48 JEPHTHAH.
Deep graven in the rocky girth
Of Israel’s mountains, in the sky,
In all the waters of the earth,
In all the fiery steeds that ply
Their champing harness and excel _
The charioteers of heaven and hell,
In all the Names writ secretly
And sacred songs ineffable,
In all the words of power that fly
About the world, this song they spell :
He keepeth Israel.
AHINOAM.
Ye praise God of full heart: I would to God
Your minds were somewhat fuller, and could keep
Discretion seated on her ivory throne.
What folly is it they will now be at,
Gray beards, and goatish manners? Hearken them!
CHORUS.
In the brave old days ere men began
To bind young hearts with an iron tether,
Ere love was brief as life, a span,
Ere love was light as life, a feather,
Earth was free as the glad wild weather,
God was father and friend to man.
AHINOAM.
Then when with mildness and much joy our judge
Draw hither, let us send to meet his steps