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. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. | BOOK XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
 | Messiah |  |
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BOOK XXI.
David receives, from Ahimelech, Goliath's sword.— Driven to want, he repines. Is taught resignation by the example and fate of the “Man at Ease.” David's interview with his Father and Mother. Conveys them to Moab. Abigail and Nabal. Ahimelech slain by Doeg. David spares Saul, when sleeping in the cave. His reconciliation. Death of Samuel.
David, to Nob, the distant town, repairs.
With look that told no tale of secret cares,
Ahimelech, the Priest, he sought, and cried,
“Father, revered, the needful food provide!
“I am on secret mission. Tell me plain,
“If weapon known, in war, to thee pertain.”
Ahimelech replied, “My Lord, and great,
“Thrice honor'd, as thy Servant, I will wait.
“There is one sword, kept in this sacred place,
“Goliath's! which thy might, by special grace,
“Late won in combat. If that suit thee, say!
“And bear the dread memorial safe away!”
When David thus. “It is the sword I need!
“Choice instrument!” “Doeg, arise with speed!”
Answer'd Ahimelech. “The weapon bring!
“Then, with thy pitcher seek the crystal spring.
“I, in mean time, the frugal board will spread
“And give (our only fare!) th' Unleaven'd Bread,
“So shall my Lord be satisfied.” They eat.
And now the well-known sword, at David's feet,
Doeg presents, who binds it to his side,
Then turns, to seek, alone, his wanderings wide.
With look that told no tale of secret cares,
Ahimelech, the Priest, he sought, and cried,
“Father, revered, the needful food provide!
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“If weapon known, in war, to thee pertain.”
Ahimelech replied, “My Lord, and great,
“Thrice honor'd, as thy Servant, I will wait.
“There is one sword, kept in this sacred place,
“Goliath's! which thy might, by special grace,
“Late won in combat. If that suit thee, say!
“And bear the dread memorial safe away!”
When David thus. “It is the sword I need!
“Choice instrument!” “Doeg, arise with speed!”
Answer'd Ahimelech. “The weapon bring!
“Then, with thy pitcher seek the crystal spring.
“I, in mean time, the frugal board will spread
“And give (our only fare!) th' Unleaven'd Bread,
“So shall my Lord be satisfied.” They eat.
And now the well-known sword, at David's feet,
Doeg presents, who binds it to his side,
Then turns, to seek, alone, his wanderings wide.
Whilst, on the outcast, none regarding smiled,
Cheerless, he passes on, from wild to wild;
By night he travels, when no eye might see,
And in the day ascends the branching tree.
And now his heart, in faint rebellion, said,
“Why was I forced from home, thus wanting bread.”
Cheerless, he passes on, from wild to wild;
By night he travels, when no eye might see,
And in the day ascends the branching tree.
And now his heart, in faint rebellion, said,
“Why was I forced from home, thus wanting bread.”
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The hour was thoughtful. Near, as spring-tide, green,
The dwelling of a Man at Ease was seen.
By hunger urged, David approach'd the door;
When, lo! with scowl, the Master stood before.
(Save when some favour, sought for, reach'd his ear,
And threw his visage into state austere)
His eyes stood out with fatness and delight:
He was, indeed, a sleek and portly wight,
Who plann'd, as one from death and danger free,
And talk'd of years, which he might never see.
David approaching spake. “With toil opprest,
“Weary and faint, if pity in thy breast
“Hath found a dwelling, let me rest my head,
“Some season brief; I ask alone for bread.”
The scornful Lord exclaim'd, “Or live, or die,
“I heed thee not, nor would I bread supply,
“Tho' thou, 'till night's dim hour, shouldst plead and pray.”
The dogs assault! A while they stand at bay,
When, on the first, of lion strength and size,
One blow descends, and, lo, he breathless lies!
“Val'rous!” the Master shouted. “One, like thee,
“That hath an arm of such tried valiancy,
“Must not be spurn'd. My words I do retrace,
“And here awhile shall be thy resting-place.
“But canst thou win me Wealth? If skill thou bring
“To swell my store (that first and noblest thing!)
“Here shalt thou sojourn long; nor do I heed
“What means are used if riches thence proceed.”
The dwelling of a Man at Ease was seen.
By hunger urged, David approach'd the door;
When, lo! with scowl, the Master stood before.
(Save when some favour, sought for, reach'd his ear,
And threw his visage into state austere)
His eyes stood out with fatness and delight:
He was, indeed, a sleek and portly wight,
Who plann'd, as one from death and danger free,
And talk'd of years, which he might never see.
David approaching spake. “With toil opprest,
“Weary and faint, if pity in thy breast
“Hath found a dwelling, let me rest my head,
“Some season brief; I ask alone for bread.”
The scornful Lord exclaim'd, “Or live, or die,
“I heed thee not, nor would I bread supply,
“Tho' thou, 'till night's dim hour, shouldst plead and pray.”
The dogs assault! A while they stand at bay,
When, on the first, of lion strength and size,
One blow descends, and, lo, he breathless lies!
“Val'rous!” the Master shouted. “One, like thee,
“That hath an arm of such tried valiancy,
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“And here awhile shall be thy resting-place.
“But canst thou win me Wealth? If skill thou bring
“To swell my store (that first and noblest thing!)
“Here shalt thou sojourn long; nor do I heed
“What means are used if riches thence proceed.”
David replied. “That wealth I cannot gain,
“These wants now testify, nor do I feign,
“That if the power were mine, the way must be,
“Fair, open, such as Earth and Heaven might see.
“Yet would I not my wish to please thee hide.
“Hast thou a chord to harmony allied?
“Against thy wall, at hand, a harp I spy,
“Once, o'er its strings, my hand was wont to fly.”
The Master cried. “Next to the love of ease,
“Nothing like concord doth my spirit please.
“Music, and boisterous song, and midnight wine,
“These fill the laughing hours, with joys divine.
“The harp! My princely harp!” And now he hears
Such notes as melt his iron heart to tears.
“These wants now testify, nor do I feign,
“That if the power were mine, the way must be,
“Fair, open, such as Earth and Heaven might see.
“Yet would I not my wish to please thee hide.
“Hast thou a chord to harmony allied?
“Against thy wall, at hand, a harp I spy,
“Once, o'er its strings, my hand was wont to fly.”
The Master cried. “Next to the love of ease,
“Nothing like concord doth my spirit please.
“Music, and boisterous song, and midnight wine,
“These fill the laughing hours, with joys divine.
“The harp! My princely harp!” And now he hears
Such notes as melt his iron heart to tears.
When wonder ceased, the Lord, enrapt, exclaim'd,
“David himself, throughout our Canaan famed,
“Hath not a power to touch the soul like thee.
“Now for the dance and mirthful revelry.
“Thy heart no more with Fortune's frowns shall ach.
“To life, to luxury, to pleasure wake;
“Such as hath long been mine, a festive state.
“Whome'er I prize, on them do slaves await,
“And I will lift thee up amongst the great.
“Come forth,” with towering gaze, pursued the host;
“I, to thy eyes, will shew what wealth I boast.
“Behold this house, surpassing all around.
“What stately trees, what lands thy vision bound,
“Me, their sole owner call. The fields, before,
“Waving with yellow corn, contain my store.
“The vines, opprest with fruit, all bend for me,
“And as this year hath been, the next shall be.
“Yon barns, capacious, groan beneath their weight;
“Too small. Before another autumn, my estate
“Swell with its bounty, I will lay them low,
“And larger build, my riches to bestow,
“And long, to come, my soul shall laugh at woe.”
Is this the mark for envy? this the wise?
Smitten of Heaven, he reels! Ah! there he lies!
The Rich Man fades away! the Boaster dies!
“David himself, throughout our Canaan famed,
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“Now for the dance and mirthful revelry.
“Thy heart no more with Fortune's frowns shall ach.
“To life, to luxury, to pleasure wake;
“Such as hath long been mine, a festive state.
“Whome'er I prize, on them do slaves await,
“And I will lift thee up amongst the great.
“Come forth,” with towering gaze, pursued the host;
“I, to thy eyes, will shew what wealth I boast.
“Behold this house, surpassing all around.
“What stately trees, what lands thy vision bound,
“Me, their sole owner call. The fields, before,
“Waving with yellow corn, contain my store.
“The vines, opprest with fruit, all bend for me,
“And as this year hath been, the next shall be.
“Yon barns, capacious, groan beneath their weight;
“Too small. Before another autumn, my estate
“Swell with its bounty, I will lay them low,
“And larger build, my riches to bestow,
“And long, to come, my soul shall laugh at woe.”
Is this the mark for envy? this the wise?
Smitten of Heaven, he reels! Ah! there he lies!
The Rich Man fades away! the Boaster dies!
380
David the judgment saw, then, sighing, said.
“Ere this have I beheld the wicked spread,
“Eager, his arms around, and joyous say,
“‘The bay-tree emblems my perpetual sway!’
“But, as the morning cloud, he past away!
“I look'd around, I sought him far and near,
“I found him not. He, from his high career,
“Sunk! from the boasted blaze of his renown:
“The leaden hand of Death had prest him down!
“His last hope perish'd! All he loved (vain man!)
“Bounded by Time, and measured with a Span!
“Oh! may my treasure lie beyond the tomb,
“Where thief doth not molest, nor moth consume.
“I'd rather keep the door, in th' House of Prayer,
“Than with the wicked flourish, wealth my snare;—
“In th' humble vale of life contented wait,
“Than dwell in tents of sin, on thrones of state;—
“Pass, pilgrim-like, my fleeting moments here,
“Looking beyond, and in my Maker's fear,
“Than reign, adorn'd at noon, with garland's gay,
“And hear no whisper sweet at parting-day.
“Whatever ill thou deal, or sorrow send,
“Oh! God! be thou my portion, thou my friend!”
He said, and felt the unthankful heart subdued,
And calm, with faith in Heaven, his way pursued.
“Ere this have I beheld the wicked spread,
“Eager, his arms around, and joyous say,
“‘The bay-tree emblems my perpetual sway!’
“But, as the morning cloud, he past away!
“I look'd around, I sought him far and near,
“I found him not. He, from his high career,
“Sunk! from the boasted blaze of his renown:
“The leaden hand of Death had prest him down!
“His last hope perish'd! All he loved (vain man!)
“Bounded by Time, and measured with a Span!
“Oh! may my treasure lie beyond the tomb,
“Where thief doth not molest, nor moth consume.
“I'd rather keep the door, in th' House of Prayer,
“Than with the wicked flourish, wealth my snare;—
“In th' humble vale of life contented wait,
“Than dwell in tents of sin, on thrones of state;—
“Pass, pilgrim-like, my fleeting moments here,
“Looking beyond, and in my Maker's fear,
“Than reign, adorn'd at noon, with garland's gay,
“And hear no whisper sweet at parting-day.
“Whatever ill thou deal, or sorrow send,
“Oh! God! be thou my portion, thou my friend!”
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And calm, with faith in Heaven, his way pursued.
Now to the cave, Adullam, he repairs,
The mountain cave esteem'd in happier years.
Near it, the Shepherd of the Hill he spies,
(The face familiar.) David, earnest, cries,
“Haste hither! To my Father's house descend,
“I, in mean time, thy mountain charge will tend,
“Tell them that David needs the voice of friend!”
The mountain cave esteem'd in happier years.
Near it, the Shepherd of the Hill he spies,
(The face familiar.) David, earnest, cries,
“Haste hither! To my Father's house descend,
“I, in mean time, thy mountain charge will tend,
“Tell them that David needs the voice of friend!”
Jesse and all his Sons, with her, most dear!
(His Mother) the inspiring tidings hear,
And strive who first may reach the rocky cave,
David to hail, the bravest of the brave.
The Brethren, as on wings impetuous, fly.
Next Jesse hastes, the anxious Mother nigh,
“Welcome!” he said, “my Son! Oh! come with me,
“And leave to Courts their crimes and vanity!”
The Mother clasps her Child, then views him o'er,
And faltering speaks, “Oh! may we part no more!”
(His Mother) the inspiring tidings hear,
And strive who first may reach the rocky cave,
David to hail, the bravest of the brave.
The Brethren, as on wings impetuous, fly.
Next Jesse hastes, the anxious Mother nigh,
“Welcome!” he said, “my Son! Oh! come with me,
“And leave to Courts their crimes and vanity!”
The Mother clasps her Child, then views him o'er,
And faltering speaks, “Oh! may we part no more!”
David began. “The Lord hath raised me up,
“And made with joy run o'er my mortal cup!
“The Lord hath cast me down, and I am now
“Made by his hand, with ponderous grief to bow!
“For me, alas! no olive branch hath waved!
“Saul seeks my life! whom I have served and saved!
“If restless Spirits round our dwelling roam,
“Who have no ties to earth, no friend, no home,
“Whose hearts from Saul's oppressions proudly rise,
“Who seek some fair and daring enterprize,
“Here let them haste! I will their Captain be!
“Goliath's sword be their security!”
“And made with joy run o'er my mortal cup!
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“Made by his hand, with ponderous grief to bow!
“For me, alas! no olive branch hath waved!
“Saul seeks my life! whom I have served and saved!
“If restless Spirits round our dwelling roam,
“Who have no ties to earth, no friend, no home,
“Whose hearts from Saul's oppressions proudly rise,
“Who seek some fair and daring enterprize,
“Here let them haste! I will their Captain be!
“Goliath's sword be their security!”
Jesse look'd sad. The Brethren wondering pause!
The Mother nearer to her David draws;
“Take not the sword!” she said, “not harmless borne,
“For thou may'st die, and I may live to mourn!”
The Mother nearer to her David draws;
“Take not the sword!” she said, “not harmless borne,
“For thou may'st die, and I may live to mourn!”
“My Mother!” he replied, “My choicest prize!
“From infancy, most honor'd in my eyes!
“Whose voice was ever music to my ear,
“And whom I only loved, but could not fear!
“Whom I have bless'd upon my bended knee!
“Did I forget thee, in prosperity?
“When many gifts, and greetings kind, I sent,
“Thyself the sun that cheer'd my firmament?
“Guide of my childhood, friend, and parent, dear!
“Whom absence taught me doubly to revere,
“Can e'er the hour arrive when thou shalt cease
“To haunt my midnight pillow, wafting peace?
“My Mother! the sweet hope that fills my breast
“(In hues divine, in Eden's colours drest!)
“Is, that the hour may come, nor distant be,
“When I may leave a hollow world for thee!
“Dwell near thyself, my first and warmest prayer!
“Taste of thy joys, and all thy sorrows share!
“Is there, transporting thought! such bliss in store,
“When fear shall haunt, and hope deceive no more!
“When spurning thorny pomp and splendid pain,
“(These fears, that dart brief madness thro' my brain)
“I to my quiet home may turn again?
“Sweet dreams! but ere I realize your scene,
“Terrific waves, enraged, may roll between!
“Yet will I onward look and humbly wait,
“With fond and lingering hope, for God is great!”
“From infancy, most honor'd in my eyes!
“Whose voice was ever music to my ear,
“And whom I only loved, but could not fear!
“Whom I have bless'd upon my bended knee!
“Did I forget thee, in prosperity?
“When many gifts, and greetings kind, I sent,
“Thyself the sun that cheer'd my firmament?
383
“Whom absence taught me doubly to revere,
“Can e'er the hour arrive when thou shalt cease
“To haunt my midnight pillow, wafting peace?
“My Mother! the sweet hope that fills my breast
“(In hues divine, in Eden's colours drest!)
“Is, that the hour may come, nor distant be,
“When I may leave a hollow world for thee!
“Dwell near thyself, my first and warmest prayer!
“Taste of thy joys, and all thy sorrows share!
“Is there, transporting thought! such bliss in store,
“When fear shall haunt, and hope deceive no more!
“When spurning thorny pomp and splendid pain,
“(These fears, that dart brief madness thro' my brain)
“I to my quiet home may turn again?
“Sweet dreams! but ere I realize your scene,
“Terrific waves, enraged, may roll between!
“Yet will I onward look and humbly wait,
“With fond and lingering hope, for God is great!”
After a pause, to feeling sanctified,
David again. “My Parents! do not chide
“If I should utter words that may dismay,
“God will protect you still, and be your stay!
“A fearful man is Saul! to fury blind!
“No soft compunctions ever touch his mind!
“Me, wrongfully, he deems his bitterest foe,
“For, woeful hour! I laid Goliath low!
“When envy to his heart an entrance wins,
“When jealous thoughts arise, the storm begins!
“One victim sooths not his infuriate ire,
“But all his blood must perish, Son and Sire!
“I tremble for your lives! A noble band,
“(Such my resolves) shall David soon command!
“Then, Oh! my Father! Oh! my Mother, dear!
“My Brethren! you I bear to Moab near.
“He is my friend. There safe your lot be cast
“Till these disastrous fears and days be past.
“Tho' few the hours, my kindred! we must part!”
No voice is heard. The greet of heart, with heart,
Now passes, when they all return, and leave
David once more, to loneliness and eve.
David again. “My Parents! do not chide
“If I should utter words that may dismay,
“God will protect you still, and be your stay!
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“No soft compunctions ever touch his mind!
“Me, wrongfully, he deems his bitterest foe,
“For, woeful hour! I laid Goliath low!
“When envy to his heart an entrance wins,
“When jealous thoughts arise, the storm begins!
“One victim sooths not his infuriate ire,
“But all his blood must perish, Son and Sire!
“I tremble for your lives! A noble band,
“(Such my resolves) shall David soon command!
“Then, Oh! my Father! Oh! my Mother, dear!
“My Brethren! you I bear to Moab near.
“He is my friend. There safe your lot be cast
“Till these disastrous fears and days be past.
“Tho' few the hours, my kindred! we must part!”
No voice is heard. The greet of heart, with heart,
Now passes, when they all return, and leave
David once more, to loneliness and eve.
What bands are those, that, at the twilight hour,
Up to Adullam's cave, all earnest, pour?
Men who from Saul's oppressions proudly rise,
And seek, with David, valiant enterprize!
Down to his Father's tent, he now hath gone,
And safe to Moab borne his Parents on.
Up to Adullam's cave, all earnest, pour?
Men who from Saul's oppressions proudly rise,
And seek, with David, valiant enterprize!
Down to his Father's tent, he now hath gone,
And safe to Moab borne his Parents on.
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David, and all he loves, there, safe abide;
When one drew near, to mortals scarce allied,
A reverend form, Gad! Prophet of the Lord!
To David thus he spake. “Attend my word!
“I, in this hour, am sent thy soul to cheer!
“Return to Judah! Saul no longer fear!
“He hath a chain the which he cannot break.
“Fear God, and him thy only refuge make!”
David, with reverence bow'd! To Judah's land,
Now turning, with his small and valiant band,
(Roaming unfriended, and still doom'd to roam)
Paran's wide wilderness he calls his home.
When one drew near, to mortals scarce allied,
A reverend form, Gad! Prophet of the Lord!
To David thus he spake. “Attend my word!
“I, in this hour, am sent thy soul to cheer!
“Return to Judah! Saul no longer fear!
“He hath a chain the which he cannot break.
“Fear God, and him thy only refuge make!”
David, with reverence bow'd! To Judah's land,
Now turning, with his small and valiant band,
(Roaming unfriended, and still doom'd to roam)
Paran's wide wilderness he calls his home.
Here long he dwells, till want he felt or fear'd:
When to his Men he cried. “I just have heard
“That Nabal, who from us no harm hath found,
“In Carmel sheers his flocks, with stores around.
“We have preserved his sheep that here are spread,
“Tell him that now even David asks for bread.”
When to his Men he cried. “I just have heard
“That Nabal, who from us no harm hath found,
“In Carmel sheers his flocks, with stores around.
“We have preserved his sheep that here are spread,
“Tell him that now even David asks for bread.”
His ten young Men to Carmel pass along,
And thus to Nabal spake. “To do no wrong
“Come we, this hour. Our Chief, the Son of Saul!
“David! around thy flocks hath been a wall
“Both day and night, nor injury hath he done
“To all thou hast, wide-spread, beneath the sun.
“He seeks some portion of thy bounteous store.
“He would not take, but sent us to implore.”
And thus to Nabal spake. “To do no wrong
“Come we, this hour. Our Chief, the Son of Saul!
“David! around thy flocks hath been a wall
386
“To all thou hast, wide-spread, beneath the sun.
“He seeks some portion of thy bounteous store.
“He would not take, but sent us to implore.”
Nabal (with wine o'erpower'd, with fiery eye,
With nose distain'd, and cheek of crimson dye,
And many a flask, and sparkling goblet nigh)
Furious exclaim'd. “I spurn thy beggar Chief!
“He send to Nabal's board to ask relief!
“Many there be who tread in David's ways,
“Who from their Masters break, and strive to raise
“Herds, flocks, with easy toil; by force or lie,
“Who rather beg than work and steal than buy!
“Hence! Bear this message to thy leader bold,
“My curse I give! My bounty I withhold!”
With nose distain'd, and cheek of crimson dye,
And many a flask, and sparkling goblet nigh)
Furious exclaim'd. “I spurn thy beggar Chief!
“He send to Nabal's board to ask relief!
“Many there be who tread in David's ways,
“Who from their Masters break, and strive to raise
“Herds, flocks, with easy toil; by force or lie,
“Who rather beg than work and steal than buy!
“Hence! Bear this message to thy leader bold,
“My curse I give! My bounty I withhold!”
The Men to David haste and Nabal's speech
Plainly declare. Said David, “Instant reach
“Sword, dart, and bow! This Nabal we will teach
“How next to frame the words that have no sting.
“To punish we will fly on eagle's wing!
“Oh! pang severe! The world is hard to me,
“And if the Song I framed, my Theme should be,
“Cold is the heart of Proud Prosperity!”
This said, both David and his host proceed,
Eager, toward Carmel, bent on on deathful deed.
Plainly declare. Said David, “Instant reach
“Sword, dart, and bow! This Nabal we will teach
“How next to frame the words that have no sting.
“To punish we will fly on eagle's wing!
“Oh! pang severe! The world is hard to me,
“And if the Song I framed, my Theme should be,
“Cold is the heart of Proud Prosperity!”
387
Eager, toward Carmel, bent on on deathful deed.
Often the noxious weed round rose entwines,
Ill-mated pair! So one by Nabal shines,
Fairer for contrast! Abigail, his Wife,
Of understanding clear and holy life,
On whom the influence of Heaven descends,
And for a brutal help-meet makes amends.
Tho' sometimes anguish would her spirit rend
Who in the partner never found the friend!
Fetter'd to one of different mould and mind,
One fierce and harsh, the other meek and kind;
One, with loud scoff, defying Earth and Sky,
And one chastised by faith and charity.
Ill-mated pair! So one by Nabal shines,
Fairer for contrast! Abigail, his Wife,
Of understanding clear and holy life,
On whom the influence of Heaven descends,
And for a brutal help-meet makes amends.
Tho' sometimes anguish would her spirit rend
Who in the partner never found the friend!
Fetter'd to one of different mould and mind,
One fierce and harsh, the other meek and kind;
One, with loud scoff, defying Earth and Sky,
And one chastised by faith and charity.
A Servant to her hastes and trembling cries,
“Death is at hand! Out where the desert lies,
“David, the Son of Saul! in war renown'd,
“Beside our flocks, long hath a refuge found.
“Tho' known to want he never harm hath done.
“Safely our lambs have o'er the mountains run,
“Yet miss'd we naught. So great was his defence,
“He was to us a Second Providence.
“Amid this festal hour he just hath sent
“To ask for Nabal's kindness. In his tent
“Nabal the message heard. Oh! learn and fear!
“That Son of Belial, who no word will hear,
“Scoff'd at the Men, pour'd forth a flood of pride,
“Their wants derided and their Lord defied!
“Prepare for death! for, ere the coming day,
“This Man of war will sweep us all away!”
“Death is at hand! Out where the desert lies,
“David, the Son of Saul! in war renown'd,
“Beside our flocks, long hath a refuge found.
“Tho' known to want he never harm hath done.
“Safely our lambs have o'er the mountains run,
“Yet miss'd we naught. So great was his defence,
“He was to us a Second Providence.
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“To ask for Nabal's kindness. In his tent
“Nabal the message heard. Oh! learn and fear!
“That Son of Belial, who no word will hear,
“Scoff'd at the Men, pour'd forth a flood of pride,
“Their wants derided and their Lord defied!
“Prepare for death! for, ere the coming day,
“This Man of war will sweep us all away!”
Cried Abigail, “Haste! Bring our asses near.
“Burden them well with fruits, with wine to cheer!
“With corn, the best that Carmel can afford,
“And let ‘five Sheep’ be drest to meet my Lord!”
“Burden them well with fruits, with wine to cheer!
“With corn, the best that Carmel can afford,
“And let ‘five Sheep’ be drest to meet my Lord!”
Now Abigail departs, the men before.
Round by the pine-clad hills, that ever roar,
She spies the Warrior Host! With fears awake,
To David fast she speeds and thus bespake.
“Oh! stay, my Lord! Regard thy Servant's call!
“On me, alone, let this thine anger fall!
“Receive my Offering, corn, and fruit, and wine!
“And, Oh! to mercy, let thy heart incline!
“This Son of Belial, Nabal, Child of Sin!
“All dark without, but blacker far within,
“Who human heart, by kindness, ne'er did win,
“Oh! spare him for my sake! The Lord on High
“Will guard thee, and his blessings multiply.
“Stedfast, thy storm-defying house shall be!
“The everlasting hills shall emblem thee!
“He who pursues thy soul shall stand alone,
“For thou shalt reign secure on Israel's throne.
“My Lord shall be (beyond this hour of strife)
“Bound in the bundle of Eternal Life!
“And when, at length, thou sitt'st, supreme in power,
“Joy will arise, from memory of this hour,
“That thou hast stemm'd thy spirit, and forborne
“To shed the blood which thou might'st live to mourn.”
Round by the pine-clad hills, that ever roar,
She spies the Warrior Host! With fears awake,
To David fast she speeds and thus bespake.
“Oh! stay, my Lord! Regard thy Servant's call!
“On me, alone, let this thine anger fall!
“Receive my Offering, corn, and fruit, and wine!
“And, Oh! to mercy, let thy heart incline!
“This Son of Belial, Nabal, Child of Sin!
“All dark without, but blacker far within,
“Who human heart, by kindness, ne'er did win,
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“Will guard thee, and his blessings multiply.
“Stedfast, thy storm-defying house shall be!
“The everlasting hills shall emblem thee!
“He who pursues thy soul shall stand alone,
“For thou shalt reign secure on Israel's throne.
“My Lord shall be (beyond this hour of strife)
“Bound in the bundle of Eternal Life!
“And when, at length, thou sitt'st, supreme in power,
“Joy will arise, from memory of this hour,
“That thou hast stemm'd thy spirit, and forborne
“To shed the blood which thou might'st live to mourn.”
David replied. “Thee, here, the Lord hath sent!
“His hand I see who rules the Firmament.
“Thou hast assuaged my deep and sore offence,
“And kept me back from deeds of violence.
“Blessed art thou, and blessings on thy head
“Henceforth descend! for, blood had David shed,
“(Scorning alike, impediment, or fear)
“But for thy voice and pity-pleading tear.
“Oh! Woman, homeward turn! In Nabal's eyes,
“Henceforth be thou his pearl, his choicest prize,
“For he is witless, thou art fair as wise!”
Slow she retired, unknowing and unknown,
That she, erelong, was born to grace a throne.
“His hand I see who rules the Firmament.
“Thou hast assuaged my deep and sore offence,
“And kept me back from deeds of violence.
“Blessed art thou, and blessings on thy head
“Henceforth descend! for, blood had David shed,
“(Scorning alike, impediment, or fear)
“But for thy voice and pity-pleading tear.
“Oh! Woman, homeward turn! In Nabal's eyes,
“Henceforth be thou his pearl, his choicest prize,
“For he is witless, thou art fair as wise!”
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That she, erelong, was born to grace a throne.
In his dismay, Saul hears, with glad surprise,
Where David, with his Men, in ambush lies.
To all his valiant hosts, for war prepared,
The Monarch, earnest, thus his thoughts declared.
“Will Jesse's Son, the outcast, lift your head?
“Clothe you, and all your boards with plenty spread?
“Will David give you his protecting hand,
“The teeming vineyard, and the fruitful land?
“Yet, till this hour, the tidings none will give,
“So David's blood might flow, that Saul might live.”
Where David, with his Men, in ambush lies.
To all his valiant hosts, for war prepared,
The Monarch, earnest, thus his thoughts declared.
“Will Jesse's Son, the outcast, lift your head?
“Clothe you, and all your boards with plenty spread?
“Will David give you his protecting hand,
“The teeming vineyard, and the fruitful land?
“Yet, till this hour, the tidings none will give,
“So David's blood might flow, that Saul might live.”
Led by Ahithophel, with serious brow,
Doeg advancing gave the prostrate bow.
Thus he began. “Oh, King, in season past,
“With old Ahimelech my lot was cast.
“There, David came, lonely, with danger scared,
“When the false Priest, the bounteous feast prepared;
“And when thy foe departed, lo! he gave
“Goliath's sword, and call'd him bold and brave!”
Saul shouted. “Haste to Nob, the Prophet's place,
“Drag him, with pity none, himself, his race
“To Salem, I, from life will them erase.”
Doeg advancing gave the prostrate bow.
Thus he began. “Oh, King, in season past,
“With old Ahimelech my lot was cast.
“There, David came, lonely, with danger scared,
“When the false Priest, the bounteous feast prepared;
“And when thy foe departed, lo! he gave
“Goliath's sword, and call'd him bold and brave!”
Saul shouted. “Haste to Nob, the Prophet's place,
“Drag him, with pity none, himself, his race
“To Salem, I, from life will them erase.”
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Now to the King they come. The Priest drew nigh.
Ahimelech, with dim and tearful eye;
(Whose pallid cheek, fast trembling, told his fear)
When thus he spake. “Why should'st thou call me here,
“With these my Brethren, all from evil free,
“Who hate thy foes, Oh! King, and honour thee?
“Let truth be heard. To reason's voice incline,
“And let compassion plead for age like mine.
“What is my crime that thus thy wrath should rise?
“Pure is my heart and free from all disguise!
“Delusive dreams thy ancient Servant bound.
“He knew not David, with thy foes, was found.
“This, in the presence of my God, I say,
“Whom I have loved, and served, and still obey.”
Ahimelech, with dim and tearful eye;
(Whose pallid cheek, fast trembling, told his fear)
When thus he spake. “Why should'st thou call me here,
“With these my Brethren, all from evil free,
“Who hate thy foes, Oh! King, and honour thee?
“Let truth be heard. To reason's voice incline,
“And let compassion plead for age like mine.
“What is my crime that thus thy wrath should rise?
“Pure is my heart and free from all disguise!
“Delusive dreams thy ancient Servant bound.
“He knew not David, with thy foes, was found.
“This, in the presence of my God, I say,
“Whom I have loved, and served, and still obey.”
Saul thus. “Ahimelech, thou art my scorn!
“Thou stand'st with shame opprest, of honours shorn!
“False at the heart! In vain for mercy call,
“Thou and thy house shall perish, one and all!
“Thou stand'st with shame opprest, of honours shorn!
“False at the heart! In vain for mercy call,
“Thou and thy house shall perish, one and all!
Turning to those around, he utter'd, “Haste!
“These Traitors, fain would lay our country waste,
“And me your Prince destroy. Fall on our foe!
“And let each perish with the mortal blow.”
Th' Attendants pause. “What!” cried the wrathful King,
“Are you too false? Doeg! thy weapon bring!
“Lay on! and let the memory of this day
“Rebellion, from her feast of death, dismay!”
Doeg advances, fierce as arctic blast.
Upon the Priests, his furious gaze he cast,
Then dealt, with fearful might, the slaughter round,
Till every eye perpetual sleep had bound!
“These Traitors, fain would lay our country waste,
“And me your Prince destroy. Fall on our foe!
“And let each perish with the mortal blow.”
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“Are you too false? Doeg! thy weapon bring!
“Lay on! and let the memory of this day
“Rebellion, from her feast of death, dismay!”
Doeg advances, fierce as arctic blast.
Upon the Priests, his furious gaze he cast,
Then dealt, with fearful might, the slaughter round,
Till every eye perpetual sleep had bound!
Saul loud exclaim'd. “This debt of justice o'er,
“Cautious we now must look, behind, before,
“And see where next to roll the crimson flood!
“Blood whets afresh the appetite for blood!
“Hath David friends?” Ahithophel replied,
“Parents and Brethren!” Saul exulting cried,
“I have one Man with eyes estranged from tears,
“Who never starts, at blood, with woman's fears!
“Doeg! haste thou to Bethlehem, and slay
“Even all his house! It were a pleasant day
“To know that David and his traiterous Race
“Were all gone down—to their last resting place!”
Doeg, (his sword unsheath'd) arose with speed,
Nor second call required for cruel deed.
Ah! impotent in malice! David flies,
Himself, with all he loves, and safely lies
In Moab's land, where he thy wrath defies!
“Cautious we now must look, behind, before,
“And see where next to roll the crimson flood!
“Blood whets afresh the appetite for blood!
“Hath David friends?” Ahithophel replied,
“Parents and Brethren!” Saul exulting cried,
“I have one Man with eyes estranged from tears,
“Who never starts, at blood, with woman's fears!
“Doeg! haste thou to Bethlehem, and slay
“Even all his house! It were a pleasant day
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“Were all gone down—to their last resting place!”
Doeg, (his sword unsheath'd) arose with speed,
Nor second call required for cruel deed.
Ah! impotent in malice! David flies,
Himself, with all he loves, and safely lies
In Moab's land, where he thy wrath defies!
Doeg, returning, thus. “In vain I sped!
“In vain, I Bethlehem sought, thy foes are fled!
“And whither, none might name.” Saul, frowning, sigh'd.
When one (th' afflicted King, approaching) cried,
“In Keilah David dwells.” Saul spake and smiled.
“Blessed art thou who hast my care beguiled.
“If Keilah be his dwelling, let us haste,
“The traitor slay, the place, the people waste.”
“In vain, I Bethlehem sought, thy foes are fled!
“And whither, none might name.” Saul, frowning, sigh'd.
When one (th' afflicted King, approaching) cried,
“In Keilah David dwells.” Saul spake and smiled.
“Blessed art thou who hast my care beguiled.
“If Keilah be his dwelling, let us haste,
“The traitor slay, the place, the people waste.”
While hastening on, some to the King draw near,
“Forbear!” they said. “David opprest with fear
“Keilah hath left, and now 'mid Ziph appears,
“That stony wilderness, thro' untold years,
“Where rocks on rocks, up to the skies are piled,
“The seat of tempests, barren, bleak and wild!”
“Blessed! are ye,” cried Saul. “Within your breast
“Compassion dwells. Now take you food nor rest,
“Till back to Ziph you speed. View well the place.
“Its lonely ways, its secret windings, trace!
“And where the Fiend that haunts my spirit hides,
“Mark, and prepare to be your Monarch's guides.”
“Forbear!” they said. “David opprest with fear
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“That stony wilderness, thro' untold years,
“Where rocks on rocks, up to the skies are piled,
“The seat of tempests, barren, bleak and wild!”
“Blessed! are ye,” cried Saul. “Within your breast
“Compassion dwells. Now take you food nor rest,
“Till back to Ziph you speed. View well the place.
“Its lonely ways, its secret windings, trace!
“And where the Fiend that haunts my spirit hides,
“Mark, and prepare to be your Monarch's guides.”
To Ziph they haste, exultant. Saul at hand,
(With threatenings loud) follows the warlike band.
Thro' many a day they search, with eager eye,
'Mid savage wastes, and woods that lengthening lie,
Toiling, with toil in vain.
(With threatenings loud) follows the warlike band.
Thro' many a day they search, with eager eye,
'Mid savage wastes, and woods that lengthening lie,
Toiling, with toil in vain.
Near was a cave,
Over whose mouth the trees luxuriant wave;
The entrance small, extending far behind,
Thro' which unceasing past the surly wind;
Whilst a dark stream unnoticed stole along,
And ceaseless gave the sleep-enticing song!
David, as day declined, approach'd the spot.
With joy he mark'd the green, sequester'd grot,
Its foliage deep, the water gliding by,
And enter'd far, from Saul and night, to fly.
What terrors shake his breast! What fears prevail!
What horrors hang upon his visage pale!
Some enter there, awhile, to seek repose!
And now, o'ercome with sleep, their eyes they close.
Trembling with dread and silent as the grave,
David, his ear, to catch each whisper, gave.
Now all was still. Within his heart he cried,
“A Pilgrim, I, cast on the desert wide!
“Father of all! in depths of darkness shine!
“And still preserve my life, for power is Thine!”
Over whose mouth the trees luxuriant wave;
The entrance small, extending far behind,
Thro' which unceasing past the surly wind;
Whilst a dark stream unnoticed stole along,
And ceaseless gave the sleep-enticing song!
David, as day declined, approach'd the spot.
With joy he mark'd the green, sequester'd grot,
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And enter'd far, from Saul and night, to fly.
What terrors shake his breast! What fears prevail!
What horrors hang upon his visage pale!
Some enter there, awhile, to seek repose!
And now, o'ercome with sleep, their eyes they close.
Trembling with dread and silent as the grave,
David, his ear, to catch each whisper, gave.
Now all was still. Within his heart he cried,
“A Pilgrim, I, cast on the desert wide!
“Father of all! in depths of darkness shine!
“And still preserve my life, for power is Thine!”
Silence prevails. With doubtful step and slow,
Forward he moves! His blood forbore to flow,
When, stretch'd upon his royal robes, he spied
Saul, and his Followers, slumbering by his side!
Awhile he paused, uncertain, if to hide
Deep in the cave's recesses, or provide
Safety in flight. Again he look'd. Inspired
By the quick thought, he mark'd the King, attired
With purple garment. Part, he stoop'd and tore,
And hastening forth, the trophy joyful bore!
Lifting his heart to Heaven, in grateful prayer,
And owning that no human hand was there!
Forward he moves! His blood forbore to flow,
When, stretch'd upon his royal robes, he spied
Saul, and his Followers, slumbering by his side!
Awhile he paused, uncertain, if to hide
Deep in the cave's recesses, or provide
Safety in flight. Again he look'd. Inspired
By the quick thought, he mark'd the King, attired
With purple garment. Part, he stoop'd and tore,
And hastening forth, the trophy joyful bore!
Lifting his heart to Heaven, in grateful prayer,
And owning that no human hand was there!
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Up where the wild goats play, his Band he found.
He told his tale: and now (with sorrow drown'd)
Deplored, that he should lift his hand, and rend
Even from the Lord's Anointed, once his friend,
Skirt of his royal robe! In wonder lost,
David's fierce warriors hear, nor fearing cost,
Plead instant to descend, and there engage
Saul, and consume him with o'erwhelming rage.
David exclaim'd. “Forbear! Respect my will!
“Revenge shall not her poison here distil!
“The Lord's Anointed I will reverence still!
He told his tale: and now (with sorrow drown'd)
Deplored, that he should lift his hand, and rend
Even from the Lord's Anointed, once his friend,
Skirt of his royal robe! In wonder lost,
David's fierce warriors hear, nor fearing cost,
Plead instant to descend, and there engage
Saul, and consume him with o'erwhelming rage.
David exclaim'd. “Forbear! Respect my will!
“Revenge shall not her poison here distil!
“The Lord's Anointed I will reverence still!
The morning spreads thro' Heaven her robe of light.
Saul from deep slumber rises. At the sight
He spurns the drowsy feeling, and, away,
Hastes, in his ambush deep, to seize his prey.
David, amid the crags his Monarch spies.
Toward him he speeds! “Oh! stop,” aloud he cries.
“I am thy Servant!” At the well-known sound,
Saul pauses, and astonish'd gazes round!
From rock to rock, like the wild tenants near,
David descends. Afar he casts his spear!
And now before the King obedient bends!
“Hear me!” he said. “Oh! Saul, we once were friends!
“Where is my wrong that thou should'st thus pursue
“Down to the grave, one faithful still and true?
“In yonder cave I saw thee slumbering lie,
“Thy Followers stretch'd around. If evil eye
“David had cherish'd, had I borne away
“This fragment of thy vesture?—Monarch! say!”
Saul from deep slumber rises. At the sight
He spurns the drowsy feeling, and, away,
Hastes, in his ambush deep, to seize his prey.
David, amid the crags his Monarch spies.
Toward him he speeds! “Oh! stop,” aloud he cries.
“I am thy Servant!” At the well-known sound,
Saul pauses, and astonish'd gazes round!
From rock to rock, like the wild tenants near,
David descends. Afar he casts his spear!
And now before the King obedient bends!
“Hear me!” he said. “Oh! Saul, we once were friends!
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“Down to the grave, one faithful still and true?
“In yonder cave I saw thee slumbering lie,
“Thy Followers stretch'd around. If evil eye
“David had cherish'd, had I borne away
“This fragment of thy vesture?—Monarch! say!”
Saul, trembling, heard. In thoughtful mood, amazed,
His Followers on the bending David gazed,
Doubting if they might trust so strange a sight.
At length the King exclaim'd. “Still my delight!
“Oh! Son, I honour thee! In evil hour,
“I sought thy life, I fear'd thy fame, thy power!
“But I have err'd, and thou shalt hence appear
“Great in thy Monarch's eyes and doubly dear.”
David before him knelt, when, by his side,
Young Jonathan appear'd. Aloud he cried,
“Rise! Friend and Brother, Rise! Such joy below,
“I never felt! I dared not hope to know!”
His Followers on the bending David gazed,
Doubting if they might trust so strange a sight.
At length the King exclaim'd. “Still my delight!
“Oh! Son, I honour thee! In evil hour,
“I sought thy life, I fear'd thy fame, thy power!
“But I have err'd, and thou shalt hence appear
“Great in thy Monarch's eyes and doubly dear.”
David before him knelt, when, by his side,
Young Jonathan appear'd. Aloud he cried,
“Rise! Friend and Brother, Rise! Such joy below,
“I never felt! I dared not hope to know!”
A Herald hastens on! To Saul he speeds!
Thus he began. “Let Israel, deck'd in weeds,
“Long mourn her loss! Samuel is dead—our Sire!
“I saw him droop, and, calm in faith, expire.
“In Ramah, lo! he lies, whilst round him stand,
“Silent, in sad array, the weeping Band!”
Thus he began. “Let Israel, deck'd in weeds,
“Long mourn her loss! Samuel is dead—our Sire!
“I saw him droop, and, calm in faith, expire.
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“Silent, in sad array, the weeping Band!”
Saul trembles. David in his anguish sigh'd,
When Jonathan, the silence breaking, cried,
“Where shall we solace find? Tears long will flow,
“Our strength is gone! our confidence laid low!
“Who now shall tell of Heaven and point the way?
“Our glory is departed! Dark the day,
“That over Israel lowers, since he is fled,
“Our Friend! our Prophet! Who, in Samuel's stead,
“Shall ask from Heaven deliverance from our foes,
“And sooth a nation's fears, a nation's woes!”
When Jonathan, the silence breaking, cried,
“Where shall we solace find? Tears long will flow,
“Our strength is gone! our confidence laid low!
“Who now shall tell of Heaven and point the way?
“Our glory is departed! Dark the day,
“That over Israel lowers, since he is fled,
“Our Friend! our Prophet! Who, in Samuel's stead,
“Shall ask from Heaven deliverance from our foes,
“And sooth a nation's fears, a nation's woes!”
| Messiah | |