Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/231

 REDEMPTION. 225

In unconsuming fire, or neath a cloud,

The bright effulgence temper'd of his beams;

But that, which Antipater's basest son,

Propitiatory built, of glitt'ring white,

And thick emboss'd with gold; whose sacred porch,

Whose porticoes and towers magnificent,

Profuse with sculpture exquisite o'erwrought,

Irradiant glisten'd, glorious as the sun.

In orient splendor shining, wide before Messias, now its regal courts unfold, Its pinnacles, and turrets, bright emblazed, Beauteous to sight extern, but foul within; A house of prayer to den of thieves convert. On either side, fair Salem's spacious ways, Before the sorrowing Messias spread; Her walls impregnable, all her proud domes, Her palaces, and heav'n assaulting towers, In stately grandeur lift their lofty heads. Prescient, he seeni'd to tread that griefful path, Which from Antonia's base to Calvary led, Through gate of Justice, soon to be distain'd ; Explores her crowded streets, her temple throng'd, Her proud, perfidious, unbelieving race. From foot of Mercy's throne, Probatica, In silent streams, its hallow'd waters pours, Whilst round the sacred pool, its lofty gates, Direct to whence its healing virtues flow; Celestial Caphoreth, true source, whence grace Supremely springs ; to Israel proffer'd oft, As oft repell'd ; to Israel proffer'd now, By Mercy's self, who from the heav'ns descends, And o'er thee weeping, thus thy fate deplores :

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