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Specimens with Memoirs of the Less-known British Poets, Volume 2 by Gilfillan, George, 1813-1878
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A word from our supporters: File extension NRI | DAVIDEIS.BOOK II.THE CONTENTS.a digression concerning the nature of love. A discourse between Jonathan and David, upon which the latter absents himself from court, and the former goes thither to inform himself of Saul's resolution. The feast of the New-moon; the manner of the celebration of it; and therein a digression of the history of Abraham. Saul's speech upon David's absence from the feast, and his anger against Jonathan. David's resolution to fly away. He parts with Jonathan, and falls asleep under a tree. A description of Fancy. An angel makes up a vision in David's head. The vision itself; which is a prophecy of all the succession of his race, till Christ's time, with their most remarkable actions. At his awaking, Gabriel assumes a human shape, and confirms to him the truth of his vision. But now the early birds began to call The morning forth; up rose the sun and Saul: Both, as men thought, rose fresh from sweet repose; But both, alas! from restless labours rose: For in Saul's breast Envy, the toilsome sin, Had all that night active and tyrannous been: She expelled all forms of kindness, virtue, grace, Of the past day no footstep left, or trace; The new-blown sparks of his old rage appear, Nor could his love dwell longer with his fear. So near a storm wise David would not stay, Nor trust the glittering of a faithless day: He saw the sun call in his beams apace, And angry clouds march up into their place: The sea itself smooths his rough brow awhile, Flatt'ring the greedy merchant with a smile; But he whose shipwrecked bark it drank before, Sees the deceit, and knows it would have more. Such is the sea, and such was Saul; But Jonathan his son, and only good, Was gentle as fair Jordan's useful flood; Whose innocent stream, as it in silence goes, Fresh honours and a sudden spring bestows On both his banks, to every flower and tree; The manner how lies hid, the effect we see: But more than all, more than himself, he loved The man whose worth his father's hatred moved; For when the noble youth at Dammin stood, Adorned with sweat, and painted gay with blood, Jonathan pierced him through with greedy eye, And understood the future majesty Then destined in the glories of his look: He saw, and straight was with amazement strook, To see the strength, the feature, and the grace Of his young limbs; he saw his comely face, Where love and reverence so well-mingled were, And head, already crowned with golden hair: He saw what mildness his bold sp'rit did tame, Gentler than light, yet powerful as a flame: He saw his valour by their safety proved; He saw all this, and as he saw, he loved. |