20 JEPHTHAH.
Wherefore our tribute to thy feet we bring ;
Conquer our foes, and reign our king!
JEPHTHAH. |
. Ye have no king but God: see ye to that!
ELEAZAR. —
_ Behold, these people are as children, hiding
Thoughts beautiful and true in profuse words,
Not meaning all the lofty flight that fancy
And the strong urgement of a tune discover.
Be thou our judge, as Joshua long ago.
JEPHTHAH.
Swear by the Name unspoken that the truth
Flashes between the lips that tremble thus!
Ye love me not; ye fear me; ye might thrust
Some petty obstacle before my hands
When I would grasp your promise, and betray
Your faith for fear of me. I read thy thoughts,
Old man; I trust no word of thine, but these
Full-hearted mourners, them will I believe
Upon their oath most solemn and secure. _
But take thou warning now, I shall not spare
Grey hairs or faltering limbs for treachery.
ELEAZAR.
Lift up your hands, all people of this land,
And swear with me this oath my lips pronounce:
By Wisdom, father of the world, we swear;