'er forsook his side;
He liv'd in triumph, and in glory died.
Still bards shall sing, to earth's remotest clime,
He bled for all, and every heart for him.
If soft compassion warm thy friendly breast,
Oh hear! nor spurn a dying brother's prayer!
Let Samlah's tender years thy pity share!
Oh may a fire, a bride, thy bosom move!
The charms of beauty, and the calls of love!
Thus the kind youth, and fainting, as he cried,
He liv'd for Samlah, and for Samlah died.
So frown'd dread night on Abraham's fatal plain,
When thou, Montgomery, pride of chiefs, wast slain.
Spare, sons of freedom! spare that generous tear;
To heaven resign, nor name the doom severe—
Great, brave, and just, to ward Columbia's shame,
He hunted toil, in fields of growing fame;
Alive, fair Victory ne'er forsook his side;
He liv'd in triumph, and in glory died.
Still bards shall sing, to earth's remotest clime,
He bled for all, and every heart for him.
Glued to his fide, t' untimely fate a prey,
There bright Macpherson breath'd his life away.
Round the fair youth in vain soft graces glow'd,
And science charm'd him to her sweet abode;
In vain fond parents hop'd his steps again,
And worth approv'd, and realms admir'd, in vain.
Yet patriot virtue writes the glory high,
With such a chief, in such a cause, to die.
There bright Macpherson breath'd his life away.
169
And science charm'd him to her sweet abode;
In vain fond parents hop'd his steps again,
And worth approv'd, and realms admir'd, in vain.
Yet patriot virtue writes the glory high,
With such a chief, in such a cause, to die.
Soft spoke the chief—O youth! thy virtuous bloom
Ask'd a lot milder, and a later tomb.
Is there no blissful seat. by Heaven assign'd
To the fair efforts of a clouded mind?
To life well-acted, can no grace supply
A sweet remission, and a happy sky?
But thou, base coward, claim'st th' avenging sword;
Could'st thou look on, and see thy brother gor'd?
That best of brothers, whose concluding breath
Restrains the falchion, and delays thy death?
Pale Samlah heard, and o'er th' embodied wall
He rush'd, regardless of his brother's fall,
From rank to rank with panting breast he flew,
Where the war open'd, and the coursers drew;
Behind, fierce Irad drove his dreadful way,
And left at distance far the pallid ray;
Ten thousand spears around him pierce the gloom;
Ten thousand warriors rush to hastening doom;
Through the black ether smoky volumes flow,
And with brown light their skirts all-umber'd glow;
Far o'er conflicting trains the sheets descend;
The deep night thickens, and the shades extend.
Ask'd a lot milder, and a later tomb.
Is there no blissful seat. by Heaven assign'd
To the fair efforts of a clouded mind?
To life well-acted, can no grace supply
A sweet remission, and a happy sky?
But thou, base coward, claim'st th' avenging sword;
Could'st thou look on, and see thy brother gor'd?
That best of brothers, whose concluding breath
Restrains the falchion, and delays thy death?
Pale Samlah heard, and o'er th' embodied wall
He rush'd, regardless of his brother's fall,
From rank to rank with panting breast he flew,
Where the war open'd, and the coursers drew;
Behind, fierce Irad drove his dreadful way,
And left at distance far the pallid ray;
Ten thousand spears around him pierce the gloom;
Ten thousand warriors rush to hastening doom;
Through the black ether smoky volumes flow,
And with brown light their skirts all-umber'd glow;
Far o'er conflicting trains the sheets descend;
The deep night thickens, and the shades extend.
There Uzal brave a stubborn fight maintain'd,
And crown'd with matchless strength, retreat disdain'd:
Dan's mighty chief—On Ai's inglorious plain,
When vanquish'd Israel left their kindred slain,
His stiff, strong buckler brav'd the fierce affray,
Shelter'd the flight, and cover'd all the way.
Now, in the centre, shrill his armour rung,
Where the darts shower'd, and where the javelins sung,
But still his dauntless footsteps onward drove;
Nor throng'd battalions could those footsteps move.
On all sides round, a thousand twilight forms
Invade the war, and strike their ringing arms;
Here, 'gainst the chief, prepar'd to pierce his foe,
The lance unheeded aim'd the fatal blow;
There, whilst the warrior listen'd to th' alarm,
High o'er his helmet hung th' uplifted arm.
Unnumber'd bucklers twinkle round the field,
In light now dreadful, now in shades conceal'd.
Still more remote, involv'd in deeper gloom,
Where hands unnotic'd dealt the frequent doom,
Shelumiel fought; the prince of Simeon's trains,
Fam'd in the contests of a thousand plains.
And crown'd with matchless strength, retreat disdain'd:
Dan's mighty chief—On Ai's inglorious plain,
When vanquish'd Israel left their kindred slain,
His stiff, strong buckler brav'd the fierce affray,
Shelter'd the flight, and cover'd all the way.
Now, in the centre, shrill his armour rung,
Where the darts shower'd, and where the javelins sung,
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Nor throng'd battalions could those footsteps move.
On all sides round, a thousand twilight forms
Invade the war, and strike their ringing arms;
Here, 'gainst the chief, prepar'd to pierce his foe,
The lance unheeded aim'd the fatal blow;
There, whilst the warrior listen'd to th' alarm,
High o'er his helmet hung th' uplifted arm.
Unnumber'd bucklers twinkle round the field,
In light now dreadful, now in shades conceal'd.
Still more remote, involv'd in deeper gloom,
Where hands unnotic'd dealt the frequent doom,
Shelumiel fought; the prince of Simeon's trains,
Fam'd in the contests of a thousand plains.
Meantime, dark Hazor's sons to battle roll'd,
And vast Madonians, wrapp'd in barbarous gold:
These, with their leaders, near the dreadful ray,
Whirl'd the swift car, and drove their rapid way.
There, dress'd in gold, tremendous Jabin shone,
And wing'd the terrors of his moving throne.
He Hazor's realms with mighty sceptre sway'd,
And his proud nod unnumber'd hosts obey'd.
A genius vast, with cool attention join'd,
To wisdom fashion'd his superior mind:
No scene unnotic'd 'scap'd his searching view;
The arts of peace, and arts of war, he knew;
To no kind wish, or tender tear, a prey;
But taught by keen discernment equal sway:
Interest, of all his life th' unshaken guide,
Unmov'd by passion, and unmov'd by pride.
He first, inventive, to the waste of war
Led the tall steed, and drove the dreadful car.
To arms, beneath the standard, veterans train'd,
And every movement, every feint, explain'd:
Close, lest his conduct watchful chiefs should arm;
Slow to decide, and vigorous to perform:
With firm, fierce bravery forc'd his foes to fly,
And gave one law—to conquer, or to die.
And vast Madonians, wrapp'd in barbarous gold:
These, with their leaders, near the dreadful ray,
Whirl'd the swift car, and drove their rapid way.
There, dress'd in gold, tremendous Jabin shone,
And wing'd the terrors of his moving throne.
He Hazor's realms with mighty sceptre sway'd,
And his proud nod unnumber'd hosts obey'd.
A genius vast, with cool attention join'd,
To wisdom fashion'd his superior mind:
No scene unnotic'd 'scap'd his searching view;
The arts of peace, and arts of war, he knew;
To no kind wish, or tender tear, a prey;
But taught by keen discernment equal sway:
Interest, of all his life th' unshaken guide,
Unmov'd by passion, and unmov'd by pride.
He first, inventive, to the waste of war
Led the tall steed, and drove the dreadful car.
To arms, beneath the standard, veterans train'd,
And every movement, every feint, explain'd:
Close, lest his conduct watchful chiefs should arm;
Slow to decide, and vigorous to perform:
171
And gave one law—to conquer, or to die.
Now his great mind, by long successes fir'd,
To matchless fame, and single rule, aspir'd;
In the same cause, beneath his banner join'd,
His voice, his art, this countless host combin'd,
In night's concealing hour, prepar'd th' affray,
And promis'd triumph, ere the dawning ray.
High in his flame-bright car his spear he rais'd;
A crimson glory from his armour blaz'd;
Conquer, he cried, or fall, ye dauntless bands,
The noblest heroes of a thousand lands.
Shall this brave host to Israel yield the night?
Few in their numbers; timorous in the fight—
Shall we, inglorious, blot our ancient fame?
Forbid it virtue, and forbid it shame.
Lo here the man, ye chose to guide your path,
Prepar'd for glory, or prepar'd for death;
This arm shall guide you through the dastard band;
First in the fight, as first in sway, I stand.
To matchless fame, and single rule, aspir'd;
In the same cause, beneath his banner join'd,
His voice, his art, this countless host combin'd,
In night's concealing hour, prepar'd th' affray,
And promis'd triumph, ere the dawning ray.
High in his flame-bright car his spear he rais'd;
A crimson glory from his armour blaz'd;
Conquer, he cried, or fall, ye dauntless bands,
The noblest heroes of a thousand lands.
Shall this brave host to Israel yield the night?
Few in their numbers; timorous in the fight—
Shall we, inglorious, blot our ancient fame?
Forbid it virtue, and forbid it shame.
Lo here the man, ye chose to guide your path,
Prepar'd for glory, or prepar'd for death;
This arm shall guide you through the dastard band;
First in the fight, as first in sway, I stand.
He spoke, and fiercely wing'd his rapid car;
As fierce the squadrons rush to glorious war;
All dropp'd the javelin; all the falchion wheel'd;
A copious slaughter drench'd the glimmering field;
From their dire arms a fearful splendor came,
And o'er their faces wav'd the gloomy flame.
Hand join'd to hand, the vengeful thousands rag'd;
Man challeng'd man, and sword with sword engag'd;
The victors rush'd; the pierc'd in anguish cried;
No flight; no fear; they conquer'd, or they died;
For Israel's dauntless sons maintain'd the field,
And chief with chief the dread assault repell'd;
Round the wild region mingled horrors reign'd;
Nor those would yield, nor these the victory gain'd.
As fierce the squadrons rush to glorious war;
All dropp'd the javelin; all the falchion wheel'd;
A copious slaughter drench'd the glimmering field;
From their dire arms a fearful splendor came,
And o'er their faces wav'd the gloomy flame.
Hand join'd to hand, the vengeful thousands rag'd;
Man challeng'd man, and sword with sword engag'd;
The victors rush'd; the pierc'd in anguish cried;
No flight; no fear; they conquer'd, or they died;
For Israel's dauntless sons maintain'd the field,
And chief with chief the dread assault repell'd;
Round the wild region mingled horrors reign'd;
Nor those would yield, nor these the victory gain'd.
First, in the van, imperious Jabin's car
Bore down whole troops, and broke the thickening war.
High o'er the rest his dreadful voice was heard;
High o'er the rest his lofty form appear'd;
His shield, a crimson moon, before him spread,
And o'er his visage hovering horrors play'd;
His steeds, like rapid winds, impatient flew;
His sword the first, his spear the distant, slew;
Round the dark chariot countless weapons hung,
And groans, with sullen murmur, ceaseless rung;
Rank after rank he turn'd to hated flight,
And joyful Hazor throng'd the stubborn fight.
Bore down whole troops, and broke the thickening war.
172
High o'er the rest his lofty form appear'd;
His shield, a crimson moon, before him spread,
And o'er his visage hovering horrors play'd;
His steeds, like rapid winds, impatient flew;
His sword the first, his spear the distant, slew;
Round the dark chariot countless weapons hung,
And groans, with sullen murmur, ceaseless rung;
Rank after rank he turn'd to hated flight,
And joyful Hazor throng'd the stubborn fight.
Before his dreadful path, two heroes sought,
And warm'd with vengeance, countless wonders wrought.
Sons of one sire, that in the desert fell,
When impious Korah bade the host rebel.
The helpless orphans generous Caleb bred,
In arms instructed, and to combat led.
With mutual flame their friendly bosoms lov'd;
In peace together liv'd, in war together mov'd.
And warm'd with vengeance, countless wonders wrought.
Sons of one sire, that in the desert fell,
When impious Korah bade the host rebel.
The helpless orphans generous Caleb bred,
In arms instructed, and to combat led.
With mutual flame their friendly bosoms lov'd;
In peace together liv'd, in war together mov'd.
Now, side to side, the manly heroes stood,
And sable torrents from their falchions flow'd;
When Shammah thus—thou best of friends, behold
Yon heathen's car, in gloomy terror roll'd.
How his fierce coursers wing their rapid way!
How his keen falchion cleaves the yielding prey!
Say, shall our force the mighty Chief defy,
His arm experience, and his falchion try?
Or death, or triumph, shall the deed await;
And what is death, in Israel's dubious fate?
And sable torrents from their falchions flow'd;
When Shammah thus—thou best of friends, behold
Yon heathen's car, in gloomy terror roll'd.
How his fierce coursers wing their rapid way!
How his keen falchion cleaves the yielding prey!
Say, shall our force the mighty Chief defy,
His arm experience, and his falchion try?
Or death, or triumph, shall the deed await;
And what is death, in Israel's dubious fate?
To prove fierce danger for his maker's laws,
And proffer life to save his country's cause,
Thou know'st, brave chief, Seraiah quick replied—
The good man's duty, and the brave man's pride.
And proffer life to save his country's cause,
Thou know'st, brave chief, Seraiah quick replied—
The good man's duty, and the brave man's pride.
He spoke, and fiercely plunging thro' the war,
Hew'd a wide path, and burst upon the car,
Nor Shammah stay'd. On Jabin's spacious shield
His rapid lance Seraiah's hand impell'd;
Thro' the thick orb the point no passage found,
Its shade dark-quivering in the flamy round.
With a short flash, across the thickening air
The furious Heathen drove the greedy spear;
Swift on Seraiah's helmet sunk the steel;
His red arms rang; the hero groan'd and fell.
With pangs, bold Shammah saw his brother's doom,
And wheel'd his fiery falchion thro' the gloom;
From Jabin's hand a second javelin sped,
Sung thro' his ear, and pierc'd his gushing head;
Shrill rose the conqueror's shout; and all around
The plains remurmur, and the woods resound.
Hew'd a wide path, and burst upon the car,
Nor Shammah stay'd. On Jabin's spacious shield
His rapid lance Seraiah's hand impell'd;
173
Its shade dark-quivering in the flamy round.
With a short flash, across the thickening air
The furious Heathen drove the greedy spear;
Swift on Seraiah's helmet sunk the steel;
His red arms rang; the hero groan'd and fell.
With pangs, bold Shammah saw his brother's doom,
And wheel'd his fiery falchion thro' the gloom;
From Jabin's hand a second javelin sped,
Sung thro' his ear, and pierc'd his gushing head;
Shrill rose the conqueror's shout; and all around
The plains remurmur, and the woods resound.
Now, more remote from Ai's decreasing light,
Slow mov'd a giant to the dreadful fight.
As when dun smoke, o'er all th' horizon spread,
Pours round the setting moon a crimson shade,
Distain'd with blood, her broad, and dreadful eye
Looks death, and ruin, from the shuddering sky:
So gleams the circuit of his flame-bright shield,
And casts wide terror thro' the quaking field,
A beam-like spear commands his horrid way,
And all, before him, shun the dire affray.
Slow mov'd a giant to the dreadful fight.
As when dun smoke, o'er all th' horizon spread,
Pours round the setting moon a crimson shade,
Distain'd with blood, her broad, and dreadful eye
Looks death, and ruin, from the shuddering sky:
So gleams the circuit of his flame-bright shield,
And casts wide terror thro' the quaking field,
A beam-like spear commands his horrid way,
And all, before him, shun the dire affray.
And now fierce Israel's sons, with sad surprize,
To find brave Irad turn'd their boding eyes.
Far round they gaz'd; his form no more appear'd;
They listen'd; but his voice no more was heard.
Then every bosom sudden fears appal;
Their nerves all stiffen, and their falchions fall;
A timorous fight their frozen hands sustain,
And sighs, and backward looks, confess their pain.
With shouts of triumph, swift the Heathens roll'd,
And a bright terror flash'd from flamy gold;
A thousand moony shields before them burn'd;
Ranks fell at once, and troops to flight were turn'd;
Each fatal step increas'd the piles of slain,
And boundless ruin ravag'd all the plain.
As when a storm in midnight pomp extends,
And a broad deluge on the world descends,
From steep to steep, disdaining every goal,
Swell'd with hoarse thunders, mountain-torrents roll;
The vales all echo to the dreadful sound;
The torne rocks roar; the cracking trees resound.
To find brave Irad turn'd their boding eyes.
Far round they gaz'd; his form no more appear'd;
They listen'd; but his voice no more was heard.
Then every bosom sudden fears appal;
Their nerves all stiffen, and their falchions fall;
A timorous fight their frozen hands sustain,
And sighs, and backward looks, confess their pain.
With shouts of triumph, swift the Heathens roll'd,
And a bright terror flash'd from flamy gold;
A thousand moony shields before them burn'd;
Ranks fell at once, and troops to flight were turn'd;
Each fatal step increas'd the piles of slain,
And boundless ruin ravag'd all the plain.
174
And a broad deluge on the world descends,
From steep to steep, disdaining every goal,
Swell'd with hoarse thunders, mountain-torrents roll;
The vales all echo to the dreadful sound;
The torne rocks roar; the cracking trees resound.
Meantime bold Irad far had cross'd the fight,
And Samlah vanish'd with auspicious flight:
Round the dread region gaz'd the Youth serene,
And eyed the grandeur of the solemn scene.
Unnumber'd phantoms crowd the dusky war;
The half-seen hero, and unfinish'd car:
Black were the shades, as midnight in the tomb,
And floating glimmerings spread a fearful gloom.
Now roll'd the distant cries an awful sound;
Now nearer clamors shook th' embattled ground.
At once, from western fields, a shout ascends;
The plains all tremble, and the concave rends:
Quick turn'd the chief, while sad alarms inspire,
And saw dark forms, that pass'd along the fire;
Slow tow'rd the camp the shouting squadrons move,
And long pale spires tremendous wave above.
And Samlah vanish'd with auspicious flight:
Round the dread region gaz'd the Youth serene,
And eyed the grandeur of the solemn scene.
Unnumber'd phantoms crowd the dusky war;
The half-seen hero, and unfinish'd car:
Black were the shades, as midnight in the tomb,
And floating glimmerings spread a fearful gloom.
Now roll'd the distant cries an awful sound;
Now nearer clamors shook th' embattled ground.
At once, from western fields, a shout ascends;
The plains all tremble, and the concave rends:
Quick turn'd the chief, while sad alarms inspire,
And saw dark forms, that pass'd along the fire;
Slow tow'rd the camp the shouting squadrons move,
And long pale spires tremendous wave above.
Ah wretch! he cried—to childish heat a prey!
How soon wild passion drove my steps astray!
What chief, less vain, shall lay th' increasing fear?
Who cheer the bands, my presence ought to cheer?
Ah! should disgrace, and dire defeat, ensue,
No more this guilty face shall Joshua view;
These eyes ne'er open on a host undone,
But death, or glory, by this arm be won.
How soon wild passion drove my steps astray!
What chief, less vain, shall lay th' increasing fear?
Who cheer the bands, my presence ought to cheer?
Ah! should disgrace, and dire defeat, ensue,
No more this guilty face shall Joshua view;
These eyes ne'er open on a host undone,
But death, or glory, by this arm be won.
Thus as he spoke, he cross'd the deep array;
To his known form they yield an easy way:
Red flash his arms; and high above the field,
Gleams the drear lustre of his orbed shield.
So, pale, and dreadful, thro' the midnight shade,
Sails a broad meteor o'er the mountain's head:
Dim rise the cliffs; and on the kindling air,
Stream the long terrors of its sanguine hair.
His voice resounding thro' the gloomy fight,
Reviv'd their strength, and turn'd th' increasing flight.
Fly, dastards, fly; desert your Maker's laws;
Your name dishonor; yield your country's cause;
But come, ye friends of Israel's injur'd name,
Sons of the skies, and heirs of deathless fame!
Know, round the distant plains, by chiefs inspir'd,
By virtue prompted, and by vengeance fir'd,
Bold, manly warriors, never taught to yield,
Cleave their fell foes, and sweep the dusty field;
Let this bright pattern every breast inflame;
Here lift your swords, where Irad leads to fame.
To his known form they yield an easy way:
Red flash his arms; and high above the field,
Gleams the drear lustre of his orbed shield.
So, pale, and dreadful, thro' the midnight shade,
Sails a broad meteor o'er the mountain's head:
175
Stream the long terrors of its sanguine hair.
His voice resounding thro' the gloomy fight,
Reviv'd their strength, and turn'd th' increasing flight.
Fly, dastards, fly; desert your Maker's laws;
Your name dishonor; yield your country's cause;
But come, ye friends of Israel's injur'd name,
Sons of the skies, and heirs of deathless fame!
Know, round the distant plains, by chiefs inspir'd,
By virtue prompted, and by vengeance fir'd,
Bold, manly warriors, never taught to yield,
Cleave their fell foes, and sweep the dusty field;
Let this bright pattern every breast inflame;
Here lift your swords, where Irad leads to fame.
Thus every rank his voice invites to arms;
His presence actuates; his example charms;
From band to band, with nimble course, he flies,
Wheels the long host, and wakes intenser cries;
Thick flash the falchions; thick the javelins rain;
And shooting banners tremble o'er the plain;
In every scene, alert, the youth appears;
Each chief, each rank, his cry with transport hears;
Shouts fiercely bursting listening earth appall,
And hovering Conquest yet suspends her fall.
His presence actuates; his example charms;
From band to band, with nimble course, he flies,
Wheels the long host, and wakes intenser cries;
Thick flash the falchions; thick the javelins rain;
And shooting banners tremble o'er the plain;
In every scene, alert, the youth appears;
Each chief, each rank, his cry with transport hears;
Shouts fiercely bursting listening earth appall,
And hovering Conquest yet suspends her fall.
And now bold Irad, thro' the thickest war,
Drove the tall chief, and darkly rolling car,
When, lo! the giant full before him stood,
Involv'd in death, and cover'd o'er with blood:
Like some vast wave, approach'd the horrid form,
Heedless of spears, and raptur'd with the storm.
His wonderous size th' admiring Youth beheld,
And snatch'd a lance that glitter'd on the field;
Loud rang the weapon on the monster's brow;
Backward he quick recoil'd, and bending low,
Stood staggering. Irad wav'd his dreadful sword,
Springing impetuous; swift between them pour'd
Two gloomy chariots, of their lords despoil'd,
And fierce around them thousand heroes toil'd:
No more the chief could find his destin'd prey,
But turn'd, and mingled in the fierce affray.
Drove the tall chief, and darkly rolling car,
When, lo! the giant full before him stood,
Involv'd in death, and cover'd o'er with blood:
Like some vast wave, approach'd the horrid form,
Heedless of spears, and raptur'd with the storm.
His wonderous size th' admiring Youth beheld,
And snatch'd a lance that glitter'd on the field;
Loud rang the weapon on the monster's brow;
Backward he quick recoil'd, and bending low,
Stood staggering. Irad wav'd his dreadful sword,
Springing impetuous; swift between them pour'd
176
And fierce around them thousand heroes toil'd:
No more the chief could find his destin'd prey,
But turn'd, and mingled in the fierce affray.
Now loud, and solemn, thro' the roaring vales
Swell'd the hoarse murmurs of the sounding gales,
With deep concussion shook the cliff's tall brow,
And rush'd tempestuous on the world below;
From grove to grove the blast impatient flies,
Rends the stiff oak, and howls along the skies,
On Ai's broad flames, with wild dominion, falls,
And pours ten thousand thunders round her walls.
More wide, more bright, the folding fires ascend,
Heave the dun smoke, and far in ether bend;
The glittering brands, by rapid whirlwinds driven,
Stream, like dim meteors, o'er the blacken'd heaven;
Swift through the woods red paths expanding roll;
Long heavy volumes thicken round the pole;
From all the concave sparks in torrents rain,
And fiery tempests rush along the plain.
Swell'd the hoarse murmurs of the sounding gales,
With deep concussion shook the cliff's tall brow,
And rush'd tempestuous on the world below;
From grove to grove the blast impatient flies,
Rends the stiff oak, and howls along the skies,
On Ai's broad flames, with wild dominion, falls,
And pours ten thousand thunders round her walls.
More wide, more bright, the folding fires ascend,
Heave the dun smoke, and far in ether bend;
The glittering brands, by rapid whirlwinds driven,
Stream, like dim meteors, o'er the blacken'd heaven;
Swift through the woods red paths expanding roll;
Long heavy volumes thicken round the pole;
From all the concave sparks in torrents rain,
And fiery tempests rush along the plain.
Far through the groves the furious flames had spread,
And thousand fires rose scatter'd in the shade,
Ere Hazor's bands (so eager rag'd the fight)
Beheld, with sad amaze, the fearful sight.
Then Jabin's voice, terrific, bade retire,
And the glad warriors fled the widening fire.
Israel pursued; but Jabin's deathful arm
Whole troops repell'd, and brav'd the wasting storm:
With the fierce giant, o'er the rear he rose,
And cool'd the vengeance of his ardent foes,
Then to the fight, that still, with dreadful sway,
Rent eastern plains, brave Irad wing'd his way.
Part of the foes, that in the wood remain'd,
Had fled the heat, and safe recesses gain'd;
Part, lodg'd in open fields, maintain'd the war,
And shouts rebellow'd tore the murmuring air.
Sudden, o'er all the hands, resounds a cry—
Fled are our friends; we conquer, or we die:
Lo round the wood the kindling torrents burn;
Fix here our ranks; no warrior can return—
And thousand fires rose scatter'd in the shade,
Ere Hazor's bands (so eager rag'd the fight)
Beheld, with sad amaze, the fearful sight.
Then Jabin's voice, terrific, bade retire,
And the glad warriors fled the widening fire.
Israel pursued; but Jabin's deathful arm
Whole troops repell'd, and brav'd the wasting storm:
With the fierce giant, o'er the rear he rose,
And cool'd the vengeance of his ardent foes,
Then to the fight, that still, with dreadful sway,
Rent eastern plains, brave Irad wing'd his way.
Part of the foes, that in the wood remain'd,
Had fled the heat, and safe recesses gain'd;
Part, lodg'd in open fields, maintain'd the war,
And shouts rebellow'd tore the murmuring air.
177
Fled are our friends; we conquer, or we die:
Lo round the wood the kindling torrents burn;
Fix here our ranks; no warrior can return—
Then fierce despair the dauntless bosom fir'd,
Wing'd the keen falchion, and the arm inspir'd;
The chiefs exhorted, threaten'd, shouted, cried;
The ranks rush'd onward, met the steel, and died;
For Israel's sons a moveless sight maintain,
Glued to the field, and cleaving man to man;
Brave Irad's dreadful voice the heroes arm'd,
Strung every nerve, and every weapon warm'd;
On friend, and foe, alike the blind sword fell;
And the son sunk beneath the parent's steel.
Wild, and more wild, the ruin rag'd around;
Shouts rung; groans murmur'd; thunders rock'd the ground;
Through the rent concave rush'd the loud acclaim,
Swell'd with the roaring wind, and fierce resounding flame,
At length a heathen's voice—Retire, retire,
Where yon black opening parts the raging fire—
Quick, at the sound, along the glimmering shade,
Thro' the wide forest panting heroes fled,
In different courses, where the moory ground
Cleft the deep blaze, and form'd a verdant mound.
Swift as the rapid blast, the youthful train
Nimbly precipitated o'er the plain;
On every side, the flames, with wild career,
Roar'd near their path, and added wings to fear;
None turn'd a gazing eye; but, with bless'd flight,
Stream'd thro' the grove, and scap'd the vengeful light.
Wing'd the keen falchion, and the arm inspir'd;
The chiefs exhorted, threaten'd, shouted, cried;
The ranks rush'd onward, met the steel, and died;
For Israel's sons a moveless sight maintain,
Glued to the field, and cleaving man to man;
Brave Irad's dreadful voice the heroes arm'd,
Strung every nerve, and every weapon warm'd;
On friend, and foe, alike the blind sword fell;
And the son sunk beneath the parent's steel.
Wild, and more wild, the ruin rag'd around;
Shouts rung; groans murmur'd; thunders rock'd the ground;
Through the rent concave rush'd the loud acclaim,
Swell'd with the roaring wind, and fierce resounding flame,
At length a heathen's voice—Retire, retire,
Where yon black opening parts the raging fire—
Quick, at the sound, along the glimmering shade,
Thro' the wide forest panting heroes fled,
In different courses, where the moory ground
Cleft the deep blaze, and form'd a verdant mound.
Swift as the rapid blast, the youthful train
Nimbly precipitated o'er the plain;
On every side, the flames, with wild career,
Roar'd near their path, and added wings to fear;
None turn'd a gazing eye; but, with bless'd flight,
Stream'd thro' the grove, and scap'd the vengeful light.
Behind, his path pale age more slow dragg'd on.
And wish'd, in vain, impending fate to shun;
Now here, now there, with feeble steps, they turn'd;
And here, and there, the fire terrific burn'd.
From tree to tree it flew; and all around
The moulder'd pines, with hoarsely rushing sound,
Fell thundering. Kindled ruins hedg'd their path;
Behind them swift pursued the blazing death;
Before, beside, and bending o'er their head,
The bright, and scorching splendors fiercely play'd;
Weak, and more weak, the cries of anguish came,
Drown'd in the roaring fury of the flame.
And wish'd, in vain, impending fate to shun;
Now here, now there, with feeble steps, they turn'd;
And here, and there, the fire terrific burn'd.
From tree to tree it flew; and all around
The moulder'd pines, with hoarsely rushing sound,
178
Behind them swift pursued the blazing death;
Before, beside, and bending o'er their head,
The bright, and scorching splendors fiercely play'd;
Weak, and more weak, the cries of anguish came,
Drown'd in the roaring fury of the flame.
To the dire forest Israel's sons pursued,
And heathen blood their reeking swords imbrued;
Then by the chief's command return'd from fight,
Th' attentive squadrons eyed the wondrous sight,
Far sound the dreadful region, trees on high,
Wave their tall blazing summits in the sky;
Thro' the dark air, in crimson terror, sail
Broad sheets of flame, and bend along the gale;
Loud, and more loud, the raging whirlwind pours;
From wood to wood the rushing deluge roars;
Then, up vast eastern hills with fury driven,
Rolls o'er aerial cliffs, and kindles heaven:
The mountain groves, a long, long ridge of fire,
Shoot their tall flames, and thro' the clouds aspire.
O'er dim-seen rocks, brown plains, and glimmering streams
Floats the pale lustre of the trembling beams;
The camp astonish'd casts a quivering gaze,
And distant towns are lost in dumb amaze:
Retir'd the squadrons, range in dread array,
And watch the splendors of approaching day.—
And heathen blood their reeking swords imbrued;
Then by the chief's command return'd from fight,
Th' attentive squadrons eyed the wondrous sight,
Far sound the dreadful region, trees on high,
Wave their tall blazing summits in the sky;
Thro' the dark air, in crimson terror, sail
Broad sheets of flame, and bend along the gale;
Loud, and more loud, the raging whirlwind pours;
From wood to wood the rushing deluge roars;
Then, up vast eastern hills with fury driven,
Rolls o'er aerial cliffs, and kindles heaven:
The mountain groves, a long, long ridge of fire,
Shoot their tall flames, and thro' the clouds aspire.
O'er dim-seen rocks, brown plains, and glimmering streams
Floats the pale lustre of the trembling beams;
The camp astonish'd casts a quivering gaze,
And distant towns are lost in dumb amaze:
Retir'd the squadrons, range in dread array,
And watch the splendors of approaching day.—
| The conquest of Canäan | |