Messiah A Poem, in Twenty-Eight Books. By Joseph Cottle |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. | BOOK XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
 | Messiah |  |
167
BOOK XI.
Jacob and Esau.
The wheels of time roll round, and Isaac, now,
With age, begins to droop, with years, to bow,
His eyes, in dimness clothed, he waits the day,
Tranquil, that calls him from the world away.
As o'er his misty eye-ball sun-beams dance,
Beneath his porch, he sits, in musing trance,
And feels (whilst peace, in prayer to heaven, he found)
The genial warmth that cheers all nature round.
“My child, where artthou?” thus he said. “Comenigh.”
When Esau spake, “My Father, here am I.”
Isaac replied. “My sun is going down:
“One gift I ask, Thou hast acquired renown
“In hunt and chace. Thy quiver and thy bow
“Take thou! and, that my spirit joy may know,
“Let me the venison from thy hand receive,
“And I will bless thee ere the world I leave.”
“My Father!” Esau answer'd, “I will speed!
“The fleetest hind shall by this arrow bleed!
“For more than every good that round me lies,
“Thy will do I revere, thy blessing prize.”
With age, begins to droop, with years, to bow,
His eyes, in dimness clothed, he waits the day,
Tranquil, that calls him from the world away.
As o'er his misty eye-ball sun-beams dance,
Beneath his porch, he sits, in musing trance,
And feels (whilst peace, in prayer to heaven, he found)
The genial warmth that cheers all nature round.
“My child, where artthou?” thus he said. “Comenigh.”
When Esau spake, “My Father, here am I.”
168
“One gift I ask, Thou hast acquired renown
“In hunt and chace. Thy quiver and thy bow
“Take thou! and, that my spirit joy may know,
“Let me the venison from thy hand receive,
“And I will bless thee ere the world I leave.”
“My Father!” Esau answer'd, “I will speed!
“The fleetest hind shall by this arrow bleed!
“For more than every good that round me lies,
“Thy will do I revere, thy blessing prize.”
Rebecca hears, She marks her elder born
Haste to the woods, with quiver, and with horn,
When, eager, to her Jacob, thus she cried.
“Thou art my duteous child, my hope, my pride!
“Attend! This instant, to the fields around,
“Esau hath sped to hunt, with dart and hound:
“From him thy Sire hath sought the savoury meat
“That he may bless him. Flee! with Nimrod feet,
“To the near fold. Two kids immediate slay,
“And I will dress them. I will thee array
“In their soft skins, (for thou art smooth, and he,
“Thy Brother, hairy) so, my hopes, shall be
“Thus perfected, and thou, for whom I sigh
“Shalt have thy Father's blessing ere he die.
“Thy Brother, thought of pungency and pain!
“Hath wedded one, idolatrous and vain;
“He, from thy Sire, the gift shall not obtain.
“What! Dost thou hesitate? In years, long past,
“Visions, thy Mother, from on high, o'ercast!
“And, lo! the voice she heard. `In times to be,
“The elder shall submit, and bend the knee
“To one, the younger born; Oh, Son! to thee.
“Fear not! Thy Mother heed! Her word obey!
“Receive thy Father's blessing, whilst thou may!
“It will the harvest yield in after day.”
Haste to the woods, with quiver, and with horn,
When, eager, to her Jacob, thus she cried.
“Thou art my duteous child, my hope, my pride!
“Attend! This instant, to the fields around,
“Esau hath sped to hunt, with dart and hound:
“From him thy Sire hath sought the savoury meat
“That he may bless him. Flee! with Nimrod feet,
“To the near fold. Two kids immediate slay,
“And I will dress them. I will thee array
“In their soft skins, (for thou art smooth, and he,
“Thy Brother, hairy) so, my hopes, shall be
169
“Shalt have thy Father's blessing ere he die.
“Thy Brother, thought of pungency and pain!
“Hath wedded one, idolatrous and vain;
“He, from thy Sire, the gift shall not obtain.
“What! Dost thou hesitate? In years, long past,
“Visions, thy Mother, from on high, o'ercast!
“And, lo! the voice she heard. `In times to be,
“The elder shall submit, and bend the knee
“To one, the younger born; Oh, Son! to thee.
“Fear not! Thy Mother heed! Her word obey!
“Receive thy Father's blessing, whilst thou may!
“It will the harvest yield in after day.”
The kids are slain. The savoury meat is made.
Jacob, Rebecca, fitly hath array'd,
And given him words to speak: and now he stands,
Before his Sire, the venison in his hands.
Thus he began. “Oh! Father! prized and dear,
“Receive, from me, the food thy heart to cheer.”
“Who art thou?” Isaac said. The Son replied.
“I am thy Esau. I, my dart have dyed
“In blood of hind, and now the savoury meat,
“I place, my Sire! obedient, at thy feet.”
“How is it,” Isaac said, “that on this day
“Thou hast obtain'd (as tho' it near thee lay)
“So soon the venison?” Jacob, with dismay,
Thus answer'd. “Sire! a wonder here is wrought.
“Heaven gave me speed, and sent me what I sought.
“Now, from my hands, thy earnest want supply,
“And bless me, with thy blessing, ere thou die.”
Isaac, to Jacob, spake. “My Son! come near,
“That I may feel thee, whilst thy voice I hear,
“And know, before I taste thy proffer'd fare,
“That thou, my very Esau, such dost bear.”
Now Isaac feels his Son. “Thou art.” he said,
“Like Esau, with the hairy garb o'erspread,
“And yet, the voice is Jacob's. Oh! I err!
“My ear is now the poor interpreter!
“And these, my orbs, are quench'd. Thou art indeed
“My very Esau, and I pardon plead.
“Forgive me, oh! my Son! Upon thy head,
“Let me, my hand, with age thus trembling, spread,
“And I will bless thee.—May the dew of Heaven
“Descend upon thy head! Let corn be given!
“Let fatness and all good around thee shine!
“Let wine and oil, in plenteous streams, be thine?
“Nations shall serve thee, and present their vow.
“Thy father's house shall call thee, Lord, and bow.
“Blessings, on him shall rest, who blesses thee,
“And who shall curse my Son, shall cursed be.”
Jacob, Rebecca, fitly hath array'd,
And given him words to speak: and now he stands,
Before his Sire, the venison in his hands.
Thus he began. “Oh! Father! prized and dear,
“Receive, from me, the food thy heart to cheer.”
170
“I am thy Esau. I, my dart have dyed
“In blood of hind, and now the savoury meat,
“I place, my Sire! obedient, at thy feet.”
“How is it,” Isaac said, “that on this day
“Thou hast obtain'd (as tho' it near thee lay)
“So soon the venison?” Jacob, with dismay,
Thus answer'd. “Sire! a wonder here is wrought.
“Heaven gave me speed, and sent me what I sought.
“Now, from my hands, thy earnest want supply,
“And bless me, with thy blessing, ere thou die.”
Isaac, to Jacob, spake. “My Son! come near,
“That I may feel thee, whilst thy voice I hear,
“And know, before I taste thy proffer'd fare,
“That thou, my very Esau, such dost bear.”
Now Isaac feels his Son. “Thou art.” he said,
“Like Esau, with the hairy garb o'erspread,
“And yet, the voice is Jacob's. Oh! I err!
“My ear is now the poor interpreter!
“And these, my orbs, are quench'd. Thou art indeed
“My very Esau, and I pardon plead.
“Forgive me, oh! my Son! Upon thy head,
“Let me, my hand, with age thus trembling, spread,
“And I will bless thee.—May the dew of Heaven
171
“Let fatness and all good around thee shine!
“Let wine and oil, in plenteous streams, be thine?
“Nations shall serve thee, and present their vow.
“Thy father's house shall call thee, Lord, and bow.
“Blessings, on him shall rest, who blesses thee,
“And who shall curse my Son, shall cursed be.”
The horn is heard aloud! In hurrying pace,
Esau advances, joyous, from the chase,
The venison in his hand. Eager he ran
To seek his aged Sire, and thus began.
“My Father! from thy Son, the gift receive!
“Choice food it is. And, Oh! my words believe!
“With wing-like zeal, I travers'd rock and hill;
“And now, my best reward! Oh! eat thy fill,
“Nor doubt thy Esau's love and reverence still.
“Why speak'st thou not, my Sire!” From his closed eye
The tear stole down, and deeply sounds the sigh.
Doubt, and strange silence reign. At length the Sire,
Thus answer'd slow. “Ere I from earth retire,
“Ere quit this chequer'd scene, I must sustain
“Fresh loads of woe, and heart-consuming pain.
“My Son! my Esau! thou art wrong'd! Oh! woe!
“No power is mine the blessing to bestow!
“Thy Brother, even Jacob, he, to me,
“Offer'd the savoury meat, and clasp'd my knee,
“And call'd himself, my Esau! I believed,
“And he, my Son! the Blessing hath received!”
Esau advances, joyous, from the chase,
The venison in his hand. Eager he ran
To seek his aged Sire, and thus began.
“My Father! from thy Son, the gift receive!
“Choice food it is. And, Oh! my words believe!
“With wing-like zeal, I travers'd rock and hill;
“And now, my best reward! Oh! eat thy fill,
“Nor doubt thy Esau's love and reverence still.
“Why speak'st thou not, my Sire!” From his closed eye
The tear stole down, and deeply sounds the sigh.
Doubt, and strange silence reign. At length the Sire,
Thus answer'd slow. “Ere I from earth retire,
“Ere quit this chequer'd scene, I must sustain
“Fresh loads of woe, and heart-consuming pain.
172
“No power is mine the blessing to bestow!
“Thy Brother, even Jacob, he, to me,
“Offer'd the savoury meat, and clasp'd my knee,
“And call'd himself, my Esau! I believed,
“And he, my Son! the Blessing hath received!”
The flood of sorrow came, when Esau cried.
“My Father? how shall I my anguish hide?
“In pity, still, my burthen'd heart, to cheer,
“Bless me! even me! the gift, than life, more dear!”
Isaac replied. “I must thy prayer deny!
“The gift is gone! The virtue is past by!
“I cannot grant thy wish, my pleading Son!
“Th' unchanging word is past! The deed is done!”
“Oh! evil Brother!” Esau, sorrowing said.
“Thou hast, ere this, the snare before me spread.
“In hour of need, now mourn'd with sorrow vain,
“By subtilty, my Birth-right thou didst gain,
“And now, by craft unknown, and deep disguise,
“My Blessing thou hast gain'd! my greatest prize!
“Hast thou not, Oh, my Father, yet, in store
“One Blessing for me? One! I ask no more.
“Consult thy heart, my Sire! consult thy will!
“Let, from thy mouth, some accents sweet distil!
“And bless me, Oh, my Father! Bless me still!”
“My Father? how shall I my anguish hide?
“In pity, still, my burthen'd heart, to cheer,
“Bless me! even me! the gift, than life, more dear!”
Isaac replied. “I must thy prayer deny!
“The gift is gone! The virtue is past by!
“I cannot grant thy wish, my pleading Son!
“Th' unchanging word is past! The deed is done!”
“Oh! evil Brother!” Esau, sorrowing said.
“Thou hast, ere this, the snare before me spread.
“In hour of need, now mourn'd with sorrow vain,
“By subtilty, my Birth-right thou didst gain,
“And now, by craft unknown, and deep disguise,
“My Blessing thou hast gain'd! my greatest prize!
“Hast thou not, Oh, my Father, yet, in store
“One Blessing for me? One! I ask no more.
173
“Let, from thy mouth, some accents sweet distil!
“And bless me, Oh, my Father! Bless me still!”
Isaac replied. “My Son, I own thy worth.
“The dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth,
“Shall be thy portion. Thou, with sword and bow,
“Bless'd of the Lord, shalt all thy foes o'erthrow:
“Yet, in a way, that faith alone can see,
“Thou must thy Brother serve, and bend the knee!
“But when the fulness of the time is nigh,
“The elder, shall, his yoke of slavery,
“Break, and return to his deserted rest,
“Contrition in his heart, with pangs opprest,
“And be the child beloved, for ever blest.”
“The dew of heaven, the fatness of the earth,
“Shall be thy portion. Thou, with sword and bow,
“Bless'd of the Lord, shalt all thy foes o'erthrow:
“Yet, in a way, that faith alone can see,
“Thou must thy Brother serve, and bend the knee!
“But when the fulness of the time is nigh,
“The elder, shall, his yoke of slavery,
“Break, and return to his deserted rest,
“Contrition in his heart, with pangs opprest,
“And be the child beloved, for ever blest.”
Esau retires, whilst indignation deep
Broods at his heart. He now hath ceas'd to weep:
When, to the friend, in secrecy, he spake.
“Soon shall my smother'd wrath, to war awake!
“My Brother! Brief his pride! Erelong, my Sire
“Will, from these scenes, to happier worlds retire,
“Then, tho' a voice from Heaven should utter, ‘Stay!’
“I will my vow fulfil and Jacob slay!”
Broods at his heart. He now hath ceas'd to weep:
When, to the friend, in secrecy, he spake.
“Soon shall my smother'd wrath, to war awake!
“My Brother! Brief his pride! Erelong, my Sire
“Will, from these scenes, to happier worlds retire,
“Then, tho' a voice from Heaven should utter, ‘Stay!’
“I will my vow fulfil and Jacob slay!”
174
The secret spreads! Rebecca, to her child,
Her Jacob, cried, with visage wan and wild,
“Flee! Oh, my Son! No hour hast thou to spare.
“There is, at hand, a deep and deadly snare!
“Thy Brother seeks thy life! To Laban speed!
“My distant Brother, in this hour of need,
“Till Esau's rage is past! To intercede,
“Now, none may dare. May Heaven protect thy flight!
“And soon return thee, harmless, to my sight!”
Jacob look'd up, amid the starting tear,
Then, utter'd sad, “Farewell, my Mother, dear!
“Sorrow is mine, and keen! Some hopes beguile,
“That I shall live to see thee yet, and smile.
“Farewell!” His staff he took, and drooping came
To where his Father sat. Opprest with shame,
Thus he began. “Oh! Sire! my sin is great!
“And now, its load I bear, a heavy weight!
“I Bethuel seek, yet will I not retire,
“(My just desert) before a brother's ire,
“Ere I confess my crime, and seek from thee
“Forgiveness. Hast thou yet a smile for me,
“My Father! Heaven hath heard my secret cry,
“Wilt thou withhold thy voice, and let me fly,
“Unpardon'd, to a far and unknown land?
“Oh! bless me! Lo! thy suppliant here I stand!
“Thy substance give to Esau! I will go
“A wanderer thro' the world;—distress and woe,
“My portion! I, for these, my home resign,
“But, let a Father's blessing still be mine!”
Her Jacob, cried, with visage wan and wild,
“Flee! Oh, my Son! No hour hast thou to spare.
“There is, at hand, a deep and deadly snare!
“Thy Brother seeks thy life! To Laban speed!
“My distant Brother, in this hour of need,
“Till Esau's rage is past! To intercede,
“Now, none may dare. May Heaven protect thy flight!
“And soon return thee, harmless, to my sight!”
Jacob look'd up, amid the starting tear,
Then, utter'd sad, “Farewell, my Mother, dear!
“Sorrow is mine, and keen! Some hopes beguile,
“That I shall live to see thee yet, and smile.
“Farewell!” His staff he took, and drooping came
To where his Father sat. Opprest with shame,
Thus he began. “Oh! Sire! my sin is great!
“And now, its load I bear, a heavy weight!
“I Bethuel seek, yet will I not retire,
“(My just desert) before a brother's ire,
“Ere I confess my crime, and seek from thee
“Forgiveness. Hast thou yet a smile for me,
“My Father! Heaven hath heard my secret cry,
“Wilt thou withhold thy voice, and let me fly,
175
“Oh! bless me! Lo! thy suppliant here I stand!
“Thy substance give to Esau! I will go
“A wanderer thro' the world;—distress and woe,
“My portion! I, for these, my home resign,
“But, let a Father's blessing still be mine!”
Isaac (affection's tide returning) cried,
“I cannot longer frown, I cannot chide!
“Thou hast done wrong, my Son! but Heaven, on high,
“Can bring, from evil, good, To Bethuel fly,
“And, with thee, take my blessing. Now, attend,
“Oh! Son! my solemn charge. I, near my end,
“Think now on thee. The Wife, thou shalt not take
“From Canaan's daughters. They, their refuge make
“Idols, of stocks and stones, but, wiser, thou
“Hast to Jehovah, only, learn'd to bow.
“Arise! To Padan-Aram take thy way!
“Jehovah, fear! and ever, Him, obey!
“The blessing on thee rests, and may'st thou rise
“In goodness eminent. Each snare, that lies
“Around thy path, may Heaven, in mercy, break
“And guard thee, for my Father Abraham's sake!
“Nations shall from thee spring! A multitude
“Call thee their Sire, with wisdom true endued!
“And in his time, the Lord, whom I adore,
“(If yet, on earth, such good is not in store)
“Oh! may we meet, above, to part no more!
“Farewell, my Son!” With anguish, sore opprest,
Jacob no utterance found. He smote his breast,
Compunction in his heart. The hand he prest
Of the loved Parent, guide for many a year!
And as he bore it to his lips, the tear
Gush'd forth! With the o'erwhelming weight of woe,
He turn'd, to seek his journey, sad and slow.
“I cannot longer frown, I cannot chide!
“Thou hast done wrong, my Son! but Heaven, on high,
“Can bring, from evil, good, To Bethuel fly,
“And, with thee, take my blessing. Now, attend,
“Oh! Son! my solemn charge. I, near my end,
“Think now on thee. The Wife, thou shalt not take
“From Canaan's daughters. They, their refuge make
“Idols, of stocks and stones, but, wiser, thou
“Hast to Jehovah, only, learn'd to bow.
“Arise! To Padan-Aram take thy way!
“Jehovah, fear! and ever, Him, obey!
“The blessing on thee rests, and may'st thou rise
“In goodness eminent. Each snare, that lies
“Around thy path, may Heaven, in mercy, break
“And guard thee, for my Father Abraham's sake!
176
“Call thee their Sire, with wisdom true endued!
“And in his time, the Lord, whom I adore,
“(If yet, on earth, such good is not in store)
“Oh! may we meet, above, to part no more!
“Farewell, my Son!” With anguish, sore opprest,
Jacob no utterance found. He smote his breast,
Compunction in his heart. The hand he prest
Of the loved Parent, guide for many a year!
And as he bore it to his lips, the tear
Gush'd forth! With the o'erwhelming weight of woe,
He turn'd, to seek his journey, sad and slow.
(Oft looking round, with spirit ill at rest,
Lest, from some wood, or tower, in ivy drest,
Esau's armed band should burst, and him molest)
O'er many a sandy waste, and rugged hill,
The lonely wanderer past, in sadness still:
Now suffering from the noon-day heat, now found
Wet, with the dews of night, fast falling round.
To Haran's waste he came. No home to cheer!
The glowing heavens declared the evening near.
No track of human foot delights his eye:
The whizzing insect hurried thro' the sky,
Save which, no form of life around him rose
To soothe his weary spirit to repose!
Amid this cheerless hour, this dreary scene,
He has a friend, to human eye unseen;
Thinking on God, he finds his soul serene!
Oh! then, how sweet, in that deserted hour,
To feel, the trust, in his protecting power
Who knows the heart in sorrow (who sustains
His servants, when the deepest darkness reigns,
And help seems far away, each cistern dry)
Oh! then, how sweet, to cast, in faith, the eye
Upward, and say, “Upon a shoreless sea,
“No other hope! the heavens my canopy!
“My Father! I commit myself to thee!”
Jacob, from rugged stones, that round him lay,
The pillow made. And now, the last faint ray
Sunk from the west, as, stretch'd upon the ground,
The wanderer slumber sought, and slumber found.
Lest, from some wood, or tower, in ivy drest,
Esau's armed band should burst, and him molest)
O'er many a sandy waste, and rugged hill,
The lonely wanderer past, in sadness still:
Now suffering from the noon-day heat, now found
Wet, with the dews of night, fast falling round.
To Haran's waste he came. No home to cheer!
The glowing heavens declared the evening near.
No track of human foot delights his eye:
The whizzing insect hurried thro' the sky,
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To soothe his weary spirit to repose!
Amid this cheerless hour, this dreary scene,
He has a friend, to human eye unseen;
Thinking on God, he finds his soul serene!
Oh! then, how sweet, in that deserted hour,
To feel, the trust, in his protecting power
Who knows the heart in sorrow (who sustains
His servants, when the deepest darkness reigns,
And help seems far away, each cistern dry)
Oh! then, how sweet, to cast, in faith, the eye
Upward, and say, “Upon a shoreless sea,
“No other hope! the heavens my canopy!
“My Father! I commit myself to thee!”
Jacob, from rugged stones, that round him lay,
The pillow made. And now, the last faint ray
Sunk from the west, as, stretch'd upon the ground,
The wanderer slumber sought, and slumber found.
Tho' to the visual eye no forms appear,
Angels of God! Messiah's self, was near!
Upon the outstretch'd pilgrim visions rest!
He views the heavens expand, in splendors drest!
Behold! A Ladder, like a golden chain,
Pierces the sky, and rests upon the plain,
Whilst Angels come and go, a Glorious Train!
The Lord, to Jacob cries. “My hand, thy stay!
“I will preserve thee, on thy weary way.
“I am the God of Abraham! the Guide
“Of Isaac, e'en thy Sire! In me confide,
“And I, 'till death, will all thy wants supply.
“Where thou, this hour, in slumber deep, dost lie,
“I will a nation raise to call thee, Sire,
“Whose reign shall last, till earth and time expire.
“The west, the east, the north, thy sons shall see!
“Even, as the dust of earth, thy seed shall be,
“And all earth's familes be bless'd in thee!”
Angels of God! Messiah's self, was near!
Upon the outstretch'd pilgrim visions rest!
He views the heavens expand, in splendors drest!
178
Pierces the sky, and rests upon the plain,
Whilst Angels come and go, a Glorious Train!
The Lord, to Jacob cries. “My hand, thy stay!
“I will preserve thee, on thy weary way.
“I am the God of Abraham! the Guide
“Of Isaac, e'en thy Sire! In me confide,
“And I, 'till death, will all thy wants supply.
“Where thou, this hour, in slumber deep, dost lie,
“I will a nation raise to call thee, Sire,
“Whose reign shall last, till earth and time expire.
“The west, the east, the north, thy sons shall see!
“Even, as the dust of earth, thy seed shall be,
“And all earth's familes be bless'd in thee!”
The orient glows! From slumber, Jacob springs!
He looks about for Angel Form, and wings!
“Where are ye?” he exclaim'd. And now he feels
Terror, that o'er his inmost spirit steals.
“How dreadful is this place!” he cried. “My frame
“Trembles! I still behold the augel flame!
“Visions, Jehovah, e'en to me, hath given!
“This is the house of God, the gate of Heaven!”
He said, and, of the stones that round him lie
The Altar rears. Ah! hear the wanderer cry,
“Regard my Vow, Oh! thou, my God! my Guide!
“Friendless, if thou wilt for my wants provide,
“And keep me in the way wherein I go,
“And give me bread to eat (the child of woe!)
“And raiment to put on, and let me see
“Some portion of this world's prosperity,
“And shine upon my soul, and, in the hour
“Thou seest best, by thine Almighty Power,
“Yet, once again, Oh! thought, to fancy sweet!
“Bring to his Father's house, the pilgrim's feet,
“Then, thou shalt be my God. I ask alone
“For food and raiment. If I more should own,
“Thy bounty, whatsoe'er the blessing be,
“The tenth I consecrate this hour, to thee!”
Whilst yet, again, his heart the vow proclaim'd,
He pour'd the oil, the place he Bethel named!
Then, kneeling, pray'd beside the altar rude,
And, calm in faith, once more, his way pursued.
He looks about for Angel Form, and wings!
“Where are ye?” he exclaim'd. And now he feels
Terror, that o'er his inmost spirit steals.
“How dreadful is this place!” he cried. “My frame
“Trembles! I still behold the augel flame!
“Visions, Jehovah, e'en to me, hath given!
“This is the house of God, the gate of Heaven!”
179
The Altar rears. Ah! hear the wanderer cry,
“Regard my Vow, Oh! thou, my God! my Guide!
“Friendless, if thou wilt for my wants provide,
“And keep me in the way wherein I go,
“And give me bread to eat (the child of woe!)
“And raiment to put on, and let me see
“Some portion of this world's prosperity,
“And shine upon my soul, and, in the hour
“Thou seest best, by thine Almighty Power,
“Yet, once again, Oh! thought, to fancy sweet!
“Bring to his Father's house, the pilgrim's feet,
“Then, thou shalt be my God. I ask alone
“For food and raiment. If I more should own,
“Thy bounty, whatsoe'er the blessing be,
“The tenth I consecrate this hour, to thee!”
Whilst yet, again, his heart the vow proclaim'd,
He pour'd the oil, the place he Bethel named!
Then, kneeling, pray'd beside the altar rude,
And, calm in faith, once more, his way pursued.
Now, toward the east, the wanderer, Jacob, past,
While oft, the back ward glance, he stopp'd, to cast
Toward Beersheba; oft thought of friends and home,
And wept to think that he was forced to roam.
From place, to place, whilst every heart he met
Seem'd happy, or its sorrow to forget,
He, shelterless, a stranger, and forlorn,
Appear'd, alone, for grief and anguish born.
A field he views, with sheep thick scatter'd o'er;
A prince's substance! when (not seen before)
A Well appears. The shepherds, gathering round,
Water their flocks; and now the mouth have bound
With the huge stone, that guards so rare a prize.
Jacob advances toward them, and thus cries.
“Brethren! whence be ye?” They (their sheep among)
Answer'd, “To Haran, we do all belong.”
“Know you of Laban, Bethuel's Son?” he said.
“We know him,” they replied and bow'd the head.
“And is he well?” spake Jacob. “He is well.”
The shepherds cried. “His flocks, all flocks excel,
“These are they; and, with sheep, her tender care,
“Rachel is now at hand, his Daughter, fair.
“Behold her! Where yon cedars proud appear,
“Driving her charge, the Damsel now draws near.”
The Stranger's looks, the sudden joy, proclaim!
And when to the appointed Well she came,
Jacob, awhile, the beauteous Maiden, eyed,
Lovely as morning in her rosy pride!
Approaching slow, with the declining head,
(His accent faltering,) courteous, thus he said,
“The stone let me remove, to thee allied,
“And water, for thy fleecy charge, provide.”
The blushing Maiden wonder'd as he spake;
“And who art thou?” she answer'd. “Some mistake,
“Haply, is thine. Thou art not Isaac's Son?”
The currrent, thro' his heart, doth swifter run.
“I am!” he cried; “and thou, to me, art dear,
“Oh! Rachel!” On the Damsel's cheek, a tear
Shone, and she answer'd, with the spirit mild,
“O'erjoy'd, my Sire will welcome Isaac's child;
“I, glad, the way will shew thee.” Jacob's eye
Dwelt on the ground. And now the tremulous sigh
Betray'd some secret conflict. Each, with each,
Past silent, till they Laban's dwelling reach.
Near to the door. the Maiden hasten'd on.
Her eye with the unwonted joyance shone.
Her Sire she sees! She cries, “By Isaac sent,
“Jacob, thy Sister's Son, draws nigh our tent.”
Laban, with wonder heard, half prone to doubt;
Then, joyful and impatient, hurried out
To seek the Stranger. Thus he cried, “My Son!
“Welcome to Laban's dwelling. Time hath run,
“Scarce knowing how, upon his swift career,
“Since once, as now to thee, with voice sincere,
“I sped, to greet, th' good old Man, who came,
“Thy Mother, to entreat, in Isaac's name;
“As he was welcome, welcome thou the same!”
While oft, the back ward glance, he stopp'd, to cast
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And wept to think that he was forced to roam.
From place, to place, whilst every heart he met
Seem'd happy, or its sorrow to forget,
He, shelterless, a stranger, and forlorn,
Appear'd, alone, for grief and anguish born.
A field he views, with sheep thick scatter'd o'er;
A prince's substance! when (not seen before)
A Well appears. The shepherds, gathering round,
Water their flocks; and now the mouth have bound
With the huge stone, that guards so rare a prize.
Jacob advances toward them, and thus cries.
“Brethren! whence be ye?” They (their sheep among)
Answer'd, “To Haran, we do all belong.”
“Know you of Laban, Bethuel's Son?” he said.
“We know him,” they replied and bow'd the head.
“And is he well?” spake Jacob. “He is well.”
The shepherds cried. “His flocks, all flocks excel,
“These are they; and, with sheep, her tender care,
“Rachel is now at hand, his Daughter, fair.
“Behold her! Where yon cedars proud appear,
“Driving her charge, the Damsel now draws near.”
The Stranger's looks, the sudden joy, proclaim!
And when to the appointed Well she came,
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Lovely as morning in her rosy pride!
Approaching slow, with the declining head,
(His accent faltering,) courteous, thus he said,
“The stone let me remove, to thee allied,
“And water, for thy fleecy charge, provide.”
The blushing Maiden wonder'd as he spake;
“And who art thou?” she answer'd. “Some mistake,
“Haply, is thine. Thou art not Isaac's Son?”
The currrent, thro' his heart, doth swifter run.
“I am!” he cried; “and thou, to me, art dear,
“Oh! Rachel!” On the Damsel's cheek, a tear
Shone, and she answer'd, with the spirit mild,
“O'erjoy'd, my Sire will welcome Isaac's child;
“I, glad, the way will shew thee.” Jacob's eye
Dwelt on the ground. And now the tremulous sigh
Betray'd some secret conflict. Each, with each,
Past silent, till they Laban's dwelling reach.
Near to the door. the Maiden hasten'd on.
Her eye with the unwonted joyance shone.
Her Sire she sees! She cries, “By Isaac sent,
“Jacob, thy Sister's Son, draws nigh our tent.”
Laban, with wonder heard, half prone to doubt;
Then, joyful and impatient, hurried out
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“Welcome to Laban's dwelling. Time hath run,
“Scarce knowing how, upon his swift career,
“Since once, as now to thee, with voice sincere,
“I sped, to greet, th' good old Man, who came,
“Thy Mother, to entreat, in Isaac's name;
“As he was welcome, welcome thou the same!”
Jacob now enters, smiling faces round.
Greetings, alike, from young and old, he found.
So glad were all Rebecca's Son to see,
It seem'd the region sweet of ecstasy!
Greetings, alike, from young and old, he found.
So glad were all Rebecca's Son to see,
It seem'd the region sweet of ecstasy!
Oh! when the morning, in her vesture gay,
Look'd in his face, as on his couch he lay;
When, rising, he beheld the scene around,
Each object fair, and soothing every sound;
The low of cattle (music to his ear!)
With the sweet bleat of lambs, commingling, near;
And busy fancy, calling to her aid,
Smiles on all sides, in witching grace, array'd,
Whilst every trouble, on time's ruffled stream,
Was half remember'd, like the morning dream,
He scarce believed, such joy to him was given,
That he was still on earth, and not in heaven.
Look'd in his face, as on his couch he lay;
When, rising, he beheld the scene around,
Each object fair, and soothing every sound;
The low of cattle (music to his ear!)
With the sweet bleat of lambs, commingling, near;
And busy fancy, calling to her aid,
Smiles on all sides, in witching grace, array'd,
Whilst every trouble, on time's ruffled stream,
Was half remember'd, like the morning dream,
He scarce believed, such joy to him was given,
That he was still on earth, and not in heaven.
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Days, months, and years, pass on. The lovely Maid,
Rachel, no more the virgin garb array'd.
Leah, and she, to Jacob, now, are bound,
The wedded wives, whilst children rise around.
Days, months, and years, pass on, and many a care,
Hardship, and wrong, was Jacob forced to bear.
The sunny gleams that once illumed his way,
(When all was promise, when, in bright array,
Joy, after joy, seem'd endless, and, his sky,
Without a cloud, without a tear, his eye)
Have vanish'd, and he finds, with growing age,
That life, indeed, is one long pilgrimage.
Rachel, no more the virgin garb array'd.
Leah, and she, to Jacob, now, are bound,
The wedded wives, whilst children rise around.
Days, months, and years, pass on, and many a care,
Hardship, and wrong, was Jacob forced to bear.
The sunny gleams that once illumed his way,
(When all was promise, when, in bright array,
Joy, after joy, seem'd endless, and, his sky,
Without a cloud, without a tear, his eye)
Have vanish'd, and he finds, with growing age,
That life, indeed, is one long pilgrimage.
His flocks and herds around, in musing mood,
Jacob, the backward stream of time pursued.
The hour of darkness reigns! and, faith, her flight,
Sustains not: like the falling mists of night,
He hangs on earth, whilst fears his soul affright.
Sudden, a beam shone round! th' o'erwhelming glare!
The terrible magnificence was there!
Bright Angels, in the midst! The vision fades!
Silence, intense, all nature round, pervades!
Jacob, confirm'd in faith, still trembling, cried,
“What shadows, us, from th' Heavenly World, divide!
“This is God's Host!” With spirit rais'd on high,
Ardent he looks, nor fear'd that hour to die,
Such glories on his aching eye-ball lie!
A voice is heard! (no beaming terrors round.)
“Fear not! for thou, with me, hast favour found.
“Rise! To thy Father, to thy kindred, go!
“I will be with thee. Wandering, to and fro,
“Thro' all life's varied ways, in me confide!
“Thou hast, in every hour, an Unseen Guide!
“I heard thy vow at Bethel! I was near!
“I saw thee pour the oil! I mark'd thy tear,
“And at my voice, speed on, nor danger fear!”
Jacob looks round. The voice hath past away!
He bows his head, the reverence deep to pay,
Then seeks his tent (whilst prayers to Heaven ascend)
Full of the rapturous thoughts of home and friend.
Jacob, the backward stream of time pursued.
The hour of darkness reigns! and, faith, her flight,
Sustains not: like the falling mists of night,
He hangs on earth, whilst fears his soul affright.
Sudden, a beam shone round! th' o'erwhelming glare!
The terrible magnificence was there!
Bright Angels, in the midst! The vision fades!
Silence, intense, all nature round, pervades!
Jacob, confirm'd in faith, still trembling, cried,
“What shadows, us, from th' Heavenly World, divide!
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Ardent he looks, nor fear'd that hour to die,
Such glories on his aching eye-ball lie!
A voice is heard! (no beaming terrors round.)
“Fear not! for thou, with me, hast favour found.
“Rise! To thy Father, to thy kindred, go!
“I will be with thee. Wandering, to and fro,
“Thro' all life's varied ways, in me confide!
“Thou hast, in every hour, an Unseen Guide!
“I heard thy vow at Bethel! I was near!
“I saw thee pour the oil! I mark'd thy tear,
“And at my voice, speed on, nor danger fear!”
Jacob looks round. The voice hath past away!
He bows his head, the reverence deep to pay,
Then seeks his tent (whilst prayers to Heaven ascend)
Full of the rapturous thoughts of home and friend.
“My Wives,” he cried to Rachel, Leah, near,
“I have the secret word, your hearts to cheer.
“God, even God, hath in the vision said,
“I mark thy grief! No longer droop thy head!
“Rise! To thy Father's house return again!
“And I will smooth thy path, thy steps sustain!'
“From Beersheba, I came. I had, before,
“The longing wish to visit it once more,
“But now, my love hath risen to ardour high,
“Once more to fix my gaze on Canaan's sky.
“Sweet is thy every haunt, my Native Place!
“Thy plains, thy rocks, thy hills, are cloth'd with grace!
“Thy valleys, joy, with every breath, impart!
“Thy very trees have power to touch the heart!
“The mountain stream, that near our dwelling wound,
“Lives in my sight, with bank and wild-wood crown'd!
“There is a balm, a fragrance, in thy air!
“Thy corn is richer, and thy fruit more fair!
“And all the choicest scenes that here I hail,
“Vanish before my home! my native vale!
“I will with you, my treasure and my pride!
“Once more, upon earth's choicest spot, abide!
“Encouraged by the vision from the sky,
“I must behold my Father's house, or die!
“My Father! Ah! my thoughts, to fear, awake!
“Few years, do havoc with our kindred make!
“No Father may survive a Son to see!
“My Mother! Oh! my Mother! dear to me!
“Thou dost not live, to view thy child's return!
“Cold lies thy head, and I am left to mourn!”
“Weep not! my Spouse! my Jacob!” Leah said,
Whilst Rachel mark'd his grief, and hung her head,
Then sigh'd, and gently whisper'd in his ear—
“Can He do wrong? Jehovah, whom we fear?”
“I have the secret word, your hearts to cheer.
“God, even God, hath in the vision said,
“I mark thy grief! No longer droop thy head!
“Rise! To thy Father's house return again!
“And I will smooth thy path, thy steps sustain!'
“From Beersheba, I came. I had, before,
“The longing wish to visit it once more,
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“Once more to fix my gaze on Canaan's sky.
“Sweet is thy every haunt, my Native Place!
“Thy plains, thy rocks, thy hills, are cloth'd with grace!
“Thy valleys, joy, with every breath, impart!
“Thy very trees have power to touch the heart!
“The mountain stream, that near our dwelling wound,
“Lives in my sight, with bank and wild-wood crown'd!
“There is a balm, a fragrance, in thy air!
“Thy corn is richer, and thy fruit more fair!
“And all the choicest scenes that here I hail,
“Vanish before my home! my native vale!
“I will with you, my treasure and my pride!
“Once more, upon earth's choicest spot, abide!
“Encouraged by the vision from the sky,
“I must behold my Father's house, or die!
“My Father! Ah! my thoughts, to fear, awake!
“Few years, do havoc with our kindred make!
“No Father may survive a Son to see!
“My Mother! Oh! my Mother! dear to me!
“Thou dost not live, to view thy child's return!
“Cold lies thy head, and I am left to mourn!”
“Weep not! my Spouse! my Jacob!” Leah said,
Whilst Rachel mark'd his grief, and hung her head,
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“Can He do wrong? Jehovah, whom we fear?”
Roused by the sudden danger, Jacob cried,
“The wall of brass doth me, from joy, divide!
“Ah! Laban! At the thought, my heart doth bleed!
“He will, with every cross, my way impede!
“Hear me! Prepare whate'er you call your own.
“When evening on her farthest course is flown,
“And all is silent, I will gather round
“My flocks and herds, and, at the signal sound,
“Pass on to Edom. Haply, 'till too late,
“Laban may miss us not, or, gratulate
“His heart unkind, that, I have left him, here,
“Freely, this wide domain, no rival near.”
“The wall of brass doth me, from joy, divide!
“Ah! Laban! At the thought, my heart doth bleed!
“He will, with every cross, my way impede!
“Hear me! Prepare whate'er you call your own.
“When evening on her farthest course is flown,
“And all is silent, I will gather round
“My flocks and herds, and, at the signal sound,
“Pass on to Edom. Haply, 'till too late,
“Laban may miss us not, or, gratulate
“His heart unkind, that, I have left him, here,
“Freely, this wide domain, no rival near.”
The journey is begun. With earnest toil,
Onward they move to Seir's fruitful soil,
And as the hills, succeeding, slow they past,
Jacob oft stopp'd. The backward glance he cast,
To see if danger crowded on his rear;
And now the Mounts of Gilead dim appear.
Onward they move to Seir's fruitful soil,
And as the hills, succeeding, slow they past,
Jacob oft stopp'd. The backward glance he cast,
To see if danger crowded on his rear;
And now the Mounts of Gilead dim appear.
The Sons to Laban haste. “Know you,” they said,
“That Jacob, with his Wives, his all, is fled?”
“Up, for pursuit!” cried Laban. “I will feel
“No pity! I will now my wrath reveal!”
“That Jacob, with his Wives, his all, is fled?”
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“No pity! I will now my wrath reveal!”
Laban, surrounded by the armed band,
Speeds after Jacob to the far-off land.
At night, behold! to Laban's eye, appear'd
The vision! As he steadfast look'd, he fear'd!
He saw an Angel Form, who (clothed in light!)
Thus spake. “In dreams, I visit thee this night.
“Thy Son! my Servant! hurt not! Jacob spare!
“Or thou, this hand, in thunders clothed, shalt bear!”
Speeds after Jacob to the far-off land.
At night, behold! to Laban's eye, appear'd
The vision! As he steadfast look'd, he fear'd!
He saw an Angel Form, who (clothed in light!)
Thus spake. “In dreams, I visit thee this night.
“Thy Son! my Servant! hurt not! Jacob spare!
“Or thou, this hand, in thunders clothed, shalt bear!”
On Gilead's mount, hath Laban, Jacob found.
Thus he began. “Oh! treacherous and unsound!
“Why hast thou borne my Daughters thus away,
“As tho' they captives were? and, in dismay,
“Left me, the desolate! Upon the road,
“The vision warn'd, or, to thy past abode,
“Faithless as ocean! and to honour blind!
“Thou back hadst gone, with hooting scorn behind!”
Thus he began. “Oh! treacherous and unsound!
“Why hast thou borne my Daughters thus away,
“As tho' they captives were? and, in dismay,
“Left me, the desolate! Upon the road,
“The vision warn'd, or, to thy past abode,
“Faithless as ocean! and to honour blind!
“Thou back hadst gone, with hooting scorn behind!”
Jacob replied. “Forbear that wrathful eye!
“What is my crime, and what my perfidy?
“I knew that thou, checking my warm desire,
“Would'st never let me seek my reverenced Sire.
“Encourag'd by the heavenly voice, and dread,
“For home, my spirit sigh'd, by night I fled.
“These twenty years have I been faithful found.
“Yet hast thou oft, and sorely, on me frown'd.
“Thou didst, unmindful of my low degree,
“Thy loss, whate'er the cause, require of me.
“The drought consumed me, on the hills, by day,
“The frost, by night, with slumber far away.
“In wantonness of power, to me estranged,
“Ten times, thou know'st, hast thou my wages chang'd;
“And had not God, in every strait, my trust,
“Been with me, in this hour, thy soul, unjust,
“Had stripp'd me, sent me, heedless of my suit,
“Back to my Father's dwelling destitute.”
“What is my crime, and what my perfidy?
“I knew that thou, checking my warm desire,
“Would'st never let me seek my reverenced Sire.
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“For home, my spirit sigh'd, by night I fled.
“These twenty years have I been faithful found.
“Yet hast thou oft, and sorely, on me frown'd.
“Thou didst, unmindful of my low degree,
“Thy loss, whate'er the cause, require of me.
“The drought consumed me, on the hills, by day,
“The frost, by night, with slumber far away.
“In wantonness of power, to me estranged,
“Ten times, thou know'st, hast thou my wages chang'd;
“And had not God, in every strait, my trust,
“Been with me, in this hour, thy soul, unjust,
“Had stripp'd me, sent me, heedless of my suit,
“Back to my Father's dwelling destitute.”
Laban, enraged, replied. “What wealth is thine?
“These children are my children! All is mine!
“Wives, flocks, and herds! My Daughters here I see!
“And nakedness alone belongs to thee!”
Whilst anger the impetuous utterance drown'd,
Rachel began, with voice of winning sound,
“My Father! be thou sooth'd! To peace incline!
“Leah, affection feels, and love is mine!
“Oh! let us pass to Beersheba, the place
“Which still, in Jacob's eye, hath many a grace:
“(The home revered, where first he breath'd the air)
“And I will bless thee. In my every prayer,
“Thou shalt be first and last, my Father, dear!”
Laban the struggle felt, when thus he said.
“Thou hast been good to me. Upon thy head,
“Rachel! may blessings rest. Even for your sake,
“My Daughters! I will not to vengeance wake.”
“These children are my children! All is mine!
“Wives, flocks, and herds! My Daughters here I see!
“And nakedness alone belongs to thee!”
Whilst anger the impetuous utterance drown'd,
Rachel began, with voice of winning sound,
“My Father! be thou sooth'd! To peace incline!
“Leah, affection feels, and love is mine!
“Oh! let us pass to Beersheba, the place
“Which still, in Jacob's eye, hath many a grace:
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“And I will bless thee. In my every prayer,
“Thou shalt be first and last, my Father, dear!”
Laban the struggle felt, when thus he said.
“Thou hast been good to me. Upon thy head,
“Rachel! may blessings rest. Even for your sake,
“My Daughters! I will not to vengeance wake.”
Jacob thus spake, with alter'd accent kind,
“Let not intemperate wrath, o'erwhelm thy mind.
“If I have err'd, my Sire, in word, or deed,
“Forgive the trespass! here I pardon plead!”
Laban, subdued in spirit, thus replied.
“Jacob, my Son! we will no longer chide!
“The covenant sincere we now will make!
“Thou art no alien, for my children's sake!
“Now hear me! If one spark of love remain,
“Cherish and prize my Daughters! I, in vain,
“Long shall their loss deplore, and comfort find,
“Only, as thou art faithful, thou art kind.”
“Let not intemperate wrath, o'erwhelm thy mind.
“If I have err'd, my Sire, in word, or deed,
“Forgive the trespass! here I pardon plead!”
Laban, subdued in spirit, thus replied.
“Jacob, my Son! we will no longer chide!
“The covenant sincere we now will make!
“Thou art no alien, for my children's sake!
“Now hear me! If one spark of love remain,
“Cherish and prize my Daughters! I, in vain,
“Long shall their loss deplore, and comfort find,
“Only, as thou art faithful, thou art kind.”
The mutual vow is past; and, now, his feet
('Mid promises, and prayers, and wishes sweet)
Laban, toward home directs, whilst Jacob still
Slow thro' the vale winds on, or o'er the hill;
Each day, his heart o'erflowing with delight,
As forms, once known, arise upon his sight:
But when Old Lebanon! at first appears,
And to the sky his regal summit rears,
Region oft traversed in his earlier years!
His spirit faints, his eye dissolves in tears.
('Mid promises, and prayers, and wishes sweet)
Laban, toward home directs, whilst Jacob still
Slow thro' the vale winds on, or o'er the hill;
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As forms, once known, arise upon his sight:
But when Old Lebanon! at first appears,
And to the sky his regal summit rears,
Region oft traversed in his earlier years!
His spirit faints, his eye dissolves in tears.
Ah! Jordan now he sees! He calls to mind
The hour of gloom! the bleak and wintry wind!
Which by this stream, he knew in days long past,
When, friendless, destitute, himself he cast
On the cold ground, whilst anguish prest him down,
And God, and Man, and Nature, seem'd to frown!
And, now, he cried, “Not with this Staff alone
“Do I return! Two bands, and large, I own!
“Jehovah's power is here! His hand I see!
“He gave me wealth, and I will bend my knee!”
He said, and rear'd the Altar, by the side
Of Jordan, flowing on, in all his pride;
And there, to God, with prostrate heart, he cried.
The hour of gloom! the bleak and wintry wind!
Which by this stream, he knew in days long past,
When, friendless, destitute, himself he cast
On the cold ground, whilst anguish prest him down,
And God, and Man, and Nature, seem'd to frown!
And, now, he cried, “Not with this Staff alone
“Do I return! Two bands, and large, I own!
“Jehovah's power is here! His hand I see!
“He gave me wealth, and I will bend my knee!”
He said, and rear'd the Altar, by the side
Of Jordan, flowing on, in all his pride;
And there, to God, with prostrate heart, he cried.
Now, terror, flood-like, bursts upon his mind!
He thinks on Esau's vow! his vengeance blind!
“Haste!” to his herdsmen near, aloud he spake.
“To Esau, e'en my Brother. With you take
“My blessing and kind greetings. Let him know
“That Heaven hath prosper'd me—my hands o'erflow
“With shepherd's wealth, whilst children round me rise,
“And say, his favour most, on earth, I prize.”
He thinks on Esau's vow! his vengeance blind!
“Haste!” to his herdsmen near, aloud he spake.
“To Esau, e'en my Brother. With you take
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“That Heaven hath prosper'd me—my hands o'erflow
“With shepherd's wealth, whilst children round me rise,
“And say, his favour most, on earth, I prize.”
They now return. Jacob, with hurrying feet,
Speeds, whilst his heart beats hard, the men to meet.
“What news?” he cried. The men, with looks of care,
Answer'd, “No tidings of delight we bear.
“Thy Brother comes, with twice two hundred men,
“Arm'd, as for war! The Lion, in his den,
“Hath fury, less than Esau! Not a word
“Thy Brother spake, but instant seized his sword,
“And, by this hour, he stands at Jabbok's ford!”
Speeds, whilst his heart beats hard, the men to meet.
“What news?” he cried. The men, with looks of care,
Answer'd, “No tidings of delight we bear.
“Thy Brother comes, with twice two hundred men,
“Arm'd, as for war! The Lion, in his den,
“Hath fury, less than Esau! Not a word
“Thy Brother spake, but instant seized his sword,
“And, by this hour, he stands at Jabbok's ford!”
Jacob, with trembling knee, the tidings hears,
Whilst death, in all his ghastliest forms, appears!
“Haste!” loud he cried. “Divide our flocks and herds
“Into two equal bands! Regard my words!
“If Esau smite the first, the next, escape!
“Instant, your course to some near forest shape,
“Or cowering hill! Ah! No! I first will strive
“To keep some little spark of love alive!
“Collect four droves of sheep, and goodly kine.
“Let them pass on. If Esau harm design,
“These presents may appease. The first shall say,
“Meeting my wrathful Brother, in his way,
“‘These Jacob sends to Esau, with kind greet.’
“The next, the same shall say, as him they meet.
“The third; the last, and, bending low, declare,
“Jacob himself is near, whose love we bear.”
Whilst death, in all his ghastliest forms, appears!
“Haste!” loud he cried. “Divide our flocks and herds
“Into two equal bands! Regard my words!
“If Esau smite the first, the next, escape!
“Instant, your course to some near forest shape,
“Or cowering hill! Ah! No! I first will strive
“To keep some little spark of love alive!
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“Let them pass on. If Esau harm design,
“These presents may appease. The first shall say,
“Meeting my wrathful Brother, in his way,
“‘These Jacob sends to Esau, with kind greet.’
“The next, the same shall say, as him they meet.
“The third; the last, and, bending low, declare,
“Jacob himself is near, whose love we bear.”
The sheep, the kine, the camels, on have past.
The chilling mists of evening gather'd fast
Ere all, to rest, had gone; and, now, alone
Jacob, himself, upon the turf hath thrown,
When, in the depth of anguish, he began.
“God of my Fathers! I, a sinful man!
“Look up to thee, in this my sore distress.
“My crimes, my wanderings oft, I here confess.
“This hour, my deep unworthiness I own—
“Of the least mercy that thy hand hath shewn;
“But chiefly of that Truth, that Hope Divine,
“Which makes the Future still unclouded shine.
“Thou said'st, ‘Return, for mine is all the earth!
“Seek thou, once more, the country of thy birth!
“To Canaan speed! My arm shall be thy guide!’
“Oh! In this hour, the covert safe, provide!
“My Brother hastes, revenge upon his brow,
“Whilst on him rests, enraged, the murderer's vow.
“The Father he will slay, with fury wild!
“The Mother! thought of dread! the tender child!
“Look down! Oh! soften thou the heart of steel!
“This hour, Oh! God! thyself, thy hand, reveal!”
The chilling mists of evening gather'd fast
Ere all, to rest, had gone; and, now, alone
Jacob, himself, upon the turf hath thrown,
When, in the depth of anguish, he began.
“God of my Fathers! I, a sinful man!
“Look up to thee, in this my sore distress.
“My crimes, my wanderings oft, I here confess.
“This hour, my deep unworthiness I own—
“Of the least mercy that thy hand hath shewn;
“But chiefly of that Truth, that Hope Divine,
“Which makes the Future still unclouded shine.
“Thou said'st, ‘Return, for mine is all the earth!
“Seek thou, once more, the country of thy birth!
193
“Oh! In this hour, the covert safe, provide!
“My Brother hastes, revenge upon his brow,
“Whilst on him rests, enraged, the murderer's vow.
“The Father he will slay, with fury wild!
“The Mother! thought of dread! the tender child!
“Look down! Oh! soften thou the heart of steel!
“This hour, Oh! God! thyself, thy hand, reveal!”
He rises. To his sight a man appears.
The solitary place around—he fears!
He trembles, as the Stranger Form draws nigh!
And now they wrestle hard! The eastern sky,
With morn, just glimmers o'er the misty hill,
With gilded summit, yet, they wrestle still.
The Stranger said, “Forbear! We now must part!”
Jacob, in terror cried, “Say, who thou art!
“I will not cease my hold, tho' whelm'd in fear,
“Except, Oh! Form unknown, thou bless me here!
“Declare thy name!” His hand relaxes! Now!
Before an Angel! view the pleader bow,
Whilst, splendor, of ineffable degree,
He, with closed eye, o'erpower'd, forbears to see!
The Angel spake! “I bless thee! On thy head,
“And on thy offspring when thou hence art fled,
“My smiles shall rest! The realms of light above,
“The home of happiness, the world of love,
“Who seeks, like thee, must wrestle for the prize
“And he who seeks shall find. Be thou the wise,
“And strive to reach the everlasting skies!”
The light hath vanish'd! Jacob looks around.
He nothing sees. The sun, in glory crown'd,
Rises! He cried, “I tremble at this place!
“For I have seen Jehovah, face to face!”
The solitary place around—he fears!
He trembles, as the Stranger Form draws nigh!
And now they wrestle hard! The eastern sky,
With morn, just glimmers o'er the misty hill,
With gilded summit, yet, they wrestle still.
The Stranger said, “Forbear! We now must part!”
Jacob, in terror cried, “Say, who thou art!
“I will not cease my hold, tho' whelm'd in fear,
“Except, Oh! Form unknown, thou bless me here!
“Declare thy name!” His hand relaxes! Now!
Before an Angel! view the pleader bow,
Whilst, splendor, of ineffable degree,
He, with closed eye, o'erpower'd, forbears to see!
194
“And on thy offspring when thou hence art fled,
“My smiles shall rest! The realms of light above,
“The home of happiness, the world of love,
“Who seeks, like thee, must wrestle for the prize
“And he who seeks shall find. Be thou the wise,
“And strive to reach the everlasting skies!”
The light hath vanish'd! Jacob looks around.
He nothing sees. The sun, in glory crown'd,
Rises! He cried, “I tremble at this place!
“For I have seen Jehovah, face to face!”
Upon the distant hill, in dread amaze,
Jacob beholds his Brother! whilst the blaze
Of weapon blends with th' sun's resplendent rays!
Fearful he speeds, and eager, to the train
Of wives and offspring, marching o'er the plain.
“Stop!” he exclaim'd. Two bands, he instant makes.
Leah, and all her Children, first, he takes.
He sends them on; now, at the last he placed
Rachel, with Joseph, and beside them paced,
Raising the prayer, that God, his only friend,
Would now, from peril, and from death defend.
Jacob beholds his Brother! whilst the blaze
Of weapon blends with th' sun's resplendent rays!
Fearful he speeds, and eager, to the train
Of wives and offspring, marching o'er the plain.
“Stop!” he exclaim'd. Two bands, he instant makes.
Leah, and all her Children, first, he takes.
He sends them on; now, at the last he placed
Rachel, with Joseph, and beside them paced,
Raising the prayer, that God, his only friend,
Would now, from peril, and from death defend.
195
Esau draws near! Jacob, to earth, bent low.
He trembles! With affection's fervent glow,
(More lovely than the blush of morning light)
Esau prest on! The Stranger, with delight,
He seizes! He, in silence clasp'd him round!
And Brother, grasping Brother, now is found!
Jacob loud wept! The sympathetic tear
From Esau burst, as, pressing him more near,
He cried, “My Brother! With no sky o'ercast,
“Heaven bless thee! All my anger now is past!
“And we will truly love, while life doth last!”
He trembles! With affection's fervent glow,
(More lovely than the blush of morning light)
Esau prest on! The Stranger, with delight,
He seizes! He, in silence clasp'd him round!
And Brother, grasping Brother, now is found!
Jacob loud wept! The sympathetic tear
From Esau burst, as, pressing him more near,
He cried, “My Brother! With no sky o'ercast,
“Heaven bless thee! All my anger now is past!
“And we will truly love, while life doth last!”
| Messiah | |