Dryden,John

AbsalomandAchitophel.APoem

DiegroßeeBook-BibliothekderWeltliteratur

JohnDryden

AbsalomandAchitophelAPoem

[FirstPart]–SiPropiùsstesTeCapietMagis–

TotheReader.TisnotmyintentiontomakeanApologyformyPoem:SomewillthinkitneedsnoExcuse;andotherswillreceivenone.TheDesign,Iamsure,ishonest:buthewhodrawshisPenforoneParty,mustexpecttomakeEnemiesoftheother.For,WitandFool,areConsequentsofWhigandTory:AndeverymanisaKnaveoranAsstothecontraryside.There'saTreasuryofMeritsinthePhanatickChurch,aswellasinthePapist;andaPennyworthtobehadofSaintship,Honesty,andPoetry,fortheLeud,theFactious,andtheBlockheads:ButthelongestChapterinDeuteronomy,hasnotCursesenowforanAnti-Bromingham.MyComfortis,theirmanifestPrejudicetomyCause,willrendertheirJudgmentoflessAuthorityagainstme.YetifaPoemhaveaGenius,itwillforceitsownreceptionintheWorld.Forthere'sasweetnessingoodVerse,whichTicklesevenwhileitHurts:And,nomancanbeheartilyangrywithhim,whopleaseshimagainsthiswill.TheCommendationofAdversaries,isthegreatestTriumphofaWriter;becauseitnevercomesunlessExtorted.ButIcanbesatisfiedonmoreeasytermes:IfIhappentopleasethemoreModeratesort,IshallbesureofanhonestParty;and,inallprobability,ofthebestJudges;for,theleastConcern'd,arecommonlytheleastCorrupt:And,Iconfess,Ihavelaidinforthose,byrebatingtheSatyre,(whereJusticewoudallowit)fromcarryingtoosharpanEdge.They,whocanCriticizesoweakly,astoimagineIhavedonemyWorst,maybeConvinc'd,attheirownCost,thatIcanwriteSeverely,withmoreease,thanIcanGently.IhavebutlaughtatsomemensFollies,whenIcoudhavedeclaim'dagainsttheirVices;and,othermensVertuesIhavecommended,asfreelyasIhavetax'dtheirCrimes.Andnow,ifyouareaMalitiousReader,Iexpectyoushouldreturnuponme,thatIaffecttobethoughtmoreImpartialthanIam.But,ifmenarenottobejudg'dbytheirProfessions,GodforgiveyouCommon-wealths-men,forprofessingsoplausiblyfortheGovernment.YoucannotbesoUnconscionable,astochargemefornotSubscribingofmyName;forthatwoudreflecttoogroslyuponyourownParty,whoneverdare,thoughtheyhavetheadvantageofaJurytosecurethem.IfyoulikenotmyPoem,thefaultmay,possibly,beinmyWriting:(though'tishardforanAuthourtojudgeagainsthimself;)But,moreprobably,'tisinyourMorals,whichcannotbearthetruthofit.TheViolent,onbothsides,willcondemntheCharacterofAbsalom,aseithertoofavourably,ortoohardlydrawn.But,theyarenottheViolent,whomIdesiretoplease.Thefault,ontherighthand,istoExtenuate,PalliateandIndulge;and,toconfessfreely,Ihaveendeavour'dtocommitit.BesidestherespectwhichIowehisBirth,IhaveagreaterforhisHeroiqueVertues;and,Davidhimself,coudnotbemoretenderoftheYoung-man'sLife,thanIwoudbeofhisReputation.But,sincethemostexcellentNaturesarealwaysthemosteasy;and,asbeingsuch,arethesoonestpervertedbyillCounsels,especiallywhenbaitedwithFameandGlory;'tisnomoreawonderthathewithstoodnotthetemptationsofAchitophel,thanitwasforAdam,nottohaveresistedthetwoDevils;theSerpent,andtheWoman.TheconclusionoftheStory,Ipurposelyforboretoprosecute;because,Icoudnotobtainfrommyself,toshewAbsalomUnfortunate.TheFrameofit,wascutout,butforaPicturetotheWast;and,iftheDraughtbesofartrue,'tisasmuchasIdesign'd.

WereItheInventour,whoamonlytheHistorian,IshoudcertainlyconcludethePiece,withtheReconcilementofAbsalomtoDavid.And,whoknowsbutthismaycometopass?ThingswerenotbroughttoanExtremitywhereIlefttheStory:Thereseems,yet,toberoomleftforaComposure;hereafter,theremayonlybeforpity.Ihavenot,somuchasanuncharitableWishagainstAchitophel;but,amcontenttobeAccus'dofagoodnatur'dErrour;and,tohopewithOrigen,thattheDevilhimself

may,atlast,besav'd:Forwhichreason,inthisPoem,heisneitherbroughttosethisHouseinorder,nortodisposeofhisPersonafterwards,asheinWisedomshallthinkfit.Godisinfinitelymerciful;andhisVicegerentisonlynotso,becauseheisnotInfinite.

ThetrueendofSatyre,istheamendmentofVicesbycorrection.AndhewhowritesHonestly,isnomoreanEnemytotheOffendour,thanthePhysiciantothePatient,whenheprescribesharshRemediestoaninveterateDisease:forthose,areonlyinordertopreventtheChyrurgeon'sworkofanEnserescindendum,whichIwishnottomyveryEnemies.Toconcludeall,IftheBodyPolitiquehaveanyAnalogytotheNatural,inmyweakjudgment,anActofOblivionwereasnecessaryinaHot,Distemper'dState,asanOpiatewoudbeinaRagingFever.

Inpioustimes,e'rPriest-craftdidbegin,BeforePolygamywasmadeasin;Whenman,onmany,multiply'dhiskind,E'ronetoonewas,cursedly,confind:WhenNatureprompted,andnolawdeny'dPromiscuoususeofConcubineandBride;Then,Israel'sMonarch,afterHeaven'sownheart,Hisvigorouswarmthdid,variously,impartToWivesandSlaves:And,wideashisCommand,Scatter'dhisMaker'sImagethroughtheLand.Michal,ofRoyalblood,theCrowndidwear,ASoylungratefulltotheTiller'scare:Notsotherest;forseveralMothersboreToGodlikeDavid,severalSonsbefore.Butsincelikeslaveshisbedtheydidascend,NoTrueSuccessioncouldtheirseedattend.OfallthisNumerousProgenywasnoneSoBeautifull,sobraveasAbsolon:Whether,inspir'dbysomedivinerLust,HisFathergothimwithagreaterGust;OrthathisConsciousdestinymadewayBymanlybeautytoImperiallsway.EarlyinForeignfieldshewonRenown,WithKingsandStatesally'dtoIsrael'sCrown:InPeacethethoughtsofWarhecoudremove,Andseem'dashewereonlybornforlove.Whate'rhedidwasdonewithsomuchease,Inhimalone,'twasNaturaltoplease.Hismotionsallaccompaniedwithgrace;AndParadisewasopen'dinhisface.WithsecretJoy,indulgentDavidview'dHisYouthfullImageinhisSonrenew'd:ToallhiswishesNothinghedeny'd,AndmadetheCharmingAnnabelhisBride.Whatfaultshehad(forwhofromfaultsisfree?)HisFathercoudnot,orhewoudnotsee.Somewarmexcesses,whichtheLawforbore,Wereconstru'dYouththatpurg'dbyboylingo'r:AndAmnon'sMurther,byaspeciousName,Wascall'daJustRevengeforinjur'dFame.ThusPrais'd,andLov'd,theNobleYouthremain'd,WhileDavid,undisturb'd,inSionraign'd.ButLifecanneverbesincerelyblest:Heavenpunishesthebad,andprovesthebest.TheJews,aHeadstrong,Moody,Murmuringrace,Asevertry'dth'extentandstretchofgrace;

God'spamper'dpeoplewhom,debauch'dwithease,NoKingcouldgovern,nornoGodcouldplease;(Godstheyhadtri'dofeveryshapeandsizeThatGod-smithscouldproduce,orPriestsdevise:)TheseAdam-wits,toofortunatelyfree,Begantodreamtheywantedlibertie;Andwhennorule,nopresidentwasfoundOfmen,byLawslesscircumscrib'dandbound,TheyledtheirwilddesirestoWoodsandCaves,AndthoughtthatallbutSavageswereSlaves.TheywhowhenSaulwasdead,withoutablow,MadefoolishIshbosheththeCrownforgo;WhobanishtDaviddidfromHebronbring,And,withaGenerallShout,proclaim'dhimKing:ThoseveryJewes,who,attheirverybest,TheirHumourmorethanLoyaltyexprest,Now,wondredwhy,solong,theyhadobey'dAnIdollMonarchwhichtheirhandshadmade:Thoughttheymightruinehimtheycouldcreate;OrmelthimtothatGoldenCalf,aState.Butthesewererandomebolts:Noform'dDesign,NorInterestmadetheFactiousCroudtojoyn:ThesoberpartofIsrael,freefromstain,Wellknewthevalueofapeacefullraign:And,lookingbackwardwithawiseafright,SawSeamesofwounds,dishonesttothesight;IncontemplationofwhoseuglyScars,TheyCurstthememoryofCivilWars.ThemoderatesortofMen,thusqualifi'd,Inclin'dtheBallancetothebetterside:AndDavid'smildnessmanag'ditsowell,TheBadfoundnooccasiontoRebell.But,whentoSinourbyastNatureleans,ThecarefullDevilisstillathandwithmeans;AndprovidentlyPimpsforilldesires:TheGoodoldCausereviv'd,aPlotrequires.Plots,trueorfalse,arenecessarythings,ToraiseupCommon-wealths,andruinKings.Th'inhabitantsofoldJerusalemWereJebusites:theTownsocall'dfromthem;Andtheir'stheNativeright–Butwhenthechosenpeoplegrewmorestrong,Therightfullcauseatlengthbecamethewrong:AndeverylossthemenofJebusbore,TheystillwerethoughtGod'senemiesthemore.Thus,wornandweaken'd,wellorillcontent,

SubmittheymusttoDavid'sGovernment:Impoverisht,anddepriv'dofallCommand,TheirTaxesdoubledastheylosttheirLand,And,whatwasharderyettofleshandblood,TheirGodsdisgrac'd,andburntlikecommonwood.ThissettheHeathenPriesthoodinaflame;ForPriestsofallReligionsarethesame:Ofwhatsoe'rdescenttheirGodheadbe,Stock,Stone,orotherhomelypedigree,InhisdefencehisServantsareasboldAsifhehadbeenbornofbeatengold.TheJewishRabbinsthôtheirEnemies,Inthisconcludethemhonestmenandwise:For'twastheirduty,alltheLearnedthink,T'espousehisCausebywhomtheyeatanddrink.FromhencebeganthatPlot,theNation'sCurse,Badinitself,butrepresentedworse:Rais'dinextremes,andinextremesdecry'd;WithOathsaffirm'd,withdyingVowsdeny'd:Notweigh'd,orwinnow'dbytheMultitude;Butswallow'dintheMass,unchew'dandCrude.SomeTruththerewas,butdash'dandbrew'dwithLyes;TopleasetheFools,andpuzzlealltheWise.Succeedingtimesdidequalfollycall,Believingnothing,orbelievingall.Th'EgyptianRitestheJebusitesimbrac'd;WhereGodswererecommendedbytheirTast.SuchsavoryDeitiesmustneedsbegood,Asserv'datonceforWorshipandforFood.ByforcetheycouldnotIntroducetheseGods;ForTentoOne,informerdayswasodds.SoFraudwasus'd,(theSacrificerstrade,)FoolsaremorehardtoConquerthanPerswade.TheirbusieTeachersmingledwiththeJews;Andrak'd,forConverts,eventheCourtandStews:WhichHebrewPrieststhemoreunkindlytook,BecausetheFleeceaccompaniestheFlock.SomethoughttheyGod'sAnointedmeanttoSlayByGuns,inventedsincefullmanyaday:OurAuthourswearsitnot;butwhocanknowHowfartheDevilandJebusitesmaygo?ThisPlot,whichfail'dforwantofcommonSense,HadyetadeepanddangerousConsequence:For,aswhenragingFeversboyltheBlood,ThestandingLakesoonfloatsintoaFlood;AndeveryhostileHumour,whichbeforeSleptquietinitsChannels,bubbleso'r:

So,severalFactionsfromthisfirstFerment,WorkuptoFoam,andthreattheGovernment.SomebytheirFriends,morebythemselvesthoughtwise,Oppos'dthePower,towhichtheycouldnotrise.SomehadinCourtsbeenGreat,andthrownfromthence,LikeFeinds,wereharden'dinImpenitence.Some,bytheirMonarch'sfatallmercygrown,FromPardon'dRebels,KinsmentotheThrone;Wererais'dinPowerandpublickOfficehigh:StrongBands,ifBandsungratefullmencouldtye.OfthesethefalseAchitophelwasfirst:ANametoallsucceedingAgesCurst:ForcloseDesigns,andcrookedCounsellsfit;Sagacious,Bold,andTurbulentofwit:Restless,unfixtinPrinciplesandPlace;InPowerunpleas'd,impatientofDisgrace:AfierySoul,whichworkingoutitsway,FrettedthePigmyBodytodecay:Ando'rinform'dtheTenementofClay.AdaringPilotinextremity;Pleas'dwiththeDanger,whentheWaveswenthighHesoughttheStorms;butforaCalmunfit,WouldSteertoonightheSands,toboasthisWit.GreatWitsaresuretoMadnessnearally'd;AndthinPartitionsdotheirBoundsdivide:Else,whyshouldhe,withWealthandHonourblest,RefusehisAgetheneedfulhoursofRest?PunishaBodywhichhecoudnotplease;BankruptofLife,yetProdigalofEase?Andalltoleave,whatwithhisToylhewon,Tothatunfeather'd,twoLeg'dthing,aSon:Got,whilehisSouldidhudledNotionstry;AndbornashapelessLump,likeAnarchy.InFriendshipFalse,ImplacableinHate:Resolv'dtoRuineortoRuletheState.ToCompassthistheTripleBondhebroke;ThePillarsofthepublickSafetyshook:AndfittedIsraelforaForeignYoke.Then,seiz'dwithFear,yetstillaffectingFame,Usurp'daPatriott'sAll-attoningName.SoeasiestillitprovesinFactiousTimes,WithpublickZealtocancelprivateCrimes:HowsafeisTreason,andhowsacredill,WherenonecansinagainstthePeoplesWill:WhereCroudscanwink;andnooffencebeknown,Sinceinanothersguilttheyfindtheirown.Yet,Famedeserv'd,noEnemycangrudge;

TheStatesmanweabhor,butpraisetheJudge.InIsraelsCourtsne'rsatanAbbethdinWithmorediscerningEyes,orHandsmoreclean:Unbrib'd,unsought,theWretchedtoredress;SwiftofDispatch,andeasieofAccess.Oh,hadhebeencontenttoservetheCrown,WithvertuesonlypropertotheGown;Or,hadtheranknessoftheSoylbeenfreedFromCockle,thatoppresttheNobleseed:David,forhimhistunefullHarphadstrung,AndHeavenhadwantedoneImmortalsong.ButwildeAmbitionlovestoslide,notstand;AndFortunesIcepreferstoVertuesLand:Achitophel,grownwearytopossessAlawfullFame,andlazyHappiness;Disdain'dtheGoldenfruittogatherfree,AndlenttheCroudhisArmtoshaketheTree.Now,manifestofCrimes,contriv'dlongsince,HestoodatboldDefiancewithhisPrince:HelduptheBucklerofthePeoplesCause,AgainsttheCrown;andsculk'dbehindtheLaws.Thewish'doccasionofthePlothetakes,SomeCircumstancesfinds,butmorehemakes;BybuzzingEmissaries,fillstheearsOflistningCrowds,withJealosiesandFearsOfArbitraryCounselsbroughttolight,AndprovestheKinghimselfaJebusite:WeakArguments!whichyetheknewfulwell,WerestrongwithPeopleeasietoRebell.For,govern'dbytheMoon,thegiddyJewsTreadthesametrackwhenshethePrimerenews:AndonceintwentyYears,theirScribesRecord,BynaturalInstincttheychangetheirLord.AchitophelstillwantsaChief,andnoneWasfoundsofitasWarlikeAbsolon:Not,thathewish'dhisGreatnesstocreate,(ForPolititiansneitherlovenorhate:)But,forheknew,hisTitlenotallow'd,WouldkeephimstilldependingontheCrowd:ThatKinglypower,thusebbingout,mightbeDrawntothedregsofaDemocracy.Himheattempts,withstudiedArtstoplease,AndshedshisVenome,insuchwordsasthese.AuspiciousPrince!atwhoseNativitySomeRoyalPlanetrul'dtheSouthernsky;ThylongingCountriesDarlingandDesire;

TheircloudyPillar,andtheirguardianFire:TheirsecondMoses,whoseextendedWandDividestheSeas,andshewsthepromis'dLand:WhosedawningDay,ineverydistantage,Hasexercis'dtheSacredProphetsrage:ThePeoplesPrayer,thegladDevinersTheam,TheYoung-mensVision,andtheOldmensDream!Thee,Saviour,Thee,theNationsVowsconfess;And,neversatisfi'dwithseeing,bless:Swift,unbespokenPomps,thystepsproclaim,AndstammerringBabesaretaughttolispthyName.HowlongwiltthouthegeneralJoydetain;Starve,anddefraudthePeopleofthyReign?ContentingloriouslytopassthydaysLikeoneofVertuesFoolsthatfeedsonPraise;TillthyfreshGlories,whichnowshinesobright,GrowStaleandTarnishwithourdailysight.Believeme,RoyalYouth,thyFruitmustbe,Orgather'dRipe,orrotupontheTree.Heav'n,hastoallallotted,soonorlate,SomeluckyRevolutionoftheirFate:WhoseMotions,ifwewatchandguidewithSkill,(ForhumaneGooddependsonhumaneWill,)OurFortunerolls,asfromasmoothDescent,And,fromthefirstImpression,takestheBent:But,ifunseiz'd,sheglidesawaylikewind;AndleavesrepentingFollyfarbehind.Now,nowshemeetsyou,withagloriousprize,AndspreadsherLocksbeforeherassheflies.HadthusOldDavid,fromwhoseLoynsyouspring,Notdar'd,whenFortunecall'dhim,tobeKing,AtGathanExilehemightstillremain,AndheavensAnointingOylehadbeeninvain.LethissuccessfullYouthyourhopesengage,Butshunth'exampleofDecliningAge:BeholdhimsettinginhisWesternSkies,TheShadowslengthningastheVapoursrise.Heisnotnow,aswhenonJordan'sSandTheJoyfullPeoplethrong'dtoseehimLand,Cov'ringtheBeach,andblackningalltheStrand:But,likethePrinceofAngelsfromhisheight,Comestumblingdownwardwithdiminish'dlight;Betray'dbyonepoorPlottopublickScorn,(OuronlyblessingsincehisCurstReturn:)ThoseheapsofPeoplewhichoneSheafdidbind,Blownoffandscatter'dbyapuffofWind.WhatstrengthcanhetoyourDesignsoppose,

NakedofFriends,androundbesetwithFoes?IfPharaoh'sdoubtfullSuccourheshouduse,AForeignAidwoudmoreIncensetheJews:ProudEgyptwouddissembledFriendshipbring;FomenttheWar,butnotsupporttheKing:NorwoudtheRoyalPartye'runiteWithPharaoh'sArms,t'assisttheJebusite;Oriftheyshoud,theirInterestsoonwoudbreak,AndwithsuchodiousAidmakeDavidweak.AllsortsofmenbymysuccessfulArts,AbhorringKings,estrangetheiralter'dHeartsFromDavid'sRule:And'tisthegeneralCry,Religion,Common-wealth,andLiberty.IfyouasChampionofthepubliqueGood,AddtotheirArmsaChiefofRoyalBlood;WhatmaynotIsraelhope,andwhatApplauseMightsuchaGeneralgainbysuchaCause?NotbarrenPraisealone,thatGaudyFlower,Faironlytothesight,butsolidPower:AndNoblerisalimitedCommand,Giv'nbytheLoveofallyourNativeLand,ThanaSuccessiveTitle,Long,andDark,DrawnfromtheMouldyRollsofNoah'sArk.WhatcannotPraiseeffectinMightyMinds,WhenFlatterySooths,andwhenAmbitionBlinds!DesireofPower,onEarthaVitiousWeed,Yet,sprungfromHigh,isofCælestialSeed:InGod'tisGlory:AndwhenmenAspire,'TisbutaSparktoomuchofHeavenlyFire.Th'AmbitiousYouth,tooCovetousofFame,ToofullofAngellsMetalinhisFrame;UnwarilywasledfromVertuesways;MadeDrunkwithHonour,andDebauch'dwithPraise.Halfloath,andhalfconsentingtotheIll,(ForRoyalBloodwithinhimstrugledstill)Hethusreply'd–AndwhatPretencehaveITotakeupArmsforPublickLiberty?MyFatherGovernswithunquestion'dRight;TheFaithsDefender,andMankindsDelight:Good,Gracious,Just,observantoftheLaws;AndHeav'nbyWondershasEspous'dhisCause.WhomhasheWrong'dinallhisPeacefulReign?WhosuesforJusticetohisThroneinVain?WhatMillionshashePardon'dofhisFoes,WhomJustRevengedidtohisWrathexpose!Mild,Easy,Humble,StudiousofourGood;

Enclin'dtoMercy,andaversefromBlood.IfMildnessIllwithStubbornIsraelSuite,HisCrimeisGod'sbelovedAttribute.Whatcouldhegain,hisPeopletoBetray,OrchangehisRight,forArbitrarySway?LetHaughtyPharaohCursewithsuchaReign,HisFruitfullNile,andYoakaServileTrain.IfDavid'sRuleJerusalemDisplease,TheDog-starheatstheirBrainstothisDisease.WhythenshoudI,EncouragingtheBad,TurnRebell,andrunPopularlyMad?WereheaTyrantwho,byLawlessMight,OppresttheJews,andRais'dtheJebusite,WellmightIMourn;butNaturesHolyBandsWoudCurbmySpirits,andRestrainmyHands:ThePeoplemightasserttheirLiberty;ButwhatwasRightinthem,wereCrimeinme.HisFavourleavesmenothingtorequire;PreventsmyWishes,andoutrunsDesire.WhatmorecanIexpectwhileDavidlives?AllbuthisKinglyDiademhegives;Andthat:ButtherehePaus'd;thenSighing,said,IsJustlyDestin'dforaWorthierHead.ForwhenmyFatherfromhisToylsshallRest,AndlateAugmenttheNumberoftheBlest:HisLawfullIssueshalltheThroneascend,OrtheCollateralLinewherethatshallend.HisBrother,thoughOpprestwithVulgarSpight,YetDauntlessandSecureofNativeRight,OfeveryRoyalVertuestandspossest;StillDeartoalltheBravest,andtheBest.HisCourageFoes,hisFriendshisTruthProclaim;HisLoyaltytheKing,theWorldhisFame.HisMercyeventh'OffendingCrowdwillfind,ForsurehecomesofaForgivingKind.WhyshoudIthenRepineatHeavensDecree;WhichgivesmenoPretencetoRoyalty?YetohthatFatePropitiouslyEnclind,Hadrais'dmyBirth,orhaddebas'dmyMind;TomylargeSoul,notallherTreasurelent,AndthenBetray'dittoameanDescent.Ifind,IfindmymountingSpiritsBold,AndDavid'sPartdisdainsmyMothersMold.WhyamIScantedbyaNiggardBirth?MySoulDisclaimstheKindredofherEarth:AndmadeforEmpire,Whispersmewithin;DesireofGreatnessisaGodlikeSin.

HimStaggeringsowhenHellsdireAgentfound,WhilefaintingVertuescarcemaintain'dherGround,HepoursfreshForcesin,andthusReplies:Th'EternalGodSupreamlyGoodandWise,ImpartsnottheseProdigiousGiftsinvain;WhatWondersareReserv'dtoblessyourReign?AgainstyourwillyourArgumentshaveshown,SuchVertue'sonlygiventoguideaThrone.NotthatyourFather'sMildnessIcondemn;ButManlyForcebecomestheDiadem.'Tistrue,hegrantsthePeoplealltheycrave;AndmoreperhapsthanSubjectsoughttohave:ForLavishgrantssupposeaMonarchtame,AndmorehisGoodnessthanhisWitproclaim.ButwhenshoudPeoplestrivetheirBondstobreak,IfnotwhenKingsareNegligentorWeak?Lethimgiveontillhecangivenomore,TheThriftySanhedrinshallkeephimpoor:AndeveryShecklewhichhecanreceive,ShallcostaLimbofhisPrerogative.ToplyhimwithnewPlots,shallbemycare,OrplungehimdeepinsomeExpensiveWar;WhichwhenhisTreasurecannomoreSupply,Hemust,withtheRemainsofKingship,buy.HisfaithfulFriends,ourJealousiesandFears,CallJebusites;andPharaoh'sPentioners:Whom,whenourFuryfromhisAidhastorn,HeshallbeNakedlefttopublickScorn.ThenextSuccessor,whomIfearandhate,MyArtshavemadeObnoxioustotheState;Turn'dallhisVertuestohisOverthrow,Andgain'dourElderstopronounceaFoe.HisRight,forSumsofnecessaryGold,ShallfirstbePawn'd,andafterwardsbeSold:TilltimeshallEver-wantingDaviddraw,TopassyourdoubtfullTitleintoLaw:Ifnot;thePeoplehaveaRightSupremeTomaketheirKings;forKingsaremadeforthem.AllEmpireisnomorethanPow'rinTrust,Whichwhenresum'd,canbenolongerJust.Succession,forthegeneralGooddesign'd,InitsownwrongaNationcannotbind:Ifalteringthat,thePeoplecanrelieve,BetteroneSuffer,thanaNationgrieve.TheJewswellknowtheirpower:e'rSaultheyChose,

GodwastheirKing,andGodtheydurstDepose.UrgenowyourPiety,yourFilialName,AFather'sRight,andfearoffutureFame;ThepublickGood,thatUniversalCall,TowhichevenHeav'nSubmitted,answersall.NorlethisLoveEnchantyourgenerousMind;'TisNaturestricktoPropagateherKind.OurfondBegetters,whowoudneverdye,LovebutthemselvesintheirPosterity.OrlethisKindnessbyth'Effectsbetry'd,OrlethimlayhisvainPretenceaside.Godsaidhelov'dyourFather;coudhebringAbetterProof,thantoAnointhimKing?Itsurelyshew'dhelov'dtheShepherdwell,WhogavesofairaFlockasIsrael.WoudDavidhaveyouthoughthisDarlingSon?Whatmeanshethen,toAlienatetheCrown?ThenameofGodlyhemayblushtobear:'TisafterGod'sownhearttoCheathisHeir.HetohisBrothergivesSupremeCommand;ToyouaLegacyofBarrenLand:Perhapsth'oldHarp,onwhichhethrumshisLayes:OrsomedullHebrewBalladinyourPraise.ThenthenextHeir,aPrince,SevereandWise,AlreadylooksonyouwithJealousEyes;SeesthroughthethinDisguisesofyourArts,AndmarkesyourProgressinthePeoplesHearts.ThoughnowhismightySoulitsGriefcontains;HemeditatesRevengewholeastComplains,AndlikeaLyon,Slumbringintheway,OrSleepdissembling,whilehewaitshisPrey,HisfearlessFoeswithinhisDistancedraws;ConstrainshisRoaring,andContractshisPaws;Tillatthelast,histimeforFuryfound,HeshootswithsuddainVengeancefromtheGround:TheProstrateVulgar,passeso'r,andSpares;ButwithaLordlyRage,hisHuntersteares.YourCasenotameExpedientswillafford;ResolveonDeath,orConquestbytheSword,WhichfornolessaStakethanLife,youDraw;AndSelf-defenceisNaturesEldestLaw.LeavethewarmPeoplenoConsideringtime;ForthenRebellionmaybethoughtaCrime.PrevailyourselfofwhatOccasiongives,ButtryyourTitlewhileyourFatherlives:AndthatyourArmsmayhaveafairPretence,Proclaim,youtakethemintheKing'sDefence:

WhoseSacredLifeeachminutewoudExpose,ToPlots,fromseemingFriends,andsecretFoes.AndwhocansoundthedepthofDavid'sSoul?Perhapshisfear,hiskindnessmayControul.HefearshisBrother,thoughheloveshisSon,ForplightedVowstoolatetobeundone.Ifso,byForcehewishestobegain'd,LikewomensLeachery,toseemConstrain'd:Doubtnot,butwhenhemostaffectstheFrown,CommitapleasingRapeupontheCrown.SecurehisPersontosecureyourCause;TheywhopossessthePrince,possesstheLaws.Hesaid,AndthisAdviceabovetherest,WithAbsalom'sMildnaturesuitedbest;Unblam'dofLife(Ambitionsetaside,)Notstain'dwithCruelty,norpuftwithPride;Howhappyhadhebeen,ifDestinyHadhigherplac'dhisBirth,ornotsohigh!HisKinglyVertuesmighthaveclaim'daThrone,AndblestallotherCountriesbuthisown:ButcharmingGreatness,sincesofewrefuse;'TisJustertoLamenthim,thanAccuse.StrongwerehishopesaRivaltoremove,WithblandishmentstogainthepublickLove;ToHeadtheFactionwhiletheirZealwashot,AndPopularlyprosecutethePlot.Tofartherthis,AchitophelUnitesTheMalecontentsofalltheIsraelites;WhosedifferingPartieshecouldwiselyJoyn,ForseveralEnds,toservethesameDesign:TheBest,andofthePrincessomeweresuch,WhothoughtthepowerofMonarchytoomuch:MistakenMen,andPatriotsintheirHearts;NotWicked,butSeduc'dbyImpiousArts.BythesetheSpringsofPropertywerebent,Andwoundsohigh,theyCrack'dtheGovernment.ThenextforInterestsoughtt'embroiltheState,ToselltheirDutyatadearerrate;AndmaketheirJewishMarketsoftheThrone,PretendingpublickGood,toservetheirown.OthersthoughtKingsanuselessheavyLoad,WhoCosttoomuch,anddidtoolittleGood.ThesewereforlayingHonestDavidby,OnPrinciplesofpuregoodHusbandry.WiththemJoyn'dallth'HaranguersoftheThrong,ThatthoughttogetPrefermentbytheTongue.

Whofollownext,adoubleDangerbring,NotonlyhatingDavid,buttheKing,TheSolymæanRout;wellVerstofold,InGodlyFaction,andinTreasonbold;CowringandQuakingataConqueror'sSword,ButLoftytoaLawfullPrinceRestor'd;SawwithDisdainanEthnickPlotbegun,AndScorn'dbyJebusitestobeOut-done.HotLevitesHeadedthese;whopul'dbeforeFromth'Ark,whichintheJudgesdaystheybore,Resum'dtheirCant,andwithaZealousCry,Pursu'dtheiroldbelov'dTheocracy:WhereSanhedrinandPriestinslav'dtheNation,Andjustifi'dtheirSpoilsbyInspiration;ForwhosofitforReignasAaron'sRace,IfonceDominiontheycouldfoundinGrace?TheseledthePack;thonotofsurestscent,Yetdeepestmouth'dagainsttheGovernment.AnumerousHostofdreamingSaintssucceed;OfthetrueoldEnthusiastickbreed:'GainstFormandOrdertheytheirPoweremploy;NothingtoBuildandallthingstoDestroy.Butfarmorenumerouswastheherdofsuch,Whothinktoolittle,andwhotalktoomuch.These,outofmeerinstinct,theyknewnotwhy,Ador'dtheirfathersGod,andProperty:And,bythesameblindbenefitofFate,TheDevilandtheJebusitedidhate:Borntobesav'd,evenintheirowndespight;Becausetheycouldnothelpbelievingright.Suchwerethetools;butawholeHydramoreRemains,ofsproutingheadstoolong,toscore.SomeoftheirChiefswerePrincesoftheLand:InthefirstRankofthesedidZimristand:Amansovarious,thatheseem'dtobeNotone,butallMankindsEpitome.StiffinOpinions,alwaysinthewrong;Waseverythingbystarts,andnothinglong:But,inthecourseofonerevolvingMoon,WasChymist,Fidler,States-Man,andBuffoon:ThenallforWomen,Painting,Rhiming,Drinking;Besidestenthousandfreaksthatdy'dinthinking.BlestMadman,whocoudeveryhouremploy,WithsomethingNewtowish,ortoenjoy!RaylingandpraisingwerehisusualTheams;Andboth(toshewhisJudgment)inExtreams:SooverViolent,oroverCivil,

Thateveryman,withhim,wasGodorDevil.InsquandringWealthwashispeculiarArt:Nothingwentunrewarded,butDesert.Begger'dbyFools,whomstillhefoundtoolate:HehadhisJest,andtheyhadhisEstate.HelaughthimselffromCourt,thensoughtReleifByformingParties,butcoudne'rebeChief:For,spightofhim,theweightofBusinessfellOnAbsalomandwiseAchitophel:Thus,wickedbutinwill,ofmeansbereft,HeleftnotFaction,butofthatwasleft.TitlesandNames'tweretedioustoReherseOfLords,belowtheDignityofVerse.Wits,warriors,Common-wealthsmen,werethebest:KindHusbandsandmeerNoblesalltherest.And,thereforeinthenameofDulness,beThewellhungBalaamandcoldCalebfree.AndCantingNadabletObliviondamn,WhomadenewporridgeforthePaschalLamb.LetFriendshipsholybandsomeNamesassure:SometheirownWorth,andsomeletScornsecure.NorshalltheRascallRabbleherehavePlace,WhomKingsnoTitlesgave,andGodnoGrace:NotBull-fac'dJonas,whocouldStatutesdrawTomeanRebellion,andmakeTreasonLaw.Buthe,thobad,isfollow'dbyaworse,Thewretch,whoHeavensAnnointeddar'dtoCurse.Shimei,whoseYouthdidearlyPromisebringOfZealtoGod,andHatredtohisKing;DidwiselyfromExpensiveSinsrefrain,AndneverbroketheSabbath,butforGain:NoreverwasheknownanOathtovent,OrCurseunlessagainsttheGovernment.Thus,heapingWealth,bythemostreadywayAmongtheJews,whichwastoCheatandPray;TheCity,torewardhispiousHateAgainsthisMaster,chosehimMagistrate:HisHandaVareofJusticediduphold;HisNeckwasloadedwithaChainofGold.DuringhisOffice,TreasonwasnoCrime;TheSonsofBelialhadagloriousTime:ForShimei,thoughnotprodigalofpelf,Yetlov'dhiswickedNeighbourashimself:Whentwoorthreeweregather'dtodeclaimAgainsttheMonarchofJerusalem,Shimeiwasalwaysinthemidstofthem:

And,iftheyCursttheKingwhenhewasby,WoudratherCurse,thanbreakgoodCompany.IfanydursthisFactiousFriendsaccuse,HepactaJuryofdissentingJews:Whosefellow-feeling,inthegodlyCause,WouldfreethesuffringSaintfromHumaneLaws.ForLawsareonlymadetoPunishthose,WhoservetheKing,andtoprotecthisFoes.IfanyleisuretimehehadfromPower,(Because'tisSintomisimployanhour;)Hisbusinesswas,byWriting,toPersuade,ThatKingswereUseless,andaClogtoTrade:And,thathisnobleStilehemightrefine,NoRechabitemoreshundthefumesofWine.ChastwerehisCellars,andhisShrievalBoardTheGrossnessofaCityFeastabhor'd:HisCooks,withlongdisuse,theirTradeforgot;CoolwashisKitchen,thohisBrainswerehot.SuchfrugalVertueMalicemayaccuse,Butsure'twasnecessarytotheJews:ForTownsonceburnt,suchMagistratesrequireAsdarenottemptGodsProvidencebyfire.WithSpiritualfoodhefedhisServantswell,Butfreefromflesh,thatmadetheJewsRebel:AndMoses'sLawsheheldinmoreaccount,ForfortydaysofFastingintheMount.Tospeaktherest,whobetterareforgot,Wouldtyreawellbreath'dWitnessofthePlot:Yet,Corah,thoushaltfromOblivionpass;ErectthyselfthouMonumentalBrass:HighastheSerpentofthymettallmade,WhileNationsstandsecurebeneaththyshade.WhatthohisBirthwerebase,yetCometsriseFromEarthyVapourseretheyshineinSkies.ProdigiousActionsmayaswellbedoneByWeaversissue,asbyPrincesSon.ThisArch-AttestorforthePublickGood,BythatoneDeedEnoblesallhisBloud.Whoeverask'dtheWitnesseshighrace,WhoseOathwithMartyrdomdidStephengrace?OurswasaLevite,andastimeswentthen,HisTribewereGodalmightysGentlemen.SunkwerehisEyes,hisVoycewasharshandloud,SuresignsheneitherCholerickwas,norProud:HislongChinprov'dhisWit;hisSaintlikeGraceAChurchVermilion,andaMoses'sFace;HisMemory,miraculouslygreat,

CouldPlots,exceedingmansbelief,repeat;Which,thereforecannotbeaccountedLies,ForhumaneWitcouldneversuchdevise.SomefutureTruthsaremingledinhisBook;But,wherethewitnessfaild,theProphetSpoke:SomethingslikeVisionaryflightsappear;TheSpiritcaughthimup,theLordknowswhere:AndgavehimhisRabinicaldegreeUnknowntoForeignUniversity.HisJudgmentyethisMemorydidexcel;Whichpeic'dhiswondrousEvidencesowell:Andsuitedtothetemperofthetimes;ThengroaningunderJebusitickCrimes.LetIsraelsfoessuspecthisheav'nlycall,AndrashlyjudgehiswritApocryphal;OurLawsforsuchaffrontshaveforfeitsmade:Hetakeshislife,whotakesawayhistrade.WereImyselfinwitnessCorahsplace,Thewretchwhodidmesuchadiredisgrace,Shouldwhetmymemory,thoughonceforgot,TomakehimanAppendixofmyPlot.HisZealtoheav'n,madehimhisPrincedespise,Andloadhispersonwithindignities:ButZealpeculiarpriviledgaffords;Indulginglatitudetodeedsandwords.AndCorahmightforAgag'smurthercall,IntermsascourseasSamuelus'dtoSaul.WhatothersinhisEvidencedidJoyn,(Thebestthatcouldbehadforloveorcoyn,)InCorah'sownpredicamentwillfall:ForwitnessisaCommonNametoall.SurroundedthuswithFreindsofeverysort,DeludedAbsalom,forsakestheCourt:Impatientofhighhopes,urg'dwithrenown,AndFir'dwithnearpossessionofaCrown:Th'admiringCroudaredazledwithsurprize,Andonhisgoodlypersonfeedtheireyes:HisJoyconceal'd,hesetshimselftoshow;Oneachsidebowingpopularlylow:Hislooks,hisgestures,andhiswordsheframes,AndwithfamiliareaserepeatstheirNames.Thus,form'dbyNature,furnish'doutwithArts,Heglidesunfeltintotheirsecrethearts:Thenwithakindcompassionatinglook,Andsighs,bespeakingpityerehespoak,Fewwordshesaid;buteasythoseandfit:

MoreslowthanHybladrops,andfarmoresweet.Imourn,myCountrymen,yourlostEstate;Thofarunabletopreventyourfate:BeholdaBanishtman,foryourdearcauseExpos'dapreytoArbitrarylaws!Yetoh!thatIalonecou'dbeundone,CutofffromEmpire,andnomoreaSon!NowallyourLibertiesaspoilaremade;ÆgyptandTyrusinterceptyourTrade,AndJebusitesyourSacredRitesinvade.MyFather,whomwithreverenceyetIname,Charm'dintoEase,iscarelessofhisFame:And,brib'dwithpettysummsofForreignGold,IsgrowninBathsheba'sEmbracesold:ExaltshisEnemies,hisFreindsdestroys:Andallhispow'ragainsthimselfemploys.Hegives,andlethimgivemyrightaway:Butwhyshouldhehisown,andyoursbetray?Heonly,hecanmaketheNationbleed,Andhealonefrommyrevengeisfreed.Takethenmytears(withthathewip'dhisEyes)'TisalltheAidmypresentpowersupplies:NoCourtInformercantheseArmsaccuse,TheseArmsmaySonsagainsttheirFathersuse,And,tismywish,thenextSuccessorsReignMaymakenootherIsraelitecomplain.Youth,Beauty,GracefulAction,seldomfail:ButCommonInterestalwayswillprevail:AndpityneverCeasestobeshownTohim,whomakesthepeopleswrongshisown.TheCroud,(thatstillbelievetheirKingsoppress)WithliftedhandstheiryoungMessiahbless:WhonowbeginshisProgresstoordain;WithChariots,Horsemen,andanumeroustrain:FromEasttoWesthisGlorieshedisplaies:And,liketheSun,thepromis'dlandsurvays.Famerunsbeforehim,asthemorningStar;AndshoutsofJoysalutehimfromafar:EachhousereceiveshimasaGuardianGod;AndConsecratesthePlaceofhisaboad:ButhospitabletreatsdidmostCommendWiseIssachar,hiswealthywesternfriend.ThismovingCourt,thatcaughtthepeoplesEyes,Andseem'dbutPomp,didotherendsdisguise:Achitophelhadform'dit,withintent

Tosoundthedepths,andfathomwhereitwent,ThePeopleshearts;distinguishFriendsfromFoes;Andtrytheirstrength,beforetheycametoblows:Yetallwascolour'dwithasmoothpretenceOfspeciouslove,anddutytotheirPrince.Religion,andRedressofGrievances,Twonames,thatalwayscheatandalwaysplease,Areoftenurg'd;andgoodKingDavid'slifeIndanger'dbyaBrotherandaWife.Thus,inaPageantShow,aPlotismade;AndPeaceitselfisWarinMasquerade.OhfoolishIsrael!neverwarn'dbyill,Stillthesamebaite,andcircumventedstill!Didevermenforsaketheirpresentease,InmidstofhealthImagineadesease;TakepainsContingentmischiefstoforesee,MakeHeirsforMonarks,andforGoddecree?Whatshallwethink!canPeoplegiveawayBothforthemselvesandSons,theirNativesway?ThentheyareleftDefensless,totheSwordOfeachunboundedArbitraryLord:AndLawsarevain,bywhichweRightenjoy,IfKingsunquestiondcanthoselawsdestroy.Yet,iftheCrowdbeJudgeoffitandJust,AndKingsareonelyOfficersintrust,ThenthisresumingCov'nantwasdeclar'dWhenKingsweremade,orisforeverbar'd:IfthosewhogavetheScepter,coudnottyeBytheirowndeedtheirownPosterity,HowthencoudAdambindhisfutureRace?Howcoudhisforfeitonmankindtakeplace?OrhowcoudheavenlyJusticedamnusall,WhonereconsentedtoourFathersfall?ThenKingsareslavestothosewhomtheyCommand,AndTenantstotheirPeoplespleasurestand.Add,thatthePow'rforPropertyallowd,IsmischeivouslyseatedintheCrowd:ForwhocanbesecureofprivateRight,IfSovereignswaymaybedissolv'dbymight?NoristhePeoplesJudgmentalwaystrue:Themostmayerrasgroslyasthefew,AndfaultlessKingsrundown,byCommonCry,ForVice,Oppression,andforTyranny.WhatStandardisthereinaficklerout,Which,flowingtothemark,runsfasterout?NoronlyCrowds,butSanhedrinsmaybeInfectedwiththispublickLunacy:

AndSharethemadnessofRebellioustimes,ToMurtherMonarchsforImagin'dcrimes.IftheymayGiveandTakewhene'rtheyplease,NotKingsalone,(theGodheadsImages,)ButGovernmentitselfatlengthmustfallToNaturesstate;whereallhaveRighttoall.Yet,grantourLordsthePeopleKingscanmake,WhatPrudentmenasetledThronewoudshake?Forwhatsoe'rtheirSufferingswerebefore,ThatChangetheyCovetmakesthemsuffermore.AllotherErrorsbutdisturbaState;ButInnovationistheBlowofFate.IfancientFabricksnod,andthreattofall,ToPatchtheFlaws,andButtressuptheWall,Thusfar'tisDuty;butherefixtheMark:ForallbeyonditistotouchourArk.TochangeFoundations,casttheFrameanew,IsworkforRebelswhobaseEndspursue:AtonceDivineandHumaneLawscontroul;AndmendthePartsbyruineoftheWhole.TheTamperingWorldissubjecttothisCurse,ToPhysicktheirDiseaseintoaworse.NowwhatReliefcanRighteousDavidbring?HowFatall'tistobetoogoodaKing!Friendshehasfew,sohightheMadnessgrows;Whodarebesuch,mustbethePeoplesFoes:Yetsometherewere,ev'nintheworstofdays;Someletmename,andNamingistopraise.InthisshortFileBarzillaifirstappears;Barzillaicrown'dwithHonourandwithYears:Longsince,therisingRebellshewithstoodInRegionsWaste,beyondtheJordansFlood:UnfortunatelyBravetobuoytheState;ButsinkingunderneathhisMastersFate:InExilewithhisGodlikePrinceheMourn'd;ForhimheSuffer'd,andwithhimReturn'd.TheCourthepractis'd,nottheCourtier'sart:LargewashisWealth,butlargerwashisHeart:Which,welltheNoblestObjectsknewtochoose,TheFightingWarriour,andRecordingMuse.HisBedcoudonceaFruitfullIssueboast:NowmorethanhalfaFather'sNameislost:HisEldestHope,witheveryGraceadorn'd,Byme(soHeav'nwillhaveit)alwaysMourn'd,Andalwayshonour'd,snatchtinManhoodsprime

By'unequalFates,andProvidencescrime:YetnotbeforetheGoalofHonourwon,Allpartsfulfill'dofSubjectandofSon;SwiftwastheRace,butshorttheTimetorun.OhNarrowCircle,butofPow'rDivine,ScantedinSpace,butperfectinthyLine!BySea,byLand,thyMatchlessWorthwasknown;ArmsthyDelight,andWarwasallthyOwn:Thyforce,Infus'd,thefaintingTyriansprop'd:AndHaughtyPharaohfoundhisFortunestop'd.OhAncientHonour,OhUnconquer'dHand,WhomFoesunpunish'dnevercoudwithstand!ButIsraelwasunworthyofthyName;ShortisthedateofallImmoderateFame.ItlooksasHeavenourRuinehaddesign'd,AnddurstnottrustthyFortuneandthyMind.Now,freefromEarth,thydisencumbredSoulMountsup,andleavesbehindtheCloudsandStarryPole:FromthencethykindredlegionsmaystthoubringToaidtheguardianAngelofthyKing.HerestopmyMuse,hereceasethypainfullflight;NoPinionscanpursueImmortalheight:TellgoodBarzillaithoucanstsingnomore,AndtellthySoulsheshouldhavefledbefore;Orfledshewithhislife,andleftthisVerseTohangonherdepartedPatron'sHerse?Nowtakethysteepyflightfromheaven,andseeIfthoucanstfindonearthanotherHe,Anotherhewouldbetoohardtofind,Seethenwhomthoucanstseenotfarbehind:ZadockthePriest,whom,shunningPowerandPlace,Hislowlymindadvanc'dtoDavid'sGrace:WithhimtheSaganofJerusalem,OfhospitableSoulandnobleStem;HimoftheWesterndome,whoseweightysenseFlowsinfitwordsandheavenlyeloquence.TheProphetsSonsbysuchexampleled,ToLearningandtoLoyaltywerebred:ForCollegesonbounteousKingsdepend,AndneverRebellwastoArtsafriend.TothesesucceedthePillarsoftheLaws,Whobestcou'dpleadandbestcanjudgeaCause.NextthematrainofLoyalPeersascend:SharpjudgingAdrieltheMusesfriend,HimselfaMuse–InSanhedrinsdebateTruetohisPrince;butnotaSlaveofState:WhomDavid'slovewithHonoursdidadorn,

ThatfromhisdisobedientSonweretorn.Jothamofpiercingwitandpregnantthought,Indew'dbynature,andbylearningtaughtTomoveAssemblies,whobutonelytry'dTheworseawhile,thenchosethebetterside;Norchosealone,butturn'dthebalancetoo;Somuchtheweightofonebravemancandoe.HushaithefriendofDavidindistress,Inpublickstormsofmanlystedfastness;Byforeigntreatiesheinform'dhisYouth;Andjoin'dexperiencetohisnativetruth.Hisfrugalcaresupply'dthewantingThrone,Frugalforthat,butbounteousofhisown:'TiseasyconductwhenExchequersflow,Buthardthetasktomanagewellthelow:ForSoveraignpoweristoodeprestorhigh,WhenKingsareforc'dtosell,orCrowdstobuy.IndulgeonelabourmoremywearyMuse,ForAmiel,whocanAmiel'spraiserefuse?Ofancientracebybirth,butnobleryetInhisownworth,andwithoutTitlegreat:TheSanhedrinlongtimeaschiefherul'd,TheirReasonguidedandtheirPassioncoold;SodexterouswasheintheCrown'sdefence,Soform'dtospeakaLoyalNation'sSense,ThatastheirbandwasIsrael'sTribesinsmall,Sofitwashetorepresentthemall.NowrasherCharioteerstheSeatascend,WhoselooseCarriershissteadySkillcommend:Theyliketh'unequalRuleroftheDay,MisguidetheSeasonsandmistaketheWay;WhilehewithdrawnattheirmadLaboursmiles,AndsafeenjoystheSabbathofhisToyls.Thesewerethechief,asmallbutfaithfulBandOfWorthies,intheBreachwhodar'dtostand,Andtemptth'unitedFuryoftheLand.Withgrieftheyview'dsuchpowerfulEnginesbent,TobatterdownthelawfulGovernment:AnumerousFactionwithpretendedfrights,InSanhedrinstoplumetheRegalRights:ThetrueSuccessourfromtheCourtremov'd:ThePlot,byhirelingWitnessesimprov'd.TheseIllstheysaw,andastheirDutybound,Theyshew'dtheKingthedangeroftheWound:ThatnoConcessionsfromtheThronewoudplease,ButLenitivesfomentedtheDisease:

ThatAbsalom,ambitiousoftheCrown,WasmadetheLuretodrawthePeopledown:ThatfalseAchitophel'spernitiousHate,Hadturn'dthePlottoRuineChurchandState:TheCouncillviolent,theRabbleworse:ThatShimeitaughtJerusalemtoCurse.WithalltheseloadsofInjuriesopprest,Andlongrevolving,inhiscarefullBreast,Th'eventofthings;atlasthispatiencetir'd,ThusfromhisRoyalThronebyHeav'ninspir'd,TheGod-likeDavidspoke:withawfullfearHisTraintheirMakerintheirMasterhear.ThuslonghaveI,bynativemercysway'd,Mywrongsdissembl'd,myrevengedelay'd:Sowillingtoforgiveth'OffendingAge,SomuchtheFatherdidtheKingasswage.ButnowsofarmyClemencytheyslight,Th'OffendersquestionmyForgivingRight.Thatonewasmadeformany,theycontend:But'tistoRule,forthat'saMonarch'sEnd.TheycallmytendernessofBlood,myFear:ThoughManlytemperscanthelongestbear.Yet,sincetheywilldivertmyNativecourse,'TistimetoshewIamnotGoodbyForce.Thoseheap'dAffrontsthathaughtySubjectsbring,AreburthensforaCamel,notaKing:KingsarethepublickPillarsoftheState,BorntosustainandproptheNationsweight:IfmyYoungSamsonwillpretendaCallToshaketheColumn,lethimsharetheFall:Butohthatyethewoudrepentandlive!Howeasie'tisforParentstoforgive!WithhowfewTearsaPardonmightbewonFromNature,pleadingforaDarlingSon!PoorpitiedYouth,bymyPaternalcare,Rais'duptoalltheHeighthisFramecoudbear:HadGodordain'dhisfateforEmpireborn,HewoudhavegivenhisSoulanotherturn:Gull'dwithaPatriotsname,whoseModernsenseIsonethatwouldbyLawsupplanthisPrince:ThePeoplesBrave,thePoliticiansTool;NeverwasPatriotyet,butwasaFool.WhencecomesitthatReligionandtheLawsShouldmorebeAbsalom'sthanDavid'sCause?HisoldInstructor,e'rehelosthisPlace,

Wasneverthoughtindu'dwithsomuchGrace.GoodHeav'ns,howFactioncanaPatriotPaint!MyRebeleverprovesmyPeoplesSaint:WouldTheyimposeanHeirupontheThrone?LetSanhedrinsbetaughttogivetheirOwn.AKing'satleastapartofGovernment,AndmineasrequisiteastheirConsent:WithoutmyLeaveafutureKingtochoose,InfersaRightthePresenttoDepose:True,theyPetitionmet'approvetheirChoise,ButEsau'sHandssuiteillwithJacob'sVoice.MyPiousSubjectsformySafetypray,WhichtoSecuretheytakemyPoweraway.FromPlotsandTreasonsHeavenpreservemyyears,ButSavememostfrommyPetitioners.UnsatiateasthebarrenWomborGrave;GodcannotGrantsomuchastheycanCrave.WhatthenisleftbutwithaJealousEyeToguardtheSmallremainsofRoyalty?TheLawshallstilldirectmypeacefullSway,AndthesameLawteachRebelstoObey:VotesshallnomoreEstablish'dPow'rcontroul,SuchVotesasmakeaPartexceedtheWhole:NogroundlessClamoursshallmyFriendsremove,NorCrowdshavepowertoPunishe'retheyProve:ForGods,andGodlikeKingstheirCareexpress,StilltoDefendtheirServantsindistress.OhthatmyPowertoSavingwereconfin'd:WhyamIforc'd,likeHeaven,againstmymind,TomakeExamplesofanotherKind?MustIatlengththeSwordofJusticedraw?OhcurstEffectsofnecessaryLaw!HowillmyFeartheybymyMercyscan,BewaretheFuryofaPatientMan.Lawtheyrequire,letLawthenshewherFace;TheycoudnotbecontenttolookonGrace,Herhinderparts,butwithadaringEyeTotempttheterrorofherFront,andDye.Bytheirownarts'tisRighteouslydecreed,ThosedireArtificersofDeathshallbleed.AgainstthemselvestheirWitnesseswillSwear,TillViper-liketheirMotherPlottheytear:AndsuckforNutrimentthatbloodygoreWhichwastheirPrincipleofLifebefore.TheirBelialwiththeirBelzebubwillfight;ThusonmyFoes,myFoesshalldomeRight:Nordoubtth'event:forFactiouscrowdsengage

IntheirfirstOnset,alltheirBrutalRage;Then,let'emtakeanunresistedCourse,RetireandTraverse,andDeludetheirForce:ButwhentheystandallBreathless,urgethefight,Andriseupon'emwithredoubledmight:ForLawfullPow'risstillSuperiourfound,Whenlongdrivenback,atlengthitstandstheground.Hesaid.Th'Almighty,nodding,gaveConsent;AndPealsofThundershooktheFirmament.HenceforthaSeriesofnewtimebegan,ThemightyYearsinlongProcessionran:OncemoretheGodlikeDavidwasRestor'd,AndwillingNationsknewtheirLawfullLord.

TheSecondPartofAbsalomandAchitophel–SiQuistamenHæcquoque,SiQuisCaptusAmoreLeget–SinceMenlikeBeasts,eachothersPreyweremade,SinceTradebegan,andPriesthoodgrewaTrade,SinceRealmswereform'd,nonesuresocurstasthoseThatmadlytheirownHappinessoppose;ThereHeavenitself,andGodlikeKings,invainShowrdowntheMannaofagentleReign;Whilepamper'dCrowdstomadSeditionrun,AndMonarchsbyIndulgenceareundone.ThusDavid'sClemencywasfatalgrown,WhilewealthyFactionaw'dthewantingThrone.FornowtheirSov'reignsOrderstocontemnWasheldtheCharterofJerusalem,HisRightst'invade,hisTributestorefuse,APrivilegepeculiartotheJews;AsiffromHeav'nlyCallthisLicencefell,AndJacob'sSeedwerechosentorebell!AchitophelwithtriumphseeshisCrimesThussuitedtothemadnessoftheTimes;AndAbsalom,tomakehishopessucceed,OfFlatteringCharmsnolongerstandsinneed;WhilefondofChange,thoughne'ersodearlybought,OurTribesout-striptheYouth'sAmbitiousThought;HisswiftestHopeswithswifterHomagemeet,AndcrowdtheirservileNecksbeneathhisFeet.ThustohisaidwhilepressingTidesrepair,HemountsandspreadshisStreamersintheAir.

TheCharmsofEmpiremighthisYouthmis-lead,ButwhatcanourbesottedIsraelplead?Sway'dbyaMonarchwhosesereneCommand,SeemshalftheBlessingofourpromis'dLand:WhoseonelyGrievanceisexcessofEase,FreedomeourPain,andPlentyourDisease!Yet,asallFollywou'dlayclaimtoSense,AndWickednessne'erwantedaPretence,WithArgumentsthey'dmaketheirTreasongood,AndrighteousDavid'sselfwithSlandersload:ThatArtsofforeignSwayhedidaffect,AndguiltyJebusitesfromLawprotect,WhoseveryChiefs,convict,wereneverfreed,Nay,wehaveseentheirSacrificersbleed!AccusersInfamyisurg'dinvain,WhileintheboundsofSensetheydidcontain,Butsoontheylaunchtintoth'unfathom'dTide,AndintheDepthstheyknewdisdain'dtoRide,ForprobableDiscoveriestodispence,Wasthoughtbelowapention'dEvidence;MereTruthwasdull,norsuitedwiththeportOfpamper'dCorah,whenadvanc'ttoCourt.NolessthanWondersnowtheywillimpose,AndProjectsvoidofGraceorSensedisclose.SuchwastheChargeonpiousMichalbrought,Michalthatne'erwascruele'eninthought,ThebestofQueens,andmostobedientWife,Impeach'dofcurstDesignsonDavid'sLife!HisLife,theTheamofhereternalPray'r,'TisscarcesomuchhisGuardianAngelsCare.NotSummerMornssuchMildnesscandisclose,TheHermonLilly,northeSharonRose.NeglectingeachvainPompofMajesty,TransportedMichalfeedsherthoughtsonhigh.SheliveswithAngels,andasAngelsdo,QuitsHeav'nsometimestoblesstheWorldbelow:WherecherishtbyherBountiesplenteousSpring,RevivingWidowssmile,andOrphanssing.Oh!whenrebelliousIsrael'sCrimesatheight,ArethreatnedwithherLord'sapproachingFate,ThePietyofMichalthenremainInHeav'nsRemembrance,andprolonghisReign.LessDesolationdidthePestpersue,ThatfromDan'slimitstoBeershebaslew,LessfataltherepeatedWarsofTyre,AndlessJerusalem's,avengingFire.

WithgentlerterrourtheseourStateo'erran,ThansinceourEvidencingDaysbegan!OneveryCheekapaleConfusionsat,Continu'dFearbeyondtheworstofFate!Trustwasnomore,Art,Scienceuselessmade,AlloccupationslostbutCorah'sTrade.MeanwhileaGuardonmodestCorahwait,IfnotforsafetyneedfullyetforState.WellmighthedeemeachPeerandPrincehisSlave:AndLordito'ertheTribeswhichhecouldsave:E'enViceinhimwasVertue––whatsadFateButforhisHonestyhadseiz'dourState?AndwithwhatTyrannyhadwebeencurst,HadCorahneverprov'daVillainfirst?T'havetoldhisknowledgeofth'IntrigueingrossHadbeenalastoourDeponent'sloss:Thetravell'dLevitehadth'Experiencegot,Tohusbandwell,andmakethebestof'sPlot;AndthereforelikeanEvidenceofskill,WithwiseReservessecur'dhisPensionstill;NorquiteoffuturePow'rhimselfbereft,ButLimbo'slargeforunbelieversleft.AndnowhisWritsuchReverencehadgot,'TwasworsethanPlottingtosuspecthisPlot.Someweresowellconvinc't,theymadenodoubt,Themselvestohelpthefounder'dSwearersout.SomehadtheirSenseimpos'donbytheirFear,ButmoreforInt'restsakebelieveandswear:E'entothatheightwithsometheFrenzygrew,Theyrag'dtofindtheirdangernotprovetrue.Yet,thanalltheseavilerCrewremain,WhowithAchitopheltheCrymaintain;Noturg'dbyFear,northroughmisguidedSense,(BlindZeal,andstarvingNeedhadsomepretence)ButfortheGoodOldCausethatdidexciteTh'OriginalRebellsWiles,RevengeandSpight.TheseraisethePlottohavetheScandalthrownUponthebrightSuccessoroftheCrown,WhoseVertuewithsuchwrongstheyhadpersu'd,Asseem'dallhopeofpardontoexclude.Thus,whileonprivateEndstheirZealisbuiltThecheatedCrowdapplaudandsharetheirGuilt.SuchPracticesasThese,toogrosstolyeLongunobserv'dbyeachdiscerningEye,ThemorejudiciousIsraelitesUnspell'd,

ThoughstilltheCharmthegiddyRabbleheld.Ev'nAbsalomamidstthedazlingBeamsOfEmpire,andAmbitionsflatteringDreams,PerceivesthePlot(toofoultobeexcus'd)ToaidDesigns,nolesspernicious,us'd:And(FilialSenseyetstrivinginhisBreast)ThustoAchitophelhisDoubtsexprest.WhyaremyThoughtsuponaCrownemploy'd,Whichonceobtain'd,canbebuthalfEnjoy'd?NotsowhenVirtuedidmyArmsrequire,AndtomyFather'sWarsIflewIntire.MyRegalPow'rhowwillmyFoesresent,WhenImySelfhavescarcemyownConsent?GivemeaSon'sunblemishtTruthagain,OrquenchtheSparksofDutythatremain.HowslighttoforceaThronethatLegionsguardTheTasktome;toproveUnjusthowhard!Andifth'imagin'dGuiltthuswoundmyThought,WhatwillitwhenthetragickSceneiswrought?DireWarmustfirstbeconjur'dfrombelow,TheRealmwe'dRulewefirstmustOverthrow.AndwhentheCivilFuriesareonwingThatblindandundistinguishtSlaughtersfling,WhoknowswhatimpiouschancemayreachtheKing?Oh!ratherletmePerishintheStrife,ThanhavemyCrownthePriceofDavid'sLife!OriftheTempestoftheWarhestand,InPeace,somevileofficiousVillain'shandHisSoul'sanointedTemplemayinvade,Or,prestbyclamorousCrowds,mySelfbemadeHisMurtherer;rebelliousCrowds,whoseGuiltShalldreadhisvengeancetillhisBloudbespilt:WhichifmyfilialTendernessoppose,SincetotheEmpirebytheirArmsIrose,ThoseveryArmsonMeshallbeemploy'd,AnewUsurperCrown'd,andIDestroy'd:ThesamePretenceofPublickGoodwillhold,AndnewAchitophelsbefound,asboldTourgetheneedfullChange,perhapstheOld.Hesaid.TheStatesmanwithaSmilereplies,(AsmilethatdidhisrisingSpleendisguise.)Mythoughtspresum'dourlaboursatanEnd,AndarewestillwithConsciencetocontend?WhoseWantinKings,asneedfullisallow'd,As'tisforthemtofinditintheCrowd.

FarinthedoubtfullPassageyouaregone,AndonelycanbeSafebypressingon.TheCrownstrueHeir,aPrincesevere,andwise,Hasview'dyourMotionslongwithJealousEyes;YourPersonsCharms,yourmoreprevailingArts,Andmark'tyourProgressinthePeoplesHearts:WhosePatienceisth'effectofstintedPow'r,ButtreasuresVengeanceforthefatalhour.AndifremotethePerillHecanbring,YourPresentDanger'sgreaterfromtheKing.LetnotaParent'snamedeceiveyourSense,NortrusttheFatherinaJealousPrince!YourtrivialFaultsifhecouldsoresent,TodoomyoulittlelessthanBanishment,WhatragemustyourPresumptionSinceinspire?AgainsthisOrdersyourReturnfromTyre?Noronelyso,butwithaPompmorehigh,AndopenCourtofPopularity,TheFactiousTribes–AndthisReprooffromThee?(ThePrincereplies)OStatesman'swindingSkill,TheyfirstCondemnthatfirstAdvis'dtheIll!IllustriousYouth(return'dAchitophel)MisconstruenottheWordsthatmeanyouwell.TheCourseyousteerIworthyBlameconclude,But'tisbecauseyouleaveitUnpersu'd.AMonarch'sCrownwithFatesurroundedlyes,Whoreach,layholdonDeaththatmissthePrize.DidyouforthisexposeyourselftoShow,AndtotheCrowdbowpopularlylow?ForthisyourGloriousProgressnextordain,WithChariots,Horsemen,andanumerousTrain,WithFamebeforeyouliketheMorningStarr,AndShoutsofJoysalutingfromafarr?OhfromtheHeightsyou'vereach'tbuttakeaView,ScarceleadingLucifercou'dFalllikeYou!AndmustIheremyShip-wracktArtsbemoan?HaveIforthissooftmadeIsraelgroan?YoursingleInterestwiththeNationweigh'd,Andturn'dtheScalewhereyourDesireswerelaid?Ev'nwhenatHelmaCoursesodang'rousmov'dToLandyourHopes,asmyRemovalprov'd?Inotdispute(theRoyalyouthreplyes)TheknownPerfectionofyourPolicies,NorinAchitophelyetgrudge,orblame,ThePriviledgethatStatesmeneverclaim;WhoprivateInterestneveryetpersu'd,

Butstillpretended'twasforOthersgood:WhatPolititianyete'erscap'thisFate,WhosavinghisownNecknotsav'dtheState?Fromhenceonev'ryhum'rousWindthatveer'd,WithshiftedSaylsasev'ralCourseyouSteer'd.WhatFormofSwaydidDavide'erpersueThatseem'dlikeAbsolutebutsprungfromYou?WhoatyourinstancequashteachpenalLaw,ThatkeptdissentingfactiousJewsinawe;AndwhosuspendsfixtLaws,mayabrogate,Thatdone,formNew,andsoenslavetheState.Ev'nProperty,whoseChampionnowyoustand,AndseemforthistheIdoloftheLand,Didne'ersustainsuchViolencebefore,AswhenyourCounselshuttheRoyalStore;Advice,thatRuinetowholeTribesprocur'd,ButsecretkepttillyourownBankssecur'd.RecountwiththisthetrippleCov'nantbroke,AndIsraelfittedforaForeignYoke,NorhereyourCounselsfatalProgressstaid,ButsentourleviedPow'rstoPharaoh'sAid.HenceTyreandIsrael,lowinRuinslaid,AndEgyptoncetheirScorn,theircommonTerrourmade.Ev'nyetofsuchaSeasonwecandream,WhenRoyalRightsyoumadeyourdarlingTheam.ForPow'runlimitedcouldReasonsdraw,AndplacePrerogativeabovetheLaw;WhichonyourfallfromOfficegrewUnjust,TheLawsmadeKing,theKingaSlaveinTrust:WhomwithState-craft(toInt'restonelyTrue)YounowAccuseofillscontriv'dbyYou.TothisHell'sAgent––RoyalYouthfixhere,LetInt'restbetheStarbywhichISteer.HencetoreposeyourTrustinMewaswise,WhoseInt'restmostinyourAdvancementlies.ATyesofirmasalwayswillavailWhenFriendship,NatureandReligionfail;OnourstheSafetyoftheCrowddepends,SecuretheCrowdandweobtainourEnds,WhomIwillcausesofarourGuilttoshareTilltheyaremadeourChampionsbytheirFear.WhatOppositioncanyourRivalbring,WhileSanhedrimsareJealousoftheKing?HisStrengthasyetinDavid'sFriendshiplies,AndwhatcanDavid'sSelfwithoutSupplies?WhowithExclusiveBillsmustnowDispence,

DebarrtheHeir,orStarveinhisDefence:ConditionswhichourEldersne'erwillquit,AndDavid'sJusticenevercanadmit.Orforc'tbyWantshisBrothertobetray,ToyourAmbitionnextheclearstheWay;ForifSuccessiononcetoNoughttheybring,TheirnextAdvanceremovesthepresentKing:PersistingelsehisSenatestodissolve,InequalHazzardshallhisReigninvolve.OurTribes,whomPharaoh'sPow'rsomuchAlarms,ShallrisewithouttheirPrincet'opposehisArms;NorbootsitonwhatCauseatfirsttheyJoyn,TheirTroopsonceup,areToolsforourDesign.AtleastsuchsubtleCovenantsshallbemade,TillPeaceitselfisWarinMasquerade.AssociationsofMysteriousSense,Against,butseemingfortheKing'sDefence:Ev'nontheirCourtsofJusticeFettersdraw,AndfromourAgentsMuzzleuptheirLaw.Bywhich,aConquestifwefailtomake,'TisadrawnGameatworst,andwesecureourStake.Hesaid,andforthedireSuccessdependsOnvariousSects,bycommonGuiltmadeFriends:WhoseHeads,thoughne'ersodiff'ringintheirCreed,I'thpointofTreasonyetwerewellAgreed.'Mongstthese,ExtortingIshbanfirstappears,Persu'db'ameagerTroopofBankruptHeirs.BlestTimes,whenIshban,HewhoseOccupationSolonghasbeentoCheat,ReformestheNation!IshbanofConsciencesuitedtohisTrade,AsgoodaSaintasUsurere'ermade.YetMammonhasnotsoengrosthimquite,ButBeliallaysaslargeaClaimofSpight;Who,forthosePardonsfromhisPrincehedraws,ReturnsReproaches,andcriesuptheCause.ThatYearinwhichtheCityhedidsway,HeleftRebellioninahopefullway.YethisAmbitiononcewasfoundsobold,ToofferTalentsofExtortedGold;Cou'dDavid'sWantshaveSobeenbrib'dtoshameAndscandalizeourPeeragewithhisName;Forwhich,hisdearSeditionhe'dforswear,Ande'enturnLoyaltobemadeaPeer.Nexthim,letRailingRabshekahaveplace,SofullofZealHehasnoneedofGrace;ASaintthatcanbothFleshandSpirituse,

AlikehauntConventiclesandtheStews:OfwhomtheQuestiondifficultappears,Ifmosti'th'PreachersortheBawdsArrears.WhatCautioncou'dappeartoomuchinHimThatkeepstheTreasureofJerusalem!LetDavid'sBrotherbutapproachtheTown,DoubleourGuards,(Hecries)Weareundone:ProtestingthatHedaresnotSleepin'sBedLestheshou'dRisenextMornwithouthisHead.Nextthese,aTroopofbuisySpiritspress,OflittleFortunes,andofConscienceLess;WiththemtheTribe,whoseLuxuryhaddrain'dTheirBanks,informerSequestrationsgaind:WhoRichandGreatbypastRebellionsgrew,AndlongtofishthetroubledStreamsanew.SomefutureHopes,somepresentPaymentdraws,ToSelltheirConscienceandespousetheCause,SuchStipendsthosevileHirelingsbestbefit,PriestswithoutGrace,andPoetswithoutWit.ShallthatfalseHebroniteescapeourCurse,JudasthatkeepstheRebellsPension-Purse;JudasthatpaystheTreason-writersFee,JudasthatwelldeserveshisNamesake'sTree;WhoatJerusalem'sownGatesErectsHisCollegeforaNurseryofSects:YoungProphetswithanearlyCaresecures,AndwiththeDungofhisownArtsmanures?WhathavetheMenofHebronheretodoe?WhatpartinIsrael'spromis'dLandhaveyou?HerePhalegtheLayHebroniteiscome,'CauseliketheresthecouldnotliveatHome;WhofromhisownPossessionscou'dnotdrainAnOmerevenofHebronitishGrain,HereStrutsitlikeaPatriot,andtalkshighOfInjur'dSubjects,alter'dProperty:AnEmblemofthatbuzzingInsectJust,ThatmountstheWheell,andthinkssheraisesDust.CandryBonesLive?orSkeletonsproduceTheVitalWarmthofCuckoldizingJuice?SlimPhalegcou'd,andattheTablefed,Return'dthegratefullproducttotheBed.AWaiting-mantoTrav'lingNobleschose,He,hisownLaws,wou'dSawcilyimpose;TillBastinado'dbackagainhewent,ToLearnthoseMannershetoTeachwassent.Chastiz'd,heoughttohaveretreatedHome,

ButHereadsPolitickstoAbsalom.ForneverHebronitethoughKicktandScorn'd,TohisownCountrywillinglyreturn'd.–Butleavingfamish'dPhalegtobefed,AndtotalkTreasonforhisdailyBread,LetHebron,nayletHellproduceaManSomadeforMischiefasBen-Jochanan,AJewofHumbleParentagewasHe,ByTradeaLevitethoughoflowDegree:HisPridenohigherthantheDeskaspir'd,ButfortheDrudgeryofPriestswashir'dToReadeandPrayinLinenEphodbrave,AndpickupsingleShecklesfromtheGrave.Marriedatlast,andfindingChargecomefaster,Hecou'dnotlivebyGod,butchang'dhisMaster:Inspir'dbyWant,wasmadeaFactiousTool,TheyGotaVillain,andwelostaFool.StillViolent,whateverCausehetook,ButmostagainstthePartyheforsook,ForRenegadoes,whone'erturnbyhalves,AreboundinConsciencetobedoubleKnaves:SothisProse-ProphettookmostmonstrousPains,TolethisMastersseeheearn'dhisGains.ButastheDev'lowsallhisImpsaShame,Hechoseth'ApostateforhisproperTheme;WithlittlePainshemadethePicturetrue,AndfromReflexiontooktheRoguehedrew.AwondrousWorktoprovetheJewishNation,IneveryAgeaMurmuringGeneration;Totrace'emfromtheirInfancyofSinning,Andshew'emFactiousfromtheirFirstBeginning:Toprovetheycou'dRebell,andRail,andMock,MuchtotheCreditoftheChosenFlock;AstrongAuthoritywhichmustConvince,ThatSaintsownnoAllegiancetotheirPrince;As'tisaLeading-CardtomakeaWhore,ToproveherMotherhadturn'dupbefore.But,tellme,didtheDrunkenPatriarchBlessTheSonthatshew'dhisFather'sNakedness?SuchThanksthepresentChurchthyPenwillgive,WhichprovesRebellionwassoPrimitive.MustAncientFailingsbeExamplesmade?ThenMurtherersfromCainmaylearntheirTrade.AsthoutheHeathenandtheSainthastdrawn,Methinksth'Apostatewasthebetterman:AndthyhotFather(wavingmyrespect)NotofamotherChurch,butofaSect.

AndSuchheneedsmustbeofthyInditing,ThisComesofdrinkingAssesmilkandwriting.IfBalackshouldbecal'dtoleavehisplace(AsprofitistheloudestcallofGrace,)HisTempledispossess'dofone,wou'dbeReplenish'dwithsevenDevilsmorebythee.Levi,thouartaload,I'lllaytheedown,AndshewRebellionbare,withoutaGown;PoorSlavesinmetre,dullandadle-pated,WhoRhimebelowev'nDavid'sPsalmstranslated.SomeinmySpeedypaceImustoutrun,AslameMephibosheththeWisard'sSon:TomakequickwayI'llLeapo'erheavyblocks,ShunrottenUzzaasIwou'dthePox;AndhastenOgandDoegtorehearse,TwoFoolsthatCrutchtheirFeeblesenseonVerse;WhobymyMuse,toallsucceedingtimes,ShallliveinspightoftheirownDogrellRhimes.Doeg,thoughwithoutknowinghoworwhy,Madestillablund'ringkindofMelody;Spurdboldlyon,andDash'dthroughThickandThin,ThroughSenseandNon-sense,neveroutnorin;Freefromallmeaning,whethergoodorbad,Andinoneword,Heroicallymad:HewastoowarmonPicking-worktodwell,ButFaggottedhisNotionsastheyfell,AndiftheyRhim'dandRattl'dallwaswell.Spightfullheisnot,thoughhewroteaSatyr,Forstilltheregoessomethinkingtoill-Nature:HeneedsnomorethanBirdsandBeaststothink,Allhisoccasionsaretoeatanddrink.IfhecallRogueandRascalfromaGarrat,HemeansyounomoreMischiefthanaParat:ThewordsforFriendandFoealikeweremade,ToFetter'eminVerseisallhisTrade.ForAlmondshe'llcryWhoretohisownMother:AndcallYoungAbsalomKingDavid'sBrother.LethimbeGallows-Freebymyconsent,Andnothingsuffersincehenothingmeant;HangingSupposeshumaneSoulandreason,ThisAnimal'sbelowcommittingTreason:Shallhebehang'dwhonevercou'dRebell?That'saprefermentforAchitophel.TheWomanthatCommittedBuggary,WasrightlySentenc'dbytheLawtodie;

But'twashardFatethattotheGallowsled,TheDogthatneverheardtheStatuteread.RailinginotherMenmaybeacrime,Butoughttopassformereinstinctinhim;Instincthefollowsandnofartherknows,FortowriteVersewithhimistoTransprose.'TwerepitytreasonathisDoortolay,WhomakesHeaven'sgateaLocktoitsownKey:Lethimraylon,lethisinvectivemuseHavefourandTwentyletterstoabuse,WhichifheJumblestoonelineofSense,IndicthimofaCapitalOffence.InFire-worksgivehimleavetoventhisspight,ThosearetheonelySerpentshecanwrite;TheheightofhisAmbitionisweknowButtobeMasterofaPuppet-show,OnthatoneStagehisworksmayyetappear,AndamonthsHarvestkeepshimalltheYear.NowstopyournosesReaders,allandsome,Forhere'satunofMidnight-worktocome,OgfromaTreasonTavernrowlinghome.RoundasaGlobe,andLiquor'dev'rychink,GoodlyandGreatheSaylsbehindhisLink;WithallthisBulkthere'snothinglostinOgForev'ryinchthatisnotFoolisRogue:AMonstrousmassoffoulcorruptedmatter,AsalltheDevilshadspew'dtomakethebatter.WhenwinehasgivenhimcouragetoBlaspheme,HeCursesGod,butGodbeforeCursthim;Andifmancou'dhavereasonnonehasmore,ThatmadehisPaunchsorichandhimsopoor.Withwealthhewasnottrusted,forHeav'nknewWhat'twasofOldtopamperupaJew;Towhatwou'dheonQuailandPheasantswell,Thatev'nonTripeandCarrioncou'drebell?ButthoughHeav'nmadehimpoor,(withrev'rencespeaking,)HeneverwasaPoetofGod'smaking;TheMidwifelaidherhandonhisThickSkull,WiththisProphetickblessing–BethouDull;Drink,SwearandRoar,forbearnolewddelightFitforthyBulk,doeanythingbutwrite:ThouartoflastingMakelikethoughtlessmen,AstrongNativity––butforthePen;EatOpium,mingleArsenickinthyDrink,StillthoumaystliveavoidingPenandInk.Isee,Isee'tisCounsellgiveninvain,

ForTreasonbotchtinRhimewillbethybane;RhimeistheRockonwhichthouarttowreck,'TisfataltothyFameandtothyNeck:WhyshoudthyMetregoodKingDavidblast?APsalmofhiswillSurelybethylast.Dar'stthoupresumeinversetomeetthyfoes,ThouwhomthePennyPamphletfoil'dinprose?Doeg,whomGodforMankindsmirthhasmade,O'er-topsthytallentinthyveryTrade;Doegtothee,thypaintingsaresoCourse,APoetis,thoughhe'sthePoetsHorse.ADoubleNoosethouonthyNeckdostpull,ForWritingTreason,andforWritingdull;TodieforFactionisaCommonevil,Buttobehang'dforNon-senseistheDevil:Had'stthoutheGloriesofthyKingexprest,ThypraiseshadbeenSatyratthebest;ButthouinClumsyverse,unlickt,unpointed,HastShamefullydefi'dtheLord'sAnointed:IwillnotraketheDunghillofthyCrimes,Forwhowou'dreadethyLifethatreadsthyrhimes?ButofKingDavid'sFoesbethistheDoom,MayallbeliketheYoung-manAbsalom;AndformyFoesmaythistheirBlessingbe,TotalklikeDoeg,andtoWritelikeThee.AchitopheleachRank,DegreeandAge,ForvariousEndsneglectsnottoEngage;TheWiseandRichforPurseandCounsellbrought,TheFoolsandBeggarsfortheirNumbersought:WhoyetnotonelyontheTowndepends,ForEv'ninCourttheFactionhaditsFriends;ThesethoughtthePlacestheypossesttoosmall,AndintheirHeartswishtCourtandKingtofall:WhoseNamestheMusedisdainingholdsi'th'Dark,ThrustintheVillainHerdwithoutaMark;WithParasitesandLibell-spawningImps,IntriguingFopps,dullJestersandworsePimps.DisdaintheRascallRabbletopersue,TheirSettCaballsareyetavilerCrew;Seewhereinvolv'dinCommonSmoaktheysit;SomeforourMirth,someforourSatyrfit:TheseGloomy,ThoughtfullandonMischiefbent,WhilethoseformeregoodFellowshipfrequentTh'AppointedClubb,canletSeditionpass,Sense,Non-sence,anythingt'employtheGlass;AndwhobelieveintheirdullhonestHearts,

TheResttalkTreasonbuttoshewtheirParts;Whon'erhadWitorWillforMischiefyet,Butpleas'dtobereputedofaSet.ButintheSacredAnnalsofourPlot,IndustriousA ROD neverbeforgot:TheLaboursofthisMidnight-Magistrate,MayViewithCorah'stopreservetheState;InsearchofArms,Hefail'dnottolayholdOnWar'smostpowerfulldang'rousWeapon,G O L D .Andlast,totakefromJebusites,allOdds,TheirAltarspillag'd,stoletheirveryGods;Oftwou'dHeCry,whenTreasureHesurpriz'd,'TisBaalishGoldinDavid'sCoynDisguiz'd:WhichtohisHousewithricherRelictscame,WhileLumberIdolsonelyfedtheFlame:ForourwiseRabblene'ertookpainst'enquire,What'twasheburnt,so'tmadearousingFire:WithwhichourElderwasenrichtnomoreThanFalseGehaziwiththeSyrian'sStore;SoPoor,thatwhenourChoosing-Tribesweremet,Ev'nforhisStinkingVotesHeraninDebt;ForMeattheWicked,andasAuthoursthink,TheSaintsHeChous'dforHisElectingDrink;Thus,ev'ryShiftandsubtleMethodpast,AndAlltobenoZakenattheLast.Now,rais'donTyre'ssadRuines,Pharaoh'sPrideSoar'dhigh,hisLegionsthreatningfarandwide;AswhenabattringStormingendredhigh,ByWindsupheld,hangshov'ringintheSkye,Isgaz'duponbyev'rytremblingSwain,ThisforhisVineyardfears,andthathisGrain;ForbloomingPlants,andFlow'rsnewOpening,TheseForLambsean'dlately,andfar-lab'ringBees;ToGuardhisStockeachtotheGodsdoescall,UncertainwheretheFire-charg'dCloudswillFall:Ev'nsothedoubtfullNationswatchhisArms,WithTerroureachexpectinghisAlarms.WhereJudah,wherewasnow,thyLyonsRoar?Thouonelycou'dsttheCaptiveLandsrestore;ButThou,withinbredBroils,andFactionprest,FromEgyptneedstaGuardianwiththeRest.ThyPrincefromSanhedrimsnoTrustallow'd,ToomuchtheRepresentersoftheCrowd,WhofortheirownDefencegivenoSupply,ButwhattheCrownsPrerogativesmustbuy:

AsiftheirMonarch'sRightstoviolate,MoreneedfullwerethantopreservetheState!FrompresentDangerstheydiverttheirCare,AndalltheirFearsareoftheRoyalHeir;WhomnowthereigningMaliceofhisFoes,Unjudg'dwou'dSentence,ande'erCrown'd,Depose:ReligionthePretence,buttheirDecreeTobarrhisReign,whate'erhisFaithshallbe!BySanhedrims,andclam'rousCrowds,thusprestWhatpassionsrenttheRighteousDavid'sBreast?Whoknowsnothowt'oppose,ortocomply,UnjusttoGrant,anddangeroustoDeny!HownearinthisdarkJunctureIsrael'sFate,WhosePeaceonesoleExpedientcou'dcreate,Whichyetth'extremestVirtuedidrequire,Ev'nofthatPrincewhoseDownfalltheyconspire!HisAbsenceDaviddoeswithTearsadvise,T'appeasetheirRage,UndauntedHeComplies;ThushewhoprodigalofBloud,andEase,ARoyalLifeexpos'dtoWindsandSeas,AtoncecontendingwiththeWavesandFire,AndheadingDangerintheWarsofTyre,IngloriousnowforsakeshisNativeSand,AndlikeanExilequitsthepromis'dLand!OurMonarchscarcefrompressingTearsrefrains,AndpainfullyhisRoyalStatemaintains,Whonowembracingonth'extremestShoreAlmostRevokeswhatheInjoyn'dbefore:ConcludesatlastmoreTrusttobeallow'd,ToStormsandSeas,thantotheragingCrowd!Forbear,rashMuse,thepartingScenetodraw,WithSilencecharm'dasdeepastheirsthatsaw!NotonelyourattendingNoblesweep,ButhardySaylersswellwithTearstheDeep!TheTyderestrain'dherCourse,andmoreamaz'd,TheTwyn-StarsontheRoyalBrothersgaz'd:WhilethissoleFear–DoesTroubletooursuff'ringHeroebringLestnextthePopularRageoppresstheKing!Thusparting,eachforth'othersDangergriev'd,TheShoretheKing,andSeasthePrincereceiv'd.Goinjur'dHeroewhilepropitiousGales,SoftasthyConsortsbreathinspirethySails;WellmayShetrustherBeautiesonaFlood,WherethyTriumphantFleetssoofthaverode!SafeonthyBreastreclin'dherRestbedeep,RocktlikeaNereidbytheWavesasleep;

WhilehappiestDreamsherFancyentertain,AndtoElysianFieldsconverttheMain!Goinjur'dHeroewhiletheShoresofTyre,AtthyApproachsoSilentshalladmire,WhoonthyThunderstilltheirthoughtsimploy,AndgreetthyLandingwithatremblingJoy.OnHeroesthustheProphet'sFateisthrown,Admir'dbyev'ryNationbuttheirOwn;YetwhileourfactiousJewshisWorthdeny,TheirAkingConsciencegivestheirTonguetheLye.Ev'nintheworstofMenthenoblestPartsConfesshim,andheTriumphsintheirHearts,WhomtohisKingthebestRespectscommendOfSubject,Souldier,Kinsman,PrinceandFriend;AllSacredNamesofmostdivineEsteem,AndtoPerfectionallsustain'dbyHim,Wise,JustandConstant,CourtlywithoutArt,SwifttodiscernandtorewardDesert;NoHourofHisinfruitlessEasedestroy'd,ButonthenoblestSubjectsstillemploy'd:WhosesteddySoulne'erlearnttoSeparateBetweenhisMonarch'sInt'restandtheState,ButheapsthoseBlessingsontheRoyalHead,WhichHewellknowsmustbeonSubjectsshed.OnwhatPretencecou'dthentheVulgarRageAgainsthisWorth,andnativeRightsengage?ReligiousFearstheirArgumentaremade,ReligiousFearshisSacredRightsinvade!OffutureSuperstitionTheycomplain,AndJebusitickWorshipinHisReign;WithsuchAlarmshisFoestheCrowddeceive,WithDangersfright,whichnotThemselvesbelieve.SincenothingcanourSacredRitesremove,Whate'ertheFaithoftheSuccessourprove:OurJewstheirArkshallundisturb'dretain,AtleastwhiletheirReligionistheirGain,WhoknowbyoldExperienceBaal'sCommandsNotonelyclaim'dtheirConscience,buttheirLands;TheygrutchGod'sTythes,howthereforeshalltheyyieldAnIdolfullpossessionoftheField?GrantsuchaPrinceenthron'd,wemustconfessThePeople'sSuff'ringsthanthatMonarch'sless,WhomusttohardConditionsstillbebound,AndforhisQuietwiththeCrowdcompound;

Orshou'dhisthoughtstoTyrannyincline,Wherearethemeanstocompassthedesign?OurCrownsRevenuesaretooshortaStore,AndJealousSanedrimswou'dgivenomore!AsvainourFearsofEgypt'spotentAid,NotsohasPharoahlearntAmbition'sTrade,NoreverwithsuchMeasurescancomply,AsShockthecommonRulesofPolicy;NonedreadlikeHimtheGrowthofIsrael'sKing,AndHealonesufficientAidscanbring;WhoknowsthatPrincetoEgyptcangiveLaw,ThatonourStubbornTribeshisYoakcou'ddraw,AtsuchprofoundExpenceHehasnotstood,Nordy'dforthishisHandssodeepinBlood;Wou'dnerethroughWrongandRighthisProgresstake,GrudgehisownRest,andkeeptheWorldawake,TofixaLawlessPrinceonJudah'sThrone,FirsttoInvadeourRights,andthenhisOwn;Hisdear-gaindConquestscheaplytodespoil,AndReaptheHarvestofhisCrimesandToil.WegranthisWealthVastasourOcean'sSand,AndCurseitsFatalInfluenceonourLand,WhichourBrib'dJewssonum'rouslypertake,Thatev'nanHosthisPensionerswou'dmake;FromtheseDeceiversourDivisionsspring,OurWeakness,andtheGrowthofEgypt'sKing;ThesewithpretendedFriendshiptotheState,OurCrowd'sSuspitionoftheirPrinceCreate,Bothpleas'dandfrightendwiththespeciousCry,ToGuardtheirSacredRightsandProperty;ToRuin,thus,theChosenFlockareSold,WhileWolvesaretaneforGuardiansoftheFold;Seduc'dbythese,wegroundleslycomplain,AndloaththeMannaofagentleReign:ThusourFore-fatherscrookedPathsaretrod,WetrustourPrince,nomorethenTheytheirGod.ButallinvainourReasoningProphetsPreach,TothosewhomsadExperiencene'recou'dTeach,WhocancommencenewBroilsinBleedingScars,AndfreshRemembranceofIntestineWars;WhenthesameHousholdMortalFoesdidyeild,AndBrothersstain'dwithBrothersBloodtheFeild;WhenSonsCurstSteeltheFathersGoredidStain,AndMothersMourn'dforSonsbyFathersSlain!Whenthick,asEgypt'sLocustsontheSand,OurTribeslaySlaughter'dthroughthepromis'dLand,WhosefewSurviverswithworseFateremain,

TodragtheBondageofaTyrantsReign:WhichSceneofWoes,unknowingWerenew,Andmadly,ev'nthoseillsweFear,persue;WhilePharoahlaughsatourDomestickBroils,AndsafelycrowdshisTentswithNationsSpoils.YetourfierceSanedriminrestlessRage,AgainstourabsentHeroestillengage,Andchieflyurge,(suchdidtheirfrenzyprove,)TheonlySuittheirPrinceforbidstomove,Whichtillobtain'd,theyceaseAffairsofState,AndrealDangerswave,forgroundlessHate.LongDavid'sPatiencewaitsRelieftobring,Withallth'IndulgenceofalawfulKing,ExpectingtillthetroubledWaveswou'dcease,ButfoundtheragingBillowsstillincrease.TheCrowd,whoseInsolenceForbearanceswells,Whileheforgivestoofar,almostRebels.AtlasthisdeepResentmentssilencebroke,Th'ImperialPallaceshook,whilethusHespoke,ThenJusticewake,andRigourtakehertime,ForLo!OurMercyisbecomeourCrime.WhilehaultingPunishmentherstrokedelays,OurSov'reignRight,Heav'nsSacredTrust,decays;Forwhosesupportev'nSubjectsInterestcalls,Wo!tothatKingdomwheretheMonarchFalls.ThatPrincewhoyieldstheleastofRegalSway,SofarhisPeoplesFreedomdoesBetray.RightlivesbyLaw,andLawsubsistsbyPow'r:DisarmtheShepherd,WolvestheFlockdevour.HardLotofEmpireo'reastubbornRace,WhichHeav'nitSelfinvainhastry'dwithGrace!WhenwillourReasonslong-charm'dEyesunclose,AndIsraeljudgebetweenherFriendsandFoes?Whenshallweseeexpir'dDeceiversSway,AndcreditwhatourGodandMonarchssay?DissembledPatriotsbrib'dwithEgyptsGold,Ev'nSanedrimsinblindObediencehold;ThosePatriotsFalshoodintheirActionssee,AndjudgebytheperniciousFruittheTree;IfoughtforwhichsoloudlytheydeclaimReligion,Laws,andFreedomweretheirAim;OurSenatesindueMethodstheyhadled,T'avoidthoseMischeifswhichtheyseem'dtodread;Butfirster'eyettheyproptthesinkingState,T'impeachandcharge,asurg'dbyprivateHate;Provesthattheyne'rebeleiv'dtheFearstheyprest,ButBarb'rouslydestroy'dtheNationsRest!

O!Whitherwillungovern'dSenatesdrive,AndtowhatBoundslicentiousVotesarrive?WhentheirInjusticeWearepresttoshare,TheMonarchurg'dt'excludethelawfulHeir;ArePrincesthusdistinguish'dfromtheCrowd,AndthisthePriviledgeofRoyalBlood?Butgrantweshou'dConfirmtheWrongstheypress,HisSufferingsyetwere,thanthePeoples,less;Condem'dforLifetheMurdringSwordtoweild,AndontheirHeirsentailaBloodyFeild:ThusmadlytheirownFreedomtheybetray,Andforth'Oppressionwhichtheyfear,makeway;SuccessionfixtbyHeav'ntheKingdomsBar,Whichoncedissolv'd,admitstheFloodofWar;Wast,Rapine,Spoil,withoutth'Assaultbegin,AndourmadTribesSupplanttheFencewithin.SincethentheirGoodtheywillnotunderstand,'TistimetotaketheMonarchsPow'rinhand;Authority,andForcetojoynwithSkill,AndsavetheLunaticksagainsttheirWill.ThesameroughMeansthatswagetheCrowd,appeaseOurSenatesragingwiththeCrowdsDisease.Henceforthunbiass'dMeasureslet'emdrawFromnofalseGloss,butGenuineTextofLaw;NorurgethoseCrimesuponReligionsscoreThemselvessomuchinJebusitesAbhor.WhomLawsconvict(andonlythey)shallBleed,NorPhariseesbyPhariseesbeFreed.ImpartialJusticefromourThroneshallShou'r,AllshallhaveRight,andWeourSov'reignPow'r.Hesaid,th'AttendantsheardwithawfulJoy,AndgladPresagestheirfixtThoughtsemploy;FromHebronnowthesufferingHeirReturn'd,ARealmthatlongwithCivilDiscordMournd;TillhisApproach,likesomeArrivingGod,Compos'd,andheal'dtheplaceofhisAboad;TheDelugechecktthattoJudeaspread,AndstoptSeditionattheFountain'sHead.ThusinforgivingDavid'sPathshedrives,Andchas'dfromIsrael,IsraelsPeacecontrives.TheFeildconfesthisPow'rinArmsbefore,AndSeasproclaim'dhisTryumphstotheShore;AsnoblyhashisSwayinHebronshown,Howfitt'InheritGodlikeDavidsThrone!ThroughSion'sStreetshisgladArrivalsspread,AndConsciousFactionshrinkshersnakyhead;HisTraintheirSufferingsthinko'repaid,tosee

TheCrowdsApplausewithVertueonceagree.SuccesscharmsAll,butZealforWorthdistrestAVirtuepropertotheBraveandBest;'MongstwhomwasJothran,JothranalwaysbentToservetheCrownandLoyalbyDescent,WhoseConstancysoFirm,andConductJust,Deserv'datonceTwoRoyalMastersTrust;WhoTyre'sproudArmshadManfullywithstoodOnSeas,andgather'dLawrelsfromtheFlood;OfLearning,yetnoPortionwasdeny'd,FriendtotheMuses,andtheMusesPride.NorcanBenaiah'sWorthforgottenlie,OfsteddySoulwhenPublickStormswerehigh;WhoseConduct,whiletheMoorfierceOnsetsmade,Secur'datonceourHonour&ourTrade.SuchweretheChiefs,whomosthisSuff'ringsmourn'd,AndviewdwithsilentJoythePrincereturn'd;WhilethosethatsoughthisAbsencetoBetray,PressfirsttheirNauseousFalseRespectstopay;Himstillth'officiousHypocritesMolest,AndwithmaliciousDutybreakhisRest.WhilerealTransportsthushisFriendsEmploy,AndFoesareLoudintheirdissembledJoy,HisTryumphssoresoundedfarandnear,MistnothisYoungAmbitiousRival'sEar;AndaswhenjoyfulHuntersclam'rousTrain,SomeSlumbringLionWakesinMoab'sPlain,Whoofthadforc'dtheboldAssailantsYeild,Andscatter'dhisPersuersthroughtheFeild,Disdaining,furlshisMain,andtearstheGround,HisEyesenflamingalltheDesartRound,WithRoarofSeasdirectshisChasersWay,Provokesfromfar,anddaresthemtotheFray;SuchRagestorm'dnowinAbsalom'sfierceBreast,SuchIndignationhisfir'dEyesConfest;WherenowwastheInstructorofhisPride?SlepttheOldPilotinsoroughaTide?WhoseWileshadfromthehappyShorebetray'd,AndthusonShelvesthecred'lousYouthconvey'd;IndeeprevolvingThoughtsHeweighshisState,SecureofCraft,nordoubtstobaffleFate,Atleast,ifhisstorm'dBarkmustgoadrift,TobaulkhisCharge,andforhimselftoshift,InwhichhisdextrousWithadoftbeenshown,AndinthewreckofKingdomssav'dhisown;ButnowwithmorethenCommonDangerprest,OfvariousResolutionsstandspossest,

PerceivestheCrowdsunstableZealdecay,LeasttheirRecantingChieftheCausebetray,WhoonaFather'sGracehisHopesmayground,AndforhisPardonwiththeirHeadscompound.Himtherefore,e'rehisFortuneslipherTime,TheStatesmanPlotst'engageinsomeboldCrimePastPardon,whethertoAttempthisBed,OrThreatwithopenArmstheRoyalHead,OrotherdaringMethod,andUnjust,ThatmayconfirmhiminthePeoplesTrust:Butfailingthust'ensnarehim,norsecureHowlonghisfoil'dAmbitionmayendure,Plotsnexttolayhimby,aspasthisDate,AndtrysomenewPretendersluckierFate;WhoseHopeswithequalToilhewou'dpersue,NorcareswhatClaimer'sCrownd,excepttheTrue.WakeAbsalom,approachingRuinshun,Andsee,Osee,forwhomthouartUndone!HowarethyHonoursandthyFamebetray'd,ThePropertyofdesp'rateVillainsmade!LostPow'randConsciousFearstheirCrimesCreate,AndGuiltinthemwaslittlelessthanFate;Butwhyshou'dstThou,fromev'ryGrievancefree,ForsakethyVineyardsfortheirStormySea?ForTheedidCanaan'sMilkandHoneyflow,LovedrestThyBow'rs,&LawrelssoughtthyBrow,Preferment,WealthandPow'rthyVassalswere,AndofaMonarchallthingsbuttheCare.Ohshou'dourCrimes,again,thatCursedrawdown,AndRebel-ArmsoncemoreattempttheCrown,SureRuinwaitsunhappyAbsalon,AlikebyConquestorDefeatundone;Whocou'drelentlessseesuchYouthandCharms,ExpirewithwretchedFateinImpiousArmes?APrincesoform'dwithEarth's,&Heav'nsApplause,ToTryumphoreCrown'dHeadsinDavid'sCause:OrgranthimVictor,stillhisHopesmustfail,Who,Conquering,wou'dnotforhimselfprevail;TheFactionwhomHetrustsforfutureSway,HimandthePubliquewou'dalikeBetray;AmongstthemselvesdividetheCaptiveState,AndfoundtheirHydra-EmpireinhisFate!ThushavingbeattheCloudswithpainfulFlight,Thepitty'dYouth,withSceptersinhisSight;(SohavetheirCruelPoliticksDecreed,)MustbythatCrewthatmadehimGuilty,Bleed!Forcou'dtheirPridebrookanyPrince'sSway,

WhombutmildDavidwou'dtheychooset'Obey?WhoonceatsuchagentleReignRepine,TheFallofMonarchyitselfDesign;FromHatetoThattheirReformationsspring,AndDavidnottheirGrievance,buttheKing.Seiz'dnowwithpannickFeartheFactionlies,LeastthisclearTruthstrikeAbsalomscharm'dEyes,LeastHepercieve,fromlongEnchantmentfree,Whatall,besidetheflatter'dYouth,mustsee.Butwhate'redoubtshistroubledBosomeswell,FairCarriagestillbecameAchitophel:WhonowanenviousFestivalenstalls,AndtosurveytheirStrengththeFactioncalls,WhichFraud,ReligiousWorshiptoomustGuild;ButohhowweaklydoesSeditionBuild!ForLo!theRoyalMandateIssuesforth,DashingatoncetheirTreason,Zeal,andMirth!SohaveIseendisastrousChanceInvade,WherecarefulEmmitshadtheirForragelaid,WhetherfierceVulcan'sRage,theFurzyPlainHadseiz'd,EngendredbysomecarelessSwain;OrswellingNeptunelawlessInroadsmade,AndtotheirCellofStorehisFloodconvey'd;TheCommon-Wealthbrokeupdistractedgo,AndinwildHasttheirloadedMateso'rethrow:Ev'nsoourscatter'dGuestsconfus'dlymeet,WithBoil'd,Bak'd,Roast,allJustlingintheStreet;Dejectedall,andrufullydismai'd,ForShecklewithoutTreat,orTreasonpaid.SeditionsdarkEclipsenowfaintershows,MorebrighteachHourtheRoyalPlannetgrows,OfForcetheCloudsofEnvytodisperse,InkindConjunctionofAssistingStars.Herelab'ringMusethoseGloriousChiefsrelate,Thatturn'dthedoubtfulScaleofDavid'sFate;TherestofthatIllustriousBandrehearse,Immortalliz'dinLawrell'dAsaph'sVerse:HardTask!yetwillnotIthyFlightrecall,ViewHeav'nandthenenjoythygloriousFall.FirstWriteBezaliel,whoseIllustriousNameForestalsourPraise,andgiveshisPoetFame.TheKenitesRockyProvincehisCommand,AbarrenLimbofFertileCanaansLand;Whichforitsgen'rousNativesyetcou'dbeHeldWorthysuchaPresidentasHe!BezalielwitheachGrace,andVirtueFraught,

SerenehisLooks,SerenehisLifeandThought,OnwhomsolarglyNatureheaptherStore,Therescarceremain'dforArtstogivehimmore!ToAidtheCrownandStatehisgreatestZeal,HisSecondCarethatServicetoConceal;OfDuesObservant,Firminev'ryTrust,AndtotheNeedyalwaysmorethanJust:WhoTruthfromspeciousfalshoodcandivide,HasalltheGown-mensSkillwithouttheirPride;Thuscrown'dwithworthfromheightsofhonourwon,SeesallhisGloriescopyedinhisSon,WhoseforwardFameshouldeveryMuseengage:WhoseYouthboastsskilldeny'dtoothersAge.Men,Manners,Language,BooksofnoblestkindAlreadyaretheConquestofhisMind.WhoseLoyaltybeforeitsDatewasprime;NorwaitedthedullcourseofrowlingTime:TheMonsterFactionearlyhedismaid,AndDavid'sCauselongsinceconfesthisAid.BraveAbdaelo'ertheProphet'sSchoolwasplac'd;AbdaelwithallhisFather'sVirtuegrac'd;AHeroe,who,whileStarslook'dwondringdown,WithoutoneHebrew'sBloudrestor'dtheCrown.ThatPraisewasHis;whatthereforedidremainForfollowingChiefs,butboldlytomaintainThatCrownrestor'd;andinthisRankofFame,BraveAbdaelwiththeFirstaplacemustclaim.Proceedillustrious,happyChief,proceed,ForeseizetheGarlandsforthyBrowdecreed,Whileth'inspir'dTribeattendwithnobleststrainToRegistertheGloriesthoushaltgain:Forsure,theDewshallGilboah'sHillsforsake,AndJordanmixhisStreamwithSodom'sLake;OrSeasretir'dtheirsecretStoresdisclose,AndtotheSuntheirscalyBroodexpose,Orswell'dabovetheClifts,theirBillowsraise,BeforetheMusesleavetheirPatron'sPraise.EliabournextLabourdoesinvite,AndhardtheTasktodoeEliabright:LongwiththeroyalWandererherov'd,AndfirminalltheTurnsofFortuneprov'd!SuchancientServiceandDesertsolarge,Wellclaim'dtheRoyalHousholdforhisCharge,HisAgewithonelyonemildHeiressblest,InalltheBloomofsmilingNaturedrest,AndblestagaintoseehisFlow'rally'dToDavid'sStock,andmadeyoungOthniel'sBride!

ThebrightRestorerofhisFather'sYouth,DevotedtoaSon'sandSubject'sTruth:Resolv'dtobearthatprizeofDutyhome,Sobravelysought(whilesought)byAbsalom.AhPrince!th'illustriousPlanetofthyBirth,AndthymorepowerfullVirtueguardthyworth;ThatnoAchitophelthyRuineboast;IsraeltoomuchinonesuchWreckhaslost.Ev'nEnvymustconsenttoHelon'sWorth;WhoseSoul(thoughEgyptgloriesinhisBirth)Cou'dforourCaptive-ArkitsZealretain,AndPharaoh'sAltarsintheirPompdisdain:ToslighthisGodswassmall;withnoblerpride,Heallth'AllurementsofhisCourtdefi'd:WhomProfitnorExamplecou'dbetray,ButIsrael'sFriendandtruetoDavid'sSway.WhatactsoffavourinhisProvincefall;OnMeritheconfers,andFreelyall.OurListofNoblesnextletAmrigrace,WhoseMeritsclaim'dtheAbethdinshighplace;Who,withaLoyaltythatdidexcell,Broughtallth'endowmentsofAchitophel.SincerewasAmri,andnotonelyknew,ButIsrael'sSanctionsintopracticedrew;OurLaws,thatdidaboundlessOceanseem,Werecoastedall,andfathom'dallbyHim.NoRabbinspeakslikehimtheirmystickSense,Sojust,andwithsuchCharmsofEloquence:TowhomthedoubleBlessingdoesbelong,WithMosesInspiration,Aaron'sTongue.ThanSheva,nonemoreloyalZealhaveshown,Wakefull,asJudah'sLionfortheCrown.WhoforthatCausestillcombatsinhisAge,ForwhichhisYouthwithdangerdidengage.InvainourfactiousPrieststheCantrevive,InvainseditiousScribeswithLibelsstriveT'enflametheCrowd,whileHewithwatchfullEyeObserves,andshootstheirTreasonsasTheyfly.TheirweeklyFraudshiskeenRepliesdetect,Heundeceivesmorefastthantheyinfect.SoMoseswhenthePestonLegionsprey'd,Advanc'dhisSignalandthePlaguewasstay'd.Oncemore,myfaintingMuse,thyPinnionstry,AndStrengthsexhaustedstoreletLovesupply.WhatTribute,Asaph,shallwerenderThee?We'llcrowntheewithaWreathfromthyownTree!ThyLawrelGrovenoEnvye'sflashcanblast;

TheSongofAsaphshallforeverlast!WithwonderlatePosterityshalldwellOnAbsalom,andfalseAchitophel:ThystrainsshallbeourslumbringProphetsdream,AndwhenourSion-Virginssing,theirTheam.OurJubileesshallwiththyVersebegrac't,TheSongofAsaphshallforeverlast!HowfiercehisSatyrloos'd,restrain'dhowtame,Howtenderofth'offendingYoungman'sFame!Howwellhisworth,andbraveAdventuresstyl'd,JusttohisVertues,tohisErrourmild.NoPageofthinethatfearsthestrictestview,ButteemswithjustReproof,orPraise,asdue;NotEdencou'dafairerProspectyield,AllParadisewithoutonebarrenField:WhoseWittheCensureofhisFoeshaspast,TheSongofAsaphshallforeverlast!WhatPraiseforsuchrichStrainsshallweallow?WhatjustRewardsthegratefullCrownbestow?WhileBeesinFlow'rsrejoyce,andFlow'rsinDew,WhileStarsandFountainstotheirCoursearetrue;WhileJudah'sThrone,andSion'sRockstandfast,TheSongofAsaphandtheFameshalllast.StillHebronshonour'dhappySoilRetainsOurRoyalHeroesbeauteousdearremains;WhonowsailsoffwithWindsnorWishesslack,TobringhisSuff'ringsbrightCompanionback,Bute'ersuchTransportcanoursenseemployAbittergriefmustpoysonhalfourJoy;NorcanourCoastsrestor'dthoseBlessingsseeWithoutaBribetoenviousDestiny!Curs'dSodom'sDoomforeverfixtheTydeWherebyingloriousChancetheValiantdy'd.GivenotinsultingAskalontoknow,NorletGath'sDaughterstriumphinourWoe!NoSailerwiththeNewsswellEgypt'sPride,BywhatingloriousFateourValiantdy'd!WeepArnon!JordanweepthyFountainsdry,WhileSion'sRockdissolvesforaSupply!CalmweretheElements,Night'ssilencedeep,TheWavesscarcemurm'ring,andtheWindsasleep;YetFateforRuinetakessostillanhour,AndtreacherousSandsthePrincelyBarquedevour;ThenDeathunworthyseiz'dagen'rousRace,ToVirtuesscandal,andtheStarsdisgrace!Oh!hadth'IndulgentPow'rsvouchsaf'ttoyield,

InsteadoffaithlessShelves,alistedField;AlistedFieldofHeav'nsandDavid'sFoes,FierceastheTroopsthatdidhisYouthoppose,EachLifehadonhisslaughter'dheapretir'd,NotTamely,andUnconqu'ringthusexpir'd:ButDestinyisnowtheironelyFoe,Anddying,ev'no'erthattheytriumphtoo;WithloudlastBreathstheirMaster'sScapeapplaud,OfwhomkindForcecou'dscarcetheFatesdefraud;WhoforsuchFollowerslost,OmatchlessMind!AthisownSafetynowalmostrepin'd!SayRoyalSir,byallyourFameinArms,YourPraiseinPeace,andbyUrania'sCharms;IfallyourSuff'ringspastsonearlyprest,OrpierctwithhalfsopainfulGriefyourBreast?ThussomeDivinerMuseherHeroeforms,Notsooth'dwithsoftDelights,buttostinstorms:NotstretchtonRosesintheMyrtleGrove,NorCrownshisDayswithMirth,hisNightswithLoveButfarremov'dinThundringCampsisfound,HisSlumbersshort,hisBedtheherblessGround:InTasksofDangeralwaysseentheFirst,FeedsfromtheHedg,andslakeswithIcehisThirst.LongmusthisPatiencestrivewithFortunesRage,AndlongopposingGodsthemselvesengage,MustseehisCountryFlame,hisFriendsdestroy'd,Beforethepromis'dEmpirebeenjoy'd,SuchToilofFatemustbuildaManofFame,Andsuch,toIsrael'sCrown,theGod-likeDavidcame.WhatsuddainBeamsdispeltheCloudssofast!WhosedrenchingRainslaidallourVineyardswaste?TheSpringsofarbehindherCoursedelay'd,Onth'InstantisinallherBloomarray'd,TheWindsbreathlow,theElementserene;YetmarkwhatMotionintheWavesisseen!ThrongingandbusieasHyblæanSwarms,OrstragledSouldiersSummon'dtotheirArms.SeewherethePrincelyBarqueinloosestPride,WithallherGuardianFleet,AdornstheTide!HighonherDecktheRoyalLoversstand,OurCrimestoPardone'retheytouchtourLand.WelcometoIsraelandtoDavid'sBreast!HereallyourToils,hereallyourSuff'ringsRest.ThisyeardidZiloahRuleJerusalem,AndboldlyallSedition'sSyrgesstem,

Howe'reincumbredwithavilerPairThanZiphorShimeitoassisttheChair;YetZiloah'sloyalLabourssoprevail'dThatFactionatthenextElectionfail'd,Whenev'nthecommonCrydidJusticeSound,AndMerritbytheMultitudewasCrown'd:WithDavidthenwasIsrael'sPeacerestor'd,CrowdsMourndtheirErrourandObey'dtheirLord.