 | Wood-notes and Church-bells |  |
115
DAVID IN ADULLAM.
Hid in Adullam's “dry and thirsty” cave,Longing he cried—faint with fierce harvest heat—
“Oh for a draught from Bethlehem's fountain sweet,
Which, by the gate, wells out its cooling wave!”
Bursting through hosts of foes three warriors brave
Present the brimming cup—his wish complete—
Which, as with life-blood crimsoned, at his feet
He pours, refusing his parched lips to lave.
So, by Heaven's gate, I see pure waters streaming,
And, faint and weary, long to drink of them;
For that blest fountain, clear as crystal seeming,
Gladly earth's broken cisterns I contemn;—
I see the crimson through the crystal gleaming,
Dear “water of the well of Bethlehem!”
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