The Conquest of Canaan

The Conquest of Canaan (1785)

Timothy Dwight

To his Excellency, GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esquire, Commander in chief of the American Armies, The Saviour of his Country, And the Benefactor of Mankind;

This poem is inscribed, with the highest respect of character, the most ardent wishes for his happiness, and the most grateful sense of the blessings, secured, by his generous efforts, to the United States of America,

by his most humble, and most obedient servant,

Timothy Dwight

Greenfield, in Connecticut, March 1, 1785.

It may perhaps be thought the result of inattention or ignorance, that he chose a subject, in which his countrymen had no national interest. But he remarked that the Iliad and Eneid were as agreeable to modern nations, as to the Greeks and Romans. The reason he supposed to be obvious—the subjects of those poems furnish the fairest opportunities of exhibiting the agreeable, the novel, the moral, the pathetic, and the sublime. If he is not deceived, the subject he has chosen possesses, in a degree, the same advantages.

Book I

THE Chief, whose arm to Israel's chosen band

Gave the fair empire of the promis'd land,

Ordain'd by Heaven to hold the sacred sway,

Demands my voice and animates the lay.

O thou, whose Love, high thron'd above all height, 		[ 5]

Illumes th' immense, and sunns the world of light;

Whose distant beam the human mind inspires,

With wisdom brightens, and with virtue sires;

Unfold how pious realms to glory rise,

And impious nations find avenging skies: 				[ 10]

May thy own deeds exalt the humble line,

And not a stain obscure the theme divine.

When now from western hills the sun was driven,

And night expanding fill'd the bounds of heaven,

O'er Israel's camp ten thousand fires appear'd 			       [ 15]

And solemn cries from distant guards were heard,

Her tribes, escap'd from Ai's unhappy plain,

With shame and anguish mourn'd their heroes slain,

Pierc'd with deep wounds the groaning warriors stood;

Their bosoms heav'd, their tears incessant flow'd; 			[ 20]

Their sons unburied on the hostile plain,

Their brothers captiv'd, and their parents slain.

The tender father clasp'd his lovely child,

That thoughtless-sporting innocently smil'd,

To his fond arms with soft endearments leapt, 			       [ 25]

Gaz'd on his tears, and wonder'd why he wept.

Her woes with his the trembling mother join'd,

Edg'd all his fears, and sunk his drooping mind,

Array'd in tenfold gloom th' approaching light,

And gather'd foes unnumber'd to the fight. [ 30]

Thus trembling, sad, of every hope forlorn,

The hapless thousands watch'd the coming morn.

In Joshua's ear their sad complaints resound,

As slow, unseen, he trac'd the camp around.

Where'er shrill cries, or groans distinguish'd flow'd

Propp'd on his lance, the Hero listening stood: 			[ 35]

For oft the secret hour of night he chose,

To hush their tumults, and to learn their woes;

Each tear, each cry his feeling mind oppress'd,

And schemes of pity fill'd his labouring breast. [ 40]

And now bright Phosphor wak'd the dawning day,

The tents all whitening in th' expanded ray;

The sun's broad beam the scene of war display'd,

A wide extent, with distant groves o'erspread;

A tall, dark forest gloom'd the northern round, 			[ 45]

And eastern hills o'er hills th' horizon bound:

Far south, a plain in vivid green withdrew,

And one unvaried level fill'd the view;

Beyond, Ai's grandeur proudly rose on high,

And azure mountains pierc'd the western sky. [ 50]

Around their Leader's tent, th' unnumber'd train

Throng'd from the camp, and gather'd on the plain.

When Zimri slow approach'd; of Asher's race

The first in merit, as the first in place.

Him, not a chief, that dar'd the battling field, 			[ 55]

In swiftness equall'd, or in strength excell'd;

Save Joshua's arm, that still unconquer'd shone;

From every rival every prize he won.

In night’s last gloom (so Joshua's will ordain'd)

To find what hopes the cautious foe remain'd, 			       [ 60]

Or what new strength, allied, increas'd their force,

To Ai's high walls the hero bent his course.

Aram, his friend, unknowing vile dismay,

With willing footsteps shar'd the dangerous way.

In virtue join'd, one soul to both was given; 				[ 65]

Each steer'd his path, and led his friend to heaven.

O'er earth's dim verge as dawn'd the cheerful day,

Near slumbering Ai they cours'd their fearless way;

Unseen, in twining shrubs, a heathen sate,

Mark'd their still path, and boded Aram's fate; 			[ 70]

Swift hurl'd, his javelin sought the hero's side,

Pierc'd to the heart, he groan'd, and gasp'd, and died.

The heathen flew, fierce Zimri clave his breast,

But Aram's eyes were clos'd in endless rest.

Thus, while fond Virtue wish'd in vain to save, 			[ 75]

Hale, bright and generous, found a hapless grave.

With genius' living flame his bosom glow'd,

And science charm'd him to her sweet abode:

In worth's fair path his feet adventur'd far;

The pride of peace, the rising grace of war; 				[ 80]

In duty firm, in danger calm as even,

To friends unchanging, and sincere to heaven.

How short his course, the prize how early won!

While weeping friendship mourns her favourite gone.

With soul too noble for so base a cause, 				[ 85]

Thus Andre bow'd to war's barbarian laws.

In morn's fair light the opening blossom warm'd,

Its beauty smil'd, its growing fragrance charm'd;

Fierce roar'd th' untimely blast around its head;

The beauty vanish'd, and the fragrance fled; 				[ 90]

Soon sunk his graces in the wintry tomb,

And sad Columbia wept his hapless doom.

As now o'er eastern hills the morning burn'd,

Alone brave Zimri to the camp return'd;

Pale in his front despair and anguish sate, 				[ 95]

And each kind bosom fear'd for Aram's fate,

When thus, the Leader—Say, exalted chief.

What dire misfortune clouds thy mind with grief?

O best of men, he cried, my tears deplore

The hero's sate, brave Aram is no more. [ 100]

Weep, weep, my friends: his worthy life demands

This last, poor tribute from your grateful hands,

Nor weep for him alone: dread scenes of grief

Surround our steps, and Heaven denies relief.

Th' insulting wretch, that seal'd the hero's fate, 			[ 105]

In death proclaim'd what terrors round you wait.

I die, he cried, but know, thou culprit, know,

To the dark tomb thy harbinger I go.

O'er Israel's race ascend, from realms afar,

The clouds of ruin, and the storms of war. [ 110]

The hosts, that bow to Jabin's great controul

From Hazor's rocky hills, in thunder roll;

Hosts, that ne'er knew the tender tear to shed,

Born in the field, beneath the standard bred;

That raptur'd fly, where shrilling trumpets call, 			[ 115]

Plunge on the pointed spear, and climb the kindled wall.

These dauntless bands (to Ai the message came)

Shall sink in night thy nation's hated name;

Even now brave Oran, Jabin's martial boast,

Speeds his glad course and moves a countless host: 			[ 120]

Raptur'd I see thy camp in flames arise,

And Israel's ashes cloud the angry skies.

He spoke. Astonish'd at th' impending doom,

Round the pale thousands breath'd a solemn gloom;

Rent were their martial vestments, torne their hair, 			[ 125]

And every eye spoke pangs of keen despair.

Mid the sad throng, in mournful robes array'd

Vile dust besprinkled o'er his down-cast head,

Pale Hanniel rose, and with dissembled woe,

Clouded his front, and urg'd the tear to flow. [ 130]

Of princely blood, his haughty fire, of yore

Proud Pharaoh's favourite on th' Egyptian shore,

O'er Israel's race was scepter'd to preside,

To rule their tributes and their toils to guide.

In the son's mind again the parent liv'd, 				[ 135] His pride rekindled, and his art reviv'd.

Where'er pride call'd, his changing soul would turn;

Grieve with the sad, and with the envious burn;

Vaunt with the brave, be serious with the wise,

And cheat the pious with uplifted eyes; 				[ 140]

In Youth's fond sports with seeming zeal engage,

Or list, delighted, to the tales of Age.

When Joshua's hand the sacred rule adorn'd,

With pangs he saw, but still in secret mourn'd:

His close revenge the Hero's fate decreed, 				[ 145]

And smooth, sure slander taught his name to bleed.

With friendly grasp he squeez'd each warrior's hand;

With jests familiar pleas'd the vulgar band;

In sly, shrewd hints the Leader's faults disclos'd;

Prais'd his whole sway, but single acts oppos'd; 			[ 150]

Admir'd how law so stern a face could wear;

Stil'd combat rashness, and nam'd caution fear:

With angels then his fame and virtue join'd,

To tempt coarse scandal from each envious mind:

Blest his own peaceful lot, and smil'd, that Heaven, 			[ 155]

To minds, that priz'd them, empire's toils had given.

Yet base-born fear his vigorous soul disdain'd;

Each danger shar'd and every toil sustain'd;

Joy'd, in terrific fields, the foe to dare,

And claim'd the honours of the fiercest war. [ 160]

Now the blest period, long in vain desir'd,

His fond hope flatter'd, and his bosom fir'd;

To end his rival's sway, his own secure,

Resolv'd, his fancy deem'd the triumph sure.

In seeming anguish oft his hands he wrung, 			[ 165]

And words imperfect murmur'd on his tongue;

At length, with feeble voice, he thus began,

While round the tribes a mute attention ran.

Friends! brethren! sires! or by what tenderer name

Shall I address the heirs of Jacob's fame? [ 170]

Dear to my soul, as those red drops, that flow,

Thro' my warm veins, and bid my bosom glow,

If chill'd by grief's cold hand, the vital flood

Still pours its warmth, nor yet forsakes the road!

Long has this heart with deep compassion view'd 			[ 175]

Your generous tribes, by countless ills subdu'd;

Ills, these pain'd eyes foreboding, long beheld,

And this sad warning voice in vain reveal'd.

Those counsels, now by sure experience prov'd,

That voice, alone by Israel's welfare mov'd, 				[ 180]

Once more attend. Ye guardian powers, be near,

Enlarge their minds and give them hearts to hear!

Let base-born prejudice no more controul

The native candour of each generous soul;

Assert yourselves; your future conduct scan; 			       [ 185]

Reason's the noblest privilege of man.

Long have our feet with restless error rov'd,

And the sad waste with all its miseries prov'd;

That waste, by Heaven's unerring sentence curs'd

With ceaseless hunger, and eternal thirst, 				[ 190]

The tyger's rage, the lion's fearful path,

Bestrew'd with bones, and red with recent death,

The sun's keen fury, midnight's gloomy dread,

And all the horrors of th' impoison'd shade.

How oft those eyes the hapless child have view'd, 		       [ 195]

By hunger famish'd and by pain subdu'd,

While the fond parent o'er his beauties hung,

And look'd distress, that froze his faltering tongue,

Distress, to hear the young, the piercing cry,

That claim'd relief, when no relief was nigh; 				[ 200]

To see the babe, its face with death o'erspread,

Stretch forth its little hands, and sue for bread:

While friends, all impotent, roll'd down the tear,

Rocks learn'd to feel, and forests bent to hear.

When pale Disease assum'd her fatal reign, 			[ 205]

Chas'd the warm glow, and rack'd the joints with pain,

Oft have these failing eyes the chief beheld,

In counsel fam'd, and glorious in the field,

Condemn'd the pangs of sickness to endure,

Far from relief, and hopeless of a cure; 				[ 210]

No downy couch to rest his drooping head,

The skies his covering, and the earth his bed;

No softening plant his stiffen'd wounds to heal,

Soothe his rack'd nerves, and learn them not to feel;

Nor sweet, embowering shade to drive away 			       [ 215]

Night's baleful damps, and summer's scorching ray.

But who the various ills can number o'er.

Or tell the sands that form the sea-beat shore?

Even now by slow degrees our thousands fall,

Till one wide, common grave involve us all. [ 220]

For see what woes surround our daring course,

That tempts the terrors of unmeasur'd force;

Safe in high walls, insulting foes deride,

Our boastful impotence, and banner'd pride;

On boundless wealth, with careless ease, rely, 			       [ 225]

And hosts unnumber'd never taught to fly;

Proud of the dreadful steed, the wasting car,

And all the strength, and all the art, of war.

These foes to aid, what countless throngs will join!

What peopled realms against our arms combine! [ 230]

From Gibeon's walls, and where tremendous powers

Surround imperial Hazor's hundred towers,

Or where proud shores the western main behold,

Or orient Gihon's haughty tides are roll'd,

I see to fearful combat millions rise, 					[ 235]

Chiefs mount the car, and point the fated prize;

See in the van-guard haughty Conquest ride

Lo, murder'd thousands pour the ruddy tide!

O'er Israel's camp the clouds of vengeance lower,

Fear wings our flight, and flames our race devour. [ 240]

At that dread season, chain'd in bonds forlorn,

Of men the proverb, and of Heaven the scorn,

Hiss'd by vile slaves, our tribes the rack shall feel,

Or gasp, far happier, on the griding steel:

Slow round the form the fires of Molock burn; 			       [ 245]

Chiefs mount the pile, and babes to ashes turn:

Impal'd with anguish, bleeding sires behold,

Their wives polluted and their virgins sold;

Their sons, sweet solace of declining age,

In sport transfix'd, or cleft in causeless rage; 	 	        [ 250]

While threats, while insults rend with sore dismay,

And hungry hounds stand gaping for their prey.

But cease my faltering tongue; ere these befal,

Oh Heaven, let Hanniel's blood bedew yon impious wall.

And will no happier hand direct the road, 				[ 255]

And tell, where Quiet builds her sweet abode?

Where is the sage, on whose angelic tongue

Bright wisdom dwelt, and soft persuasion hung?

Does no kind breast with patriot virtue glow,

And claim an interest in his country's woe? [ 260]

Here then, ye heirs of Jacob's name, behold

A friend, whose bosom terror ne'er controul'd;

Whose voice, though envious thousands dare oppose,

Shall pour the balm, and heal his country's woes.

How long, brave heroes, shall your feet pursue 			[ 265]

Such keen distress, as nations never knew?

How long your host the chains of slavery own,

And millions die, to swell the pride of one?

'Gainst Heaven's decree let folly cease to rise,

And tempt no more the vengeance of the skies. [ 270]

To other lords that firm decree ordains

Th' expected mountains, and the promis'd plains.

Our every path unnumber'd woes surround;

Our blood in streams bedews polluted ground;

No glad success arrays our steps in light, 				[ 275]

And smiling Victory triumphs in our flight.

Search ancient years; thro' time's long course return,

When earth first wanton'd in the beams of morn;

Success unchang'd attends, when GOD approves,

And Peace propitious smooths the path he loves. [ 280]

Base flight, and dire amaze, and creeping shame,

Man lost in guilt, and alien'd skies, proclaim.

If still your fetter'd minds, by folly sway'd.

Doubts wavering toss, and leaden fears invade,

To yon bright dome your eyes convicted turn; 			       [ 285]

Say why forgets the guiding flame to burn?

Why round its point forgets the cloud to roll,

Sublime pavilion of th' all-moving soul?

The dreaded truth must Hanniel singly own?

Fled is the smile of Heaven, the Guardian gone. [ 290]

But Virtue asks, Why, led by GOD's command,

Rov'd this brave host thro' many a weary land?

Each hour, with pains replete, each field replies,

And with dread language, loud as clarions, cries,

In Egypt's realms, where every pleasure smil'd, 			[ 295]

And, far from famine, labourers lightly toil'd,

Wanton with feasts, our thankless hearts repin'd,

And tainted prayers provok'd th' all-ruling Mind;

Tir'd by long scenes of woe, th' ungrateful host, 			[ 299]

Learn'd humbler thoughts, and priz'd the good they lost:

Reclaim'd, each spotless mind adores his ways,

And every blessing wakes the voice of praise.

The end thus gain'd, his terrors lifted high

Bid his warn'd sons the unbless'd purpose fly.

See, swiftly borne, the storm of vengeance rise! [ 305]

Cloud after cloud invades the angry skies;

Even now o'er earth, fierce peals commencing roar,

And round the concave flames vindictive pour;

Hark, with what din the distant whirlwinds roll!

How the floods threaten from the thundering pole! [ 310]

Rise, nimbly rise, burst every dead delay,

And fly, ere fury sweep our race away.

But where, oh where shall hapless Israel fly?

Where find a covert, when the ruin's nigh?

Will no kind land the wish'd recess disclose! [ 315]

No friendly refuge soothe our long, long woes?

Yes, the fair, fruitful land, with rapture crown'd,

Where once our sires a sweet retirement found,

That land, our refuge Heaven's high will ordains,

Pleas'd with our prayers, and piteous of our pains. [ 320]

Hail favour'd realms, where no rude tempest blows!

Serene retreats, and shades of kind repose!

Ordain'd, the union'd bliss of life to prove,

The wreaths of glory, and the bowers of love!

There the great prince, with awful splendor crown'd, 		       [ 325]

From foes shall guard us, and with peace surround,

In no rude combat fated to engage,

Nor fir'd by clarions to vindictive rage.

There cates divine shall yield the sweet repast,

Charm the pall'd eye, and lure the loathing taste; 			[ 330]

With die refulgent crimson vestures glow,

And robes of kings succeed this garb of woe:

Our tribes, in spicy groves, at ease recline,

Press the swell'd fig, and pluck the cluster'd vine; 			[ 334]

Her floods of boundless wealth the river roll,

And spring, with autumn join'd, beam temperate round the pole.

For these bless'd joys, what mind, so left to shame,

Can grudge the tribute, regal glories claim?

Return, how due! Devoid of decent show,

How soon would Power to trampled weakness grow? [ 340]

How soon base minds the feeble judge deride,

And beggar'd rulers quake at wealthy pride?

Nor the just doom can Avarice' self deny,

Who share the blessing must the tax supply.

No danger now even timid minds can fear, 				[ 345]

Lest stern Oppression lift her rod severe:

Unlike our fires, who rais'd impatient cries,

A fairer doom awaits us from the skies.

Taught by our hated flight, the nation knows

How, join'd with ours, their vast dominion grows; 			[ 350]

Disjoin'd, how swift the weaken'd tribes decay,

To foes a triumph, and to schisms a prey.

Ev’n now with friendly joy their bosoms burn,

And with fond prescience hail our wish'd return;

Bid our own hands the grateful covenant frame, 			       [ 355]

Prepar'd to give, what avarice scarce can claim;

Our sons invite their boundless wealth to share,

Garlands of fame, and sweet repose of care.

Here, warriors, here the dreaded miseries flow,

Scenes of dire scorn, and seats of thickening woe. [ 360]

For bless'd as hope can paint, o'er all our toil

Let conquest flourish, and let glory smile;

Still in long train, what ceaseless ills await!

The waste of war, and frowns of adverse fate! [ 364]

While sheath'd in arms, the conquer'd realms we guard,

End of long pains, and patience' wish'd reward,

Those realms what culturing hand shall teach to bloom?

Or bid bright vesture purple o'er the loom?

Unfed, uncloath'd, our tribes shall waste away,

Our lands grow wild, and every art decay. [ 370]

Whose wisdom then shall equal lots divine,

And round each province lead the bordering line?

Will none, for fancied wrongs, the falchion draw,

His arm the umpire, and his will the law,

O'er his friend's prize with rude irruption pour, 			[ 375]

Burst nature's bonds, and bathe in kindred gore?

Whose chosen hand the sceptre then shall sway?

What system'd rule the union'd tribes obey?

To my pain'd eyes what hideous prospects spread,

When impious Faction rears her snaky head! [ 380]

Array'd in savage pomp, Destruction reigns

O'er flaming cities, and o'er crimson plains;

Friends, against friends, that knew but one fond heart,

Aim the dark knife, and lift the secret dart;

In brother's blood unseeling brothers wade, 				[ 385]

And parent's bosoms sheath the filial blade.

Let Pity round the scene extend her veil,

And thrilling virtue shun the dreadful tale!

Or shall one arm the state forever sway?

And, sunk to stocks, our torpid race obey? [ 390]

One voice, thro' ages, Jacob's pride controul,

Ourselves the clay, and he th' all-moving soul?

Perish the thought! t' oppose a tyrant's reign,

One patriot life shall flow from every vein;

In Israel's cause shall burst this fearless voice, 			[ 395]

And this bold arm avenge the free-born choice.

Rise, warriors, rise! desert this dreary plain.

These fields of slaughter, and these haunts of pain!

To scenes of brighter name, to happier skies,

To other Edens lift your raptur'd eyes! [ 400]

The world's fair Empress chides our dull delay,

Spreads her fond arms, and bids us haste away,

To bliss, to glory; seize th' auspicious road,

And claim your interest in the bless'd abode!

The hero spoke. As when, in distant skies, 			[ 405]

Slow-roll'd, the darkening storm begins to rise,

Thro' the deep grove, and thro' the sounding vale,

Roar the long murmurs of the sweeping gale:

So round the throng a hoarse applause was heard,

And growing joy in every face appear'd. 				[ 410]

On a tall rock, whose top o'erlook'd the plain,

The Leader rose, and hush'd the reverent train.

By Hanniel warm'd, with airy visions fir'd,

He saw gay hope their glowing minds inspir'd,

In prospect bright, at hand fair Egypt lay, 				[ 415]

Divine the pleasure, and secure the way;

With calm, frank aspect, that serenely smil'd,

His port all-winning, and his accent mild;

Too wise, to thwart at once the general choice,

Or hope to sway alone by reason's voice, 				[ 420]

He thus began. Ye heirs of Jacob's name,

Let Joshua's voice your generous candor claim.

In Israel's sacred cause my toils ye know,

My midnight watchings, and my morning woe.

Your long, lone path my wakeful eye survey'd, 			       [ 425]

Charm'd the sad wild, and cheer'd the languid head;

Sooth'd drooping sickness, banish'd fear's alarms

And clasp'd the orphan with delighted arms:

'Gainst fierce invasions rais'd a guardian shield,

The first to seek, the last to leave, the field; 			[ 430]

For all your tribes a parent's fondness prov'd,

Fulfill'd each wish, and even your wanderings lov'd.

In those sad scenes, when pity owns applause,

Not Hanniel's tears adorn a fairer cause.

For Israel's woe does Hanniel singly feel? [ 435]

Are these eyes blind? or is this bosom steel?

When ceas'd these hands from toil? or what strange sun

Saw Joshua's feet the haunts of danger shun?

Your eyes have seen, these honest scars proclaim

How oft this breast has pour'd the vital stream: 			[ 440]

Still be it pour'd. A nation's cause to save,

Life's a poor price; the field an envied grave.

Whatever voice your welfare shall divine,

My heart shall welcome and my hand shall join:

But, calmly weigh'd, let Truth our counsels guide, 			[ 445]

And Reason's choice the destin'd course decide.

So prone the mind in error's path to rove,

T' explore is wisdom, and 'tis bliss to prove.

Charm'd, at first fight, when pleasures rise to view,

Each painted scene our ventrous thoughts pursue; 			[ 450]

In airy visions far-seen Edens rise,

And isles of pleasure tempt enamour'd eyes.

On the calm tide, to aromatic gales,

Our fearless hands exalt impatient sails;

Thro' sapphire floods the bark foresees its way, 			[ 455]

While wanton billows smoothly round it play,

Nor heeds the angry storm, that with dread power,

Climbs dark behind the hill, and hopes th' avenging hour,

Warn'd by my voice, such hidden dangers fly,

And each gay prospect scan with searching eye. [ 460]

In realms far distant spreads th' expected shore,

Hills rise between, and boiling oceans roar:

Two tiresome ways invite our wearied bands,

Thro' trackless deserts, or through hostile lands.

Say, shall our steps again the waste pervade, 			[ 465]

Dare the fierce heat, and tempt th' impoison'd shade?

Consult yon chief; his voice again shall tell

Those dreary scenes, he painted now so well.

Or shall our feet, its dangers hid from view,

Thro' peopled realms, a nearer path pursue? [ 470]

I blush, when falsehood leads the chosen tribes,

Where folly dictates, and where fear prescribes.

One foe to shun, shall fiercer foes be tried?

Death their delight, and war their earliest pride. [ 474]

Lo the fierce wrath, at Taberah's plain that burn'd,

And Korah's host to instant corses turn'd,

Rous'd to more dreadful flames, our guilt to spy,

And see our feet to hated Egypt fly,

Shall wing Philistia's host to death and war,

And bid fierce Midian whirl the thundering car; 			[ 480]

Full on her prey avenging Amalek fall,

And guilt and terror every heart appall;

Our wives, our sons, to savage wrath be given,

Feast famish'd wolves, and glut the hawks of heaven.

No fancied doom my boding words declare: 			       [ 485]

Truth, fix'd as mountains, fills your startled ear.

To every beast the lamb presents a prey,

And coward bands invite the world to slay.

But will ye tremble for one shameful fall?

Shall one lost combat Abraham's race appall? [ 490]

Is Aram dead! to rapid vengeance fly;

By me his orphan babes for vengeance cry;

Fir'd by his fate, your nerves let ardour string,

Exalt the standard, and to combat spring.

Even Zimri fears, by strong affections led, 				[ 495]

While his fond bosom mourns his Aram dead.

Of all the sympathy, that woes impart

To the soft texture of the good man's heart,

Departed friendship claims the largest share,

And sorrow in excess is virtue there. [ 500]

But timid passion! Grief, with startled eye

Spies fancied ills, and quakes, ere danger's nigh.

Yon chief demands, why fled the guardian fire?

What unknown folly bade the cloud retire?

That base distrust, which glorious fight delays, 			[ 505]

That smooth, close fraud which tempts to dangerous ways,

These claim the scourge of Heaven: be these aton'd,

Each fear shall vanish, and each hope be crown'd.

While thus the Chief their bosoms warm'd anew,

And every ear, and heart, to virtue drew; 				[ 510]

Their kindling zeal impatient Hanniel eyed,

Shook for his cause, and frown'd with startled pride:

When those, he cried, whose choice our warriors lost,

Of truth expatiate, and of wisdom boast,

With just disdain my rising spirits burn, 				[ 515]

And my pain'd heart, at times, forgets to mourn;

To shame, to flight, does sacred Wisdom lead?

Does sacred Truth command our sons to bleed?

Rouse then to arms; lo Ai impatient stands,

And yields the doom, our eager wish demands; 			       [ 520]

In wisdom's cause with active zeal engage,

And fall, a splendid triumph to their rage.

Far happier lot, to meet the falchion's sway!

Than, one by one, thus lingering, waste away.

Far other end yon Chief ambitious eyes; 				[ 525]

Conceal'd by virtue's mask the danger lies.

Unbrib'd, unaw'd, the honest task I claim,

To burst the veil, and ward th' impending shame.

Long vers'd in wiles, the lust of power his guide,

He lulls our caution, and inflates our pride; 				[ 530]

With sense, that darts through man a searching view,

With pride, that rest, or limits never knew,

To deep designs mistrustless hearts he draws,

With freedom soothes, and cheats with flatter'd laws;

A crown to seize, the patriot's fire can claim, 			[ 535]

And mock with seeming zeal the fearful Name.

Full well he knows that, worne by slow delay,

Our generous tribes shall fall an easy prey;

That long-felt influence, great by habit grown,

Climbs to firm sway, and swells into a throne. [ 540]

Be warn'd, be warn'd; the threatening evils fly,

And seek repose beneath a kinder sky.

Short is the toil, the well-known path secure,

The pleasure endless, and the triumph sure.

Rejoic'd, each land will ope the destin'd road,

And smiling guide us to the wish'd abode. [ 545]

Freed from the fearful storm that round them spread,

Their hearts shall hail us, and their hands shall aid.

No giant chief in terror there shall rise;

No dreadful Jabin spring to seize the prize: 				[ 550]

From Madon's hills, to fierce vindictive war

No frowning Jobab roll his iron car:

From death's alarms the potent king shall guard,

And bowers of transport yield the bright reward.

He spoke. Like Angels dress'd in glory's prime, 			[ 555]

With conscious worth, and dignity sublime,

While the still thousands gaz'd with glad surprize,

His great soul living in his piercing eyes,

The Chief return'd. By wild ambition toss'd,

To shame impervious, and to virtue lost, 				[ 560]

Here bend thine eye, thy front unblushing rear;

Let frozen Conscience point no sting severe;

Then tell, if falsehood lends thee power to tell,

Thy mind believes one scene, thy lips reveal;

One black aspersion, form'd to blot my name; 			       [ 565]

Or one vain prospect, rais'd for Israel's shame.

Disclose what dreaded toil this arm has fled;

On what dire plain this bosom fail'd to bleed:

Tell, if thou canst, when, lur'd by interest's call,

One nerve, one wish forgot the bliss of all. [ 570]

In virtue arm'd, while Conscience gayly smiles,

I mock thy fraud, and triumph o'er thy wiles:

Thy darts impoison'd peace and glory bring;

'Tis guilt alone gives slander strength to sting.

Blush, Hanniel, blush; to yonder tent depart; 			       [ 575]

Let humbler wishes rule thy envious heart;

Calm the wide lust of power; contract thy pride;

Repent those black designs, thou canst not hide;

Once more to Heaven thy long-lost prayers revive,

And know, the mind that counsels can forgive. [ 580]

Can I, as GOD, unfailing bliss assure,

Foil with a wish, and peace at choice secure?

What nature can, this arm unbroke shall bear,

Whate'er man dar'd, this breast unshaken dare

Canäan's host, those eyes with pain shall view 			       [ 585]

My falchion vanquish, and my feet pursue;

On Israel's faithful sons this hand bestow

The bliss of quiet, and the balm of woe.

Should then these thoughts, to base ambition grown,

With impious madness build the envied throne, 			       [ 590]

To wing my doom let rapid lightnings fly,

And pamper'd hounds the peaceful grave deny.

Mine be the bliss, the bliss supreme to see

My long-lov'd nation bless'd, and bless'd by me:

Let others rule; compar'd with this pure joy, 				[ 595]

A throne's a bubble, and the world a toy.

In reason's face let all thy wishes speed;

Let foes befriend thee, and let Heaven succeed:

Then count thy gains; the mighty prize survey;

And straws, and bubbles, shall those gains outweigh. [ 600]

Wrought in gay looms, thy golden robes shall glare;

Rich banquets tempt, and luscious wines ensnare:

But to vile show shall Men their bliss confine?

Or sink to brutes, and only live to dine?

On these poor joys what dreadful ills attend? [ 605]

Fears ever rising! miseries ne'er to end!

Tho' whelm'd in floods one impious tyrant lies,

In the thron'd son shall all the father rise;

The same black heart; the same beclouded mind;

To pity marbled, and to reason blind. [ 610]

Search ancient times: the annal'd page run o'er;

With curious eye the sun's long course explore;

Scarce can each age a single king confess,

Who knew to govern, or who wish'd to bless:

The rest, of earth the terror, or the scorn, 				[ 615]

By knaves exalted, and by cowards borne.

To lords like these shall Israel's millions bow?

Bend the false knee, and force the perjur'd vow?

A few short years, our wealth content to shore,

The rest their greedy hand to toil may spare: 				[ 620]

But soon, full soon, their envious minds shall know

Our growth their ruin, and our peace their woe.

Then all the plagues, from jealous power that spring,

And death, the tender mercy of a king, 				       [ 624]

Your breasts shall feel; and, rack'd with anguish, mourn

The day, when madness counsell'd to return.

Can I forget, how, from the dunghill rais'd,

Villains who bow'd, and sycophants who prais'd,

O'er Jacob's heirs were scepter'd to preside,

Their tributes gather, and their labors guide? [ 630]

From them, each cruel pang your heart shall rive,

That coward minds, or offic'd slaves, can give:

Their daring hands prophane the spotless charms,

That yield soft transport to your melting arms;

Each generous thought the brandish'd scourge controul

And Insult rend the agonizing soul. [ 636]

Then too shall Egypt, fir'd with wrath, recal

The plagues they felt, their king's, their nation's fall;

Against your race, while Vengeance spreads the wing,

With fury arm them, and to torture spring; 				[ 640]

Your sacred dome shall burn; your altars rend;

Your priests destroy; your hated worship end.

In that dread period, what auspicious shore

Shall banish'd Virtue's lifted wings explore?

In what new realm, when, crush'd, her votaries fail, 			[ 645]

Build the bright dome, and spread the hallow'd veil;

Her priests inspire; her altars teach to rise,

And waft her morning incense to the skies?

Her final flight your hearts in vain shall mourn;

In vain, with anguish, call her wish'd return; 				[ 650]

In vain the hour extatic sigh to find,

And the sweet sabbath of a guiltless mind.

To Egypt's crimes our sons shall fall a prey,

And learn her manners, while they own her sway:

From many a bower obscene the poison glide, 			       [ 655]

Taint the young soul, and freeze the vital tide;

The sacred Law our rising hope forsake,

And lisp out curses, ere they know to speak:

Sad Conscience bow beneath an iron rod,

And torpid Reason own a reptile God. [ 660]

Then, rous'd to wrath, shall Heaven refuse to hear;

Mock all your pangs, and hiss your bitter prayer:

In poison'd gales, its wasting curses rise;

The plague empurpled taint the sickly skies:

The fields all wither, famine rend the breast, 				[ 665]

And babes, sad victims! yield the dire repast.

Then from Sabean climes, with hideous sound,

Swift cars shall roll, and savage war resound;

To blood, to vengeance, chiefs their hosts inspire,

Spread boundless death, and wrap the world in fire: 			[ 670]

Our sons, bless'd refuge of the waning year!

Charm of sad toil, and sweet repose of care!

'Gainst their own hapless sires with foes combine,

And with new anguish point the dart divine.

Thus o'er our race shall matchless misery roll, 			[ 675]

And death, and bondage blast the rising soul;

Till the last dregs of vengeance Heaven expend,

Blot out our race, and Israel's glory end;

In final darkness set our sun's pale beam,

And black oblivion shroud our hapless name. [ 680]

For this dire end, were such bright scenes bestow'd?

For this, th' eternal covenant seal'd by God?

For this did ocean's trembling waves divide,

And o'er pale Egypt roll their whelming tide?

For this, the seraph lead our sacred bands? [ 685]

For this loud thunder speak the dread commands?

From the hard rock refreshing waters rise?

The food of angels shower from balmy skies?

The sun-bright waste its flaming heats allay,

And Jordan's parting billows yield our way? [ 690]

But Hanniel cries, These wondrous signs were given,

To scourge our guilt, and bend our hearts to Heaven.

Were this the end, fierce famine had annoy'd;

The plague had wasted, or the sword destroy'd.

To fairer bliss he led the chosen train 				[ 695]

Thro' the dark wave, and o'er the howling plain,

Ordain'd, when yon proud towers in dust are hurl'd,

To found an empire, and to rule a world;

O'er earth's far realms bid truth and virtue shine,

And spread to nature's bounds the Name divine. [ 700]

What tho' a few base minds the course oppose,

Slaves of poor pride, and Israel's bitter foes;

For pomp, for banquets would their race destroy,

And smile, to sell a nation for a toy;

What tho' of lifeless mold, a feeble race 				[ 705]

With souls of maids the shape of men disgrace;

Think life no life, unbless'd with torpid ease,

Shrink from a shield, and shiver at a breeze:

'Gainst those let Justice' angry falchion flame,

And hissing Vengeance blast their impious name: 			[ 710]

These dress th' inglorious loom; in sleep decay,

And to their kindred nothing fleet away,

Far other mind our true-born race inspires;

Keen bravery prompts, and Abraham's virtue fires:

I see to combat ardent heroes rise; 					[ 715]

I see bright glory flash from sparkling eyes;

Hark a glad cry! that every danger braves,

"Perish the day, ere Israel's sons be slaves;"

Swift pour new transports thro' my thrilling veins;

Heaven's voice in thunder calls to hostile plains: 			[ 720]

Mark, mark the sound divine! cease every care;

Gird on your arms, and wake to manly war:

To bright possessions glory points the way,

And calls her sons, her heroes, to the prey.

By friendship's ties, religion's bands combin'd, 			[ 725]

By birth united, and by interest join'd,

In the same view our every wish conspires,

One spirit actuates, and one genius fires;

Plain, generous manners vigorous limbs confess,

And vigorous minds to freedom ardent press; 			       [ 730]

In danger's path our eyes serenely smile,

And well-strung sinews hail accustom'd toil.

'Gainst hosts like these what foe with hope can arm?

What numbers daunt them? or what fears alarm?

To reeds before them deadly spears shall turn, 			       [ 735]

Swords blunt their edge, and flames forget to burn;

To the slight mound descend the heaven-topp'd wall,

The floods grow dry, and hills and mountains fall.

Rise then to war; awake to bright alarms;

Hail the glad trump, and seize your eager arms! [ 740]

Behold, my sons, behold with raptur'd eyes,

How slight the toil, how vast the glorious prize!

These golden robes the fate of Sihon tell,

How Midian yielded, and how Amalek fell;

How sunk proud Jericho's invaded wall, 				       [ 745]

And wide Canäan trembled at her fall;

How through each region rings the dreadful cry,

And their wild eye-balls see destruction nigh.

That faith, that arm of steel, that dauntless soul

That bade o'er Bashan's walls destruction roll, 			[ 750]

O'er fields, o'er towers, shall Israel's standard bear,

Turn realms to flight, and wrest the prize of war;

Fill life with glory; Heaven's complacence gain,

And call fair Peace to cheer the crimson plain.

Then o'er wide lands, as blissful Eden bright, 			[ 755]

Type of the skies, and seats of pure delight,

Our sons, with prosperous course, shall stretch their sway,

And claim an empire, spread from sea to sea:

In one great whole th' harmonious tribes combine;

Trace Justice' path, and choose their chiefs divine; 			[ 760]

On Freedom's base erect the heavenly plan;

Teach laws to reign, and save the rights of man.

Then smiling Art shall wrap the fields in bloom,

Fine the rich ore, and guide the useful loom;

Then lofty towers in golden pomp arise; 				[ 765]

Then spiry cities meet auspicious skies:

The soul on Wisdom's wing sublimely soar,

New virtues cherish, and new truths explore:

Thro' time's long tract our name celestial run,

Climb in the east, and circle with the sun; 				[ 770]

And smiling Glory stretch triumphant wings

O'er hosts of heroes, and o'er tribes of kings.

The Leader spoke; and deep in every breast

A thrilling joy his cheerful voice impress'd.

Round the wide train, late drown'd in sad dismay, 			[ 775]

His eyes refulgent cast a living ray:

Soul caught from soul the quick, enlivening charm;

Each parent's visage bade his children arm;

In every heart th' undaunted wish began;

O'er the glad field a pleasing murmur ran; 				[ 780]

On Ai's high walls they cast a longing eye,

Resolv'd to conquer, or prepar'd to die.

So, when the northeast pours a deepening storm,

Night shades the world, and clouds the heaven deform,

Loud on some ship descends the driving rain, 			       [ 785]

And winds imperious toss the surging main;

Dissolv'd in terror, sailors eye the wave,

Lift ardent prayers, and wait the gaping grave:

Is chance in beauty's bloom the morn arise,

Still the rough roar, and charm the troubled skies, 			[ 790]

Serenely opening, far the billows o'er,

The blue-seen mountains, and the native shore;

Raptur'd the new-born day with shouts they hail,

And stretch their canvas to the joyous gale.

When sickening Hanniel saw their bosoms glow, 		       [ 795]

Their fierce eyes burn, and tears of transport stow,

The lov'd, the fond design, his changeful mind,

With secret pangs, to happier hours consign'd.

High o'er the rest his shouts distinguish'd rose;

With well feign'd smiles his artful visage glows, 			[ 800]

And thus his voice—When pierc'd with Israel's grief

I strove in vain to lend the wish'd relief,

Perhaps this heart, by nature prone to know

The good man's interest in his country's woe,

Of peace, and prosperous arms too soon despair'd, 			[ 805]

Unreal ills foresaw, and fancied dangers fear'd.

Yet still those views a kind indulgence claim,

Your fame their glory, and your bliss their aim.

Should this bold course be doom'd to woe severe,

Pure is my warning voice, my conscience clear; 			       [ 810]

On destin'd fight should friendly Conquest smile,

With joy, my soul shall welcome every toil;

In Israel's cause, to scenes of danger driven,

To war is transport, and to die is heaven.

The hero ceas'd: a faint applause was heard, 			[ 815]

And half-form'd smiles around the plain appear'd,

With startling sound the trump's deep voice began;

To seize their arms the raptur'd thousands ran;

When Caleb, reverend chief, all white with age,

Serenely rose, and hush'd the tumult's rage. [ 820]

Deep thought fate musing on his furrow'd face;

Calm wisdom round him cast an awful grace;

With smiles just Heaven survey'd his constant truth,

Innerv'd his limbs, and lengthen'd out his youth:

Even now his arm rejoic'd the sword to wield, 			       [ 825]

To lead the contest, and to sweep the field.

Near the great Chief, in purple robes he stood;

Sense, from his tongue, and sweet persuasion flow'd;

Round the wide plain attentive silence hung,

And thus sage counsels sway'd the listening throng. [ 830]

My voice impels to arms; but let the sky

Lead on our host, and bid the heathen fly.

Were Israel spotless in the ETERNAL'S sight,

Ai had not boasted a victorious fight.

When Virtue dress'd us in divine array, 				[ 835]

Joy cheer'd each hour, and smooth'd the rugged way:

To scenes of fame each warrior ardent ran,

And claim'd the glories of the dreadful van.

But when black Vice our breasts with poison stain'd,

We shook for dangers timorous Fancy feign'd; 			       [ 840]

Each shameful field beheld our squadrons sly,

And heroes arm'd for battle but to die.

And now some sin, some folly, not bemoan'd,

Rebellion bold, or injury unaton'd,

Pours on our heads their flood of grief and care, 			[ 845]

Bids Ai exult, and all our sons despair.

Else round the heavenly dome the cloud had spread,

And sacred fires illum'd the nightly shade.

Let the whole race to GOD submissive bend;

Let ceaseless prayer to Mercy's throne ascend; 			       [ 850]

'Till the third morn, the pious fast endure;

Each deed be holy, and each bosom pure;

Then o'er our path with joy shall HEAVEN preside,

Our guilt discover, and our counsels guide.

Then, nor 'till then, to war let trumpets call; 			[ 855]

Lead forth these bands, and mount the yielding wall.

But should our course, this day, to fight be driven,

Should arms be brandish'd in the face of HEAVEN,

Look round your steps; survey the dreadful road;

Think if the sword and shield can war with GOD. [ 860]

Thus spoke the sage. Blest man! the Chief replied,

The war's first honour, and the council's pride!

Thine is the voice of GOD: th' inspiring ray

Shines thro' thy breast, and gives the brightest day.

Two days shall combat cease. The camp around, 			       [ 865]

Let the sad fast in every tent be found:

Two days to HEAVEN be rais'd by pious fear

The grateful tribute of a humble prayer.

So shall we wipe away the crimson stain,

And Israel's glory gild the conquering plain. [ 870]

He spoke. Each warrior with delight obey'd;

Each cheerful face th' obsequious mind display'd.

The host dispers'd; and prayers, and reverent sighs

Rose in soft incense to th' approving skies.