Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/25

 REDEMPTION. 19

Were 't so designed, with sweet contention join,

Who worthiest should prove of such renown.

And yet, mysterious union ! create,

With Increate conjoin'd ! Who can conceive,

Or without fear, altivolant aspire

To incarnate a God? To seraphs 'tis

Denied; on man conferr'd; therefore I blame

Thee not high aspiration, and approve.

But wilt thou then set to th' Almighty bounds ?

To Him say Thus shalt do, and so far go ?

If barrenness he hath to thee adjudged,

Know that 'tis best; perchance to punish thy

Inordinate desire; or, it may be,

To try thy faith, thy fealty, thy love.

Be humbly wise, submit to Heav'n's decrees;

Seek but his will, confiding leave the rest.

If grief for this, were just in thee, why not

In all of David's line, innumerous,

And render that impossible, which God

Designs for one ! All cannot equal share,

And thy demur no favor finds with Heav'n."

To whom, Joachim : " Wise beyond thy years, Thy words conviction lead. None shall be just 'Fore God; abased in dust, man can but cry Unclean. Unclean am I, of righteousness Devoid; unworthy least of Heaven's smiles; Far more to share in Israel's rising hope. Though who desires not? 'Tis not this alone I mourn. Childless, my votive off 'rings all Are scorn' d ; reproachfully abash' d, I look Not on the face of man ; my virtuous spouse, Fairest and best of Heaven's gifts, they fain

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