Collected Works (Vol. I)

JEPHTHAH 81 Twice twenty thousand corpses; stragglers few Call to the rocks and woods, whose dens refuse Shelter and refuge to the fugitives, But, in revolt against the natural order, Gape like the ravening jaws of any beast To let the furious invaders down Into the bowels of the earth, and close Upon those grisly men of war, whose life Groans from the prison that shall crush it out. CHORUS. Be thou most blessed of the Lord for ever ! First ELDER. But what shall he that hath delivered us Have for his guerdon when he comes in triumph ? SECOND ED.DER. A milk-white ass shall bear him through the city. THIRD ELDER. And wreaths of roses be instead of dust. FOURTH ELDER. And dancing girls— Firtit ELDER. And feet of maidens most Shall strike a measure of delight. SIxtH ELDER. And boys With bright unsullied curls shall minister Before him all the days of life God grants, SEVENTH ELDER. And all his platters shall be made of gold. EIGHTH ELDER. And jewels beyond price shall stud them all. VOL, I. ELEAZAR, What sayest thou, O wisest of our race, Ahinoam, the aged priest of God, Who weighest out the stars with balances, And knowest best of men the heart of man? ANWINOAM. Ye are as children, and nowise your tongues Speak sense. I never hear your voice but know Some geese are gabbling. perchance ! The voice of old men is a pleasant thing. Sing to him CHoRrus, What say ye, brethren? him Some sweet low ditty, or the louder pean? Shall we sing to AHINOAM. They verily think I speak, not mocking them. CHORUS, Who shall uncover such a tongue for wiles, And pluck his meaning from his subtle words? AHINOAM, Who shall speak plain enough for such as these To understand?) Or so debase his thought As meet their minds, and seem as wisdem’s self? CHORUS. Leave now thy gibing in the hour of joy, And lend sweet wisdom to awaiting ears. Thy voice shall carry it, thy words shall bear Full fruit to-day. Speak only, it is done. AHINOAM, Iam grown old, and go not out to wars. But in the lusty days of youth my face Turned from the battle and pursuit and spoil Only to one face dearer than my soul, F