Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/165

 REDEMPTION. 159

Not such was Israel's great Deliv'rer thought;

They hoped a powerful Prince, a Councilor,

High named, of high descent, not abject thus,

Strong to set free, and wise to rule the state.

Nor yet mere human shape, depress'd, but God,

Since Son of God was their Messias call'd;

And, if the same as I have heard relate,

Who sat in glory' at His right hand enthroned,

Equal in splendor and extended rule,

Hard must it be to recognize in thee,

Emaciate, deserted, wan, forlorn,

And in this desert like to die of want,

That mighty Ruler, who in time should come.

Much I could wish to have this doubt resolved;

For, if thou be as said, it cannot rest,

That such a Father would deprive such Son,

Or leave him without help in time of need,

When all of earth is at his sole command.

E'en man sometimes he hath endow'd with pow'r,

To work amazing wonders with high hand,

Some temp'ral need to serve; how much more Thee,

His own Son named, would he to succor haste,

Or speedy urge thee, strong from innate pow'r,

To satisfy the hunger want impels.

Arouse this power, latent, yet possess'd,

Nor suffer thy distress to bow thee low,

Else own thyself th' imposter some would fain."

So he, affecting doubt of what he knew, And tempting to distrust, deadliest of sins; Since, who distrusts the providence of God, On self, or some forbidden source relies. Thus tempted he Jehoram to exclaim

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