Collected Works (Vol. I)

JEPHTHAN 85 ELEAZAR. Mingled emotions quickly following Fear upon fear, and joy and hope at last Crowning, have maddened Jephthah’s kins- man here. Mark his lips muttering, and his meaningless Furious gestures, and indignant eyes Starting, and hard-drawn breath! Lim lead away Tenderly, as beseems the mercy shown To his repentance by this maiden queen. The Lord is merciful to them that show Mercy, and all such as are pure of heart ; Thy crown, Adulah, wears a double flower Of these fair blossoms wreathed in one device Of perfect love in perfect maidenhood. JARED [recovering himself). Nay, but my voice must fill the song of joy With gratitude, and meet thanksgiving. Me More than these others it beseems, who love Less dearly for their innocence than I, Pardoned of my unpardonable sin. ADULAH. The flowers turn westerward; the sun is down Almost among those clouds that kiss the sea With heavy lashes drooping over it, A mother watching her own daughter swoon To sleep. But look toward the southern sky ; It is my father. Let us go to him, Maidens, with song and gladness of full hearts. SEMICHORUS OF MAIDENS I. The conqueror rides at last To home, to love; The victory is past, The white-wing dove Sails through the crystal air of eve with a pean deep and vast. Jephthah ! SEMICHORUS OF MAIDENS II. Forth, maidens, with your hands White with new lilies ! Forth, maidens, in bright bands, Virgins whose one sweet will is To sing the victory of our God in all sky- girdled lands ! Jahveh! SEMICHORUS JI, With dancing feet, and noise Of timbrels smitten, With Tears and tender joys, With songs unwritten, With music many-mouthed, with robes in snowy cquipoise. Jephthah ! Semicnorus II. With hearts infused of fire, Eyes clear with many waters, With lips to air that quire, We, earth’s desirous daughters, Lift up the song of triumph, sound the lutes of our desire ! Jahveh ! SeMicnuorus I. With branches strewn before us, And roses flung In all the ways, we chorus With throat and tongue The glory of our warrior sires whose victor swords restore us Jephthah ! SEMICHORUS IT. With angels vast and calm That keep his way, With streams of holy balm, The prayers of them that pray, We go to bring him home and raise to Thee our holy psalm, Jahveh !