Page:Memoir and poems of Phillis Wheatley, a native African and a slave.djvu/66

60 With peals of shouts ascending to the skies;

In Elab's vale, the scene of combat lies.

When the fair morning blushed with orient red,

What David's sire enjoined, the son obeyed;

And swift of foot towards the trench he came,

Where glowed each bosom with the martial flame.

He leaves his carriage to another's care,

And runs to greet his brethren of the war.

While yet they spake the giant chief arose,

Repeats the challenge, and insults his foes.

Struck with the sound, and trembling at the view,

Affrighted Israel from its post withdrew.

"Observe ye this tremendous foe, they cry'd,

"Who in proud vaunts our armies hath defy'd?

"Whoever lays him prostrate on the plain,

"Freedom in Israel for his house shall gain;

"And on him wealth unknown the king will pour,

"And give his royal daughter for his dower."

Then Jesse's youngest hope:—"My brethren, say,

"What shall be done for him who takes away

"Reproach from Jacob, who destroys the chief,

"And puts a period to his country's grief?

"He vaunts the honors of his arms abroad,

"And scorns the armies of the living God."

Thus spoke the youth; the attentive people eyed

The wondrous hero, and again reply'd:

"Such the rewards our monarch will bestow

"On him who conquers and destroys his foe."