 | The History of Job |  |
The First BOOK.
You that at ev'ry trifling Cross repine,
And tax the Ways of Providence Divine;
You that to ev'ry soft Temptation yield,
And leave your Captain in the doubtful Field;
Weak Souls, unable to resist the Charms
Of the fond World, or stand her rude Alarms;
Whom Wealth and Want do equally destroy,
By ev'ry Grief undone, and ev'ry Joy:
Come, and behold a valiant Hero, whom
Nor Fortune's Smiles, nor Frowns could overcome.
'Gainst whom the Infernal Pow'rs in vain conspir'd,
Who all their Wit, and all their Malice tir'd.
Who their united Force did singly bear,
And made them all forsake th' unequal War.
Devout and humble, when with Plenty blest,
Erect and Chearful, when with Want opprest.
He neither, being Full, deny'd his GOD,
Nor basely curs'd Him, when beneath the Rod.
He thankfully receiv'd what Heav'n bestow'd,
And own'd the Fountain whence his Blessings flow'd:
And, when bereav'd of all, submitted still
His own, tho' cross'd, to the High Sovereign's Will;
And in his deepest Griefs confest, that Heav'n
Might justly take what it before had giv'n.
And tax the Ways of Providence Divine;
You that to ev'ry soft Temptation yield,
And leave your Captain in the doubtful Field;
Weak Souls, unable to resist the Charms
Of the fond World, or stand her rude Alarms;
Whom Wealth and Want do equally destroy,
By ev'ry Grief undone, and ev'ry Joy:
Come, and behold a valiant Hero, whom
Nor Fortune's Smiles, nor Frowns could overcome.
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Who all their Wit, and all their Malice tir'd.
Who their united Force did singly bear,
And made them all forsake th' unequal War.
Devout and humble, when with Plenty blest,
Erect and Chearful, when with Want opprest.
He neither, being Full, deny'd his GOD,
Nor basely curs'd Him, when beneath the Rod.
He thankfully receiv'd what Heav'n bestow'd,
And own'd the Fountain whence his Blessings flow'd:
And, when bereav'd of all, submitted still
His own, tho' cross'd, to the High Sovereign's Will;
And in his deepest Griefs confest, that Heav'n
Might justly take what it before had giv'n.
O GOD, Thou great Exemplar of all Good,
Who hast redeem'd us by thy precious Blood,
Thy Death, a Martyrdom and Sacrifice
Seal'd thy Eternal Truth, and paid the Price
Of our Inheritance in the Realms above,
The joyful Realms of Poetry and Love.
Thy Sacred Spirit did this thy Champion crown,
With wond'rous Grace, and Patience next Thine own.
Thou led'st him on with Courage to the War,
And brought'st him off more than a Conquerour.
O fill thy Servant's Breast with Heat Divine,
That I may sound thy Praise, and ev'ry Line
May Virtue teach, and bring Men to conclude
That Piety true Wisdom is, and Patience Fortitude.
Who hast redeem'd us by thy precious Blood,
Thy Death, a Martyrdom and Sacrifice
Seal'd thy Eternal Truth, and paid the Price
Of our Inheritance in the Realms above,
The joyful Realms of Poetry and Love.
Thy Sacred Spirit did this thy Champion crown,
With wond'rous Grace, and Patience next Thine own.
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And brought'st him off more than a Conquerour.
O fill thy Servant's Breast with Heat Divine,
That I may sound thy Praise, and ev'ry Line
May Virtue teach, and bring Men to conclude
That Piety true Wisdom is, and Patience Fortitude.
In Idumea's fair and fruitful Land,
There dwelt a Prince, on whom the lib'ral Hand
Of Heav'n its Blessings had profusely thrown:
So Great, so Good in all the East was none.
Alike for Wealth and Piety renown'd,
With Peace encompass'd, and with Glory crown'd.
Religious was his Mind, and bright his Fame;
His Name was Job, illustrious Job, a Name
By Angels lov'd, by good Men gladly heard,
And ev'n the Bad its awful Sound rever'd.
There dwelt a Prince, on whom the lib'ral Hand
Of Heav'n its Blessings had profusely thrown:
So Great, so Good in all the East was none.
Alike for Wealth and Piety renown'd,
With Peace encompass'd, and with Glory crown'd.
Religious was his Mind, and bright his Fame;
His Name was Job, illustrious Job, a Name
By Angels lov'd, by good Men gladly heard,
And ev'n the Bad its awful Sound rever'd.
Sev'n thousand Sheep he kept upon his Ground,
For Fleece and Lamb the like not to be found.
Three thousand Camels in his Pastures feed,
Besides five hundred Asses kept for breed.
His House a Swarm of lusty Slaves contain'd,
And twice five hundred Oxen till'd his Land,
Unmeasur'd Heaps of Grain his Chambers load,
And some he sold, and freely some bestow'd.
Great were his Gains, and his strong Chests did hold
Store of rich Garments, and large Sums of Gold.
For Fleece and Lamb the like not to be found.
Three thousand Camels in his Pastures feed,
Besides five hundred Asses kept for breed.
His House a Swarm of lusty Slaves contain'd,
And twice five hundred Oxen till'd his Land,
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And some he sold, and freely some bestow'd.
Great were his Gains, and his strong Chests did hold
Store of rich Garments, and large Sums of Gold.
To heir this vast Estate, the Hand of Heav'n
Sev'n Sons, a Troop of goodly Youths, had giv'n.
With them, three Daughters, blest Arabia's Pride,
So Rich, so Fair, so Vertuous none beside.
When from their Father's to their Brother's Tent,
Attended with a noble Train, they went,
The young Arabian Lords about them swarm'd,
Their Beauty much, but more their Fortune charm'd.
Sev'n Sons, a Troop of goodly Youths, had giv'n.
With them, three Daughters, blest Arabia's Pride,
So Rich, so Fair, so Vertuous none beside.
When from their Father's to their Brother's Tent,
Attended with a noble Train, they went,
The young Arabian Lords about them swarm'd,
Their Beauty much, but more their Fortune charm'd.
Yet could not all this mighty Wealth divert
His Mind from GOD: He still possest his Heart.
Religion was the Wheel his Soul did move,
And Heav'n the only Object of his Love.
Vice he abhorr'd, nor would commit a Sin,
The World, and all its shining Pomp to win.
The Fear of God, and Virtue's noble Fire
With such brave Resolutions did inspire
His Breast, and ev'ry Corner of it fill,
They left no Room for any thing that's ill.
The Work of Pray'r he never would omit,
Consid'ring well that Humane Strength and Wit
Without th' Almighty's Aid will nought avail;
But, lean'd upon, the weak Supporters fail.
His precious Time he wisely did Divide,
To Business part, and part to Sleep apply'd;
Some to his Friends, and some to GOD he gave,
Who still, whatever fail'd, was sure to have
His Portion: For the Saint in all Affairs
Less trusted to his Wisdom, than his Pray'rs.
His Mind from GOD: He still possest his Heart.
Religion was the Wheel his Soul did move,
And Heav'n the only Object of his Love.
Vice he abhorr'd, nor would commit a Sin,
The World, and all its shining Pomp to win.
The Fear of God, and Virtue's noble Fire
With such brave Resolutions did inspire
His Breast, and ev'ry Corner of it fill,
They left no Room for any thing that's ill.
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Consid'ring well that Humane Strength and Wit
Without th' Almighty's Aid will nought avail;
But, lean'd upon, the weak Supporters fail.
His precious Time he wisely did Divide,
To Business part, and part to Sleep apply'd;
Some to his Friends, and some to GOD he gave,
Who still, whatever fail'd, was sure to have
His Portion: For the Saint in all Affairs
Less trusted to his Wisdom, than his Pray'rs.
And when his Sons and Daughters held a Feast,
(Such was the Custom of the jocund East)
Indulging Wine, and Musick's soft Delights,
A thing that oft to Sinful Mirth invites,
Good Job (Paternal Care so fill'd his Breast,
It suffer'd him to take no longer Rest)
Up with the Sun arose, and Pray'rs made,
And whole-burnt Offerings on GOD's Altar laid;
Imploring Sov'reign Mercy to remit
The Sins and Follies of their youthful Heat.
(Such was the Custom of the jocund East)
Indulging Wine, and Musick's soft Delights,
A thing that oft to Sinful Mirth invites,
Good Job (Paternal Care so fill'd his Breast,
It suffer'd him to take no longer Rest)
Up with the Sun arose, and Pray'rs made,
And whole-burnt Offerings on GOD's Altar laid;
Imploring Sov'reign Mercy to remit
The Sins and Follies of their youthful Heat.
Thus piously the Hero spent his Days,
And his chief Business was his Maker's Praise.
Next that, the Welfare of Mankind he sought,
And wond'rous things with Zeal & Courage wrought.
Impartial Justice on the Bench he dealt,
And none his Wrath, but harden'd Sinners, felt.
He spar'd no Cost nor Labour in Defence
Of helpless Right, and injur'd Innocence.
How many Widows, snatch'd from out the Jaws
Of proud Oppressors, gave him loud Applause?
How many Orphans, rescu'd, when beguil'd
By unjust Guardians, him their Father styl'd?
So fit for Bus'ness his capacious Mind
Appear'd, to worthy Deeds so much inclin'd,
That all around he Plenty sow'd, and Peace;
And reap'd of Thanks and Praise a large Increase.
And his chief Business was his Maker's Praise.
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And wond'rous things with Zeal & Courage wrought.
Impartial Justice on the Bench he dealt,
And none his Wrath, but harden'd Sinners, felt.
He spar'd no Cost nor Labour in Defence
Of helpless Right, and injur'd Innocence.
How many Widows, snatch'd from out the Jaws
Of proud Oppressors, gave him loud Applause?
How many Orphans, rescu'd, when beguil'd
By unjust Guardians, him their Father styl'd?
So fit for Bus'ness his capacious Mind
Appear'd, to worthy Deeds so much inclin'd,
That all around he Plenty sow'd, and Peace;
And reap'd of Thanks and Praise a large Increase.
Long time he flourish'd thus, until at last
The Prince of Hell as thro' the World he pass'd
To seek his Prey, his Eyes upon him cast.
Envy and Malice swell'd his painful Breast,
And dire Revenge his lab'ring Thoughts possest.
The Prince of Hell as thro' the World he pass'd
To seek his Prey, his Eyes upon him cast.
Envy and Malice swell'd his painful Breast,
And dire Revenge his lab'ring Thoughts possest.
What! Shall I suffer this? Shall I (says he)
Endure a Man made Rich, and not by Me?
The Realms above let my proud Foe possess,
And draw on Fools with Dreams of future Bliss:
The present World is mine. 'Tis I that pay
My faithful Votaries without Delay,
Nor put them off, like him, t'along uncertain Day.
If Gold, my Gift, shall be by Him bestow'd,
All Men will leave my Service, and be Good.
My Altars will grow cold, my Sov'reign Pow'r
Contemn'd, and Satan few or none adore.
But I'll prevent it; Job, thou soon shalt see
Thy luckless Choice, in serving Him, not me.
Endure a Man made Rich, and not by Me?
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And draw on Fools with Dreams of future Bliss:
The present World is mine. 'Tis I that pay
My faithful Votaries without Delay,
Nor put them off, like him, t'along uncertain Day.
If Gold, my Gift, shall be by Him bestow'd,
All Men will leave my Service, and be Good.
My Altars will grow cold, my Sov'reign Pow'r
Contemn'd, and Satan few or none adore.
But I'll prevent it; Job, thou soon shalt see
Thy luckless Choice, in serving Him, not me.
This said, his fi'ry Eyes about he threw,
And from his vengeful Mouth vain Curses flew.
But that was all: He durst not nearer press,
Nor touch the Saint, whom Heav'n's high Hand did bless.
Strong Providence, and GOD's resistless Arm
(A sure Protection) kept him safe from Harm.
Angelick Guards themselves around him plac'd,
And faithful Pray'rs far off the Tyrant chas'd.
And from his vengeful Mouth vain Curses flew.
But that was all: He durst not nearer press,
Nor touch the Saint, whom Heav'n's high Hand did bless.
Strong Providence, and GOD's resistless Arm
(A sure Protection) kept him safe from Harm.
Angelick Guards themselves around him plac'd,
And faithful Pray'rs far off the Tyrant chas'd.
And as a Wolf, with Hunger pinch'd, beholds
The Flocks securely resting in their Folds,
Around he walks, and strives now here, now there
To rush upon them, but his slavish Fear
Still keeps him back: The Shepherd's watchful Eye
Secures his Charge, and puts the Danger by.
Away at last he sneaks. Grief frets him more
Thus to be baulk'd, than Hunger did before.
So Satan rag'd, and in his troubled Thought
Mixt Fear and Fury strange Convulsions wrought.
The Flocks securely resting in their Folds,
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To rush upon them, but his slavish Fear
Still keeps him back: The Shepherd's watchful Eye
Secures his Charge, and puts the Danger by.
Away at last he sneaks. Grief frets him more
Thus to be baulk'd, than Hunger did before.
So Satan rag'd, and in his troubled Thought
Mixt Fear and Fury strange Convulsions wrought.
Then thus to himself, O my accursed Fate!
Must I behold him prosper, whom I hate?
His partial Friend, my rival Foe, could call
Th' imprison'd Mass of Waters up, and all
The airy Stores dissolve, and Vengeance take
On a whole World, that his hard Laws did break.
And, when provok'd, in his fantastick Ire
Could drown five Cities in a Flood of Fire.
But I, who thought my self as great as He
E'rewhile, contending for the Sov'reignty,
Am now grown weak, and (Oh!) so much a Slave,
I can't destroy one Man, without his Leave.
Well then, for once, I'll force my self to own
His Pow'r, and humbly to approach his Throne,
And by wise Slanders urge him to remand
Th' Angelick Troops that thick about him stand.
Then if his Innocence he still retain,
Or Fortune faithful to him yet remain,
Let me my Kingdom lose on Earth, and dwell
Confin'd for ever to the deepest Hell.
Thus spake the Fiend:
Nor waited long, before his restless Mind
A fitting Opportunity did find,
For the black Plot his Malice had design'd.
Must I behold him prosper, whom I hate?
His partial Friend, my rival Foe, could call
Th' imprison'd Mass of Waters up, and all
The airy Stores dissolve, and Vengeance take
On a whole World, that his hard Laws did break.
And, when provok'd, in his fantastick Ire
Could drown five Cities in a Flood of Fire.
But I, who thought my self as great as He
E'rewhile, contending for the Sov'reignty,
Am now grown weak, and (Oh!) so much a Slave,
I can't destroy one Man, without his Leave.
Well then, for once, I'll force my self to own
His Pow'r, and humbly to approach his Throne,
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Th' Angelick Troops that thick about him stand.
Then if his Innocence he still retain,
Or Fortune faithful to him yet remain,
Let me my Kingdom lose on Earth, and dwell
Confin'd for ever to the deepest Hell.
Thus spake the Fiend:
Nor waited long, before his restless Mind
A fitting Opportunity did find,
For the black Plot his Malice had design'd.
A Council now th' Almighty calls, and all
The Sons of GOD obey their Father's Call.
Millions of Angels stand around the Throne,
Which with excessive Light, and profuse Glory shone.
The Sun, whose Beams intolerably bright
Surprize and over-whelm our tim'rous Sight,
Meer Darkness is, compar'd to that Orig'nal Light.
The Sons of GOD obey their Father's Call.
Millions of Angels stand around the Throne,
Which with excessive Light, and profuse Glory shone.
The Sun, whose Beams intolerably bright
Surprize and over-whelm our tim'rous Sight,
Meer Darkness is, compar'd to that Orig'nal Light.
But hold, my Muse, thy trembling Pen submit:
This Subject far transcends thy mortal Wit.
Had'st thou a thousand Tongues, and all inspir'd
With that mysterious Flame, whose Virtue fir'd
The Chosen Twelve, on Pentecost's high Feast,
This glorious Scene could never be exprest.
Much sooner may'st thou in thy hollow Hand
Contain the Sea, and number all the Sand,
Than once describe what Angels still adore
With Faces vail'd, and feel for evermore
Fresh Transports, and new Objects find t'employ
Their ravish'd Souls to all Eternity.
This Subject far transcends thy mortal Wit.
Had'st thou a thousand Tongues, and all inspir'd
With that mysterious Flame, whose Virtue fir'd
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This glorious Scene could never be exprest.
Much sooner may'st thou in thy hollow Hand
Contain the Sea, and number all the Sand,
Than once describe what Angels still adore
With Faces vail'd, and feel for evermore
Fresh Transports, and new Objects find t'employ
Their ravish'd Souls to all Eternity.
Amidst the Crowds, that fill'd the sacred Place,
Th' Arch-Rebel comes. How durst he shew his Face
In those blest Courts, from which long since he fell?
How came he thither, unobserv'd, from Hell?
His own black Form the Fiend puts off awhile,
And borrows one, the better to beguile
The Guards, that kept the Gates of Heav'n, and come,
As one returning from a Journey, home.
All like a Seraph drest, his Looks so bright,
So well disguis'd in Robes of pilfer'd Light,
Well might he cheat the sharpest Angel's Sight,
But not th' Almighty's Eye.
He soon espy'd him, 'midst the Throng, and found
The Foe had ventur'd on forbidden Ground.
And thus begins: Audacious Satan, how
Brok'st thou in hither, and whence com'st thou now?
He boldly answer'd, I have rambling been
Around the Earth, and got in here unseen.
The Earth is free; and sure (tho' banish'd hence)
There I may take my Walks without Offence.
Th' Arch-Rebel comes. How durst he shew his Face
In those blest Courts, from which long since he fell?
How came he thither, unobserv'd, from Hell?
His own black Form the Fiend puts off awhile,
And borrows one, the better to beguile
The Guards, that kept the Gates of Heav'n, and come,
As one returning from a Journey, home.
All like a Seraph drest, his Looks so bright,
So well disguis'd in Robes of pilfer'd Light,
Well might he cheat the sharpest Angel's Sight,
But not th' Almighty's Eye.
He soon espy'd him, 'midst the Throng, and found
The Foe had ventur'd on forbidden Ground.
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Brok'st thou in hither, and whence com'st thou now?
He boldly answer'd, I have rambling been
Around the Earth, and got in here unseen.
The Earth is free; and sure (tho' banish'd hence)
There I may take my Walks without Offence.
In all thy Travels (then th' Almighty said)
Hast thou my faithful Servant Job survey'd?
In all the World hast thou his Equal found
For Grace, and Piety so much renown'd?
Hast thou my faithful Servant Job survey'd?
In all the World hast thou his Equal found
For Grace, and Piety so much renown'd?
Yes, I observ'd him (Satan makes reply)
But don't at all admire his Piety.
Well may he pass for Righteous, and be still
Thought good, who ne'er was tempted to be ill.
Him above all Men living thou hast blest,
And with thy Service joyn'd his Interest.
His Substance thrives, and thou hast fenc'd him round,
With Peace and Safety, and his Temples crown'd
With growing Fame. No wonder then that he
So highly seems to love and honour Thee.
But now put forth thine Hand, and from him take
What Thou hast given: Call thy Blessings back.
Do this, and satisfy'd thou soon wilt be
'Tis all Pretence, and meet Hypocrisy.
He'l soon rebel, and, destitute of Grace,
Revile and Curse Thee to thy very Face.
But don't at all admire his Piety.
Well may he pass for Righteous, and be still
Thought good, who ne'er was tempted to be ill.
Him above all Men living thou hast blest,
And with thy Service joyn'd his Interest.
His Substance thrives, and thou hast fenc'd him round,
With Peace and Safety, and his Temples crown'd
With growing Fame. No wonder then that he
So highly seems to love and honour Thee.
But now put forth thine Hand, and from him take
What Thou hast given: Call thy Blessings back.
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'Tis all Pretence, and meet Hypocrisy.
He'l soon rebel, and, destitute of Grace,
Revile and Curse Thee to thy very Face.
False Wretch, (th' Almighty then in Anger spoke)
Does Wealth, or Want, to greater Ills provoke?
Ambition, Sloth, Rebellion, Luxury,
(Black Crimes from which my Servant Job is free)
Are the too nat'ral Fruits of Plenty, where
The Sov'reign Sway Religion does not bear.
Yet to convince thee, Lo! I now recall
My high Protection from his House, and all
The Sacred Guards around him I disband,
Disarm'd and naked, Lo! into thy Hand
I give him up. But this I charge thee, be
His Person safe, and from thy Malice free.
Does Wealth, or Want, to greater Ills provoke?
Ambition, Sloth, Rebellion, Luxury,
(Black Crimes from which my Servant Job is free)
Are the too nat'ral Fruits of Plenty, where
The Sov'reign Sway Religion does not bear.
Yet to convince thee, Lo! I now recall
My high Protection from his House, and all
The Sacred Guards around him I disband,
Disarm'd and naked, Lo! into thy Hand
I give him up. But this I charge thee, be
His Person safe, and from thy Malice free.
This Licence granted, straight the Fiend withdrew
From the bright Throne, and down to Earth he flew.
The Wretch, since Adam's Ruin, never had
A Face so chearful, nor a Heart so glad.
Of certain Victory he made no doubt,
Too soon triumphing, e'er the Battel fought.
From the bright Throne, and down to Earth he flew.
The Wretch, since Adam's Ruin, never had
A Face so chearful, nor a Heart so glad.
Of certain Victory he made no doubt,
Too soon triumphing, e'er the Battel fought.
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Forthwith four Spirits he conjures up, and they
Their Master's Call with readiness obey.
Four finish'd Dev'ls, admir'd for Strength and Wit,
Alike for Counsel and for Action fit,
Great Masters both in Camp and Cabinet.
Whate'er was forging, these were in the Club:
Their Names, Abaddon, Belial, Beelzebub,
Moloch the fourth. All Lords of high Renown,
The main Supports of his Infernal Throne.
When for the Sov'reign Place in Heav'n he fought,
Advice and Aid from These he always sought.
And, when defeated, down with him they fell,
That Post of Honour still they kept in Hell.
All weighty Matters, and Intrigues of State
With them he thought it Wisdom to debate.
When War and Desolation was design'd,
More proper for that Work he none could find;
None readier to obey his barb'rous Will:
Their Hands, as well as Heads, were made for Ill.
Their Master's Call with readiness obey.
Four finish'd Dev'ls, admir'd for Strength and Wit,
Alike for Counsel and for Action fit,
Great Masters both in Camp and Cabinet.
Whate'er was forging, these were in the Club:
Their Names, Abaddon, Belial, Beelzebub,
Moloch the fourth. All Lords of high Renown,
The main Supports of his Infernal Throne.
When for the Sov'reign Place in Heav'n he fought,
Advice and Aid from These he always sought.
And, when defeated, down with him they fell,
That Post of Honour still they kept in Hell.
All weighty Matters, and Intrigues of State
With them he thought it Wisdom to debate.
When War and Desolation was design'd,
More proper for that Work he none could find;
None readier to obey his barb'rous Will:
Their Hands, as well as Heads, were made for Ill.
High on his Throne the gloomy Tyrant sate,
And thus begins, while they attentive wait.
And thus begins, while they attentive wait.
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My Faithful Friends and Partners in the Fame
Of those great Actions, which have rais'd our Name
Already far above the Skies, attend
While one high Labour more I recommend.
A Man I hate here in Arabia lives,
Who both by Counsel and Example strives
To draw Men from our Service, to obey
Our mighty Foe, 'gainst whom we did display
Our warlike Banners once, and almost won the Day.
This Man the Tyrant favours, being one
Who for his Altars mighty Zeal has shown.
And, blinded by his thriving, happy Fate,
Him all begin t'admire and imitate.
If this be suffer'd, all Men will forsake
Our Party, and with Heav'n new Friendship make:
Our Int'rest will decline, and we be driv'n
E'erlong from off the Earth, as now from Heav'n.
Go forth, your utmost Skill and Malice show,
And make him curse the Hand, he blesses now.
Set on Sabean Thieves, and next command
The fierce Chaldean Troops t'invade the Land.
Call Fire from Heav'n, and burn his Substance up,
And make his Servants tast Death's bitter Cup.
Wild Whirlwinds muster, lay his Houses low,
And let his Children fall by one effectual Blow.
Of those great Actions, which have rais'd our Name
Already far above the Skies, attend
While one high Labour more I recommend.
A Man I hate here in Arabia lives,
Who both by Counsel and Example strives
To draw Men from our Service, to obey
Our mighty Foe, 'gainst whom we did display
Our warlike Banners once, and almost won the Day.
This Man the Tyrant favours, being one
Who for his Altars mighty Zeal has shown.
And, blinded by his thriving, happy Fate,
Him all begin t'admire and imitate.
If this be suffer'd, all Men will forsake
Our Party, and with Heav'n new Friendship make:
Our Int'rest will decline, and we be driv'n
E'erlong from off the Earth, as now from Heav'n.
Go forth, your utmost Skill and Malice show,
And make him curse the Hand, he blesses now.
Set on Sabean Thieves, and next command
The fierce Chaldean Troops t'invade the Land.
Call Fire from Heav'n, and burn his Substance up,
And make his Servants tast Death's bitter Cup.
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And let his Children fall by one effectual Blow.
He spoke. His Words they ponder'd in their Breast,
Till Moloch bow'd, and answer'd for the rest.
Till Moloch bow'd, and answer'd for the rest.
Your Part, great Monarch, is Commands to lay,
And Ours, with all Submission to obey.
Tho' Heav'n we lost, yet by your Pow'r we gain
New Empires here, and o'er fall'n Mankind reign.
Here we as GODS are worship'd, and enjoy
Honours Divine, and due to the Most-High.
Temples and Priests are for our Service made,
And fat Burnt-Off'rings on our Altars laid.
To your strong Arms, and matchless Policy
We're all oblig'd, but none so much as I,
To whom the noblest Province you have given,
And almost equal to the Joys of Heav'n,
To be with humane Sacrifice appeas'd:
More who can wish for, or be better pleas'd?
To whom a grateful Homage Parents pay,
Their Children's Souls, and feast me every Day
With rosted Infant's Flesh, (a luscious Food)
And make me drunk with Bowls of Virgin-Blood.
The other Parts my Brethren may perform:
The last I choose to raise a furious Storm,
And kill his Children. 'Tis a noble Joy,
And worthy of great Moloch to destroy
The Life of Innocents. To pleasure you
In this, is both Delight and Duty too.
And Ours, with all Submission to obey.
Tho' Heav'n we lost, yet by your Pow'r we gain
New Empires here, and o'er fall'n Mankind reign.
Here we as GODS are worship'd, and enjoy
Honours Divine, and due to the Most-High.
Temples and Priests are for our Service made,
And fat Burnt-Off'rings on our Altars laid.
To your strong Arms, and matchless Policy
We're all oblig'd, but none so much as I,
To whom the noblest Province you have given,
And almost equal to the Joys of Heav'n,
To be with humane Sacrifice appeas'd:
More who can wish for, or be better pleas'd?
To whom a grateful Homage Parents pay,
Their Children's Souls, and feast me every Day
With rosted Infant's Flesh, (a luscious Food)
And make me drunk with Bowls of Virgin-Blood.
16
The last I choose to raise a furious Storm,
And kill his Children. 'Tis a noble Joy,
And worthy of great Moloch to destroy
The Life of Innocents. To pleasure you
In this, is both Delight and Duty too.
This said, the Task they gladly undertake,
And all most earnest Preparation make,
Each, with more Malice, to perform his Part:
Dire Emulation so inflam'd their Heart.
And all most earnest Preparation make,
Each, with more Malice, to perform his Part:
Dire Emulation so inflam'd their Heart.
Mean while GOD's Servant, void of Guilt and Fear,
Liv'd unconcern'd, nor thought of Danger near.
When, Lo! (Behold how vain the best Estate
Of Mortals is, how changeable their Fate!)
A frighted Servant all in hast comes in,
And thus, all drown'd in Tears, he does begin.
Liv'd unconcern'd, nor thought of Danger near.
When, Lo! (Behold how vain the best Estate
Of Mortals is, how changeable their Fate!)
A frighted Servant all in hast comes in,
And thus, all drown'd in Tears, he does begin.
Sad Tidings, Sir, I bring; for even now
The whilst your Men and Oxen were at Plow
In yonder Field, and in a Meadow near
Securely feeding all your Asses were
(The Thought still makes me shrink) a lawless Crew
Of strong Sabean Robbers on them flew.
The Oxen they unyok'd and drove away,
And made the Asses too an easy Prey.
Alas! what could unarmed Servants do
(Yet what they could, they did) against a Foe
So numerous? On Heaps they slaughter'd fell,
And I escap'd alone, the News to tell.
The whilst your Men and Oxen were at Plow
In yonder Field, and in a Meadow near
Securely feeding all your Asses were
(The Thought still makes me shrink) a lawless Crew
Of strong Sabean Robbers on them flew.
17
And made the Asses too an easy Prey.
Alas! what could unarmed Servants do
(Yet what they could, they did) against a Foe
So numerous? On Heaps they slaughter'd fell,
And I escap'd alone, the News to tell.
Scarce had he spoke, when Lo! ('tis seldom known)
That one Affliction ventures out alone,
They come in Troops, and press, like Waves, each other on.
Another Servant comes, whose ghastly Look
Portends some mighty ill, and thus he spoke.
That one Affliction ventures out alone,
They come in Troops, and press, like Waves, each other on.
Another Servant comes, whose ghastly Look
Portends some mighty ill, and thus he spoke.
Your Flocks were feeding on the flow'ry Plains,
And singing by them sate the chearful Swains.
When, Lo! with threat'ning Clouds the Sky grew black,
Which op'ning widely, with a dreadful Crack,
From their dark Wombs discharg'd a deadly Show'r
Of pointed Flames, which did at once devour
Both Sheep and Shepherds. All together fell,
And I escap'd alone, the News to tell.
And singing by them sate the chearful Swains.
When, Lo! with threat'ning Clouds the Sky grew black,
Which op'ning widely, with a dreadful Crack,
From their dark Wombs discharg'd a deadly Show'r
Of pointed Flames, which did at once devour
Both Sheep and Shepherds. All together fell,
And I escap'd alone, the News to tell.
He scarce had done, when from the Field a Third,
Upon whose Face a deep Concern appear'd,
Comes home, so spent with hast, and pale with Fear,
Scarce could his falt'ring Tongue these Words declare:
Upon whose Face a deep Concern appear'd,
18
Scarce could his falt'ring Tongue these Words declare:
The fierce Chaldeans three strong Bodies form'd,
And all well-mounted, all compleatly arm'd
Came marching up, and, Lo! while one held back
To watch th' Event, the other two attack
Our well-fenc'd Grounds, threw down the Gates, and drove
The Camels off. In vain the Servants strove
To guard their Charge: Alas! they out-number'd fell,
And I escap'd alone, the News to tell.
And all well-mounted, all compleatly arm'd
Came marching up, and, Lo! while one held back
To watch th' Event, the other two attack
Our well-fenc'd Grounds, threw down the Gates, and drove
The Camels off. In vain the Servants strove
To guard their Charge: Alas! they out-number'd fell,
And I escap'd alone, the News to tell.
Scarce had he finish'd, when, with Grief opprest,
A fourth brings sadder Tidings than the rest.
Half dead with Fear, and drown'd in flowing Tears,
His dreadful Message in his Face appears,
Nor need he speak, to tell what News he bears.
A fourth brings sadder Tidings than the rest.
Half dead with Fear, and drown'd in flowing Tears,
His dreadful Message in his Face appears,
Nor need he speak, to tell what News he bears.
Why was I left alive (says he) t'impart
Such killing News, and break my Master's Heart?
Your Sons and Daughters met, invited all
T'a Banquet in their eldest Brother's Hall.
With rich Varieties the Board was crown'd,
The Musick play'd, and Healths were going round,
When (see the sudden Turns of Fate, and how
Surprizing Griefs secure Delights pursue!)
A furious Whirlwind from the Desart Land
Came driving o'er, and nothing could withstand
Its Pow'r; tall Oaks up from the Ground it tore,
Where many Ages they had stood before,
And thro' the Air their wond'ring Bodies bore
Against the House, as if for that intent
Alone, and for no other Mischief sent,
It bent its utmost Force, and buried all,
Sons, Daughters, Servants in one Funeral.
Not one escap'd, so suddenly it fell,
But I, unhappy I, the dismal News to tell.
Such killing News, and break my Master's Heart?
Your Sons and Daughters met, invited all
T'a Banquet in their eldest Brother's Hall.
With rich Varieties the Board was crown'd,
The Musick play'd, and Healths were going round,
19
Surprizing Griefs secure Delights pursue!)
A furious Whirlwind from the Desart Land
Came driving o'er, and nothing could withstand
Its Pow'r; tall Oaks up from the Ground it tore,
Where many Ages they had stood before,
And thro' the Air their wond'ring Bodies bore
Against the House, as if for that intent
Alone, and for no other Mischief sent,
It bent its utmost Force, and buried all,
Sons, Daughters, Servants in one Funeral.
Not one escap'd, so suddenly it fell,
But I, unhappy I, the dismal News to tell.
The former Strokes good Job unmoved took,
He neither spake a Word, nor chang'd his Look:
But now he rises from his Seat, as if
He'd met at last a Subject worth his Grief.
His Princely Robe he from his Shoulders tore,
And in its Room a Shirt of Sack-cloth wore.
He shaves his Head, and bares his rev'rend Crown,
And on the Pavement casts his Body down.
There prostrate, to his GOD the Hero pay'd
Devout Addresses, and thus humbly said:
He neither spake a Word, nor chang'd his Look:
But now he rises from his Seat, as if
He'd met at last a Subject worth his Grief.
His Princely Robe he from his Shoulders tore,
And in its Room a Shirt of Sack-cloth wore.
He shaves his Head, and bares his rev'rend Crown,
And on the Pavement casts his Body down.
There prostrate, to his GOD the Hero pay'd
Devout Addresses, and thus humbly said:
20
Naked from out my Mother's hapless Womb
I came, and shall go naked to the Tomb.
Such mine, such ev'ry sinful Mortal's Birth:
And such we must return t'our common Mother, Earth.
Whilst here we live, some Great, and some are Small,
Some Rich, and others Poor we fondly call:
But no such nice Distinctions do attend
On our Beginning, or our latter End.
In different Channels here we run; but all
Rise from one Spring, into one Ocean fall.
We nothing brought into this World, nor may
Expect to carry ought from hence away.
I came, and shall go naked to the Tomb.
Such mine, such ev'ry sinful Mortal's Birth:
And such we must return t'our common Mother, Earth.
Whilst here we live, some Great, and some are Small,
Some Rich, and others Poor we fondly call:
But no such nice Distinctions do attend
On our Beginning, or our latter End.
In different Channels here we run; but all
Rise from one Spring, into one Ocean fall.
We nothing brought into this World, nor may
Expect to carry ought from hence away.
O GOD, Thou stable Good, Eternal King,
Whose Word did frame, and governs ev'ry thing,
Against thy Hand, which orders all things well,
'Tis impious and ingrateful to rebel:
Whatever Blessings I enjoy'd, from Thee
They came, thy Bounty lent them all to me.
They were not mine, but Thine; and Thou hast done
No wrong at all in taking back thine own.
Lo! Prostrate on the Ground, in deep Distress
Thy Wisdom, Truth, and Justice I confess,
And with a Soul resign'd thy glorious Name I bless.
Whose Word did frame, and governs ev'ry thing,
Against thy Hand, which orders all things well,
'Tis impious and ingrateful to rebel:
Whatever Blessings I enjoy'd, from Thee
They came, thy Bounty lent them all to me.
They were not mine, but Thine; and Thou hast done
No wrong at all in taking back thine own.
21
Thy Wisdom, Truth, and Justice I confess,
And with a Soul resign'd thy glorious Name I bless.
Thus spake the Saint. Thus all Hell's Methods prove
Unable his Religious Mind to move.
This Satan saw, with Grief and Envy vext
Thus to be baffled; and in Mind perplext
What surer Course to take, how to repair
His shatter'd Forces, and renew the War,
The Fiend retires, projecting to regain
This Loss of Honour, at the next Campaign.
Unable his Religious Mind to move.
This Satan saw, with Grief and Envy vext
Thus to be baffled; and in Mind perplext
What surer Course to take, how to repair
His shatter'd Forces, and renew the War,
The Fiend retires, projecting to regain
This Loss of Honour, at the next Campaign.
So a firm Rock, amidst the Ocean, braves
The Fury of the Wind and angry Waves.
In vain That blows, in vain These beat, in vain
They both conspire to plunge him in the Main.
Unmov'd he stands, till, having spent their Strength,
Th' unequal Combat they give o'er at length.
Back to his Caves the Wind, retreating, flies,
There rests to get new Breath and fresh Supplies.
The Waves, deserted thus, insult no more,
But fall, with Shame retiring to the Shore.
The Fury of the Wind and angry Waves.
In vain That blows, in vain These beat, in vain
They both conspire to plunge him in the Main.
Unmov'd he stands, till, having spent their Strength,
Th' unequal Combat they give o'er at length.
Back to his Caves the Wind, retreating, flies,
There rests to get new Breath and fresh Supplies.
The Waves, deserted thus, insult no more,
But fall, with Shame retiring to the Shore.
| The History of Job | |