Tt^MA 
 
 AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 E-T-WIIIF 
 
Class 
 
 Book __Jili<Ti 
 CopyriglitN!'...^^..^. 
 
 COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 
 
TAMAR AND 
 
 OTHER POEMS 
 
 BY 
 
 E. T. WHIFFEN 
 
 11 
 
 BROADWAY PUBLISHING CO. 
 
 835 Broadway, New Yoek 
 1914 
 
/ 
 
 
 
 COPTKIGHT, 1914 
 BY 
 
 B. T. WHIFFEN 
 
 JAN ~9 1914 
 
 ©CIA362176 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 poem page 
 
 Samson Marrying 5 
 
 Samson at Timna 47 
 
 Samson Hybristes 89 
 
 Samson Blinded 132 
 
 Dinah 174 
 
 Jephtha Sacrificing 224 
 
 Tamar 265 
 
 Ode : to Intellectual Freedom 312 
 
 The Sun 314 
 
 To A Lily op the Valley 316 
 
 Fortitude 317 
 
 The Hermit Minstee.,. , 317 
 
 In Peace 318 
 
 On the Times 318 
 
 On the Same 319 
 
 On the Russian Massacres 319 
 
 The Fairest Rose 320 
 
 False or True 320 
 
 My Love is Young » 321 
 
Tamar and Other Poems 
 
 SAMSON MAEEYINa 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Samson", having espoused a woman of Timnah, de- 
 parts to that place with his father and feastful friends 
 to celebrate the nuptials. During the last day of the 
 marriage-feast, the solution of the riddle put forth be- 
 fore by Samson is earnestly sought by the bridal cour- 
 tiers, who form the chorus, assigned from the Philistine 
 youth. Samson's father, ill-treated by them to force the 
 secret, departs home-ward in anger, accompanied by the 
 friends of his nation. At last the bride, having wrested 
 the secret, reveals it to the chorus; whereupon Samson 
 departs to Ascalon, slays thirty, and carries their gar- 
 ments to Timnah as the wagered forfeit. A messenger, 
 coming in shortly, tells the story of Samson's perform- 
 ance ; whereat the chorus bewail their nation's loss, and 
 threaten vengeance upon Samson: which concludes the 
 drama. 
 
 THE PERSONS. 
 
 SAMSON". 
 
 Manoah, father of Samson. 
 
 LiLiTH, Samson's wife. 
 
 Messenger. 
 
 Servant. 
 
 Attendant. 
 
 Chorus of Philistines. 
 
 5 
 
6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Tlie Scene, at Timnah. 
 
 Manoah. With wavering hope and doubtful resolu- 
 tion 
 Of what before so oft by me essayed, 
 I have drawn thee to this place, where friendly silence 
 Will not inform against us, nor espial 
 Descry our posture and close secrecy 
 Here at this vacant hour of morning prime, 
 Samson, once more,, ere lastly thou determine 
 That marriage to thy country's foe conjoined, 
 This daughter of the Timnian infidel. 
 If supplication and a father's tears 
 May bend thy purpose, ere, too late, achieved 
 Thy own undoing and thy countr/s shame. 
 Too well against thy mother's wish thou knowest, 
 And mine express, these bonds consummated ; 
 Hence I could well desist my vain attempts 
 To move thee, as heretofore, could I my auguries 
 Draw from successes past, or yet my heart 
 Forego the dear regard which yet it bears thee. 
 Then canst thou yet respect a mother's tears 
 And these hoar locks, that plead more loud than words 
 How vehement, as in our laws enjoined, 
 To leave thy purposes, yet unperformed ? 
 I could be well content, with this regard, 
 The marriage-ransom given to forego. 
 And willingly, no, glad to scape so quit. 
 
 Samson". Father, break off; since, though the love I 
 bear thee 
 In measure as our near relation ask, 
 Yet herein, as I thus far have begun. 
 So shall I finish, cast in heart, be sure, 
 To cross thy hopes, or disappoint thy purpose; 
 But higher inspirations from above, 
 Promptings divine, compel me, else unwilling, 
 Into those paths, which else I should abhor, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 7^ 
 
 If to my own free counsels left inclining. 
 Otherwise never should I so persist 
 To disregard that dear respect of love 
 Which links me to thee, nor so far presume 
 Apparent disrespect and seeming lack 
 Of duty, with bold deed, to all appearance 
 Contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
 And wishes to my parents thus opposed. 
 
 Manoah. Consider, son, ere thou decide, while yet 
 The thought is umpire to the pondered act. 
 Lest thou too late the rash decision rue 
 After decree gone forth beyond recall. 
 Though I thy honesty of heart misdeem not. 
 And forward purpose, yet thus far I question, 
 Though not thy prompting, yet the motive to it, 
 So main against our customs and our laws. 
 And other reasons, also, I adduce. 
 For know, not unannounced, as ordinary. 
 Thy birth ; but the high messenger of heaven 
 Foretold thee to thy mother in the field. 
 There as she sat reclined after the day. 
 To me the angel also was revealed, 
 "Who, to confirm the message high imparted, 
 Rode up in flames from off the burning altar. 
 After conception sure of him designed 
 To free his country, break her enemies. 
 Of this no question can arise, for plain 
 The omen ; but this other that thou sayest, 
 In this may not some error lurk ? since doubtful 
 The mind of man, and full of wandering ever. 
 And ever least assured of highest purpose, 
 Then most uncertain when most certain deemed. 
 I question not thy honor, but I question 
 Thy immaturity, experience, youth. 
 These must weigh some with thee ; let also weight 
 Thy duty and thy service and thy love. 
 Shalt thou not be surmised of othei parents. 
 
8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 And not from us derived, as now reputed. 
 
 If to our wishes thou oppose thyself thus ? 
 As thou art known my son, desist thy purpose. 
 
 Samson. Father, I do acknowledge thee my sire. 
 And in all willing duty have I served. 
 Even unto this, my parents ; but herein 
 The voice of God so plainly in my ear 
 I cannot but regard ; for not through love, 
 Weakly by passion moved, have I urged on 
 This marriage, but from thence that I might find 
 Hostile occasion on them who oppress 
 God's people, and his deity despise. 
 And this not all; for, while as yet a child, 
 Heroic thoughts flamed at my heart, that I 
 Should Israel from Philistian yoke redeem. 
 The task whereto I was divinely set. 
 Which task enjoined, and with high purpose cherished 
 Through all my years, the rudiments laid down. 
 With ripe determination now I enter, 
 ^NTothing to be deterred from this great end. 
 Whence now begins this mission, thus esteemed 
 And purposed, from this day and from this deed. 
 Herein if I should fail, or now draw back 
 From this great entering, should not also fail 
 The glorious task on me by Heaven imposed. 
 To set my people free? Kot to be thought. 
 No ; though in this naught but regretful sorrow 
 To cross thy hopes I find, yet so the more 
 Myself should I misdeem, herein should I 
 Waver for parents' love, or parents' tears. 
 Or aught than these more dear — private regards, 
 
 And hence not rightly weighed or yielded to 
 
 Thus recreant to my purpose and my trust. 
 
 Manoah. Thy faith seems not unfounded; and I 
 yield 
 That for his people God of old hath wrought 
 Wonders incredible ; yet such wherein 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 9 
 
 Obedience and firm faith and fealty, 
 
 And not, as now, dishonor and contempt, 
 
 With bold disloyalty and base presumption. 
 
 Herein, so main against God^s law, how couldst thou 
 
 Hope for his aid, since against his thy will 
 
 Opposed, and purpose set to his transverse ? 
 
 For well thou knowest, God pronounced it sin 
 
 To yoke in wedlock with the uncircumcised. 
 
 Then how in this by his aid to come off 
 
 Thou canst presume, I own surmounts my reach. 
 
 Samson. Be of good courage, father, nor to doubt 
 So easily resign thyself. Things strange, 
 To us uncertain, darkly are ordained. 
 Sometimes, to work from evil into good ; 
 x^s herein shall perhaps be shortly found. 
 Save what I have advanced, no more I can, 
 Except a certain presage of the mind. 
 Which puts to something out of wont my thoughts, 
 That this day shall remarkably be done 
 By me, and from this hoped occasion rise 
 Worthy our God, our nation, and myself. 
 Else why this purpose, though express opposed 
 To God's high law, that strictly still forbade 
 Such union, with the uncircumcised conjoined, 
 Set on, and furthered thus as by his aid? 
 Which had not been, except his counsel served. 
 
 Manoah. Since thus thy perseverance, to no purpose 
 These admonitions, now, as first, repulsed. 
 But other secret matter would I mention 
 Before thy notice, haply to thee known. 
 The stripling youths that follow thee about, 
 Thy nuptial tendance, move somewhat against thee, 
 Cast from their hope to solve thy riddle set. 
 Eor, as thou knowest, this now the seventh day finds 
 
 them 
 Still unresolved, unsettled, still to seek. 
 Black looks and muttered threats, thought undiscemed, 
 
lo TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Have I perceived, not, certain, to thy face, 
 For thee they hate, yet fear thy haughty limb 
 And higher courage ; but thy absence gives them 
 
 Cause and occasion. Here then be advised 
 
 To what avail, if, the one danger shunned, 
 Thou on the other strike and suffer vrrack ? 
 
 Samson-. What blind suspicion, father, puts thee on 
 thus? 
 They will not dare against their oath assured 
 Of friendship and of league with us conjoined 
 In strictest amity, with their dread lords 
 By solemn oath confirmed, nor aught intend 
 Upon me, lest the penalties that fall 
 To those who thus dissolve allegiance sworn 
 And faith be visited upon their deed. 
 Yet should they so on me thus girt with friends 
 Endeavor treachery, or use contrive, 
 "What could be else than blank discomfit gained 
 
 And ruin drawn on those who try the deed 
 
 The wished occasion to hostility 
 Perhaps, that should Israel's deliverance 
 Begin, as the angel thus to thee affirmed? 
 
 Manoah. I cannot, son, yet reconcile myself 
 To this thy marriage-choice ; and how thy foes 
 May plot thy ruin hence, or how distasteful 
 To them such union, under show of love 
 ISTow masking, and of fair and open front, 
 I know not, nor can see from this derive 
 Aught with advantage pure or honorable, 
 Worthy our God, our nation, or thyself. 
 Between the vanquished and the vanquisher 
 What faith can hold, or what engaging stand, 
 Since they who faith engage thereto compelled 
 By nothing that assures their holding safe? 
 Or how can that turn good by express law 
 Enjoined us absolutely not to do ? 
 Reasons enough, as might seem, to dissuade 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ii 
 
 Perhaps a stronger purpose than thou hast. 
 
 And more I cannot urge, unless to suasion 
 
 Force added, which I still were loth to use, 
 
 If still were in my power, since thy age 
 
 Now to the prime and flower of youth attained. 
 
 But now enough ; and I perhaps too much 
 
 Herein have said, since every circumstance, 
 
 The place, the hour, and this close secrecy. 
 
 Informs against and sets suspicion on. 
 
 If not unmarked, as now. Por list, I hear 
 
 (So apprehension quick hath sharpened more 
 
 The ear of age than youth's unwary sense) 
 
 The tread of hasty steps that steer this way. 
 
 And yonder through the shade by glimpse discern * 
 
 Thy bridal friends and guests, here doubtless come 
 
 "Now at this grateful hour to gratulate 
 
 Thy love consummated. Be circumspect, 
 
 And put thee to thy guard with extreme care. 
 
 Chorus. happy chance that brings thee to thy 
 bride, 
 Samson, more favored now. 
 And more rejoiced than when, to oppose thy way, 
 The solitary fierce beast proud. 
 That wons in wild. 
 Beset thy single steps, 
 
 And with no spousal grasp, or dalliant arm, 
 Griped in each paw thy form. 
 But thou, with mighty hold 
 Tearing the lion as the lion tears the kid, 
 Shored'st off both tawny hide and crested mane, 
 Spurning, with unsupportable foot. 
 The carcass, left for bees to hive therein. 
 
 Semi-chorus. What shall 1 higher praise, 
 Thy might, or chance in love ? 
 Since thee thy happy hazard thus assigns 
 Among the daughters of the Caphtorim 
 The fairest and the choicest, virtuous, best; 
 
12 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Who waits, this now the seventh day^s sun 
 
 Chiding the heavy time. 
 
 Her spousal consummations and thy own. 
 
 Chorus. Thrice happy bride and house! Yet 
 happier deem 
 
 "Wliat prosperous roof shall shade 
 
 Thy marriageable bed, 
 
 That, rich with fruitful pleasures, shall bring forth 
 
 Large issue, increase fair 
 
 Of goodly sons and daughters chaste, 
 
 Likest to thee and to thy wedlock mate; 
 
 Happy, if to their nuptial lot be linked 
 
 Like issue of success in wedded love. 
 
 SA]viso2sr. Peace with you, comrades. Your induce- 
 ment hither 
 
 Since not unfriendly, say why ye are here. 
 Choeus. Peace with thee, old Manoah, and with 
 thee, 
 
 Samson, esteemed strongest of mortal men. 
 
 "We come, thy bridal courtiers and thy friends. 
 
 To gratulate thy love consummated; 
 
 And, as we have in charge, and were assigned. 
 
 To aid with wished assistance to thy will. 
 
 Say therefore what task here thou wouldst enjoin 
 
 On us, who only wait thy word to do. 
 
 Samson". Your coming, friends, is timely; for this 
 day. 
 
 Though now the marriage-feast known largely given, 
 
 Sees much performed, if all in order due 
 
 Accomplished, ere night bring the grateful end. 
 
 ISTow, therefore, haste, and, as I gave in care. 
 
 Have strict attendance on those timely tasks, 
 
 As may become your office best assigned. 
 
 And to my kindred chief. I, the meanwhile, 
 
 Must hasten conference with those in charge 
 
 "Who have this last day's glad solemnity. 
 
 And now perhaps my wished arrival wait. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 13 
 
 Choeus. Then thee our grateful task thus entertains^ 
 Manoah old; for so may well befit 
 The bridal friends and comrades to thy son, 
 With pride indeed thus named; since well art thou 
 Happy in such a son, above example 
 Present or past the mighest born of men. 
 Since not in all Philistian borders reckoned, 
 Askelon, Ecron, Asdod, Gaza, Gath, 
 [NTot, though thou add the list of Anak's sons 
 Famous and blazed, whose giant stature vast 
 Might weU with terror strike, and win the name 
 Of highest eminence for feats of arms 
 And tests of strength endured, accompt his like, 
 Equal much less, or second, at whose coming 
 The mightiest and the bravest of our land 
 Let fall the crest, with stride less conscionable 
 And lower courage stalking, or slink by, 
 !N"ot braving his affront. Is he thy sole 
 "Wonder, and country's boast, or others worthy 
 Compare with him and equal praise assigned? 
 
 Mafoah. Our sole accompt and paragon; his like, 
 Much less his equal or superior. 
 As not of the Philistines, not in Israel, 
 Of whom he also bears the highest name 
 For feats of strength and valiant deeds performed. 
 
 Chorus. Thy moderation to enlarge his worthy 
 Since by such ties thus nearly to thee joined. 
 Accredits thee ; and to much ampler merit 
 Thou might'st have raised his name, and yet come short 
 Of his desert and due for sleights of strength 
 And strenuous feats displayed, nor so his cunning 
 Stinted of equal praise. For, when he came 
 Hither to marriage, he a riddle set, 
 Framed with so curious and so hidden skill. 
 His first propounded, none till now can boast 
 Solution and the wagered forfeit won. 
 And some are moved against him, but as jet 
 
14 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 The more part speak him well and wish him fair. 
 Whose spousals thus to grace they have assembled — -^ 
 Whereof some tidings would we might but leam. 
 By his departure thus deprived. Yet see ! 
 For yonder to this place I now discern 
 One by his garb and look perhaps hath come 
 With news of what but lately hath befallen. 
 
 Seevant. I come not, friends, for such are ye dis- 
 cerned 
 To Samson and this house wherein I serve, 
 With tidings that may hit with joy your ears, 
 As some perhaps, yet cannot else relate 
 Than as I have received, howe'er adjudged; 
 And as they are will tell, if ye desire. 
 Though haply wished unknown the news I bring. 
 
 Choeus. Evil, or good? superfluous yet to ask. 
 
 Seevant. Foreboding ill; so thick a tempest draws. 
 
 Choeus. The morning promised fair, nor threatened 
 aught. 
 
 Seevant. Yet gathers darkly now, and noises loud. 
 
 Choeus. Still no concern ; foul days have oft turned 
 fair. 
 
 Seevant. But this with other kind of storm 
 portends. 
 
 Choeus. Resolve thy drift; no second riddle needs. 
 
 Seevant. Look not for tidings now of happy sort, 
 Your question thus perhaps, yet soon explained. 
 If so may be explained what still unknown ; 
 ^or wonder at so strange relation heard, 
 111 suiting nuptial time and marriage-feast : 
 Though of the happy consummation lack 
 To honor this glad feast and fair occasion 
 Of this da/s spousals, now so long preparing, 
 jSTothing voluptuous of soft or sweet, 
 Or pleasing to sight, sound, or smell, or taste. 
 So sumptuous the feast and lavish planned. 
 For first, that all their nuptial rites be passed 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ij 
 
 In order, and their spousals due observed. 
 
 Along the tall grovels edge they have upraised 
 
 A spacious tent, whose curtains fast enclosed 
 
 Deny all sight not bidden, and high roof. 
 
 Ample and round, of richest texture woven. 
 
 With state of regal luster spreads above, 
 
 O'er-doming as a sky. Within, dispersed 
 
 At grateful intervals, rich palms, and shrubs 
 
 Odorous, grateful both to sight and smell. 
 
 Myrtle and rose, jasmine, acanthus, laurel. 
 
 Iris, as grown in ordered place disposed; 
 
 And music, touch of harp and timbrel mixed 
 
 With pipe and warbling song, invites the dance. 
 
 Pleasing the ear, as sight and smell were pleased. 
 
 "Not other senses want; Autumn and Spring, 
 
 As due at once, have heaped their choicest hearth — 
 
 Apples of the Hesperides, with rind 
 
 Of golden burnish clad, pomegranate, quince. 
 
 All fruits of the earth, with choicest flowers inmixed — 
 
 Upon the grassy table, by whose side 
 
 Couches of softest touch, and carpets, rich 
 
 In texture and in damask tint, recline; 
 
 While at the fragrant wine, in order ranged, 
 
 Fair stripling youths, rich-clad, of ruddy hue. 
 
 Such is the luxury, it seems no strife 
 
 !N"earby could dwell, no riot rude endure. 
 
 But would be calmed to quiet, and forget 
 
 Its brawling noise, still to be so entranced. 
 
 Yet they, for whom all this, with jangling war 
 
 And wordy discord Jar, within the house 
 
 Close in a chamber met, though not so sore 
 
 The bridegroom. Him the bride loudly unbraids 
 
 With love's disrelish cloyed, because some secret. 
 
 So loud her cries not long a secret kept. 
 
 To her denied. Wherefore she weeps by turns. 
 
 Upbraids him next with lack of proper love 
 
 Toward her espoused, but this day made his bride. 
 
i6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Next threatens, then cajoles ; that all the house 
 Rings with the tumult loud. How it shall end 
 1 may not know, so stubborn she, so fixed 
 Not to give o'er her siege until success, 
 And he as fixed on his part to withstand. 
 But longer to delay my task forbids. 
 Upon me joined with speed as not deferring. 
 
 Choeus. "What it can be divides them holds my 
 thought ; 
 iSTo grievous rupture; some love-quarrel, doubtless, 
 That soon the firmlier but joins who jar; 
 Not like the marriage-riddle he so guards. 
 Though that not unforgiven, if divulged 
 In gamesome sport, not wanton treacherous malice. 
 But thou hast known perhaps, at hazard gained 
 Or by relation heard, what mystic sentence 
 Resolves the marriage-riddle that he set ? 
 
 Manoah. To have disclosed a secret were a fact 
 How heinous ! For that cause I will not tell ! 
 
 Choeus. If some convenient matter were proposed — 
 
 Maxoah. I should not so less resolution hold. 
 
 Choeus. Yet without harm to thee, or danger, done, 
 This nuptial time and glad occasion warrant. 
 
 MAJfOAH. Yet so occasion and the time abuse 
 Befits not — ^though urged hard, betraying thus 
 To you, his friends, yet rivals in the secret. 
 Nor were it seemly ye should so persist. 
 After refusal offered, to affront 
 The rites of hospitality, presuming 
 Upon superior age. Have ye no fear, 
 Regard, of those just penalties attaching 
 To reverence outraged and abused respect. 
 Unmeditated now perhaps, yet so 
 Not less offensive, when obtruded thus 
 Against all decency, regard to years? 
 Forbear such purpose, then, so main opposed 
 To justice, rights of hospitality. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 17 
 
 Chorus. Yet once again, and while in time thou 
 mayest — 
 
 Manoah. Urge me no further; so ye do not well, 
 With such assaults hard-pressed and sieges girded, 
 Seeking to make me traitor to my son, 
 That firm esteems his confidence reposed 
 On me, who now assuredly not betray it. 
 Revealing thus that secret sacred given ; 
 I know it not, nor, if I did, should tell. 
 
 Choeus. Hence with thy gray dissimulation! Pre- 
 tence 
 Of ignorance feigned, or reverence due to age. 
 Alike we disregard, since we perceive 
 Thou knowest it, well enough, and think'st to hide, 
 Tearful to be compelled against thy will; 
 Which we are fain to do if thou persist. 
 Por, plain enough, thou seest our throng too many 
 And our advantages to force thee to it. 
 Consider with thyself; be wise and yield; 
 Or we shall straight such terms of force propound. 
 As shall compel thee to a quick result. 
 
 Manoah. Would but my son here present, whose 
 high strength 
 Ye still are knowing of ! Ye would not venture 
 Violence on this head, which ye were better. 
 He absent, leave untouched. When he but learn, 
 As thus he shall, that be assured, ere long, 
 These deeds of violence, contumacious acts — 
 
 Samson. Peace, friends ; were best with no disturb- 
 ance here, 
 J^ow in this nuptial hour and nuptial place. 
 Where quiet most consorts. Ye meant no harm. 
 As I am well assured, upon my sire, 
 But as the time stirs up your minds more quick 
 To apt occasion. Yet unseemly so 
 This offered violence and these ventured hands 
 Towards any head, and more against a guesfs. 
 
i8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Abuse not so occasion and the time. 
 Which also, father, deem the full excuse 
 And sole extenuation of their fault. 
 Done in the wanton heat of youth, as ever^ 
 So now, to ill-considered rashness bent. 
 
 Maxoah. So slightly should it scape? I thought 
 more loudly 
 Thy arm, and not thy tongue, expostulates. 
 Shall such a fact, so heinous in itself, 
 But here most, where to wont and usage Joined 
 A solemn truce and sacred marriage-rites. 
 Be ventured so— unpunished, unrepentant. 
 After a crime so gross, on head allied 
 Laid violent hands and rude, these sons of Belial, 
 Incestuous, sacrilegious, thus escape 
 That justest vengeance, punishment deserved? 
 If thus thou shalt endure without protest 
 More than thy daunted tongue thus far dares vaunt, 
 I lower think thy valor than erewhile, 
 And hold it slackened, cheap, vile, and debased. 
 !N"or will I longer tarry in such presence 
 Of hostile insolence, unfilial shame. 
 
 Samson. Peace, father; nor in wrath forget thyself 
 thus. 
 
 Maxoah. Counsel not peace with whom no peace can 
 hold. 
 
 Samsox. Yet these the licensed time, if not excusing. 
 At least condones in their offended fault. 
 
 Maxoah. I^ot for a moment given; lest, this pre- 
 sumed. 
 More open impudence they venture on. 
 
 Samsox. Then till the finished feast thy parting 
 stay ; 
 When if thou go, at least in peace depart. 
 
 Maxoah. iN'ot longer than the preparation ask 
 Will I defer, or stay my parting hence. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 19 
 
 Samson. Then by the dear respect of love I ven- 
 ture. 
 Though with unfilial seeming, thy restraint. 
 
 Manoah. Not so, forbear it ! lest my anger also 
 Curse thee in sudden wrath distinguished not. 
 Should I be so constrained, against my will 
 And by my son enforced, as these were fain, 
 My enemies, and so a second time 
 Thus openly and to more shame exposed, 
 These looking on, their gaze and scorn repeated ? 
 Presume not so upon the near relation 
 That nature gives, which here I disavow, 
 With all propinquity disclaimed of kindred. 
 Or ties of blood, with one so lightly holding 
 That dear respect. Thou are not son of mine, 
 Though such esteemed, and with delight once cherished, 
 But no more, if thou tamely thus endure. 
 And shall resent not, with more strenuous anger, 
 Such insult, to a father ventured on. 
 Thine or another's not thy near concern. 
 Have I begotten thee my sharpest curse. 
 Cherished thy years, tended about thy care 
 With fondest diligence, to find thee, now 
 Heartened and warmed, a deadly bosom-serpent, 
 TJngrateful, base, to sting the hand that reared thee? 
 Or by the bait of woman snared, and tamed. 
 Thy sacred freedom lost that should assure 
 Our hoped deliverance, must I regard thee, 
 Tangled by fond desire in amorous net, 
 A prisoner to her wish, or lightest word 
 Let fall, with faith and rightful due forgot. 
 Thy glorious purpose quite foregone or lost, 
 And mission high neglected as despised — 
 Thee must I then bewail thus, once esteemed 
 My one delight, that should (but fondly hoped!) 
 Stay my declining years and nurse my age — 
 But now my sharp reproach and shame discerned? 
 
20 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Be other than thou art, or be not mine. 
 
 Nor so expect my presence, how besought, 
 
 Or to occasion whatso'er desired, 
 
 Out of the dear regard of love, for such 
 
 As to thy shame thou now art found, unworthy 
 
 Nation or God, thy father or thyself. 
 
 Samson". Go then, as best, ere further soon occa- 
 sion 
 Found to annoy, advantaged in my absence; 
 And for thy conduct safe and safe convoy 
 I will despatch along these chosen youth. 
 My nuptial tendance from our nation chosen ; 
 Nor shall I sorrow much, nor much afflict me 
 At thy departure, matters as they hold. 
 But bring thee, as befits, upon thy way. 
 
 Choeus. I cannot like this pliant conduct, friends. 
 And outrage slightly overpassed; from such 
 Omission evil springs. More wroth at first 
 Should be who pardons, or condones. Nor such 
 His wont ; since quenched not easily we know 
 His anger waked, nor for the main suppressed 
 In smiling looks and fair persuading words. 
 But what have we to fear of harm, or dread. 
 So many, and with youthful vigor armed. 
 Against him single for his kindred gone? 
 He will not dare against us now, nor venture 
 Violence or force, nor move contrary aught. 
 Among his foes thus single and unarmed; 
 His error, and the wished occasion found. 
 As he shall find perhaps ere this day end. 
 But yonder through the shade I now discern 
 A bevy of fair damsels, richly dressed 
 In gems and waving robes, with steps well-timed, 
 As they in dance came on, and amorous ditties 
 Sung to the harp, tokens that well infer 
 The bridal train, the bride among them chief. 
 And, driving now full-sail, this way they steer. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 21 
 
 Like a rich fleet of merchants, fair addressed 
 
 To T arsis, or the isles of utmost Ind — 
 
 One o'er the rest proudly pre-eminent 
 
 In stature, beauty, speed, a towering ship. 
 
 The pride and stately boast of her convoy — 
 
 With tackle hoised, sails filled, and streamers flaunting, 
 
 That court the spicy winds to waft their way ; 
 
 And now, on nearer view more sure discerned, 
 
 Though yet unthought what purpose or intent 
 
 Induces, known the bride and bridal train. 
 
 LiLiTH. Greeting and welcome, bridal friends and 
 comrades 
 To him who hath espoused me, and this day 
 With me fulfilled those nuptial vows engaged. 
 
 Chorus. happy chance, that brings thee to this 
 place 
 To listen our hymeneal. 
 Thy nuptial ode assigned 
 And holy spousal h3rmn. 
 Befitting best occasion sacred thus 
 Of amorous consort. 
 That celebrates this day conjoined 
 With his thy vows in faith and wedlock bands, 
 That goodliest man of men. 
 Whom this day brings to consummate his love, 
 Happy in thee and thy possession fair. 
 Our flower of beauty, and pride; 
 Linked in whose love so dear. 
 Prosperous be thou as fair, thy spousal bed 
 Fruitful with nuptial pleasures pure 
 And beauteous offspring, consummation glad 
 Of all thy bliss and solace of thy love. 
 
 Kor less thy lot esteem, which thee assures 
 Thy spouse and wedlock mate. 
 That mightiest of earth's sons, 
 By whose dear side to shade thee and protect 
 Through all thy hazards of life. 
 
22 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Possess thy bliss devised, 
 
 His love to thee^ and thine to him, assured, 
 
 Long life, and happy days, and issue fair. 
 
 LiLiTH. I came not for your spousal greetings, 
 friends. 
 Though not unmindful for them, but to share 
 With you my tidings of success unhoped. 
 Scarcely this day but gained, and in this hour. 
 His secret wrested from him in his height 
 Of resolution not to yield. I urged him 
 With many reasons, brought forth many proofs 
 To win him, long in silence combated. 
 Pressed him with amorous arts and amorous words. 
 And long in vain, though fixed not to give o'er. 
 Still mindful for your threat, until success. 
 At length that plea, twixt wedded man and wife 
 oSTo secret, and with all assurance given, 
 Confirmed by solemn oath and solemn faith. 
 To you divulged not, wrought with him, and he, 
 Importuned, over-worn and wearied out, 
 Opened me all his bosom and my will. 
 But he who cannot his own secret hold 
 Locked in his breast, with constant resolution 
 And purpose not to yield, whatever urged 
 Against him, or with what persuasion armed, 
 Cunning, or fraud, or force, how should he hope 
 "Who then shall keep it for him, when revealed, 
 By his inducements not enforced, or held, 
 IN'ot to betray the secret, not to yield — 
 How think that sacred trust, to him committed, 
 In silence kept, if he in silence keep not, 
 Though upon sworn assurance, solemn oath? 
 And which the firmlier, bonds of civil duty, 
 Or bonds of wedlock, to whomever, bind ? 
 Whom then should I regard or fear, a stranger 
 Of hated race and vanquished, an inferior 
 Held by our lords a thrall, given by my father, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 23 
 
 Embraced against my will, or rather you. 
 My friends and countrymen, whose ties of kindred 
 Firmlier bind than faith of wedlock bands ? 
 And by your word assured, and by your presence. 
 That safe assures, more than your word assures, 
 No harm to me, whatever harm devised, 
 I have not much to fear what he can do 
 Against me, or what harm on me contrive. 
 Single among his enemies, and unarmed ; 
 Small danger which infers, if I reveal. 
 As without more I shall. A swarm of bees, 
 Hived in the lion's carcass, solves the riddle. 
 'Now ye may boast your wagered forfeit won. 
 
 Chorus. Yet softly ; for I see approach. 
 But now returned after his kin departed, 
 Samson; when the secret known betrayed, 
 Doubtless found highly incensed; 
 Advise then well 
 Thy conduct, that his wrath inflame not more. 
 
 LiLiTH. Samson, well may we spare each other'l 
 presence, 
 If, after parted thus, desire again 
 TTnite as now, so much thy sight hath cheered me 
 Ignorant of thy going and the cause. 
 That, for society and human sight. 
 Hither I was constrained to these thy friends, 
 With whom some cheering found, some little solace ; 
 And to repay whose entertainment given 
 1 have bestowed what thou so well canst spare 
 And feel no lack, that secret thou imparted'st 
 At my solicitation — ^hardly gained. 
 Yet gained with wonder so reluctant given 
 As much, so small the consequence attached; 
 ISTeither upbraid, that I in this may boast. 
 Out of the dear regard for me thou hast, 
 But this day linked with thee in bonds of love, 
 Thy favor, as these now thy forfeit boast. 
 
^4 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Samson. But not thy nuptial fealty, faithless mon- 
 ster, 
 Who swore with solemn oath, and pressed me strongly 
 Against my will and quick suspicion held, 
 Not to divulge, not to betray the trust 
 Deposited; but thou with reasons urgedst. 
 So many and with such persuasions armed, 
 That to my better purpose I proved false. 
 As thou to me hast proved. Accomplished fraud, 
 Couldst thou more oaths not swear, more faith confirm. 
 To make thy sin less heinous by enormity. 
 That men might more admire the magnitude 
 Than thy degree of vice and mind depraved? 
 Yet what more couldst thou swear, or what confirm, 
 More than thou hast, vile traitress ? Thou adjuredst me 
 By all the bonds of love, so faithful held. 
 And bonds of spousal duty, nuptial faith, 
 What but to yield me and betray, a scorn 
 Among my enemies, utmost contempt 
 To all my kindred, all my friends endeared, 
 Proverbed a fool, to all time an example ? 
 
 LiLiTH. Bear with me, Samson, while I shall en- 
 deavor 
 To lessen or extenuate my fault. 
 So held, committed, in all duty done 
 To thee, and fair intent. I feared thee changsful. 
 Since of thy own tribe women found so fair. 
 Of various fancy, dreaded thou wouldst leave me. 
 Perhaps, ere this day consummate our vows ; 
 Rightly sought therefore to hold thee firmest 
 To me; and to this end thy cherished secret 
 Obtained; to these, thy friends esteemed, revealed it, 
 A further hold intended, in their knowledge 
 An added bond ; the forfeit rightly known 
 So trivial, of such little worth esteemed. 
 That I could rather lose, than lose thy love ; 
 Which now I ne'er will urge again so hardj 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 25 
 
 If in this test but faithful it be found. 
 Pronounce forgiveness therefore on my fault. 
 By thee so held, but not by me intended. 
 Through which if I with thee am lower deemed, 
 Eestore me to my place and favor lost. 
 
 Samson". Out, traitress, out! I can as soon restore 
 thee 
 To new acceptance, as thou canst restore 
 Thy fealty and trust of silence lost. 
 Even were thy words sincere, how couldst thou hope 
 Would go my faith, or favor, or my love. 
 Where my esteem could not, and confidence. 
 Or long remain, where these could not remain ; 
 How could they, where no worth or value found. 
 So heinous is thy sin that thou hast sinned ? 
 I before all the daughters of my nation 
 Esteemed thee, loved; unlocked thee all my heart; 
 ISTot as a trial meant of marriage-faith. 
 But overcome by importunity 
 And strong assurance of thy wifely love. 
 Was this thy wifely duty, wifely love 
 Assured, to thus desert me, thus forego me. 
 Slight me as naught, betray me to my friends 
 Esteemed, but now as foes and hostile held. 
 Then to beseech me, and with feigned remorse 
 Entreat my new acceptance and new love ? 
 Thou shouldst not so, direct against my notions. 
 Presume thyself, and then presume forgiveness; 
 Or, if thou dost, know thy presumption false. 
 
 LiLiTH. Yet further hear me, Samson ; that my love 
 In this not slackened, but the more assured. 
 Know, through my fear for thee I have revealed 
 What, but for this, had never been disclosed. 
 I saw thee here among thy enemies. 
 For such they are, though friends to thee pretended. 
 Single, unarmed, and thence against them weak; 
 I feared what harm they might inflict upon thee. 
 
26 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Cast from their hope to solve thy riddle set, 
 
 And deemed that thou mightst easier lose thy forfeit 
 
 Than spare thy life, with thy lost love to me, 
 
 And all the pain that love deprived attends. 
 
 For this have I misdone, if mnst be deemed 
 
 What for thy own best good and highest end 
 
 Intended, by regard for thee impelled 
 
 Through love, which if well meaning, though harm 
 
 wrought, 
 ^0 blame attends, but pity more and pardon. 
 These pleadings satisfy the laws of love. 
 And therefore thee, if thou to love a subject. 
 Let this appease thy wrath, and thou the rather 
 Applaud my dauntless resolution bold, 
 That against thy displeasure sought thy welfare, 
 Than censure the light holding of my faith 
 To thee engaged, not to thy harm engaged. 
 These reasons then, these, these, and more besides, 
 May well, if not deserve, at least implore 
 Thy pardon and thy favor and thy love. 
 
 SAMSOiS". Since thou wilt cling still to that odious 
 plea 
 Of love, pretended, faith to me, abjured, 
 Hear me, if I pronounce thy refutation. 
 'No token of thy faith could I esteem 
 Of higher proof, or faith to me engaged. 
 Than the maintaining of that faith and love 
 By firm hold on thy word to me assured. 
 For where is found no faith of man and wife, 
 Mistrust and fear must lurk, inconstancy. 
 Mutual doubt, suspicion, that shake sore 
 Their inward peace of mind and wonted calm. 
 My welfare was thy thought ; what if my welfare 
 I lower held than faith of marriage-bonds ? 
 Of which the one thou shouldst have kept to me. 
 The other left to whom it most concerns. 
 Or how couldst thou presume what I, thy head, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 2% 
 
 Had charged thee absolutely not to do, 
 And then not raise in me extreme displeasure, 
 Knowing, as need thon shouldst, so disobeying? 
 Thou only seek'st fresh opportunity, 
 On pardon granted, to insult me more. 
 And with more open impudence betray me. 
 Thy acted parts and feignings I contemn. 
 And count thy specious pleas not pleas, but lies. 
 
 LiLiTH. Then if these reasons win thee not, let win 
 thee 
 What else I suffered, ere I could consent. 
 What snares were set, what sieges girded round; 
 Some small commiseration this may gain me 
 Perhaps from thee, not from my hope quite cast. 
 It was not wanton disregard of faith. 
 As thou inf errest, or I of thee infer. 
 Slackening of wedlock duty, wifely love. 
 Still firm my faith to thee as first, but weakness 
 Against their importunity to hold 
 Is my excuse. Thy bridal friends and guests, 
 Thy friends esteemed, hence firm to thee esteemed. 
 And toward thy interest, set upon me, pressed me. 
 Urged me by all the ties of civil duty 
 And of relation, to obtain thy secret 
 And give to them, when once I had obtained; 
 Assuring me, not against thee designed 
 Hostile occasion ; but dishonorable 
 Thus to permit an alien to our race. 
 And our inferior, to advantage thus 
 Upon my kindred, on my countrymen. 
 These proving vain, they threatened cruel death. 
 Constraining me to wrest thy secret from thee 
 And tell to them, that solved thy riddle set. 
 With such assaults hard pressed, though scrupling much 
 To circumvent my faith, at last I yielded. 
 Unlocked them all thy secret and their will. 
 But let me find some place to show contrition. 
 
28 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Samson; nor thus reject me for my fault, 
 
 B}^ sad event so found, not deemed at first. 
 
 Loss of thy love and thy displeasure gained. 
 
 Upon my known offence and sin allot 
 
 Whatever punishment, and I will pay 
 
 To the full reckoning set my heavy score, 
 
 So I may still to favor be restored. 
 
 And in thy anger be some mercy shown. 
 
 How small; nor from all hope cut me quite off. 
 
 Regard my weaker sex and weaker years. 
 
 If in thy heart some pity harbor still, 
 
 And bear with me in my infirmities, 
 
 Which with thy help I shall in time overcome. 
 
 Perhaps; without thy aid and favor not. 
 
 So shalt thou, as thou dost in strength excel, 
 
 In mercy and in mild compassion so. 
 
 Samson". Such punishment, as on my own I take, 
 To thy sin I allot; and if no more. 
 Thou wilt not quickly seek like penalty. 
 Loss of all love, and sharp mistrust engendered. 
 Thou wouldst not for thy husband wish me, thus 
 Loveless and unendeared, a mock and scorn 
 Among unperjured women, faithful wives. 
 Forego thy seeking then, or own it feigned. 
 After a fact so heinous, to thy husband 
 Unchaste, unfaithful ; for a deed so faithless 
 Argues a heart like faithless and unchaste. 
 ISTor can their pled constraint absolve thy sin. 
 Since under my protection, as thy husband, 
 Thy first obedience was to me, not them. 
 Who thence thy countrymen no more, nor kindred, 
 Though they to thy refusal had attached 
 A threat more cruel, joined a heavier doom. 
 Yet much I marvel that my friends and comrades 
 Could move against me thus, the wagered forfeit 
 Esteemed so slight, not worth a life to lose. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 29 
 
 Chorus. Thou wouldst not wonder long, conldst 
 thou but learn 
 Occasion of our importunity. 
 Our politic wise lords assigned thee spies, 
 Though bridal friends and guests to thee pretended, 
 Fearing some fraud on us by thee contrived, 
 i^ot friendly heretofore, but hostile found. 
 Guile then with guile, as best, they have opposed. 
 Cunning have matched with cunning, since with force 
 They could not ; from whose wished event infers 
 That vaunted strength, unless to wisdom joined. 
 Made only to subserve where wisdom rules. 
 A lesson, Samson, which to thee we care not 
 If we reveal, since thus from thee we learned; 
 Whom much we need not fear from this attest. 
 
 Samson". Was this that solemn oath and faith 
 affirmed 
 By your dread lords to me, and me to them, 
 So to requite with perjured guile the trust 
 In them reposed by acquiescence given 
 To their request, though strange and out of wont, 
 My nuptial tendance from their nation chosen, 
 ISTot mine, as custom old and use obtains? 
 Where, also, was that oath to me assured, 
 By you assured, of faith and friendship firm. 
 When I received you for my bridal friends, 
 Not with reluctance, as I feared in aught. 
 But openly, as numbered of my nation. 
 When ye by cruel force constrained my bride 
 To wrest from me and tell to you the secret. 
 Thereto set on by your designing lords. 
 Themselves not true, but in false league combined 
 To wrest their oath and break their pledge secured? 
 This was your honor and Philistian faith, 
 A¥herein, when put to test, how dully shows 
 The coin debased of friendship counterfeit. 
 And when with mine compared how foul appears! 
 
30 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Among the daughters of your nation found 
 
 I sought a bride, which proved in me no guile, 
 
 And here among you held my nuptial feast. 
 
 So further my sincerity attesting. 
 
 If aught against me then your lords have moved. 
 
 They did it impiously, against the laws 
 
 Of nations, laws of hospitality, 
 
 To violate their country^s fairest ends. 
 
 With such no league can hold, since disregarded 
 
 Those principles that base and found a state. 
 
 Honor and faith and fair intent to all. 
 
 Without which none begins or long endures. 
 
 Too much I cannot gratulate my chance, 
 
 In time discovered both a faithless wife 
 
 And faithless nation, both alike in fraud 
 
 Excelling, found unfaithful as unchaste; 
 
 "Not shall I greatly sorrow, if to both 
 
 My faith I break, since both to me have broken. 
 
 Choeus. Thou wouldst not dare, except thou dost 
 presume 
 Upon our sufferance, thus abuse our patience 
 With insult to our lords and us avouched. 
 Pretending broken faith and oath outraged 
 By us, when thou occasion only sought'st 
 To do the like, but never couldst surprise. 
 And which through fear of us durst never seize. 
 Palse pretext, since from us to thee needs hold 
 'No faith, victor to vanquished, lord to slave ; 
 Since in fierce battle we thy nation vanquished. 
 Regaining thus the name of prowess lost 
 In Palestine from thine, who thence our subject, 
 Toward whom we hold what faith soe'er and league, 
 As to a race inferior and enthralled. 
 ISTor think we greatly dread, as thou presumest, 
 The utmost of thy might on us performed; 
 Would fortune but fair opportunity 
 Afford, as not before, soon wouldst thou show 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ji 
 
 A lower courage, use a smoother tongue, 
 Spite of thy vaunted strength and valor famed. 
 Let this be warning then, that may suffice. 
 And not need force, or stronger, to impress. 
 
 Samson". I fear ye not, nor all your force ; the rather 
 "Welcome such contest, what ye dare against 
 The merited assay of this right arm 
 Provoked, though first, yet not the last reward 
 Of faith-breach, league thus loosely disallied. 
 I^or other place I know, or like to be. 
 Or other time, so suitable as this, 
 To show you what this vengeful arm intends. 
 Or to receive your utmost brunt of battle. 
 Whatever then your sudden valor prompt. 
 Set on, nor deem that I shall hence be far. 
 
 Chokus. Not long should hesitation hang, nor sequel 
 Delay thy vaunt with force returned, wert thou 
 Our equal, worth our valor to assail, 
 Not rather insult and declined emprise 
 By us accounted, thus with thee engaged, 
 Our subject, our inferior, our thrall. 
 Beneath all notice, worthy but contempt, 
 Or best chastised by those whose pride, as thine. 
 In lips unrazored and like boisterous locks. 
 
 Samson". I thought thy circling pretense thus would 
 end 
 In vouched disdain, insult to valor offered, 
 Tongue-doughty, whom no insult ventured on, 
 N"o force, could move, except with idle breath. 
 To venture or return, if offered fight. 
 And, as might well be thought, since ye in fraud 
 Excel, so now in cowardice, when thus 
 The hand maintains not what the tongue presumed, 
 Thus insolent, untractable, unquenched, 
 Not worthy notice, beneath all contempt. 
 And likest those who profit by respect 
 Of sex against all honor and fair faith ; 
 
2,2 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 So now with futile answer like returned. 
 
 LiLiTH. Samson, once more, ere lastly thou pro- 
 nounce, 
 Let me obtain forgiveness for my fault, 
 Which I confess, and well could wish not done, 
 So unforeseen the sad event derived; 
 ISTor thus disjoin our vows, this day conjoined. 
 
 Samson, ^o, no ; it suits not thou and I were one, 
 Twain now in heart and soul as twain in race. 
 Nor frame thy thoughts to speech in artful mode, 
 As to her spouse by faithful wife and dear. 
 Thy amorous nets no more shall tempt my feet, 
 Once in the snare, and well-nigh fatal, caught ; 
 ISTor thy unfaith my easy faith betray. 
 On thee, who art a woman, and exempt, 
 I will enforce no violence, nor on these. 
 Aids to thy fraud, respecting both thy sex 
 And their false oath; but others of thy nation, 
 Since all perceived set on like enmity. 
 Will not exempt thus, but will deal toward them 
 As enemies, wherever chanced or found. 
 Yet think not for the base return ye made 
 To my regarded faith I shall as base 
 Return, or for that wagered forfeit set, 
 By you so foully gained with perjured sleight. 
 Ye have long time to wait, or I to seek. 
 
 Chorus. Which if thou gain within time boasted 
 thus 
 Will prove a shrewder riddle than thy last 
 With search to find the satisfying solution. 
 
 Sam SON". double breach of faith to me presumed. 
 With insult dire returned 
 To my regarded trust. 
 
 Which with as greater shame must on me show, 
 If tamely and ingloriously endured 
 Affront so vile esteemed 
 With foul indignity enforced 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 33 
 
 From heathen and profane, 
 
 Yet no return attempted on my foes ! 
 
 Was it for this that plighted faith secure 
 And mntnal honor joined 
 Assured your firm regard sincere, when I 
 With open fair intent 
 Sought league with you and mutual amity, 
 And, further to assure the bond sincere, 
 Among you chose a bride, 
 Approving thus my steadfast loyalty 
 To that pledged word assured ? 
 'Viniich basely by you broken 
 Compels me, unwilling else. 
 From the dear side and loved society 
 Of her but this day linked 
 With me in faith of wedlock bands. 
 
 Yet not through fear seduced or drawn, I go. 
 Of what your utmost 
 On me may inflict; 
 
 But to requite such heinous faith-breach offered 
 And insult foul presumed 
 
 With what becomes of vengeance urged extreme; 
 My purpose, and my studied right revenge. 
 
 Chorus. Go then, nor think we greatly dread 
 What the utmost of thy might 
 On us is able. 
 
 Though to thy vaunted strength were joined 
 The total force of those who serve thy God, 
 With utmost of his deity seconded; 
 Whose puissance we ere this have proved, 
 And found it against Dagon 
 Useless and vain, ridiculous, despised. 
 Go therefore where thy heart inclines. 
 Whether to death, or other shameful fate, 
 For strict necessity naught less 
 Upon thee allots, 
 In that direful fold self -tangled. 
 
34 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 LiLiTH. He's gone ; and how he may revenge himself 
 By stirring up his wrath to hostile deeds, 
 My heart misgives me, sore divine of ill, 
 Since readily he passes no affront, 
 However slight ; how then should this escape, 
 So heinous in his sight and foul esteemed? 
 "Who could have thought he would so strictly hold 
 The urged offense, my broken faith to him. 
 As given by way of jest, and not intended 
 Binding on me, since not on him constraining ? 
 Yet since he could persist in his affront 
 After my suit for pardon, I shall not 
 Greatly deject myself at my offense. 
 With easy care to gain his love endangered. 
 So quickly shaken as not worthy deemed. 
 Only our scliemes miscarried I deplore, 
 To draw him to our power and through my love 
 Render him our subservient and our thrall; 
 Captive at home, a prisoner to love 
 Esteemed, so held, more in our power secure. 
 
 Chorus. Be not disturbed; no grievous harm upon 
 us 
 He can inflict, how much his anger chafe. 
 What strength soe'er live in those mighty limbs. 
 Though doubled more than now, he cannot cope. 
 Single, unarmed, against a nation armed. 
 For, as thou knowest, he long ere this dispatched 
 Homeward in haste his countrymen and kindred, 
 Fearing some further slight upon them offered. 
 Nor to the citizens much harm can lurk 
 In his displeasure visited upon them 
 Perhaps before the common tidings published. 
 For with his father and his kindred parted. 
 And the known cause therefore, the city rings. 
 Him also present sole the city knows, 
 And with prevention will ward off all harm. 
 That he hath now departed all our bounds 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 35 
 
 And hath arrived his father's house were likelier, 
 Than tarried in the midst of enemies. 
 Thus from his kindred and from succor far. 
 Be not disheartened then, and have no care 
 Either for self, or kindred, or thy nation; 
 But rather like thy lot which hath prevented 
 A wedlock so distasteful to thyself, 
 Yet rather to thy friends, his paranjrmphs. 
 Of whom thou mayest a second mate select 
 Suitable to thy choice, since now thy former 
 By express word and action hath divorced thee 
 Constrained to bonds by force against thy will. 
 
 LiLiTH. Then, chiefly by your kindly surance given, 
 Pledges of dear regard, I take no fear 
 Upon myself for what I have misdone, 
 Not so intended, since I other deemed 
 The event, and him, not now, as heretofore, 
 Subservient to my asking and my will. 
 And since by his own act and express word 
 He hath divorced and left, so let him go ; 
 I can as easy find another mate 
 As he, and one of better faith, perhaps. 
 To take affront upon so slight offence, 
 "Not for some breach of faith endangering life. 
 And though with his my fame shall stand traduced 
 Pattern of most unconjugal unfaith, 
 Yet here, among my kindred and my friends, 
 And all my tribe, what I could more esteem, 
 I shall be famoused of those faithful women. 
 Who, to promote her cherished welfare, chose 
 To set their country's faith above their own. 
 Kor shall I much repine, if I receive 
 The favor of my nation and my friends 
 To recompense my zeal for country shown. 
 If he at this take envy or despite, 
 I leave him to his lot, and cleave to mine. 
 
36 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Choeus. Nor less thy fortune hold; since not un- 
 grateful 
 To thee or us or all thy nation numbered. 
 Thou in thy country^s favor satisfied 
 Shalt need no husband, that to thee a husband 
 Less ready to abjure thee and forsake 
 Than he who, for his perjury this day. 
 Merits no name of husband and no wife. 
 Nor dread thou long the sting of love disprized, 
 Soon in a second passion comforted. 
 More faithful than thy first, and more endeared. 
 
 LiLiTH. Still less then shall my choice repent or 
 change, 
 That firm assures my country's favor gained 
 For his, to whom in wedlock joined were shame 
 Unutterable, intolerable, worse 
 
 Than fancy might conceive, or fear might feign ■ 
 
 Not, therefore, to be sought, but every way 
 Avoided, as what worst to me might fall, 
 Nor in my present mind to prosecute. 
 Thus unsurmised, unworthy, undesirable, 
 But by whatever means to circumvent. 
 
 Choeus. Yet see ! for yonder comes in haste 
 That famoused, that renowned, 
 Invincible Samson, 
 Manoah's mighty son; 
 Though not, as when he parted, 
 Cloudy defiance lowering on his brow, 
 But in his look more mild sits calm serene. 
 His burden borne the wagered forfeit deemed, 
 Full satisfaction doubtless and discharge 
 Of his sworn oath and faith to us engaged. 
 Remain ; for thou with him shalt see some sport 
 Perhaps, nor shall he work thy harm in aught. 
 
 LiLiTH. Whom I with all persuasion will assault, 
 'All amorous arts and fair enticing words. 
 If in my power to appease his mind 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 37 
 
 Witli what amend soe'er, thus high incensed. 
 Yet now perchance by time elapsed more mild, 
 Or, if not so, still to our purpose bent. 
 
 Choeus. Howe'er the event may turn, alike imports. 
 
 Samsoit. I come not, comrades, to accuse my chance, 
 Though ill perhaps, or wish it had not been, 
 As of unkind event. For where effect 
 Hath ended hope, the former mind forgets. 
 As though desire or wish had not been known. 
 Wonder not then, though wonder well were moved 
 Perhaps by that so sudden change perceived, 
 That I, who late such heat of anger felt, 
 Then justly deemed, now show of other mind 
 And different purpose changing soon. For so 
 It suited not that I, who late conjoined 
 Friendship and league with you, and fealty. 
 By solemn pledge confirmed, should all disjoin, 
 For one slight difference held, one trivial breach. 
 Though first but hardly held, friendship so dear 
 And amity, nor that your just reproach 
 Resented my slack failure to fulfill 
 That bond secured, since I not then refused 
 The trial, as I now the forfeit not. 
 Best surety of my pledge. Wherefore behold 
 The wagered forfeit ye had won of me. 
 And say if this be satisfaction deemed. 
 As I to you engaged, or wanting still. 
 
 Choeus. Full and complete adjudged, nor lacking 
 aught ; 
 And worthy thus thy fame, that in brief space 
 Incredible thy pledge thou couldst redeem. 
 Yet much I marvel that in time so short 
 Accomplished thus, despite thy vigor known. 
 Since to thy place and here return accounted 
 No journey of a Sabbath, loaded so 
 A wonder well thy might so much endured. 
 Who then shall ravel this aright, and set. 
 
38 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 To me shall seem of no less fame deserving, 
 Than -^ho thy former riddle rightly searched. 
 
 Samsox. That thou hast gained thy forfeit gaged 
 suffices ; 
 T^urther concerns thee not. But much I marvel 
 How chances yet my wife upon this place, 
 ISTot in the riddling contest now concerned. 
 Say, woman, hadst thou not enough offended 
 By treason and false hate unconjugal, 
 That thou shouldst contumely and reproach 
 Heap on my head, the witness to my shame ? 
 Or wouldst thou further thus excuse thy fault, 
 Eather approve thy innocence confirmed, 
 Open to all, and easily apparent? 
 
 LiLiTH. Samson, by sad experience well I know 
 How little force with thee my words can find ; 
 'Not, that my own perverseness I may thank. 
 Interpreter than thy displeasure needs. 
 But granting all, I still beseech thy love. 
 Earned by repentance and by penance sore. 
 Loss of thy love to me, not mine to thee. 
 That still remains, and strives in thee to raise 
 Like measure of itself. Not thus forsake 
 Her, whom thy love once chose to recompense, 
 ISTor easily repulse, lest thou shalt feel 
 With me the secret sting of love refused 
 Too late, when mine to thee no more endures. 
 
 Samson". My love I gave thee once, but thou didst 
 use 
 "With what abuse ! How therefore could I venture 
 That love again, fearful of like return? 
 Thy infidelity have I refused 
 And treason most unconjugal, not love. 
 These then forbid my love's return, not I, 
 Who only joy should know and new delight. 
 That love once more should knit our vows disjoined, 
 So linked anew in willing wedlock bands. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 39 
 
 Yet so that this could be I cannot think, 
 After offence committed, unprovoked, 
 That mutual amity and faith could grow 
 Where fires of fierce mistrust have burned so deep. 
 Such reasons then should warn thee to forbear 
 Behest of love and mutual faith renewed, 
 Howe'er desirable and fair appearing, 
 Lest by a second lapse and heavier fall 
 In hate thou deeplier plunge, with second shame 
 Drawn on thee, thy renewed reproach and mine. 
 
 LiLiTH. That I toward thee no harm or ill intended 
 Witness the love I bear thee ! Let me find 
 Some place to show fit recompense, nor thus 
 Repulse my penitence, despise my tears I 
 Though I herein offended, not so deem 
 Ever I shall again — such agony 
 Of love, and inward pain, amorous remorse. 
 Till now I never felt, nor shall again. 
 Since never more I mean to try, once tried 
 With sad event, the pain of thy displeasure, 
 That teaches me not lightly thus to hold 
 Thy faithful love to me, so dear, unequaled ; 
 Lacking which, how shall I endure to live, 
 Lost from the consolation of thy love. 
 Joyless and unendeared, hopeless and sad? 
 As when a traveler, at shut of day 
 Faint and belated, scans the landskip round 
 For shelter gainst the night ; meanwhile sun sinks, 
 Sky lowers apace, and sullen-rising winds 
 Moan wandering round their vast aerial hall. 
 My fault I here acknowledge, like abjure. 
 And falling at thy feet, I clasp thy knees, 
 A suppliant, and beg thee, as a boon, 
 IN'ot with displeasure and contempt returned 
 My proffered peace and amity renewed. 
 
 Samson". Hence from my feet ! Nor think thy acted 
 parts 
 
40 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 More shall with me prevail, though once prevailing. 
 
 I know thy amorous arts and amorous wiles, 
 
 Though nearly to my cost, thy toils and trains. 
 
 The wont of every woman, like thee, false. 
 
 Didst thou not break all vows, deceive, betray, 
 
 Once to obtain my secret in thy power. 
 
 Then, with what speed thou couldst, post straight to 
 
 these. 
 My spies and rivals, as a thing of naught 
 Reveal, abjuring bands of marriage-faith? 
 Yet now on my faint credence wouldst pretend 
 Repentance, feign remorse, what save in hope 
 To win me yet again, when thou wouldst hold me 
 Uxorious to thy power, thy thrall complete ! 
 Once more thy odious pretence I contemn, 
 And count thy spurious pleas not pleas, but lies. 
 
 LiLiTH. Then since thou wilt renounce me, thus 
 
 against 
 Thy marriage-faith, I thee renounce, disown, 
 'Not hold my husband, but account it free 
 To choose as likes my choice ; nor think the slight 
 Thou sett'st upon me easily overpassed 
 And no return attempted. In thy stead. 
 Thy paranymph, whom thou hast used thy friend, 
 I here espouse, and trust to find of faith 
 ISTot to desert upon so slight offence, 
 ^NTot breach of wedlock-faith engendering hate. 
 If this thou like not, since thou art sole cause 
 Thou must endure, since no redress is found. 
 Full leave of me hast thou to do the like. 
 If thou canst find, my doubt, a second mate, 
 After thy faith to me and duty shown. 
 However then it likes, or likes thee not, 
 Thou to thy lot may^st cleave, as I to mine. 
 
 SAMS0I7. Whatever then thy inclination bids thee, 
 Do therefore, now no more with me at one. 
 So less than ever b^ this act of thine, 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 41 
 
 That teaches plain, if still were Deed to learn, 
 
 How miserable lot with thee to live 
 
 Were mine, thus with a noxious bosom-snake 
 
 Tangled, had I not cut thee quickly off, 
 
 Before the threatened sting received. Nor less 
 
 Knowledge to choose a second mate I know, 
 
 In thy example warned, not by the bait 
 
 Of beauty snared, that falsest sign of virtue ; 
 
 Then only fair, where goodness, virtue, shines. 
 
 True beauty ; other, lacking these assured. 
 
 Comely or homely, with indifference gazed, 
 
 Or trivial passion felt and notice passed; 
 
 Not truly beautiful save truly good. 
 
 But I too long in this unfriendly place 
 
 Have stayed, nor yet delaying. Ye, who take 
 
 These pledges won, though to have gained esteeming. 
 
 And with imagined triumph flown discerned, 
 
 Think me not so unpractised or unskilled 
 
 To set the hazard on a single throw 
 
 A second riddle set, but the solution 
 So easily not gained, since on yourselves 
 Depends, if ye would have ; though now not far 
 It yet remains to learn, nor, would ye know 
 "Whence were these gotten spoils, long time to wait. 
 In such concerns I leave ye. So, farewell. 
 
 Choeus. So let him go, a riddler to the last. 
 But where in time so brief his forfeit gained 
 Now entertains my thoughts. Yet is most likely. 
 Since of Philistian mode, some wandering merchant. 
 By force constrained or gold, hath furnished them; 
 Since other means or other place, than thus 
 To gain them in his power, none appears. 
 And he on us durst no reprisal venture; 
 For had he thus, by this and here the attempt. 
 
 LiLiTH. Thy thoughts I fain would share, but cannot 
 hope. 
 For, at his parting first, a surly chafe 
 
42 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Possessed him, thus defrauded, as he thought, 
 
 With wrested honor where he felt secure 
 
 His faith ; and, though more calm of mind appearing 
 
 At his last coming, somewhat in his look 
 
 And action moved uncertain, that hath left 
 
 Doubtful and dark my mind; not easy, thus 
 
 By cunning overreached, will he defer 
 
 His vengeance, if already not exacted 
 
 "Whatever return or chosen recompense. 
 
 Expect then soon to hear tidings unwished, 
 
 And far of other import than now deemed 
 
 Some horrid deed, or dismal accident. 
 And sad to us the end, not joyful proving. 
 
 Chorus. Yet if thus known or no, it cannot long 
 Hang in suspense, thus doubtful, whether we 
 Erring be proved or thou, between whom now 
 The sure event must arbitrate. 
 And so perhaps not far deferred. 
 Eor now I see approaching. 
 With altered garb disordered 
 And visage uncomposed. 
 One in port and mien announcing news ; 
 Draws on apace, and in his look 
 Tidings of other sort than late received; 
 By his habit, a Philistine known, 
 
 As well as I may guess 
 
 One of our nation, sure, though not of ours. 
 What wind hath driven him here conjecture fails. 
 But by his frown not fraughted well for us. 
 
 Attendaistt. Ye, that upon this place now present 
 stand, 
 One here attends with message to you brought 
 Of what hath chanced from Samson, for such gained 
 While he the place inquired, for Timna bound; 
 And now awaits assurance, here at hand. 
 
 Messeis^gee. Men of Philistia, since that such ye are 
 Appearance testifies, and rumor, say 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 43 
 
 What city this, and who the habitants. 
 
 Chorus. Think then at once inquiry satisfied, 
 Though thou not yet declared, if Timna known, 
 The habitation of the sons of Caphtor. 
 
 Messengek. Then ye to whom the sad concern per- 
 tains. 
 Yet miserable, that to my lot should fall 
 The dread relation strange to be imparted. 
 Though haply to your ears by this the tale 
 Hath come : so ill the news, it travels post. 
 
 Chorus. Nothing we know in aught concerns us sad, 
 Nothing to startle or astound, except 
 Thy strange demeanor and thy outcry strange. 
 As though on ours some dire mischance were fallen. 
 
 Messenger. Nor far at variance deem thy guess from 
 truth. 
 
 Chorus. Intends thy speech the full significance ? 
 
 Messenger. Not else esteem ; though yet so strange 
 the event 
 Occurring, slow belief will credit scarce. 
 
 Chorus. I am curious how that riddle may import. 
 
 Messenger. Perhaps thy wish gains unthought satis- 
 faction. 
 
 Chorus. Tell us at once; for so suspense in news 
 Tortures, the worst at once were better known. 
 
 Messenger. So dire a tale would soon proclaim 
 itself, 
 Nor ask a tongue. But, if to full repletion 
 By rumor unconfirmed already filled. 
 Urge not so hard, nor with so keen desire 
 Seek what remains behind, lest evil tidings 
 In full relation heard bring grief in surfeit. 
 
 Chorus. Yet still set out thy news, whatever thou 
 knowest. 
 
 Messenger. Prom Ascalon I am hither, to which city. 
 Past midday, as we kept about our thrift, 
 Came Samson, peaceful then to us as seemed, 
 
44 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Thougli othendse the event approved, so dread, 
 
 So direful; whom our rabble straight assailed, 
 
 Matter of scorn to them and gaze, untried, 
 
 Though not unheard from rumor and report. 
 
 What dreadful might stored in those massy limbs. 
 
 Yet for a time he seemed unchafed, but stood 
 
 "With eyes fast fixed upon the ground, nor notice 
 
 Gave, nor attention, to their insolent rout, 
 
 As is their wont to strangers and alone. 
 
 At last, with head erect, and eyes uplift 
 
 That blazed with burning light and sparkles dire 
 
 Shot forth, he uttered voice to this effect: 
 
 Hitherto, as your inclination led. 
 
 Ye have performed, and I unmoved beheld; 
 
 N'ow in my turn I mean to try, if ye 
 
 Stand as unmoved, while I my part acquit. 
 
 So saying, nor with further voice vouchsafed. 
 
 But stern regard on his tormentors bent, 
 
 Fierce as a chafed wild boar from out the wood, 
 
 When hounds and huntsmen, galling, rouse, he set, 
 
 Single, unarmed, upon his enemies. 
 
 Whom when among, smiting with mighty force. 
 
 He felled to the earth, as mountain oaks and pines 
 
 Felled by fierce winds, when, rushing forth from all 
 
 The quartered earth, they vex the wilderness 
 
 With forests whole crushed down or torn up sheer; 
 
 So he whomever he chanced upon opposed 
 
 Buffeted low, or, raised in air, dashed down 
 
 With hazard of their heads and ruined sides. 
 
 ISTone might with hope oppose, or long withstand 
 
 Such onset, as, now roused and raging fierce, 
 
 He seized on trunks, or limbs, or heads, or arms, 
 
 And crushed, or bruised, or swung and dashed to death. 
 
 Till thirty, of our choice and flower esteemed, 
 
 Lay numbered slain ; till when his anger burned 
 
 IJnslackened, unexhausted, unappeased. 
 
 Lastly, such fierce destruction to oppose, 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 45 
 
 Weening his trinmpli, since he thought recoiled 
 
 And weary by so mighty number slain 
 
 Who by his prowest acts had wrought such harm, 
 
 Ahiman, of the mighty Anakim, 
 
 Came towering, armed in gorgeous panoply, 
 
 Helmet, and greaves, and brazen shield, and spear 
 
 Whose staff a weaver's beam and massy head, 
 
 Chalybean-tempered steel, a talent's weight, 
 
 Cuirass and vantbrace, gauntlet, clad entire 
 
 And cased from head to feet in perfect mail. 
 
 Whom when he saw, disdaining, as before. 
 
 Advantage save in strength, or weapon's aid, 
 
 Samson, whom now transcendent valor raised 
 
 To highest deeds, rushed in a tempest on ; 
 
 And, little recked or none what warlike toils. 
 
 Thrust spear, or brandished blade, or javelin poised. 
 
 Threatened him, or what towering bulk opposed, 
 
 The pillars main that bore the edifice 
 
 Caught in his grasp, and tugging to and fro 
 
 The haughty pile, with fierce convulsion shook, 
 
 As waters pent, till down the structure drew. 
 
 Felled to the ground in ruinous heap — a mass. 
 
 Shattered and maimed and wrecked, of shuddering flesh, 
 
 Crushed plate, and broken mail, and ruined sides, 
 
 Mangled with ghastly hurts in head and limb 
 
 Pent in and bruised by all his armor bent. 
 
 After which fearful slaughter in our streets, 
 
 Standing alone, since all had fled aloof 
 
 Dreading yet harm, he raised a mighty voice 
 
 And cried aloud : If hitherto ye sought 
 
 Reason of what I do, since unprovoked 
 
 By you esteemed, know that in Timna found 
 
 Both these your robes and of my deed the cause. 
 
 Or, if ye further seek and more desire, 
 
 These tidings carry to your lords, intended 
 
 My answer to their acts and vindication 
 
 Of what themselves provoked and drew, which more 
 
46 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Fully the ill befallen ye can explain. 
 
 Then, stripped their robes and as a burden placed. 
 
 He, disappearing, vanished from our sight 
 
 Suddenly, and as strangely as he came. 
 
 Ye have the account of his performance, then, 
 
 Full and complete, wherein if there be found 
 
 Matter of joy, rejoice and gratulate. 
 
 Choeus. fearful vengeance on thy foes inflicted, 
 Samson, by proof strongest of mortal men ! 
 Alas, if such thy tale, no cause of triumph 
 In this appears, occasion more to wail 
 And knock the breast ; nothing but ill and foul 
 Xor aught to quiet in a loss so shameful. 
 Xothing remains for joy, naught but dispraise, 
 Dishonor, fear, and shame, and foes' contempt ; 
 Since ne'er from one so dire a chance hath fallen us, 
 Wherein no glimpse of hope, none of revenge 
 On him, the dread occasion of our loss. 
 And cause, with all best speed by this departed 
 And from our borders passed beyond pursuit ; 
 Since evening, rising now, begins to tell 
 Her starry rubric. Xothing then remains, 
 Nothing but lamentation then remains 
 For so great loss, and after to confer 
 With counsel plotting how to reach revenge, 
 Since never overpassed with disregard 
 So foul dishonor stuck upon our front. 
 This day's disgrace, our sad reproach and shame. 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 47, 
 
 SAMSON" AT TIMNA. 
 
 THE ARGUMEl^T. 
 
 Samson, his wife having been made the bride of 
 another, his paran}rQiph, taketh vengeance by setting 
 foxes and fire-brands among the corn and vineyards of 
 the Philistines; who, either in revenge, or as an act of 
 justice, burn the Timnite and his daughter. While 
 conversing of his exploits with the chorus, his friends 
 and comrades at Zorah, his mother enters, and begs him 
 to be reconciled for their difference before the marriage 
 at Timna. Samson hesitates, but at last consents, going, 
 as it may be to his death, yet departing, before his father 
 arrives, upon tidings of the outrage to his wife. Eor 
 Samson, either desiring vengeance for the slight put 
 upon him, or not accepting the deed as justice in full, 
 parts to Timna, slays the Philistines with great slaugh- 
 ter, and thence withdraws to the rock Etham. Manoah 
 comes in during his son's absence, making inquiry of 
 his whereabouts, explaining that he now desires to be 
 reconciled to Samson for their difference at Timna. 
 While thus occupied, a messenger, an Ebrew, entering, 
 relates the story of Samson's exploits; and the drama 
 concludes. 
 
 THE PERSONS. 
 
 Samson". 
 
 Manoah, his father. 
 His mother. 
 FiEST Messengeb. 
 
48 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Second Messenger. 
 
 Chorus of Danite Youths. 
 
 Servant. 
 
 The Scene, at Zoeah. 
 
 Samson. what a swarm of restless thoughts 
 aroused 
 Awakens in me, while I contemplate 
 From earliest years my strange eventful life, 
 Well suiting to that mission high imposed ! 
 For first, as I have heard my parents tell, 
 My birth by messenger divine was brought 
 Unto my mother, hitherto, though loth, 
 Childless and barren, and before had prayed 
 A son from Heaven, as she sat reposed 
 Amid the field at cool decline of day. 
 Then to my father, as much moved by doubt 
 Of what the showing was, or vision true, 
 Or false presenting as a pretext urged. 
 Since open vision or prophetic dream 
 Long since were not, and this might startle well 
 With so strange tidings, hard for slow belief, 
 A second message also was vouchsafed. 
 Confirmed by solemn miracle, the seal 
 And sign of truth: for when the kindling flame 
 Rose with the sacrifice from off the altar. 
 The angel, mounting, rode thereon to heaven, 
 After conception sure of me foretold 
 To free my nation, break her cruel foes. 
 And so, when due time was, and all fulfilled, 
 My birth arrived, as late declared, the earnest 
 Of doubtful cherished hope. And this not all; 
 For still in youthful years and yet a child, 
 Heroic actions warmed my heart, when seeing 
 My nation subject to their heathen lords. 
 Myself ordained perhaps to set them free. 
 That I should Israel from such yoke redeem, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 49 
 
 My sacred task divine imposed from Heaven. 
 
 At this perceived, my mother much rejoiced. 
 
 Heartening thus my youthful hopes : son, 
 
 Cherish thy thought so high, but not presumptuous. 
 
 As might be deemed, since not as ordinary 
 
 Thy birth, nor unannounced; for to me seated 
 
 Amid the field, thence gone for solitude 
 
 And prayer for children, childless then and barren. 
 
 The messenger of God appeared, who told 
 
 That thou shouldst be and when, thy mission high, 
 
 To rescue Israel from Philistian yoke. 
 
 Hence, I thy thoughts from earliest days have eyed. 
 
 Awaiting what best time to set before thee 
 
 That high annunciation and divine 
 
 Mission on thee enjoined, that I might show thee 
 
 Thy wondrous birth and dedicated life. 
 
 But this remember sure, that in thy hair 
 
 The sacred secret hangs both of thy might, 
 
 Wondrous beyond compare, and safety placed. 
 
 This, therefore, ponder well, that naught may tempt 
 
 Thy ruin, and thou unadmonished fall. 
 
 Then, when my years were grown to man, strange 
 
 promptings, 
 Fulfilment of my youthful thoughts, which yearned 
 With highest hopes inflamed, that I perhaps 
 Might free my nation from Philistine yoke, 
 Eoused me to move among my enemies. 
 The Caphtorim, those proud oppressors cruel. 
 Where easy all their prowess I surpassed 
 In tests of strength and strenuous feats displayed. 
 That they, stirred up with quick revenge and hatred. 
 Endeavored oft to get into their power 
 The secret of my safety, sought in vain, 
 Until, through passion frail and amorous snare. 
 Once I beheld and loved, as they supposed, 
 The daughter of the Timnian infidel. 
 And sought her, though against my parents' wish. 
 
50 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Who saw this not, as I, as sent from God, 
 
 Occasion of my glorious task enjoined, 
 
 To be my wife — through passion? no, but urged, 
 
 I knew not how, by movings unexplained. 
 
 Certain in this, from God, and therefore followed 
 
 Rightly, as his divine behest. Then going 
 
 To claim my bride, the lion roared against me; 
 
 But him I caught with mighty hold, and shore 
 
 Easily off both hide and crested mane, 
 
 Tearing him as he tore the yeanling kid. 
 
 Whence was that riddle hard by me propounded, 
 
 A\TLen to the place arrived, to those choice youth 
 
 Assigned me as pretended friends, but spies 
 
 And rivals by their actions after found 
 
 To gain solution sought, long mused in vain, 
 
 Last through foul sleight secured, my bride constrained 
 
 To wrest from me and tell to them the secret 
 
 That solved my riddle set, the pretext furnished 
 
 My great work on our enemies begun; 
 
 Of whom thrice ten, their flower and choice esteemed. 
 
 At Ascalon I slew, bearing their robes 
 
 To Timna, as the wagered forfeit won. 
 
 Where, at my visitation last, her father 
 
 My bride refused, upon my paranymph 
 
 \\niom I had used my friend bestowed, averring 
 
 To her my utter hate supposed, and offering 
 
 Her younger sister, fairer claimed — a blot 
 
 Purged by the fires the foxes bore, when flamed 
 
 Both shock and standing corn with vineyards grown 
 
 Amid the olive orchards, theirs, whose toil 
 
 Had eared the field, as false adulteress found. 
 
 And now I wait what further may be moved 
 
 xVmong the Caphtorim, by this aroused 
 
 More than the former insults on them offered, 
 
 Certain of this that good to ours shall come 
 
 Through yet occasion to hostility 
 
 Upon our foes, herein so high incensed. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 51 
 
 What this may be I know not now, perhaps 
 Not need as yet, since in due time revealed; 
 For what concerns me then God will disclose. 
 But yonder through the trees I now discern, 
 "With rivalry of steps that steer this way, 
 A friendly troop, my chosen comrades dear, 
 Auxiliars and associates to my hope, 
 In many a hard task set my surest aid ; 
 Whose purpose, if some sudden wonder move 
 Now of their coming at this hour unused. 
 Their fraught, whatever it be, will soon disclose. 
 
 Chorus. Where shall we find whom long our search 
 
 hath sought, 
 But to our sorrow vain. 
 Through all his wonted haunts and known familiar 
 
 paths, 
 In Zorah and the vale of Eshtaol, 
 That witnessed his annunciation high 
 And wondrous work enjoined; 
 Then after saw his might prodigious grown 
 To manhood, prime in strength. 
 The promise well fulfilled of youthful years? 
 There now perhaps he wanders, thus remote 
 From sight of men, and meditates what more 
 Upon our foes with vengeance to inflict. 
 That may fulfil deliverance begun 
 Of Israel, and our freedom lost restore, 
 His mighty work foretold. 
 And task from Heaven imposed. 
 Mountains, and all ye caverns, that may hold 
 Far in some deep recess 
 Our mighty champion wandered. 
 His earliest view at infancy and last 
 Vision departing beheld. 
 If anywhere he harbor in your fastness 
 From us, him long awaiting, 
 Restore him safe back to his friends and home ! 
 
52 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Samson". Comrades, and ye that seek, suppose your 
 search. 
 If whom ye sought I am, here finds an end. 
 
 Chorus. Can this indeed be he. 
 That famous, that blazed, 
 Invincible Samson, promised long 
 Our land^s deliverer ? whom we sought 
 So long, our quest and baffled search, at last 
 With joy and rapture beheld, 
 
 Whose glorious might, our nation's bulwark reared, 
 Unbroke by hostile brunt, discomfit fierce 
 Wrought sore upon our foes. 
 When thirty, their flower and choice. 
 By Ascalon he slew, and thence approved 
 Matchless in might, the miracle of men? 
 And thus fulfilled that early promise, known 
 Beyond question sure, 
 When, to debate his path, the lion proud, 
 Roaring against him, reared 
 His mighty bulk opposed; 
 But he, with violence insupportable 
 Tearing him, cast aside 
 The carcass, a hive for bees; 
 The perplexed riddle set and stubborn test 
 That taxed their utmost. 
 And stumbled many, beyond question fallen. 
 If thus, beyond our hope, 
 To us indeed thou come, so long awaiting. 
 Resolved at last of fears and timorous doubt, 
 Say, then, what great intent had rapt thee from us. 
 
 Samson. My mission known and purpose high im- 
 posed 
 On our dread lords and cruel foes impelled me 
 To fresh occasions of hostility ; 
 From which but now arrived and new returned, 
 To me, your friend and comrade, as thou saidst, 
 This grateful welcome comes as not unkindly. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 53 
 
 After a passion cold and bed unchaste. 
 What therefore ye would know, boldly inquire; 
 And I, as far as may with self-esteem 
 Consort, will satisfy your thoughts put forth. 
 
 Chorus. Thy former actions on our foes performed 
 To us think not unknown; for who so far 
 Retired from frequent haunts of men, or tongue 
 Of common fame, by notice as not known 
 Thy bold deeds on our enemies performed. 
 At least of thy own countrymen and kindred? 
 To whom thy marriage-choice unfortunate 
 In sad event, as seemed, not more unknown. 
 Though most approve the consequence, averring 
 Better no wife than one so faithless found; 
 In which opinion also we concur. 
 But such as thou yet lately hast accomplished, 
 By common fame nor tidings yet arrived 
 Brought to our ears, these news to us divulge, 
 Since yet unheard from rumor or report. 
 Much less the true relation and distinct. 
 Wherein if aught be sad, as from thy words 
 Thus much perhaps inferred, then share with us 
 The full load of the sorrow that thou bearest, 
 That fellowship in grief divide the smart. 
 And not upon thy shoulders all the burden. 
 Too much for one, as best becomes our office. 
 Heartening with aid, as body, so of mind. 
 
 Samson. Your purpose, friends, is kindly, and ap- 
 proves 
 A wonted zeal and care for my concerns. 
 Though sore and hard desired recital given. 
 For who could wish, though to whom friendly told, 
 His own remorse and grief set forth, as thus 
 Repeated and redoubled to more shame ? 
 Yet fairly have ye asked, nor shall ye lose 
 Desired relation, though old griefs, awaked 
 By memory of those deeds, in fresh assault 
 
54 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Besieging, without intermission urge. 
 
 Words, kindly meant, but unadvised cast forth. 
 
 Salve not my sores, but, like unskillful hands 
 
 That would but medicine, yet lack the art, 
 
 To further aggravation only tend. 
 
 Opening afresh a wound new-healed. Yet so, 
 
 I shall delay desire nor slack in aught 
 
 Relation of those deeds which God by me 
 
 Singly hath done upon our conquerors. 
 
 So told, as late accomplished, that, as due. 
 
 Though ours the advantage all, to him the praise, 
 
 Who of his special favor thus vouchsafed. 
 
 Ye knew that I had chose my bridal choice, 
 
 Prompted thereto by God, impulse divine, 
 
 Among the daughters of the Caphtorim 
 
 Idolatrous, unclean, unceremonial. 
 
 Much to my parents' wish opposed, who saw not 
 
 Herein, as I, as sent from God, occasion, 
 
 My great work on our enemies begun. 
 
 The task whereto I was proposed by Heaven. 
 
 Hence they beset me sore, and urged me hard 
 
 Such purpose to forego, and quite give over 
 
 Intent so main esteemed against our laws. 
 
 But I persisted blind, and would not see 
 
 Or mother's tears or father suppliant. 
 
 Deeming it ill-advised, if not unfaithful, 
 
 After impulse divine, prompted by God, 
 
 My mission to forsake, or now draw back 
 
 Prom this great entering on my task proposed. 
 
 Thus recreant to that high injunction given; 
 
 J^or still repent me of my choice, by God 
 
 Urged and set on, though costing all that pain 
 
 Of wedlock infidelity endured; 
 
 Which, though foreseen not, still approved as fair, 
 
 If so Heaven's purposes may best be furthered. 
 
 My mission, and great being here on earth. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 55 
 
 Chorus. Yet furthered thus my mind misdoubts, 
 against 
 God's strictest law and thy vowed purity 
 To seek a bride of stock idolatrous, 
 Uncircumcised, unchaste — a thing forbid. 
 Scandalous, and esteemed as like unworthy 
 Our nation or our God, and in our law 
 With pains and penalties severest punished. 
 Yet disregarded late by some, who mix, 
 In such ill-mated marriage as obtains. 
 Their blood with heathen, which abhor to join. 
 Join with result thou seest, our nation slaved 
 And painful servitude. Well then may chance 
 That thou upon thyself draw'st thy own ills. 
 And more shalt draw, by this uncounselled act 
 So bias to our customs and our laws. 
 Yet so it may turn out, since thy intent 
 Found worthy, that God will of favor rule 
 Good from this act to come, not else ordained. 
 
 Samson. All things are best done when they may be 
 best. 
 And as they may be ; means not much import ; 
 So they suffice the time, no question needs. 
 If wrong herein were found, God had not so 
 Have prompted or permitted to an act 
 Against his own best good and highest end 
 That champion, for this purpose reared express, 
 To free his nation from their chiefest foes ; 
 So by this act his contradiction proving 
 By evil wrought for good; not thought of God. 
 
 Choeus. I oft had wonder at thy marriage-choice, 
 Since of thy own tribe women given so fair 
 Who willingly had yoked with thee in bonds ; 
 The more, because thy separation known 
 To God, and mission, motioned to forbid 
 License or choice to thee, else overlooked 
 With small respect, or unregarded quite. 
 
56 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 But now thy vouclied permission and command 
 Might well excuse in thee, if else, a fault 
 ]^ot to be overpassed or unrespected 
 In one by Heaven^s gifts adorned so highly, 
 And more in one to such great service missioned. 
 
 Samson". Then to the feastful marriage gone, my 
 father 
 Abused, as known, departed thence in anger. 
 Because I would not, for that insult offered, 
 AVreak vengeance upon those who thus had ventured 
 Violence on him ; deeming not as yet 
 Sufficient provocation, since to me 
 N'o breach of faith, nor that Heaven-gifted strength, 
 Bestowed to public benefit, not private 
 Respect, here justly used. Nor still was ripe 
 My purposed deed, since yet my sire and kindred 
 Sojourned at Timna, which on them should draw 
 My punishment provoked, if, they found present, 
 Violence I presumed; whence came that breach 
 Between us opened, nor yet closed entire. 
 But when I saw my bride unchaste and faithless, 
 My secret on fair pretext gained, then basely 
 Given to my spies and rivals, and perceived 
 Impudently and with what insolence 
 Their faith-breach first confessed, then of their lords, 
 By them set on and urged unto the act. 
 Knowing by this all put on enmity, 
 Since disregarded quite their solemn faith, 
 Toward them I dealt as enemies, where chanced. 
 And parting thence to Ascalon, I slew 
 Thirty, their flower and choice, bearing their robes 
 To Timna, as their wagered forfeit set; 
 Whence parted, here in anger I returned. 
 But she, the hateful source of all that strife. 
 My bride espoused and wed, unknowing taken 
 From me, as basely was bestowed upon 
 My paranymph^ whom I had used my friend, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 5;r 
 
 Exampling well boasted Philistian faith, 
 Unfaittif-ul, -unregarded, -unobserved. 
 Therefore, in time of harvest parted hence 
 And thither passed, I found my bride refused, 
 Espoused another, and, which was far worse 
 Than insult yet presumed, her father proffered 
 A younger sister, fairer, in her stead. 
 Either by way of justice, though thus viewed 
 Scarcely, or else, which seems presumption fairer 
 And to "their apter mind, more to enrage, 
 Already chafed and sore, my passion roused. 
 
 Chokus. But for such dire affront and insult studied, 
 Ere this perhaps, thou mad^st some dreadful way 
 To satisfy the full of thy revenge. 
 
 Samsoi^. I paid my enemies in their own coin, 
 No counterfeit, be sure, as this may show. 
 For, after their pretended given amends, 
 iN'ot to be so deceived, nor cheated yet 
 Of what by right my own, nor still to show 
 Affection, then unfelt for one so faithless. 
 Yet more than the Philistines blameless found 
 Though unto them so sore displeasure done. 
 With friendly aidance furnished, thrice a hundred 
 Poxes I caught, yoked two and two with brands 
 Fast-fixed, that, touched with nimble fire, shot forth 
 Flames thick and fast among the vines and corn. 
 They, as they ran, with heat incestuous seized 
 Whatever adverse chanced, which violate, 
 Both vines and standing corn adulteress played. 
 Cheating whose hard-used toil had eared the field, 
 (Their falsities in turn how well repaid!) 
 Nor ceased, until that marriage-ransom given 
 At least not to the takers more remained. 
 Of what from this may spring, or how their lords 
 Will move, no doubt herein so high incensed, 
 I have no thoughts, but still of this feel certain ; 
 Not long will they endure so foul affront 
 
58 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Put on them, and not move somewhat in answer. 
 
 If by no more set on than merest shame ; 
 
 To me the sooner come the better liked, 
 
 Since thus occasion to hostility 
 
 Means what but freedom reft sooner regained? 
 
 God having long since justly given them up 
 
 Por their delusions and idolatries 
 
 Into our hand, had we not headlong followed 
 
 To idols, and transgressed command imposed 
 
 So strictly, as not lightly to be held ; 
 
 Nor humbled yet ourselves, but persevered 
 
 To evil, though God oft of favor raised 
 
 Deliverers, by us as oft contemned. 
 
 Choosing ignoble ease to strenuous freedom, 
 
 (0 folly, and extreme of weakness found!) 
 
 Who, with a tithe of valor shown before. 
 
 Might easily have shaken off their yoke 
 
 And ruled o'er them, as they o'er us now rule. 
 
 But vile unmanly weakness held us bound 
 
 To serve; servility rewarded well 
 
 With servitude and servile punishment. 
 
 Chokus. Thy deeds heroic bring to mind 
 How famous champions else, by Heaven endued, 
 With strenuous effort have assayed 
 To free their nation from a cruel yoke. 
 The mighty Gideon, nor so far 
 By time removed, brave Jephtha famed; 
 Others of less renown, but equal merit. 
 Bold Shamgar, Anath's son, and later named, 
 Barak and Tola, 
 Champions yet approved, 
 Though of their fame unlike memorial known. 
 Yet these, ungratefully received. 
 Ungrateful more were left, despised, suspected 
 By whom their valor freed, deserving 
 Far better thanks repaid, 
 Which yet their lot obtained, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 59 
 
 Than shame and shown contempt on glorious deeds. 
 Yet these in part achieved ; reserved perhaps 
 For thee, our known deliverance raised, 
 And thence acceptable found, as fit, 
 Our total reprieve to accomplish. 
 
 Samson". Yet to the men of Israel not so. 
 Witness their slack indifference to my deeds, 
 Worse than their hate, or envy, or suspicion 
 To me, their great deliverer ordained; 
 Rather than whom receive, they sit in bonds, 
 Under a hateful yoke, abject, despised, 
 Disglorified and shamed, disprized, dishonored. 
 Though to what glorious freedom once designed. 
 Yet so perhaps God's purpose high fulfilled. 
 Time to himself best known and instrument, 
 If by a single arm their bondage broken. 
 That his be all the praise, none due to them. 
 Who held so faithless covenant express 
 Unworthy, unregarded, unobserved, 
 And God's high gifts despised as valued naught. 
 
 Chokus. Dark are the ways of God, 
 And darkly ordained 
 His counsels, yet his purpose vindicate. 
 Designed our test of faith 
 And trial of fortitude. 
 He had not else, except his counsel served, 
 Prolonged our expectation 
 With sure deliverance offered thus postponed, 
 Nor left so long unsuccored 
 His chosen people under heathen yoke 
 Abject, unworthy, despicable, vile. 
 So chosen once to rule 
 The land where now they serve. 
 
 Semi-choeus. But they forsook his yoke, though 
 just and mild, 
 And bowing down to worship wood and stone. 
 The work of human hands, 
 
6o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Served after other gods, 
 
 Brutish and foul, Baal and AshtarotH, 
 
 With others many more, 
 
 The dark idolatries among the heathen round, 
 
 Insensate, and provoked their Living Strength 
 
 To turn away his holy eyes 
 
 And leave them to his judgments; 
 
 Who, thus incensed, hath justly given them up 
 
 To serve the worshippers who served their gods. 
 
 But they repented not, nor yet sincere 
 
 Received the mighty ministers he raised 
 
 To their deliverance; 
 
 But treacherously dealt, and God contemned, 
 
 Which caused them added woe. 
 
 And wrought their deeper shame. 
 
 To extreme pitch of ahject fortune fallen. 
 
 Semi-chorus. So let not like ingratitude afSict thee, 
 Samson, by trial proved 
 Strongest of mortal men; 
 Rather may he, whose minister thou art 
 And mighty imaged strength. 
 Regard thy toils, and to thy labors place, 
 For thus he only can. 
 As to thy hopes thus far, successful end. 
 
 Chorus. But see ! from forth the house retired. 
 With face where hope and fear contend, 
 Thy mother comes; advise 
 With her what converse thou holdest. 
 
 Samson". Her fraught I part may guess, though still 
 unknown. 
 
 Chorus. Some sorrow, needs, for so her looks infer. 
 Fallen and dark, and doubtful speech essayed. 
 Which, ere it frame to words, the pausing tongue 
 Dissolves to sighs. But now she moves to speak. 
 
 Mother. With lingering steps and doubtful sad 
 persuasion 
 I came, still fearful of thy absence, Samson ; 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 6i 
 
 Whom when I knew, belief would credit scarce 
 What ears had evidenced and eyes received, 
 My dearest expectation thus returned 
 Beyond my thought, the crown of all my hope. 
 And now, arrived from some great purpose done 
 Upon our foes, for thus far I infer, 
 Knowing thy task divine on thee imposed. 
 Grant me, as first to these perhaps, relation 
 Of what remarkably thou late hast done. 
 That, as thy youthful hopes I shared, fulfilment 
 I now may share by this recital given 
 
 Samson. Since ended scarce to these my actions done, 
 Defer request, when more convenient time 
 Permits relation fuller, that, alone 
 With thee, if once again my deeds recited 
 To thy sole ear, I shall not seem to boast. 
 As haply so, if now again recounted 
 Those high exploits upon our foes performed ; 
 Which would convert my glory to contempt. 
 Though worthy all renown and highest praises, 
 To ridicule and scorn, with laughter moved 
 Of all who heard, and shameful title gained 
 Of babbler, on my front the mark of fool. 
 Doughty in words, not deeds, which of themselves 
 Declare their doer^s praise, if praise attached, 
 But savoring thus dishonor done to God, 
 Rancor and pride, impatience of renown, 
 That comes itself unsought, if truly so. 
 And on my mission drawn dispraise deserved — 
 The height of folly found, and height of sin. 
 
 MoTHEE. Then, thus returned from purpose high 
 achieved 
 Upon our enemies, as from report 
 Thus much I gather, grant me, as of old. 
 Though with event less to repine, be hoped. 
 My first petition, Jephtha's daughter given 
 Up to his vow, a maiden consecrate. 
 
62 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Virgin and dedicated all her days — 
 
 Thus thou my prayer accept, and to thy father 
 
 Be reconciled, who, hoping against hope 
 
 Of thy forgiveness granted, knowing both. 
 
 His great indignity on thee and thy 
 
 As strong resentment roused contrar}^, hopes 
 
 Thy pardon, and through me desires be made 
 
 Reconciled to his son, whom yet he loves. 
 
 Samson. I did not, mother, at the first offend; 
 Nor do I now, as then I did not, hold 
 Resentment, though such well might be provoked 
 By such offence, and in such presence offered, 
 Debased among my fellows, disesteemed 
 With lack of filial seeming thus avouched. 
 ISTor am I loth in aught, if might be healed 
 The wide breach opened by his acts between us, 
 Nor, still the fault not mine, yet closed entire. 
 But I am not as when by due and custom 
 Pardon to seek the first was mine, the offence 
 Rightly not so, with reconcilement moved, 
 As to superior power owing reverence. 
 Which well might sort with youthful duty held. 
 But now a man mature and grown to years. 
 With rights and honors rightly due to man. 
 Somewhat belongs to me of self-regard, 
 Self -estimation ; which if thus my father 
 Has disrespected, as offence not mine. 
 So also the first suit for pardon not. 
 Nor easily to grant, as slight offended. 
 
 MoTHEE. Yet still bethink thee, son ; though here be 
 deemed 
 Some nice regard to thy asserted right. 
 As to thy proper guidance now arrived. 
 He is thy father still, to whom belong. 
 As first by debt of nature, now of age. 
 Thy duty and thy service and thy love ; 
 Which bonds by time relaxed not, what thy years, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 63 
 
 Constrain thee, son, against thy present holding, 
 Both to my granted prayer and his forgiveness. 
 'Not can I think thy mind, though stubborn now 
 And firm of purpose, long will persevere 
 Against that better-natured self, thy wont, 
 As by entreaty moved and mother^s asking, 
 So now, as first, a son obedient. 
 
 Samsoist. I cannot else reply than what I have. 
 And still retain that dignity of soul 
 With self -esteeming thought, my pride and weakness, 
 If rightly judged a weakness, and not rather 
 The sure strength and most firm prop to the mind, 
 Which lacking, lacks all worthy objects else; 
 For, where esteem of self is wanting, wants 
 Respect of others, nor is ever won, 
 Until the dignity, that builds within. 
 Create an awe and conscience of true worth. 
 Informing both the soul and outward sense. 
 ISTor can I do my conscience thus far wrong 
 As plead a fault, wherein no fault exists 
 By my esteem and right esteem of all. 
 To pleasure thee, a mother yet known dear. 
 And this, my purpose, fixed and firmly held 
 Despite what yet thou hadst to bear against. 
 May teach thee to desist thy vain attempt. 
 As found before, to move, with reason armed, 
 Truth on my side and justice, as thou seest. 
 Thus, with my quarrel righteous, trebly proof. 
 
 Mother. Is this thy final answer, then, returned? 
 
 Samson. So take it ; with what sad reluctance given. 
 
 MoTHEE. I ,am sorry how that stubbornness may 
 cost thee, 
 Samson, so persevered against regard 
 Had to his proffered suit, by me so proffered 
 As to thy right meet estimation had; 
 Nothing but ill, be sure ; which, though repented, 
 Shall not escape whatever consequence, 
 
64 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 When thou in act, not less than apprehension; 
 Shalt feel the pangs of love repulsed severe, 
 Or to thyself some like offence presumed. 
 The rights that love obtains regarded not 
 Or outraged by some foul indignity. 
 Which on thyself in no long time shall fall 
 Perhaps, when thou too late repent'st thy crime. 
 My warning then regarded, but too late. 
 
 Samsois. My crime it is, thou sayest, not first to 
 move 
 Repentance, and first reconcilement seek 
 Now with my father, at thy instance urged. 
 Rather than disregard entreaty thus. 
 Though of thy asking. Stands there no excuse 
 Then on my part, no cause or reason found? 
 Was it no injury by him presumed, 
 When at the marriage-feast and all in sight 
 Of those who stood attending, bridal friends 
 And comrades to my nuptials, in their presence 
 Who waited to exult over my ill. 
 Thus to debase me, slight me, and forego me. 
 Insult, denounce me with reproaches heaped 
 Of cowardice and heart unvalorous — 
 The chief indignity of youth, and shame — 
 Lastly to disinherit and disown me, 
 Cut ofi from hope of honor, disavow me. 
 With infamy upon my name denounced? 
 Yet, after these indignities, and worse, 
 Heaped on me with contempt, to sue his grace 
 With pardon moved, beseech his love renewed 
 And favorable face, his due offence 
 Mine, not as his, accompt — the extreme reproach, 
 Yet with assurance on me now presumed ? 
 If access to my pardon thou hast sought. 
 An erring way thou took'st. I will not grant it. 
 
 MoTHEE. Be circumspect, and of thy honor nice, 
 But urge not to thy own contrition, Samson; 
 
[TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 6$ 
 
 Deplore the fault, but not so rigorous hold 
 
 Against the offender, whose extreme fault goes 
 
 No further than a certain over-haste 
 
 And heat, or ardor, in his right presumed, 
 
 Not fitting to his age or place, perhaps, 
 
 Nor due to some defect of mind, inferred 
 
 Broken with age or over-worn, but rather 
 
 The workings of a pride surprised and hurt 
 
 By question or denial of authority 
 
 Once had, and still presumed, still thought possessed. 
 
 Hence, rather than raise anger or despite. 
 
 It should obtain indulgence, make for pardon. 
 
 As but the spark the virtuous temper strikes. 
 
 Random and hasty, not the settled blaze 
 
 Of steady hate, unquenchable, untamed ; 
 
 And will so, in the truly noble mind. 
 
 Samson. Thou arguest aimless ; since thou canst not 
 
 know 
 The just cause and due motive to my wrath. 
 Not present on the place, nor knowing aught 
 The offensive, unextenuate circumstance. 
 Hadst thou been there, or here the fault, thou wouldst 
 
 not 
 Have wonder at my anger or fixed mind 
 Not to sue first or reconcilement move, 
 No cause of wrong in me or error found; 
 Rather wouldst well approve and right aver. 
 What I had done deserved no such return, 
 Nor wouldst thou, in my place, gloss it o'er thus. 
 Then cease to urge me more with pardon moved; 
 Thy labor is but lost. I will not grant it. 
 
 Mother. I do not, son, reproach thee that thou 
 
 bearest 
 O'eihesLYy on his charge, for his default 
 Exact'st too much, too far thy right presumest, 
 That thou thyself rejected'st and disowned'st 
 First, ere thy father, and regarded'st not 
 
66 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 God or thy country^s law, that still forbade 
 
 That false league with thy country's foe conjoined 
 
 Of wedlock, to thy ills the fount and source 
 
 Now proving ; not thus far my wrath extends. 
 
 But yet I tell thee thou hast wrong, if thus 
 
 Thou stand upon thy due, and give no heed 
 
 To kindly admonition or reproof. 
 
 Intended for thy good and welfare best. 
 
 I thought thy ill-event in marriage-choice 
 
 Had taught thee some regard unto my word, 
 
 Then disregarded vsdth result thou seest; 
 
 But now I see some false imagined pride 
 
 Of thy due right and honor nicely held 
 
 Weighs with thee more than all that I can say. 
 
 And though I thought to do thee some small service 
 
 Between thy father, I am moved to leave thee 
 
 Unto that curse by him on thee pronounced. 
 
 And add my own, to see how then may prosper 
 
 That high pride against curses doubly heaped. 
 
 Yet thou art still my son; that still forbids 
 
 What I with fond presumption thought to do ; 
 
 By which relation strongly I adjure thee 
 
 Now with thy father to be reconciled; 
 
 For he is more in years than thou, and deems it 
 
 Not his to make suit unto thee, nor move 
 
 First reconciliation with his son. 
 
 As to his age and office an indignity. 
 
 Though thou couldst not before, yet canst thou now 
 
 Respect thy mother's tears, which how they flow 
 
 Thou seest, to leave thy stubborn purpose held 
 
 By suit for pardon, now in time besought? 
 
 And who knows to what perils thou must go 
 
 By reason of thy mighty deeds achieved 
 
 Upon our enemies, thy task assigned? 
 
 Shouldst thou not stronglier do, and more achieve, 
 
 If by our prayers and wishes seconded, 
 
 Than striving against what ill curse may fall 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 67 
 
 From God, because of thy refusal shown 
 
 To grant what still from him thou must receive, 
 
 Through thy temptation fallen, nor restored? 
 
 Consider, then, if well thou canst withhold 
 
 What for thyself in no long time besought, 
 
 And of another be not more exacting. 
 
 So found in like offense, than of thyself. 
 
 Samson. Give o'er thy tedious siege, thus only 
 found 
 To this time, uneffectual, unavailing. 
 Despite what powerfulest thou couldst bear, 
 And like to end as vain, so fixed my mind. 
 So armed, so proof against extreme assault; 
 I cannot, and I will not, grant thy asking. 
 
 Mother. Have I besought, and vainly then besought 
 thee. 
 Humbled myself, where well I might command, 
 Implored thy easiest gift, yet find me scorned. 
 Denied, repulsed as thou wert not my son, 
 111 treated worse than by an enemy. 
 The pains, which purchased dear thy life, bemocked, 
 And what thy constant love had well secured. 
 Yet now as naught regarded, valueless ? 
 0, why do men, in whom the spirit pretends 
 Of wisdom, with no due regard or fear 
 Before them, by example still untaught, 
 Implore, beseech, and beg desirable 
 The doubtful gift of children, fondly deeming 
 Barrenness found in wedlock a reproach? 
 For, when with answered prayer and given request 
 Obtained, our anxious life is filled entire 
 With fears, if well or ill they shall turn out. 
 And oftest shall, be sure, the latter end. 
 Unkindly, unregardful, slack in duty, 
 Or, worse, a deep reproach and wounding shame; 
 And, if by death deprived, what surcease then 
 Of sorrow, loveless, joyless, desolate, 
 
68 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Nothing desirable in life, and death 
 Not ready, though so ready found before ? 
 Which direst woe hath brought to human life. 
 And shall bring, by experience unschooled; 
 But some ill destiny or nature's bent 
 Impels. Which now my bitter lot obtains, 
 One son, and one by one too many found. 
 
 Choeus. Samson, if we may venture, nor oSend 
 By privilege of friendship ventured thus 
 And wonted old regard, consider well, 
 If rightly thou refuse thus tendered offer 
 To reconcile, while yet occasion serves, 
 And pardon move, while yet in time thou mayest, 
 Before too late, and vainly then, besought. 
 
 Samsoit. I had no thoughts to have replied again 
 To what thou mayest have said, but thy strong sorrow 
 And ruthful passion felt the like have raised 
 In me, though not to overbear my purpose. 
 Going into such peril, as thou saidst. 
 But though I cannot all concede thee, yet 
 Thus far I grant thee, though thus only, that 
 To thy entreaty so much I will yield. 
 As to be reconciled, if he will seek. 
 More than this can I not, nor ask thou more. 
 
 MoTHEE. If this thy resolution, to no cause 
 My supplications, which I cease, perforce. 
 Vain only, and of such prevailment found 
 As idle breath breathed forth against the wind; 
 But, going to thy father, wiU entreat 
 Thus far forbearance and his duty owed 
 As to forego his elder right, and sue thee 
 For pardon, as his first offence requires. 
 "Wherein with him if better I succeed not 
 Than now with thee, matters no worse at least. 
 If not improved, as yet my hope assures 
 Of my entreaty more to him preferred, 
 By me assailed as lightly not refused; 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 69 
 
 Which now shall first concern me. So, farewell. 
 
 Samson. Misdeem not, friends, if herein I persist 
 Perhaps beyond what just and right were known, 
 To disregard entreaties deemed so dear; 
 But after slight so sore and unprovoked 
 If pardon asked, not mine the first to move. 
 And reconcilement seek with what amends. 
 I had not else have kept what faith and honor 
 Due to myself I owe, and before you. 
 After the full relation heard, had fallen 
 With disesteem; for, where offence thus great 
 Easily pardoned, what can else be deemed. 
 Save that who pardon grants himself thus values 
 Cheaply, or none at all; which I could not. 
 And still retain what self-esteem I have; 
 I should have so lost all virtuous regard. 
 
 Chorus. Thy conduct still approves thy wisdom, 
 Samson, 
 Herein to reconcile thyself, though late, 
 Eepenting thee the former mind thou hadst 
 I^ot to be first to move, or herein grant 
 Wished reconciliation; for who knows. 
 Which late thy mother said to move thy mind, 
 What perilous adventures unforeseen 
 Await thee, now our lords so justly roused 
 By thy late acts more than thy former offered? 
 For they will not defer to wreak their vengeance 
 So as to touch thee nearly, if perhaps 
 To quell thy hostile force, having once learned 
 Thy harass bold upon their land presumed. 
 
 Samson. It cannot be too soon by my desire. 
 The sooner come the better to my liking, 
 For this express and purpose moved against them, 
 To tempt them to their ruin who provoked 
 Justly God's anger by his chosen slaved. 
 Whatever, then, their sudden valor prompt. 
 Let them set on, to try whose found the stronger. 
 
70 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Their god, or whom Israel's sons adore; 
 Then, after trial had, let him be boasted 
 Whose champion's prowess best approves his own. 
 Chokus. gloried strength, the means by Heaven 
 endued 
 To our deliverance, 
 As God oft before 
 In his high purpose raised 
 Mighty deliverers 
 
 To free his nation from the heathen and profane. 
 Who out of smallest things had well ordained 
 Unquenchable force to quell the oppressor's violence. 
 The boisterous power of evil men, 
 When, all their arms and mighty force contemning, 
 On them surprised, amazed. 
 Reft of defence. 
 
 And by their folly to their ruin drawn. 
 So smitten with wrath divine. 
 He executes his errand of destruction. 
 
 Yet so his purpose high he oft delays, 
 Proving his instrument 
 As fit to his great purpose 
 By trial unsupposed. 
 
 Some testing of his means, if they suffice 
 To serve his mighty mission 
 And counsel high decreed; 
 Yet in the happy trial if unmoved 
 And stedfast fixed his faith. 
 By peril or dread unshaken. 
 But purposed resolute, 
 He in return wants not some witness left, 
 Some glorious proof of high regard bestowed 
 And favor shown by Heaven. 
 
 Which haply known thy lot and chance endured, 
 Samson, by proof esteemed 
 Strongest of mortal men, 
 
lTamar and other poems 71 
 
 Subjected thus to what indignities 
 
 The tyranny of fortune can inflict; 
 
 Though yet may God avert. 
 
 If so his counsel 
 
 His purpose serve, 
 
 Prom thee, our freedom chosen 
 
 And mighty champion raised; 
 
 Though if he else determine, 
 
 His counsel still his cause will vindicatef. 
 
 But now I see approaching 
 One whose garb disordered 
 And altered mien proclaim 
 
 N^o doubtful news of what may late have chanced, 
 Perhaps the consequences of thy deed. 
 He will not far defer, nor much delay 
 His tidings, whatsoe'er he may have gained; 
 Which to receive expect ere no long time. 
 
 Messengee. Samson, for so I knew thee by report, 
 If yet these eyes had not thy might beheld, 
 Tidings I have that touch thy near concern, 
 More than perhaps thou mayest imagine now, 
 And far of other import than thou deemest; 
 So best related to thy ear alone. 
 
 Samson. Sad must they be supposed, or joyful 
 rather 
 Esteemed, as to demand sole audience thus? 
 
 Messengee. Sad to the sad, but to the joyful not; 
 Among which latter known I reckon thee. 
 
 Samson. So much the less relation asks delay. 
 
 Messengee. So with like surety of the present audi- 
 ence. 
 
 Samson. Put forth thy tale; no hesitation needs; 
 Friendly are all who stand, as like to hear. 
 
 Messengee. Hither from Timna come I, where oc- 
 casions 
 Drew me of late ; there, as my business sped, 
 Following the distant quest of some stray beast, 
 
^2 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Came rumors of thy acts, whicli had laid waste 
 That harassed region whence thy bride thou hadst. 
 Meanwhile thy bridal friends, with others more — 
 For so I learned from such as present stood — 
 By soon inquiry gained thy motive thereto, 
 Thy bride by marriage faith-breach with false bed 
 To thee unchaste, came up, her only seeking 
 Who had provoked thy anger, thus unchaste. 
 But when they knew her father so concerned 
 In her unchastity and wrested oath. 
 By him bestowed upon thy paranymph 
 Whom thou hadst used thy friend, excuse averring 
 To her thy utter hate and shown contempt, 
 WTiich argued thee no more her wedlock mate 
 And thee no more regarding her as thine, 
 Not that they much repented thy aSront 
 But dreaded repetition of thy deed. 
 Either to clear from their connival deemed 
 The guilt of wedlock bands thus disallied. 
 Of terror else to strike into their foe 
 Who by his prowest deeds had wrought their harm, 
 With fire they burned her and her father's house. 
 Yet here to thee no cause of grief supposed, 
 Though nearly in the sad event concerned 
 Fortunate to have lost so faithless bride; 
 Eather more cause for joy to have escaped. 
 
 Chorus. Stand not so mute, Manoah's mighty son. 
 As sore offended by such tidings heard, 
 Or by pretended sorrow much distressed, 
 Since here not due the wonted signs of grief 
 That custom for so near a death demands. 
 Or happiness, or what, forbids thy utterance? 
 Not sorrow, to have heard so joyful tidings. 
 
 Samson. Alas, that favor high, to have received 
 Command from Heaven imposed. 
 As missioned to some great service. 
 And by some acts of valor in part approved. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 73 
 
 If now to me, God's minister ordained 
 
 And mighty imaged strength, 
 
 Such insult ventured 
 
 And foul affront presumed 
 
 By heathen and profane. 
 
 Thus disesteemed as naught who me commissioned ! 
 
 Was it for this those tidings high descended 
 By messenger divine. 
 Who charioted flaming from the altar 
 After my birth foretold 
 And mission high asserted. 
 To break my nation's cruel foes. 
 Task thus divinely set. 
 As with attest of Heaven destined 
 To some great work and glory. 
 By hopes beyond heroic thus inflamed? 
 Yet now, alas, forsaken. 
 Thrust out to foes' contempt 
 Whose might I was ordained to quell, 
 All helpless left 
 To irreparable sense of shame ! 
 Thus given to draw out miserable days, 
 To foes ridiculous, 
 A gazed and pitied object 
 To all my friends and kindred. 
 As not of force such insult to return 
 Redoubled on my foes ! 
 
 Rather than which endured, so shameful, vile 
 
 Wound to my name esteemed 
 
 Beyond all hoped relief. 
 
 This one petition, might I but be heard. 
 
 Some direful death, or evil end, 
 
 Or aught, if aught, more dread 
 
 Than lost unknown, ignoble. 
 
 So cut off from remembrance of my shame ; 
 
 To me the cure of my great woes regarded 
 
 And welcome end of all my miseries. 
 
74 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Choeus. All is of God, to some great end ordained. 
 Though darkened oft by doubt, 
 If so his purpose best his counsel serve; 
 Who, as a trial had of faith 
 And tested fortitude, 
 Submits to some affliction 
 His chosen, that his glory may appear 
 More glorious and his counsel vindicate, 
 "WTien, after testings hard, he them appoints 
 Enlarged deliverance, 
 For their fault repented 
 Favor renewed, 
 Tempering so his justice with his mercy. 
 
 Which haply found thy chance and lot appointed, 
 Samson, thus visited 
 With what indignities 
 The tyranny of fortune may afflict. 
 Deject not, therefore, overmuch 
 Thyself, as lost entire 
 And wholly given to shame; 
 Think to thy ill some good, however small, 
 Conjoined at least, since now no longer found 
 Thy linked and wedlock mate 
 One so foully disregarding 
 The faith of marriage-bands; 
 Better thy lot, endured whatever, thus freed, 
 Though by so hard mischance. 
 From her the cause of all thy miseries ; 
 Whom to have lost esteem thee fortuned highly. 
 And willingly receive what grief conjoined. 
 
 Samson. Ay me ! so soon that direful punishment 
 "Visited on her disregarded faith ? 
 Yet none to plead for mercy, and no place 
 For pardon found ? Stood there not one her friend, 
 One on her part? Must all have thus conjoined 
 To her destruction, all in hate conjoined? 
 Which, had I present stood, had else not been, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 75 
 
 Or more had rued the bitter consequence. 
 But here no place for words or boastful talk; 
 Rather by deeds to learn if disregarded 
 Marital rights and dues a husband holds 
 With wanton outrage unprovoked presumed, 
 Yet no return attempted. They shall feel 
 Soon my displeasure heavy and fierce wrath 
 Upon their heads, whose craft no further knew 
 Than slaughter of the unoffending helpless 
 To satisfy the vengeance their own acts 
 Of faithlessness and broken league provoked. 
 Nor on the unsuspecting innocent 
 Redounds this punishment, but they, whose acts 
 Offended, thy shall feel what wrath themselves 
 Drew on them with unlooked for, dire return. 
 Which now shall be my task, when preparation 
 Suffices to my matters ordered right. 
 
 Choeus. Consider, Samson, to what chance thou 
 goest. 
 If perilous attempt thus draw thee forth. 
 All by this roused, thou seest, as not before ; 
 And hardly shall they deal toward thee, the cause 
 Of all their harm, by this their deed performed 
 Thy ruin thence intended, in the snare 
 So easy drawn, if singly thou adventure 
 Among thy enemies thus fierce aroused. 
 Forego thy purpose, or, if still thou hold. 
 Select at least some friendly aid who, under 
 Thy conduct, will assist to thy revenge. 
 And thus insure thy safe deliverance owed, 
 As our foretold deliverance, to thy nation. 
 And not to so rash valor victim fall, 
 As well might chance, if singly thou adventure. 
 
 Samson. Thy words are not unreasoned, but they 
 fail 
 Of purpose either that I should forego. 
 Or share with proffered aid the high emprise. 
 
^6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 For what dread danger can so sore beset, 
 
 As menace or much threat with serious harm 
 
 Him to his land^s foretold deliverance raised? 
 
 And to whom else, or by whose hand more fitly, 
 
 Than who received the insult, either due, 
 
 Or with stern compt exacted the revenge. 
 
 Through what dread perils or shrewd toils pursued? 
 
 Which if on one presumed, so much the more. 
 
 If equal force suflScient in him found, 
 
 Boldly, through opposition whatsoever, sought. 
 
 I, therefore, I alone will undertake 
 
 The hazardous attempt, if hazard be. 
 
 And not redounded glory on the deed. 
 
 My presage, nor with other share the shame 
 
 If I shall fail, or praise if I succeed. 
 
 Nor long shall separate so sudden purpose 
 
 E'ow entertained from swift accomplishment; 
 
 Which good or ill fallen out expect soon tidings. 
 
 Chorus. Go, and be Israel's God 
 Thy sure defence and shield. 
 
 And strengthen thee with might in the inner man, 
 That thou fail not; 
 With us may he abide, 
 Who, reft of thee, know double need 
 Of succor and the Almighty's firm defence. 
 But now I see Manoah here approaching 
 With hasty steps, thus doubtless come to seek 
 Reconcilement desired; though tardy moved 
 Repentance, since his son new parted hence. 
 This his intent or no we now shall learn. 
 
 Manoah. Friends to my son, since that ye are 
 appears 
 Both from report and what before I held, 
 If anywhere he harbor hereabout. 
 To me, his father, as perhaps ye thought, 
 Impart some tidings of his presence known. 
 Approving both your friendship to my son 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ^^^ 
 
 And me, his erring sire, but now repentant. 
 
 Chorus. Thy son stood here but now, and parted 
 hence, 
 Bound on a mission hardy and obscure. 
 Upon some tidings that concerned him nearly. 
 About his soon return or no, I know not; 
 But how the event fell out he promised notice. 
 
 Manoah. What news so sudden hath bereft him 
 hence ? 
 
 Chorus. Touching his bride some tidings late 
 arrived. 
 
 Manoah. Evil were they, or well pronounced and 
 fair? 
 
 Chorus. Both good and evil as the circumstance. 
 
 Manoah. But how with him ? well took he them, or 
 hardly ? 
 
 Chorus. Not hardly, though he purposed quick 
 revenge. 
 
 Manoah. And parted suddenly, so late returned? 
 
 Chorus. But now he stood just here, and now is 
 gone. 
 
 Manoah. I am curious what this mystery imports. 
 
 Chorus. What it portends in part I may reveal. 
 But cannot all, for still the sequence doubtful. 
 Shortly ere thou arrived, came one returned 
 From Timna with strange tidings unsuspect. 
 That told how to requite thy son's incursions 
 Upon our foes, the Caphtorim came up 
 With gathered powers to inquire the cause 
 Of his bold deeds and forays on them done. 
 Whereto was answered that because her father 
 His bride had late bestowed upon his friend 
 And paranymph, thus disregarding quite 
 His due esteemed, therefore he had begun 
 The harass of their land, as in revenge. 
 Whereat incensed both at the deed and cause, 
 Or as an act of justice known inflicted. 
 Or of revenge in turn designed, or both. 
 
78 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 With fire they burned her and her father's house. 
 Whence he, in turn aroused and worse provoked, 
 Hath parted hence, on our dread enemies 
 Requital for so foul affront to seek. 
 
 Manoah. Went he in wrath, as though in passion 
 crossed, 
 Or rather in his face and mien appeared 
 Sad resolution settled, as who seeks 
 ISTot rashly, but with hate plotting revenge ? 
 
 Chorus. A while he stood uncertain what to do, 
 But stood not long; wrath prompted him at length, 
 And rage to find his rights deprived of husband 
 Roused him the more and to a fiercer vengeance 
 Upon his foes to a worse doom reserved. 
 Breathing out wrath he went, nor would accept 
 Offered assistance, but departed straight 
 Upon the purpose bound which we have said ; 
 Yet not so soon as not with promised tidings 
 Of how the event fallen out, or good or ill. 
 
 Manoah. Ay me ! too late I then arrived, too late, 
 Both to forgive and be forgiven in turn 
 By him now gone whom present I forgave not 
 And wished not here, yet now forgive to find 
 Not present whom to find I now would seek. 
 But so my folly is my punishment, 
 My stubbornness my shame, and worse becomes 
 If he return and wounded with my coldness 
 Not wish forgiveness, or if, ill befallen him. 
 He never shall return, but sooner perish 
 Than my repentance tardy might prevent 
 With knowledge of my recompence, though late 
 With what amends were in my power, that thence 
 More eased in mind and somewhat raised he part; 
 Which now becomes my torment and my shame. 
 Yet my just punishment and due confessed 
 That have refused occasion, till too late. 
 
 Chorus. If aught of consolation may be drawn 
 J^rom this, take what for thee may be obtained, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 751 
 
 How small. His mother late, as thou hast known 
 
 Perhaps, came to this place, and urged him hard 
 
 To seek with thee first reconciliation. 
 
 Avouching that from th}^ superior age 
 
 Thou wouldst not make suit unto him, nor move 
 
 First reconcilement, but still ready stood 
 
 To grant his pardon if he would but seek. 
 
 He also was thus minded, and refused 
 
 To entertain such thought, as first to move; 
 
 But rather seemed disposed, if absolutely 
 
 Pardon refused not, long to be implored 
 
 At least, and urged with many a forceful plea, 
 
 Before he would consent to thy forgiveness ; 
 
 "Not hotly spoke in wrath, but with that spirit 
 
 Settled, and of all consequence secure. 
 
 Less to be moved than any passion can. 
 
 Yet by entreaty strong she last prevailed 
 
 That he consented, but to this extent, 
 
 As to be reconciled, if thou would seek. 
 
 More than this would he not, nor might she gain. 
 
 How by entreaty urging and strong plea. 
 
 Prom which inferred thy pardon granted quite. 
 
 If thou but first would move, thy present mind, 
 
 Since thus much he could not, and not yield all ; 
 
 Which consolation gather, if thou canst 
 
 Prom this relation, of thy son's intent. 
 
 Whose fuller pardon must await return. 
 
 Manoah. With hope thy words relieve. me for my 
 fault 
 Doubtful of pardon all, so sore provoked 
 His anger, which my passion had aroused. 
 Shamed by him, as I thought, before my foes. 
 I knew me in the wrong, when passion cooled 
 Had left a wonted calmness to the spirit. 
 And to implore his pardon was I minded ; 
 But age, though slow to wrath, unwilling yields. 
 Though to the wrong part drawn, when once aroused; 
 And hence my purpose, cherished long before, 
 
8o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Of humble penitence and pardon sought. 
 Till now deferred — perhaps my lasting sorrow, 
 The punishment deserved and well rewarded 
 Folly to be so causelessly provoked. 
 
 Choeus. Some difference with thee thy son touched 
 
 on 
 In his desired recital of his deeds 
 To us, his friends and comrades thus desiring, 
 But not enough, nor with relation clear. 
 As fully to enlighten what the cause. 
 Thus glanced at as much more yet lay behind. 
 Which not to us he meant so to impart. 
 
 Manoah. Then what from him ye gained not take of 
 
 me, 
 Though to my shame the cause to you set forth. 
 At Timna, as we kept the marriage-feast, 
 Samson put forth a riddle, whose solution 
 Long sought, and mostly by his bridal comrades. 
 But vainly by fair means, at last by foul 
 Determined found ; and taking me unwares. 
 They would have forced the secret, though unknown 
 To me, as I averred, which they received not; 
 But next with cruel force would have constrained me 
 And violent hands, had not my son, late parted. 
 Timely arrived, and forced them to forego 
 So foul advantage — wishing, as supposed. 
 Since thus far prospered all, not easily 
 Broken upon the order of the feast, 
 Dismissed the affair with small regard or none. 
 But I could not endure so foul affront 
 Put on me, by such means abominable 
 Seeking to make me traitor to my son. 
 With no return, and would have parted thence, 
 Stirred up with bitter passion at the outcome, 
 To Zorah, but my son with kind intent 
 Strove to detain me, whereat I, incensed 
 With folly, which is now my chief reproach, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 8i 
 
 Broke roughly from him, and denounced him, there 
 
 Before them, known his bridal friends and guests, 
 
 Ingrate, unfilial, traitor, to his duty; 
 
 That he, amazed, but still with favor shown. 
 
 Suffered me thence to part, and sent a convoy. 
 
 His nuptial tendance from our tribe intended. 
 
 Which brought me on my way. Later, as learned. 
 
 His bride perfidious gained by some foul sleight 
 
 And gave his secret to those bridal spies, 
 
 His friends assigned pretended; by which means 
 
 Deceived and wounded, cheated out of all. 
 
 Where most esteem and faith he most presumed, 
 
 Towering in wrath, to iiscalon he parted. 
 
 Whence he exacted all that marriage-forfeit. 
 
 Leaving them blank of joy and blank of boast, 
 
 Who traitorously so requited faith. 
 
 But further have I learned not, nor in full 
 
 What purpose or intent employs him now. 
 
 Choeus. After her nuptial faith so disregarded, 
 For thus of him we gained, to Timna gone. 
 He found his bride refused given to another. 
 His paranymph, and what to him far worsened 
 The insult offered, by her father given; 
 Who first with plea averred to her supposed 
 His utter hate, nor hence his wife regarded, 
 Next offered, as by way of justice thought, 
 Or insult, further to extend reproach, 
 A sister, fairer claimed; whereat incensed. 
 As thought of small account by them esteemed. 
 So having put on him whomever they wished not. 
 Or found not to their purpose or desire. 
 The harass of their country he began, 
 'Not ceased, till for that marriage-ransom paid. 
 They had atoned in full the heavy score ; 
 That they in turn aroused, came up and sought 
 Her death who wrought thus their reputed harm. 
 These tidings, then, to him recited late, 
 
82 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Roused him once more to move about revenge; 
 Whose outcome, good or ill, we here await. 
 
 Manoah. It cannot be in aught save good, since now 
 Repented of his sin, that sought a bride, 
 Contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
 Among the idolatrous, unclean, unchaste. 
 And from his known repentance thence forgiven, 
 God will of favor bring him thus restored 
 Where he some mighty service shall perform, 
 Such as perhaps may gain deliverance promised, 
 The divine task whereto he was ordained. 
 What if, even while we speak, among his foes 
 Arrived, he now be wreaking dreadful wrath 
 And dealing death upon his enemies? 
 
 Chorus. ISTot doubtful, since to God is nothing hard, 
 Much less impossible, who of himself 
 Unaided could have wrought our promised freedom. 
 Yet rather chose to rear this mighty champion 
 Ordained to our deliverance by his choice. 
 
 Manoah. Whom since God so hath reared and high 
 ordained. 
 What better chance to do his mighty task 
 Allotted than with dire revenge exacted 
 Of his insulters, to accomplish thus 
 Both his own private vengeance and God's will, 
 With punishment upon their heads redounded. 
 Who in their arrogance respected none 
 Either God's law or man's due right, which gave 
 The husband o'er his wedlock mate all power 
 Of conjugal unfaith, thence rightly punished 
 As foe to God and man — their added sin 
 Who justly had provoked God's fiercest wrath 
 With slavery of his chosen, to whom now 
 Deliverance he appoints and bounds enlarged? 
 Presumptuous thought, perhaps, yet not unhoped. 
 His might we know is limitless, and well 
 Accords his purpose to redeem his people 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 83 
 
 From their oppressors by his champion's hand- 
 
 On whom why else this wondrous might bestowed 
 
 Nor shall his high intent be frustrate found. 
 
 Chorus. His friendly mind we know, and know our 
 state 
 Untoward, until his purpose high fulfilled. 
 B"u t tidings of the event somewhat by now 
 Should come, so long he parted hence as easily 
 Permits his full discomfiture or theirs, 
 Which, whatever known, were better far endured 
 Than in suspense and apprehensive doubt. 
 This to remit I would some news arrived. 
 
 Manoah. In which desire I also share, as fits. 
 But who is this ? Por now I see approach 
 One by his mien and act perhaps hath come 
 \Yith tidings of what lately hath befallen. 
 
 Choeus. Thine eyes deceive thee not; there does 
 approach 
 One by his mien and act expressly come 
 With tidings of what lately hath befallen. 
 Hope then, and soon, to hear expected tidings, 
 Which, good or bad, the full relation clears. 
 And now he nearer draws, and now at hand 
 Delays his traveled steps ; with what for us ? 
 
 Servant. Manoah, and ye tending on this place, 
 Some messenger from Samson here is come 
 With tidings of what late hath him befallen ; 
 And with inquiry of you now attends, 
 To render full recital, as befits. 
 
 Messenger. Manoah, and ye friends that stand 
 about. 
 If such ye are, and not descriptions err. 
 To you my message, if this place and ye 
 AVhom thus by chance I find ; resolve my doubt. 
 
 Manoah. Zorah the town, and we whom thou hast 
 sought ; 
 Say then from whom, and what to us thou hast, 
 
84 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 That thus thou hast inquired our place and name. 
 Messengee. From Samson, and late tidings of his 
 
 deed. 
 Manoah. Fair are they then, or foul must we 
 
 suppose ? 
 Messenger. Fair to whom good imports; foul to 
 
 whom ill. 
 Manoah. Of which may we suppose to us thou hast ? 
 Messenger, l^ot foul, to have received so joyful 
 
 tidings. 
 Manoah. Which we may not receive, till thou 
 
 declare. 
 Messenger. Take then at once the sum ; Samson yet 
 
 lives. 
 Manoah. Lives, but captived or free, and how? 
 
 explain. 
 Messenger. Both lives and now is free, as this 
 assures. 
 After his false bride and her father burned 
 By no more time than swift dispatch sufficed 
 Samson was made acquainted with the tidings, 
 Which doubtless ye have heard, his bride destroyed. 
 By what foul means no more, and who the cause; 
 AVhich, as ye knew, incensed him to the height, 
 His due he thought of husband disrespected. 
 And he dishonored by so foul afiront 
 Unwarranted, unworthy, unprovoked. 
 Soon in that region, whence his bride he had, 
 Now come, where then awaited all that force 
 Collected to destroy who, thus unchaste. 
 Had drawn his wrath and their accomplished harm. 
 He saw, among them first, those bridal spies, 
 Wliose baneful arts had wrought his chiefest wrong 
 With practise foul, and yet to cost them dear; 
 Whom then, unmoved beholding, thus he spake : 
 Why have ye thus, Philistines, far presumed. 
 Beyond your power and right, to disregard 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 85 
 
 My due as husband when ye punished thus 
 One under my protection as my wife, 
 'Not owning your authority, but mine? 
 And what intends your purpose, recompenee 
 Awarded, as by due, or forcibly 
 Exacted, as my just pretence demands? 
 Whereto with ready words his foes replied: 
 Samson, since thus thou hast inquired our right 
 To do this deed, know that thy thought concern 
 Hath here no part, since neither of thy tribe 
 The woman was, nor still thy wife regarded ; 
 Which, as thyself, deem that we also knew, 
 l^or knew ourselves not free to exercise 
 Eight on our own, though wheresoever found. 
 Or to whom joined, as in this instance done : 
 Which, if thou think to question, asks but trial 
 Such as we here both offer and accept. 
 What hinders then with final proof to try 
 Thy right or ours the stronger, force with force. 
 That we may know whose right be found supreme? 
 So spake they, heightened in their victory deemed, 
 Surveying him with eyes that only saw 
 Success assured, whenever their onset chanced; 
 As when a mountain oak, or forest pine. 
 Or cedar, from the haunts of men remote. 
 Some woodsmen in a mountain valley see. 
 And, with awakened wonder seen, survey, 
 Pondering where best to fell, in what part hewn. 
 Whereto, still unabashed, he thus returned: 
 Though thus far ye have done, yet not enough 
 To clear connival deemed from that foul blot 
 Of wedlock disallied, by you abetted 
 If not set on; wherefore I still on you 
 Will be avenged, and after will I cease. 
 So Samson spake, and from his eyes shot forth 
 Confusion, as when lightning glares from heaven. 
 That withered all their force and courage drained. 
 
86 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Instant, without delay, straight he advanced 
 
 Upon his foes helpless to vengeance left, 
 
 Until their first he gained, when, smiting forth 
 
 With strenuous might, their foremost he assailed, 
 
 Felling them with a fury unopposed, 
 
 As, seizing on whatever part first met. 
 
 Head, trunk, or limb, as chanced, naked or armed. 
 
 He bruised, or crushed, or swung and dashed to death 
 
 Whomever stood most near, or dared make head. 
 
 Though but with vain attempt, against his force. 
 
 Such onset fierce they might not long endure, 
 
 But turning fled, or grovelled in the dust, 
 
 Though warriors old and well to arms inured. 
 
 Such fury on them broke and wrath aroused. 
 
 Soon to full flight their host he turned, dismayed 
 
 By reason of such mighty number slain, 
 
 Their choice and flower of chivalry, not only 
 
 Of Timna, but each neighbored region round, 
 
 Met from all parts to this great task imposed. 
 
 To wreak fierce vengeance on their mighty foe ; 
 
 Yet only wrought their ruin and dismay 
 
 From him, whose thus to compass they assembled. 
 
 He, after victory won, his virtue worn 
 
 Reposes, safe to Etham's rock retired; 
 
 Where now he waits what further may be moved 
 
 Toward him, if, after such attest of strength, 
 
 They yet intend upon him, thus annoyed. 
 
 Or meditates by what more force or guile 
 
 Still to infest his enemies thus quelled 
 
 With fierce compulsion. Well may they by this 
 
 Rue bitterly the direful consequence 
 
 Of their false acts and his attempted harm, 
 
 Thus perished, all without exception fallen 
 
 Who braved his brunt; they live, alone, who fled. 
 
 Chorus. glorious vengeance on our foes inflicted, 
 Samson, by trial proved 
 Strongest of mortal men! 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ?>y 
 
 Set on thereto by him whose counsel high 
 
 And hidden purpose 
 
 Endued thy mighty strength. 
 
 Ordained to our deliverance 
 
 When heathen and profane attempted thee 
 
 Proof against all assault. 
 
 Attempted to their ruin, 
 
 Who only thought to quell thy force; 
 
 Yet contrary wrought their shame; 
 
 While thou, their feats and mighty force contemning, 
 
 Against them gone. 
 
 Sudden o'erthrew'st them as a flood. 
 
 To them naught leaving but thy fame increased. 
 
 And him high celebrating 
 
 Who had ordained thy might and wondrous force. 
 
 Now easier task awaits thee; seconded 
 By all thy nation roused. 
 Back on thy foes victorious to return 
 And fully accomplish thy great work begun. 
 The mission high ordained 
 And task by Heaven imposed 
 That shall redound thy universal praises. 
 
 Manoah. Come, friends, there seems not much for 
 sorrow here, 
 And lamentation ; more cause to rejoice 
 That God, of his great favor, hath vouchsafed 
 Such recognition of his mighty champion, 
 Who, by his prowest act, hath vindicated 
 His office high bestowed ; as much deserving 
 To be rewarded well of all his nation, 
 Whom, under God, he justly hath delivered 
 From their chief foes, upon whom now is found 
 Naught but dishonor, fear, contempt, and shame ; 
 To us deliverance he hath brought, and freedom, 
 If, without wonted slackness, now be seized 
 So glorious occasion on our foes 
 Defenceless thus, of might to be opposed. 
 
88 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 And all this, yet God with him, as we hoped, 
 With favor and assistance in his task. 
 Nothing wants now, but that his nation roused 
 Back on their foes return, with sore discomfit 
 Breaking their force who them so long enslaved, 
 And fully accomplishing his task begun. 
 Theirs now as well, since all therein concerned. 
 
 Choeus. All is best, though oft endured 
 Our grievous ills with questioned doubt. 
 As undiscerned whereto they tend; 
 Yet, after trial, to our good 
 Intended found, and welfare best; 
 As now for us, when long matured 
 Heaven's high intent his purpose serves, 
 With vindication full and fair event. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 89 
 
 SAMSON HYBRISTES. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Samson, for his inciirsions into the land of the 
 Philistines and his hostile deeds, is pre-emptorily de- 
 manded of the men of Judah for vengeance to be in- 
 flicted upon him. He consents to be bound, and is 
 brought before the elders of Judah, who form the 
 Chorus, at Hebron, there to be tried. Against their 
 accusation of violating their law in taking to wife a 
 woman of the Philistines, he urges his promptings from 
 God, his marvelous birth, and dedicated life. While his 
 trial is going on, the real cause whereof is yet not 
 announced, he is visited by his mother, who at first 
 upbraids him for his marriage contrary to the wishes of 
 his parents, but at last urges him to fulfill the will of 
 God concerning him, at the same time relathig the story 
 of his divine annunciation and mission, namely, to free 
 his people. Samson, who had refused with absolute 
 denial, at last relents to go with the herald sent to fetch 
 him. After his departure, enters his father, Manoah, 
 with anxious inquiry concerning his son and wife. His 
 sorrow at the tidings is interrupted by the arrival of a 
 messenger who, at first hesitatingly, afterward with more 
 spirit, relates what hath befallen the Philistines from 
 Samson : wherewith the drama ends. 
 
 THE PERSONS. 
 
 SAMSON'. 
 
 Manoah, father of Samson. 
 The Philistine MessengebL 
 Ebrew Messenger. 
 
90 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Chorus of Judean Elders. 
 
 His Mother. 
 
 Herald. 
 
 The Scene, lefore the gates, in Eelron. 
 
 Philistine Messenger. Prom utmost bound of 
 Judah^s land I come 
 To Hebron old, the seat of Anakim. 
 Whither occasion draws these hastened steps 
 Unto the governors and heads of tribes 
 
 O'er Judah set, one Samson to demand 
 
 A mighty champion, bold above compare, 
 
 Por that, though our due thrall, he dared presume 
 
 On acts rebellious, and did hostile deeds, 
 
 Whose loud report at length hath roused our lords, 
 
 That, entering Judah now with gathered powers, 
 
 On him or all his tribe their purpose holds 
 
 To wreak their wrath to utmost point exact 
 
 Of penalty. And therefore justice mete 
 
 Render he must, freeing the forfeiture 
 
 Of wont allotted unto those rebellious. 
 
 Or all his kind shall render in his room. 
 
 But wherefore stirs no human shape abroad 
 
 Prom yonder town or city nigh, since now 
 
 The point of day? I will along and seek 
 
 Who may inform these unfamiliar feet 
 
 Unto the prime of Judah and her chief 
 
 In rule, that I may take their purposed will. 
 
 Chorus. A little onward lies the toilsome path 
 Por these faint steps of age, 
 A little further on, 
 
 To yonder wayside place, our wonted seat. 
 There daily we resort 
 
 And sit, dispensing justice 
 
 Rather say, bewailing 
 
 The servitude of Israel and his sons, 
 
 Abject, unworthy, despicable, vile, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 91 
 
 Whene'er, as now, the insulting light removes 
 Night's charitable mantle from our woes, 
 Showing them naked 
 To the shame of day. 
 
 thou, that, with surpassing splendor adorned, 
 Eisest rejoicing, as the strong man in his might. 
 To run thy golden race. 
 To thee we call, sun! 
 Whose flaming progress on thine eastern road 
 With gladness all the earth 
 Beholds, rejoicing in thy joy. 
 O'er many an awful mount 
 Unused to servile yoke. 
 And over all the inviolable main, 
 All sea-girt isles, that stud. 
 Like starry archipelagoes 
 Of night, old ocean's nether firmament, 
 TJnweariedly thy golden eye shall run 
 Till eve's dim eyelid seal thy sight again. 
 
 Semi-choeus. Yet us no rapture fills 
 For thy glad sight, no heart's bright incense, joy, 
 Grateful shall rise, no praise. 
 Thereof instead shall wailing and lament 
 Vex all the burdened air. 
 Aidless, unhappy, dark; 
 For thou, whene'er thou risest, 
 Usherest in no joy 
 To us, no hope, no gladness. 
 But, in saddest stead. 
 
 Despair and pain, anguish and sorrow, and woe. 
 When day leads back our night. 
 
 Semi-chorus. Thy cheerful advent blythe, 
 Which most men hail as long release to joy 
 And glad purlieus of light. 
 To us (0 miserable!) 
 Is but the coming of the taskmaster 
 Unto the fearful and o'erlabored slave, 
 
92 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Waking the stinging thought 
 
 To goad along the barren toil 
 
 Of memory, and recall 
 
 The glory of the past, the present shame. 
 
 Chokus. Yet now perhaps fresh grief draws hard 
 behind. 
 For I this way discern 
 Some stranger tending, so I deem; 
 His hand a herald^s scepter bears; 
 Bent all on haste, he nearer draws, 
 And now, at hand, his travelled steps he stays, 
 But, by his frown, with no good fraught for ns. 
 
 Philistine Messengek. Ebrews, the elders of your 
 tribe I seek. 
 Whom ye reports account. Say if I err. 
 
 Chorus. Thou aimest dextrously; discharge thy 
 purpose. 
 
 Philistine Messenger. Elders, to you I am thus 
 bidden say: 
 Are ye our slaves, our vassals, held our thralls 
 By right of war to do whate'er we bid? 
 See on our sending ye deliver bound 
 Samson into our hand, forfeit and due. 
 Since, though our bondman, he hath dared presume 
 On acts rebellious, and done hostile deeds. 
 In that with fire our fields he hath laid waste, 
 Harassed our land, harried and slain our men, 
 And chief those thirty there at Ascalon. 
 So gross a stain, touching so near our name. 
 Must in no wise be glossed with smooth excuse ; 
 Hence, as our due, to take him are we come. 
 And those ill deeds to recompence in kind. 
 Thus much of him. The one command imposed 
 If duly ye perform, our purpose hither 
 To other does no violence or spoil. 
 But so deceitful hope, or stubborn pride 
 Obdurate, shall the execution slack 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 93 
 
 Or respite, is the hazard thereby earned 
 No less than threatens Samson, be assured. 
 By chance he come into our power and hand. 
 
 Chorus. Such insolence like answers best befit. 
 
 Philistine Messengek. Such the commands your 
 lawful lords have set. 
 
 Choeus. Have they not proved, and to their hurt, his 
 power 
 Surpassing human rate, above the strength 
 Of numbers to oppose, or banded might, 
 So that our most avails not to perform 
 The task imposed? And therein if we fail, 
 What but our own destruction can portend ? 
 Return thy way; thou seest we cannot do it. 
 
 Philistine Messengek. But this reply, be sure, will 
 •not suffice them. 
 
 Chorus. Perforce it will, if so a better lack. 
 
 Philistine Messenger. Nothing is here for words, 
 be sure ; for is not 
 Your nation held subjected to our lords 
 Their vassals, and by right of war their thralls? 
 And shall ye at our sending and demand 
 Refuse our sending? Not, if well ye know, 
 Your pretence as by place of office deemed. 
 That duty which by right to you pertains. 
 To guard the public safety and your own; 
 '^^Tiich, if thus rashly your refusal hold 
 Against our just pretence assumed, alike 
 Upon the utmost edge of hazard stand. 
 
 Chorus. True is, our nation is subjected held 
 To your dread lords, deservedly, since we 
 By force of arms defeated and enthralled, 
 Who thence to you all due subjection owe 
 As masters, and to your commands imposed. 
 But that we here may satisfy your will 
 Lawful enjoined, and, won by force or guile, 
 Against the people yield into your hand 
 
94 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Their champion, and the common idol held, 
 
 Thou mayest not think, since not in us disposed 
 
 Either superior force to overcome 
 
 Or civil power to compel his will. 
 
 Since of another tribe, nor hence to us 
 
 Owing obedience or judicial fear. 
 
 Yet who subserves the public good, no mean 
 
 Service, thereby not only honor bears. 
 
 But hazard, due alike, and due the more 
 
 As the degree in office higher stands. 
 
 And wherefore should we here our loss involve 
 
 With his, who hath denied and held our law 
 
 In absolute contempt, as if in scorn 
 
 Yoking base wedlock with the uncircumcised ? 
 
 And what should we the more esteem and weigh, 
 
 His welfare, or the general, which by right 
 
 Our first and our sincerest care demands? 
 
 For where the public to mischance exposed 
 
 Lies through default of one, his doom should free 
 
 Their danger, nor should all with him involve. 
 
 As he shall find perhaps who thus offends. 
 
 Bid therefore send with all dispatch, and him 
 
 Summon, to try if he perhaps be found 
 
 Submissive to our need, if thus with him 
 
 Persuasion may prevail to free his people 
 
 From hazard, which his acts on them induced, 
 
 Or else, though doubtful, if our force suffice 
 
 To win him, or win from him what he can 
 
 In power, since thus alike to us imports 
 
 Destruction, from your force, or from his hand. 
 
 These tidings therefore bear to your dread lords, 
 
 That somewhat may avail perhaps to ease 
 
 Our punishment, or null, herein if we 
 
 Not slack be found, but forward to obey 
 
 Their bidding, whom by right of war we serve. 
 
 Philistine Messenger. I knew your reasons better 
 would instruct, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 95 
 
 And force compel perforce what erst denied, 
 
 With fear of worse conjoined, since all must yield 
 
 To strict necessity, that governs all. 
 
 But, how the event may turn, of this be sure, 
 
 That favorable compliance more will gain 
 
 Indulgence, and more favor will effect. 
 
 That slackness or than flat refusal more 
 
 Will hazard, if against your will perforce 
 
 Unable to perform what now enjoined. 
 
 This therefore ponder well, and be your speed 
 
 So as ye hope your safety, that your toil 
 
 May teach your minds obedience ; nor, thus fond, 
 
 Vainly refuse again what with all ease 
 
 Exacted, if our purpose that way tend ; 
 
 Nor further warning think to you vouchsafed. 
 
 Choeus. High are the ways of God, 
 And high to human sense expressed. 
 Above the reach of erring man to know, 
 Allotting doubtful oft, as in despite, 
 Or contradicting to his deity 
 And edicts right ordained; 
 For on the race of men his counsel holds 
 To good, as oft appears, or else, with hand 
 And favor changed, causeless his heavier judgments 
 
 light, 
 With no regard, as seems, of service past 
 From man to him, or him to man of promise. 
 
 Nor only upon them who disregard 
 His edicts, and his deity despise. 
 The idolatrous rout, that hold his name in scorn, 
 Fond, dissolute, profane. 
 Visits his sovereign will inscrutable 
 And fiery wrath reserved ; 
 But such as he of favor hath elected. 
 By grace his chosen, 
 And peculiar people held. 
 Them he alike subjects to hard event. 
 
96 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Thougli dignified by choice, 
 
 Nor aught of difference weighs for their default. 
 
 As might his grace beseem, 
 
 But rather more exacts, and worse allots 
 
 Of pnnisliment, the more his favor given 
 
 And grace divine vouchsafed, 
 
 Or at the utmost brings, as in despite 
 
 Of what himself decreed. 
 
 Just and unjust alike to evil end. 
 
 Which oft confusion works, and brings to fear 
 The pondering heart, that ventures not beyond 
 The present state of good or ill bestowed. 
 But pelds, assailed by doubt, unmindful thus 
 Of former mercies past, and faints, depressed 
 With fear of Heaven's defection. 
 
 Thus fond is mortal man 
 Fallen upon ire divine. 
 As on himself his ruin to invoke. 
 So smitten with folly dire. 
 Insensate strook, or to sense left depraved, 
 And with vision internal blind, 
 When God upon his head, 
 Surprised, distract, amazed, 
 Eeft of defence. 
 
 Executes his high errand of destruction. 
 But who repents, and after pardon seeks. 
 His eye is gracious to admit; 
 His ear is ever open to the suppliant. 
 
 So let not thus his wrath consume his people. 
 Though drawn to paths of ill. 
 And strook with ire divine ; 
 Rather regard their toils calamitous. 
 The merited punishment of sins. 
 And turn to pitying ruth. 
 
 But soft; for now, beyond our hope, 
 Samson behold ! 
 As yet, is every way unfit 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 97 
 
 Our purposed intent to inform him. 
 Samson. I came not, elders, though ye might 
 
 suppose, 
 As overpowered by fear, nor, though it seem, 
 Superior force constraining; but I own 
 Your reverend sway, and yield thereto respect. 
 As meet. So now your purpose with me say. 
 
 Chokus. Whence camest thou hither? from what 
 feats performed? 
 For in thy efforts to provoke our foes, 
 The Caphtorim, thou never wast remiss. 
 As many a slain thou sleVst them witness bears thee; 
 And often have I heard thy mighty acts. 
 But never true relation and distinct. 
 
 Samson. After the slaughter of the uncircumcised, 
 I to the rock of Etham safe retired; 
 Not that I feared what harm the event should draw, 
 But meditated by what force or guile 
 More to infest our enemies. Meantime 
 Your men of arms and officers dispatched 
 Drew nigh, relating brief your ordered will 
 Imposed, to have me bound before your presence. 
 And though with wonder seized what sudden cause 
 Hath moved so violent haste, behold me come, 
 ISTot fearing what untoward event might gain 
 From strict refusal to your offered will. 
 But that I would no wrong or injury 
 Done in despite, or from the wanton heat 
 Of youth, presumed against your reverend oflBce, 
 Where honor only and regard pertain. 
 In this persuasion then, and chief assured 
 Yourselves will not exact a penal forfeit. 
 The willinger I came, though yet unknown 
 What cause or what intent hath thus occasioned ; 
 Which yet informs me not my purpose here. 
 
 Choeus. Was there no other to offend our foes, 
 No further act, that by occasion hence 
 
98 iTAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Might wrench the temper of the uneircumcised ?. 
 
 Samson. Such hesitation shown to manifest 
 Your purpose with me well might question raise 
 Whether ye hide some worse intent or not, 
 Importing more than on the face appears. 
 But whether thus it be or no, let pass; 
 For ye are gone in age, that old respect 
 Is due, allotted unto years of wont. 
 Ye knew that I had chosen to wife — ^by then 
 
 Arrived the prime of marriageable love 
 
 The daughter of the Timnian infidel; 
 
 Yet me she pleased, my parents not; — ^but now 
 
 In time of harvest parted hence and passed 
 
 To Timna, found my faithless bride refused. 
 
 Spouse to another. Hence that I might be 
 
 Blameless with those Philistines, though to them 
 
 Done a displeasure, thrice a hundred foxes 
 
 I caught, with sportive aid on mischief bent, 
 
 Yoking them two and two with fast-fixed brand. 
 
 In circle ranged, touched with the nimble flame. 
 
 Then ye might see the dry flame-amorous corn 
 
 Seized by the ruffian fire and, violate 
 
 Both shock and standing corn, — nor less the vines 
 
 Amid the olives grown — adulteress play, 
 
 Cheating the uneircumcised who eared the field; 
 
 That Timna, disappointed of her wine, 
 
 Would fare the ISTazarite that season, needs, 
 
 The uneircumcised be, as the circumcised. 
 
 Despoiled. Yet so a dire revenge they found, 
 
 Unwarranted, unworthy, unproportioned. 
 
 And out of all regard to the ofience. 
 
 For when they knew their careful tillage wasted 
 
 Wantonly, as might seem, and unprovoked, 
 
 Either to clear their guilt from deemed connival 
 
 In nuptial bands thus loosely disallied, 
 
 Or else to strike dismay into their foe, 
 
 Who by his prowest acts had wrought their harm. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 99 
 
 Father and daughter both they burned with fire. 
 
 Choeus. But doubtless in requital for such deed 
 Thou hast found some fearful way to thy revenge. 
 
 Samson". I paid my underminers in their coin, 
 Be sure, as this relation witness bears. 
 When next I came, and knew the shameful deed 
 Done in despite and out of wished revenge 
 On her, my love so late and dear delight, 
 For my requital, sudden anger seized 
 Me as a tempest, that in frenzied wrath. 
 Uncased in brass, naked my limbs of steel, 
 Eight on I drove, smiting them hip and thigh. 
 Who did the deed, with slaughter — as what else 
 Than be revenged on such vindictive hate ? 
 But now, upon relation heard of deeds 
 Done singly on the foreskinned race by me. 
 Set forth your plain intent that brings me hither. 
 
 Choeus. Why hast thou, Samson, broke the bounds 
 prescribed 
 By laws of God, in that presumptuous choice 
 Of thine, that chose among the foreskinned race. 
 Slackening thy strictest vow of purity 
 To yoke in wedlock with the uncircumcised ? 
 Was never there a woman of the daughters 
 From out thy own tribe found, or all our nation. 
 That thou shouldst make thy wedlock mate among 
 The uncircumcised Philistines, our dread foes? 
 Whereby great scandal unto God thou, brought'st. 
 And to his people diffidence and doubt. 
 Though given enough before from the true God 
 To waver and fall off, with idols Joined. 
 
 Samson". Against the Caphtorim, our country's foes, 
 I sought occasion to deliverance; 
 Therefore I urged the marriage on, that I 
 Might Israel from Philistian yoke redeem, 
 The task to which I was divinely set. 
 True is, some amorous remorse I felt 
 
100 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 For the perverse event; and this I yield, 
 The act had outcome other than my thought. 
 
 Choeus. Was this then all thy care, the pains of love 
 Disprized, and naught for wrath of justice roused? 
 So far presumptuous pride or lust had borne thee 
 Against our canon straitly that forbade 
 
 Conjunction joined with the uncircumcised 
 
 Which how hast thou obeyed? Of alien stock 
 
 Was sprung the woman thou hast known thy wife 
 
 Would that thou never hadst, too late, alas ! — 
 
 Even she of Timna, whom thy roving choice. 
 
 Impetuous, unbridled, uncontrolled, 
 
 Settled upon. Prime cause indeed hast thou, 
 
 Or hadst, to love who in her nuptial height 
 
 Of love professed — proof of no love in her ! — 
 
 Thy riddle given betrayed! Thy facile heart. 
 
 Ease-amorous, unweeting, stood no siege, 
 
 Or but so much still more as draws assault. 
 
 And, like a fearful fortress, not one stroke 
 
 Strenuous opposed, yielded the garrison, 
 
 The secret of the riddle thou hadst set ; 
 
 That she conveyed, with hasty impudence, 
 
 To the fair-spoken paran3rtnph usurping 
 
 Thy bed — fit guerdon to thy folly! Yet 
 
 Even thus, even when the facile key displayed 
 
 Evidenced the betrayal, and her smile. 
 
 That joined with other half but hid to flout 
 
 Thy shame, on her blazed not thy slavish anger, 
 
 But thou, by mastering terror quite o'ercome. 
 
 To such effect replied as showed thy mind 
 
 Craven, unapt, unfit for highest things. 
 
 And after, thou stealth-gone to Ascalon, 
 
 Thy jeer-stung heart, to gain the forfeit gaged, 
 
 Mustered its might on thirty men unarmed. 
 
 Who ne'er to thee had offered harm. Yet thou, 
 
 Against our pact of peace expressly, sleVst them, 
 
 Then, like a robber, stripped'st and spoiled'st their robes. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS loi 
 
 In such rash toils and ill-considered snares 
 
 Hath love, or rather lust, entangled thee, 
 
 'Not love, as from thy words infers. For how 
 
 Could love, that only seeks her object's good, 
 
 Impel thee to thy dearest enemy, 
 
 Who only sought thy secret to thy hurt? 
 
 Samson. Sharply have ye insisted on my sin, 
 Elders, though falsely ye assert, it seems. 
 I^ot wantonness it was, nor fond desire 
 Drew me with purpose unabashed, wherein 
 Our law forbade approving to transgress. 
 Other design it was, far other cause; 
 I have done what I have done, set on by God; 
 This valid plea the deeds themselves applaud; 
 A^Hierein if I be shown to have done amiss, 
 Contrary to our laws and laws of God, 
 Have all your will; ye see it in your hand. 
 
 Choeus. What folly passed thy lip, Samson perverse ? 
 Thy plea the deeds themselves condemn unjust, 
 Invalid, false, to partial error swerving. 
 This their event approves, and plain enough, 
 Which when thou seest, I wonder thou hast found 
 Presumption thus to hide thy sin; for sin 
 It still appears, though even of thy hand done. 
 
 Samson. With ignorance hast thou spoken. The due 
 act 
 Draws not approval from the event, as good 
 Or bad; the prompting motive this affirms. 
 Else might the act of ill intent, o'er-ruled. 
 Arbitrament divine, and of result 
 Thence fair, assert itself above the good 
 That finds perverse event from chance not seen. 
 But that plea to extenuate my deeds 
 The deeds themselves partial condemn, unjust! 
 I was to do my part from Heaven proposed, 
 ISTot question consequence; here if I erred. 
 The error was not mine, but his who sent me. 
 
102 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Chorus. argument presumptuous, fond, and 
 proud ! 
 Error is not accountable to God, 
 As thou didst blaspheme, so to cloak thy sin. 
 Though oft, with specious plea of God's will done. 
 Do men, erring from right, approve their path. 
 Which way thy sin hath led thee ; first, thy love 
 Settled on choice forbid; then, insolence 
 Hath borne thee to insult who bear the rule ; 
 Last with a blasphemed God thou told'st thy tale. 
 Know, in a word, all this of woman sprung. 
 For diverse as her various outward show 
 Affects her influence o'er her wedlock choice; 
 And oft, by fair idolatresses snared. 
 As thine, are men's uxorious hearts beguiled 
 From truth and purity and good and God ; 
 In part they draw the ruin of their lives, 
 Haply they make not shipwrack of the whole. 
 
 Samson. If then to you thus reprehensible 
 My deeds appear, thus gone from right and good. 
 Though in the chief intent on my part done. 
 Forbear to mix yourselves with my concerns 
 Henceforth, as I shall hence from yours forbear. 
 
 Chorus. Wise, who of old affirmed 
 Him Heaven-favored that hath found 
 A virtuous wife, who joins. 
 Her honor chief, domestic praise. 
 
 Hence in thy proper kind 
 And order chose thy mate; 
 Beyond thy walk in life thy step restrain; 
 
 Uplift no amorous eye 
 
 Eather, lower not 
 
 To her, whose outward shape though fair. 
 
 Informed with beauty and adorned 
 
 With comeliness, 
 
 Nathless the inward show. 
 
 Ugly with spotted sin, taints like the snake; 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 103 
 
 Never will she list to good, 
 
 However so musical a charmer breathe. 
 
 For, howsoever found, with her thus fond. 
 Empty of real goodness, real worth. 
 Adverse to virtue. 
 Stubborn, shameless, loud 
 And turbulent, thus given 
 Little or none to household good, 
 Wherein consist 
 
 "Woman's chief honor and domestic praise, 
 But knowing well 
 
 "With trolling tongue and wanton roving eye, 
 Joined with asking look and act. 
 To tempt the weak unwary 
 To dalliance or to worse dishonoring. 
 
 Of whom shame is ashamed 
 
 With such a pilot at the helm embarked, 
 What voyage but would needs in ruin end ? 
 
 But whom desire and reason like approve. 
 Veiled with virginity, demure and meek. 
 To God and good submiss, 
 Yet chastely wroth, if amorous play 
 Attempt, or overt act. 
 With license to offend her maiden awe. 
 Her wed, and to her cleave 
 Through all the hazards incident to life. 
 Unwavering, unswerving, unseduced. 
 
 But who is this? What form draws hither fast, 
 As when a timorous doe. 
 
 Whose curious fawn had slipped her slumbering side 
 To stray the perilous wild. 
 O'er wooded hill and moory dale 
 Begins her roam, seeking her wandered young? 
 And now, at nearer view, may seem 
 Some Ebrew matron, and perhaps thy mother; 
 Her face distressed and dark, she steers to us. 
 
 Samsoit. Ay, with what other eyes must she behold 
 
104 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Me now, unseemly sight, in bonds abused ! 
 
 MoTHEE. From Zorah and the vale of Eshtaol 
 
 Desire to see thy face and learn thy state 
 
 Maternal love o'er woman's anxious fears 
 Prevailing, since fame also found me out 
 
 With tidings of what lately had befallen thee 
 
 Hath led me, Samson, by a various path, 
 For still report, erring, my steps beguiled. 
 Whither I find thee now. But why these bonds? 
 
 Samson". Ask otherwhere, or question else inquire, 
 If thou wouldst answer gain; of these perhaps 
 Thou may^st, on their occasion since I came. 
 
 Choeus. Pretends till now that plea of ignorance 
 feigned. 
 Counterfeit innocence, hypocrisy? 
 But feign no more; for thou, be sure, shalt learn 
 Thy fault adjudged thee plain. Know sin, and sin 
 By thee confessed, thy doom severe hath dravni. 
 For now those robes are like to cost thee dearer 
 Than estimation on the purchase set. 
 As this, the rigid score, approves. Dispatch 
 Hastened a message late to have thee bound 
 And given to the hand of our dread lords 
 To do as likes their utmost will. The worst 
 At once were best known ever; hence without 
 Swerving equivocation have I spoke. 
 
 MoTHEE. Alas, both for the day and for the deed, 
 Son, that bereaves me thee! Ah wherefore, thus 
 Violating the law, didst thou espouse 
 The daughter of an infidel, against 
 Both then thy father's wish and mine express? 
 Whereby such loss of life to thee was vsrrought, 
 To us of thee ! But let me pardon gain, 
 Idly upbraiding thus, the woman's way. 
 Half of her sorrows woman would avert, 
 Could she withhold the word she knew unwise, 
 No, resolved not to utter. But distress 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 105 
 
 Enforced me losing thee, distress the more 
 
 As thou art sole my child. Silence henceforth 
 
 Must be my portion, woman^s wonted lot. 
 
 Samson. Was this that solemn pledge and V0"w; 
 engaged. 
 With glozing words and baited lies to draw me 
 Into assassination's wily snare, 
 So to requite, with treacherous guile, the faith 
 In you adjudged by acquiescence shown 
 To your commands, though void and reasonless ? 
 Henceforth let none, kindled with kindly zeal, 
 Through hard assays toil for the general good, 
 Hoping therefrom even gratitude, the spur 
 That raises generous minds to noblest acts; 
 For him his envious fellows will suspect. 
 Despise, mistrust, cavil, reproach, contemn; 
 And, if he aught remarkably begin. 
 They to their power will thwart, or straight desert, 
 And contumely heap on kindliest deeds. 
 
 Chorus. That we are false, thou sayest, urgest on us 
 That specious plea, ingratitude, betrayal. 
 Yet, if thou seek, well shalt thou find, that first 
 Thou ledd'st the way, thou did'st example give; 
 Ere we to thee, thou to thyself wast false. 
 And God. For hadst thou not, with slackened vow, 
 Yoked alien wedlock, which our statutes ban. 
 And treasonable league with our oppressors, 
 Permitting, with unbridled insolence. 
 Unreined desires and passions governless, 
 Catching the rule, reduce to servitude 
 Reason, therefrom in thee obscured, were now 
 'No strict compulsion fallen on thee or us, 
 For which or we or thou must satisfy. 
 
 Samson". Yet better to be vile esteemed than vile. 
 For wherein have I sin? Can open slaughter 
 Of those oppressors be as treason construed, 
 Or treasonable league? Still I affirm, 
 
io6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 The marriage that 3^e censure, as before 
 Affirmed, was prompted by constraint divine. 
 The end thereof, though sorrow, as I own, 
 Proves not my sin, nor disapproves my plea. 
 Then wherefore have I blame, or why are deemed 
 Contrary to our laws and laws of God 
 My deeds, which ye contemn, but I approve 
 The gifts of God, and mean to learn, before 
 1 yield my plea, what I am charged to have done. 
 
 Chorus. Thou knowest the uncircumcised our lords, 
 That bonds of civil duty thee constrained 
 To keep the pact of peace and amity 
 That mutual subsists. Our plight undone 
 Thou seest, and seest how in evil case 
 Our state is come, not through our motioning on, 
 But thine; thy deeds our peril have induced. 
 Thy doom should free, or else a common foe 
 Lie under judgment, slain unstained of crime 
 By whatsoever hand. But plead'st thou still 
 Divine impulsion prompting thee to acts 
 "Whose ends were given of God? Know then, as thou 
 Wouldst know, were thine true plea, the gifts of God 
 Are good and perfect, not, as graces feigned, 
 Desirable, but, given with solemn hand. 
 Hiding a sting. Hadst thou of God been prompted, 
 Thy odious pretence, but now soon discerned. 
 Be sure thy acts other results had brought. 
 Answering. The good alone can give good gifts ; 
 Since, be the giver so, the gift is good 
 Perforce ; and opposite the ill derives ; 
 For evil springs whence but from evil source? 
 
 Samson. The uncircumcised our lords I knew, thou 
 sayest. 
 And knew that civil duty me constrained 
 To hold obedience owed to those who have 
 Our nation in their civil power. The force 
 It was of subjugation. Force o'er force 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 107 
 
 Prevails but where the conqueror can. If ye, 
 
 Deservedl}^ enthralled your outward freedom, 
 
 The inward lost, liberty would regain, 
 
 Ye ought not so deliverance refuse. 
 
 But second rather those my high attempts 
 
 To break the yoke under which now ye chafe. 
 
 Which to throw off, your minds ye must erect 
 
 With nobler counsels, raise to higher thoughts. 
 
 Knowing that none, of inward servitude 
 
 Enthralled and yoked, can outward violence free. 
 
 But, those great acts, which God by me hath wrought 
 
 Upon your conquerors, acknowledged not 
 
 Nor aught considered, if your servile minds 
 
 Me, your deliverance, will not accept, 
 
 Ye are not capable ye should possess 
 
 Freedom, thus nicely or thus cautiously 
 
 Rejected, but deservedly will serve. 
 
 Choeus. folly and shame ! What government have 
 we. 
 What state, wherein those who are set to rule 
 If one, a private, may o'erbear, impune, 
 
 Rebellion raise, and levy single war 
 
 Thou most, whose acts perverse have thus provoked 
 Our peril, and whose deeds our doom have drawn? 
 Us, put of God and in his stead, if thou 
 Dishonor, whom hast thou dishonored, whom 
 Despised, but God? Whose wrathful jealousy 
 Thine unrepentant sin shall ne'er forgive. 
 But visit soon with punishment condign. 
 Thus if thou thinkest to deceive, or draw 
 Aside from right with hollow argument. 
 Or specious show of zeal for public good. 
 The common theme of those who value least. 
 Wide hast thou erred and wandered from the truth. 
 
 Samson. Our government thou hast, when thou hast 
 known 
 That state wherein what serves his purpose best 
 
io8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Each works, not far to learn. But, to the main, 
 Had what I motioned been averse to God, 
 Though counter to our laws and his ordained. 
 Why was it then permitted? Cause he had. 
 To enmity, and had not wanted means 
 To set his people free. Had this act then 
 Unlawful thus been held, adjudged to stain 
 My vow of ISTazarite, he had not so 
 Have prompted me, permitted, to a deed 
 Against our law declared, unchaste, unclean; 
 Rather his swiftest vengeance had pronounced 
 In certain tones his anger and my doom. 
 
 Choeus. Thou sa/st that God permitted, motioned 
 toward. 
 Against that strictest vow of purity. 
 Such deed, of freedom for his people wrought 
 Plead'st divine purpose high ! Fair argument ! 
 ^Reason how sound approved! Could not his strength, 
 Of right adjudged almighty, other means 
 Have wrought, invented other arts to this, 
 ^N'ot contradicting to his edicts found. 
 Thus to his deity ? This caption then 
 Explodes thy plea, and reads thee false or fond. 
 The trial of thy fortitude it was. 
 To prove thy faith and firm obedience owed 
 In recompence for the high gift of God, 
 Not license to a gross forbidden sin. 
 But grant thee so ; stands in no stead for thee 
 That now he hastens not, his patient wrath 
 Precipitates not thy augmented doom. 
 Omittance is not quittance. Doubtless he 
 Out of thine evil still can bring forth good; 
 But should he so, it argues not thy sin 
 Approved divinely, quits thee of unclean. 
 If thus be held, all who contemn his law, 
 Challenge his providence, rejected his good, 
 Crimes which thou knowest highly impious. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 109 
 
 Nor worthy to escape adjudged, but so 
 
 In naught unchaste, vile, reprehensible. 
 
 Of such malfeasants thou art in the list. 
 
 Wherefore thou oughtest free thy forfeit pledged 
 
 To us, and yield thyself to have our will; 
 
 Knowing that, when the public lies exposed 
 
 To danger, one for many should redeem. 
 
 Which, wert thou innocent, would still prevail ; 
 
 How much more, when thy fault stands plain adjudged ! 
 
 For that thy blind unbridled lust impelled thee, 
 
 And not zeal for thy God, by this appears, 
 
 That in extenuation of thy act 
 
 Thou urged^st plea of prompting from above 
 
 To seek in marriage that perfidious bride, 
 
 A Canaanite, thy country's enemy, 
 
 Yet for the woman love thou first avowed'st. 
 
 And further, since thou movest more that plea. 
 
 Prompted of God to do his will, then learn 
 
 He only is elect to do God's will 
 
 Who does it; other choice or voice is none. 
 
 Divine or human. Witness thy own instance. 
 
 Samson. Are ye not they who, solemnly elect 
 Of God, have impiously transgressed his law. 
 Thus fallen to idols foul, and thence are sold 
 To servitude as foul and bondage vile? 
 Which I, your great deliverer, when sent 
 To rescue Israel from Philistine yoke. 
 
 Having in some part ransomed with high acts 
 
 Yet now am judged a public enemy, 
 Outcast from law, contemned an alien, deemed 
 As worthy death ! Yet what chance now ye bear 
 Palls, not from mine, but your incestuous acts. 
 Adulteries, murders, blasphemies, and lies, 
 
 With prayers to Adon, Baal, and Ashtaroth 
 
 The gods adored of Israel's heathen foes. 
 
 Whose might availed not yet to stay their fall 
 
 And impious bowings down to stock and stone, 
 
no TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Despisings of God's law and sanctuary, 
 The habitation of his holiness 
 In Shiloh where he shines; therefore ye sunk, 
 Bowed down beneath their despicable spear 
 In battle, when ye strove. Still Israel serves, 
 (0 shameful servitude!) with all his sons. 
 Cease then so strict insistence on my sin 
 Thus called, nor foist my fault over your own. 
 
 Choeus. Then, when thou standest pure, our sin 
 arraign ; 
 It suits not now. For, while vain speech thou handiest 
 Of boasted purity, feigned innocence. 
 Peril impelled of thy own hand the state 
 Threatens with harm, which thine is to remove, 
 l^or is the law unjust that so ordains. 
 If aught against the pact, as plain appears, 
 TTnwarr anted of us thou hast done, self -moved, 
 Then hast thou violated, in thy deed. 
 The law of nations which, affronted thus, 
 Thou oughtest yield thyself to satisfy. 
 This, and not less than this, the least thou canst ; 
 Whate'er and whence thy might, thou canst not more. 
 ISTor still on us pretend thy sin, nor charge 
 "Weakly, by this to shift thy proper blame. 
 Thou to no purpose cloakest sin with sin ; 
 Thy vain evasions but uncover more. 
 
 Samson. I have done what I have done, motioned of 
 God, 
 Under whose eye mine innocence maintained, 
 Wherein I say, as first, these hands are clean ; 
 And hence ye nothing hold me, herein found 
 Free and accountable to none but God. 
 
 Choeus. Mortal, and made of mortal flesh, dost thou 
 Dispute the points of purity with him 
 In whose pure sight no mortal flesh is pure? 
 And comest thou with such an one to judgment. 
 And plead'st thou purity in whose pure sight 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS in 
 
 His Holy heavens are contemned unclean? 
 
 Then shall frail sinful flesh assert itself 
 
 Above the solemn edicts which of old 
 
 With God obtained ? Hence, while in time thou mayest, 
 
 Hasten repentance toward that God incensed 
 
 Justly, of surety knowing this thy sin 
 
 Shall never, unrepentant, pardon find. 
 
 For thee necessity nor God compelled 
 
 Unto thy act, nor any man enforced, 
 
 Since force upon free will can have no place, 
 
 Else no free will. Hence, that which thou hast done, 
 
 Freely thou didst it; force or fear none was. 
 
 Free in thy power it lay, since free thy will. 
 
 Obedience or revolt; but, that now passed. 
 
 In other hands the sequel lies, beyond 
 
 Thy choice. Hence, be assured that, to our pledge, 
 
 Ourselves will not exact a penal forfeit; 
 
 But for our peril, which thy acts induced. 
 
 And for thy solemn pledge of faith engaged, 
 
 We will deliver thee into their hand. 
 
 Samson". miserable, fond, unfaithful, weak. 
 So to renounce your faith to God engaged. 
 Violating your country's dearest ends ! 
 And wherefore, but to gain slight respite, deemed 
 Than honor more, than freedom, duty, virtue? 
 Fools, not to know that firm resistance made 
 On tyrant foes obedience is to God, 
 And slackened virtue rankest blasphemy! 
 Yet not unusual, among men declined 
 From God so far, thus to forego their vows, 
 'Not unexpected is, where ignorance 
 Of such prevails, if safety set before. 
 Honor behind — and yet how few prefer 
 Hard freedom over easy servitude ! 
 Yet still this folly may convert to wisdom. 
 Will Judah now but join, or one half tribe, 
 We shall this day possess the gates of Gath, 
 
112 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 And lord it over those we now obey. 
 
 Then let not slip occasion, which now serves, 
 
 But by your wisdom prove your worthy office. 
 
 Chokus. Samson, thou hadst no name of wise, I 
 
 knew, 
 But never thought folly would lead so far 
 Thy youth astray, with solemnest advice 
 Such hazard on such warrant weak to urge. 
 Thou knowest the people is unnerved to war, 
 Sinews unbraced, and heart by servitude 
 Softened effeminate, the wont effect. 
 Such then the state, madness it were, self -death, 
 So to propose, much more the motioned act, 
 Though thyself even, with all-puissant arm. 
 Stood' st present to discharge thy chiefest aid; 
 As soon could we, or all, as thou alone. 
 Boaster, who doubtless thence wert furthest found. 
 Samson". Then were my acts of my faith best the 
 
 warrant, 
 Which of its surety present witness vouches. 
 For, will ye but release me from my pledge 
 Assured, myself with unassisted might, 
 TVhich I withhold not, now occasion serves. 
 Engage this arm to wrest in sole attempt. 
 And ye at home, whole and unhazarded, 
 Not life alone, but freedom general, 
 So on your part ye dare the hazard set. 
 
 Choeus. Think not thy strength entire, as when thou 
 
 stood'st 
 Impenetrably armed of innocence; 
 Thy prowess then, when thou no more wast pure. 
 Departed thee, and now thy might but none 
 Thou knowest, disallied and drawn from good; 
 Wicked therefrom and weak, thought clad thou stood'st 
 And locked in mail proofer than adamant. 
 
 Samson. This mighty strength, given at my birth, 
 
 abides 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 113 
 
 Diffused through joint and limb, while I preserve 
 My vow inviolate, these locks unshorn. 
 
 Choeus. For not in mighty bone or massy flesh, 
 Though oft so deemed, vigor resides alone, 
 Nor those robustious locks clustering thy head; 
 But rather dwells with virtue, her ally 
 Divine, and the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts. 
 Full soon attempt this lesson would enforce, 
 How weak, how vain thy might divorced of these; 
 And we, too fondly on thy force relying. 
 Destroyed in thy destruction should be found, 
 Such an ambitious heat thy heart hath fired ! 
 This knowing, wherefore further urge thy plea, 
 Or scheme proposals worthiest of naught? 
 
 Samson". Then take upon yourselves to satisfy 
 The penalty imposed. I will not do it. 
 
 Chorus. Then wilt thou leave us answering to ills 
 Thy deeds on us induced, so to requite 
 Favor vouchsafed, protection to thy tribe? 
 Besides what act more impiously unclean, 
 More than thy former, sum of blasphemy, 
 So to betray and basely to desert 
 Thy nation's utmost need, us, and thy God? 
 Be not thus impious, but consider, Samson, 
 This act the glorious ending of thy toil. 
 Self -conquest, as than whom none mightier known. 
 So much the more the conquest glorious deem. 
 
 Samson". But led in chains captived, or tamed by cold 
 And hunger, wherein could I serve my work 
 From Heaven imposed, to set my people free ? 
 For this did the angel twice appear, for this 
 Declare my wondrous birth and wondrous life 
 Of God ordained? And shall I frustrate thus 
 His divine gift of strength, favor vouchsafed 
 Thus recompencing ? Rather let me strive. 
 While strength lives in these limbs, against my foes, 
 That this unwonted might be not for naught. 
 
114 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Nor God's high gift be given to purpose vain. 
 
 Chorus. Consider, Samson, matters now are come 
 In evil case. What better conldst thou serve 
 Thy mission, if thy mission thus thou hast. 
 Whereof thy wondrous might avouches much. 
 Than by thy mind and act to satisfy. 
 Freely as thy offence, thy fault adjudged thee, 
 Vf orking deliverance for thy nation, plea 
 Now held, and making thence thy glorious name? 
 Hence not of vain revenge, or vulgar spite. 
 But for our peril, which thy acts induced. 
 And for thy solemn pledge of faith engaged. 
 We will deliver thee into their hand. 
 
 Mother. Is this the end then of my prayers and 
 vows. 
 My fond maternal fears ? But yield thee, son. 
 For thus may be what offered means who knows 
 But God hath given before thee to set free 
 His people, as the oracle afl&rmed? 
 
 Chorus. What may it mean — the oracle thou sayest ? 
 Tell us the tale; thou seest we thirst to hear. 
 
 Mother. An angel told his wondrous birth divine 
 From God; which, after days accomplished, came. 
 This to be true his wondrous might avouches. 
 
 Chorus. But set the tale at length with circumstance. 
 Wherein conviction, if not truth, resides. 
 
 Mother. Then hear me, though in much amazement 
 stands 
 My mind, that such as ye should know it not, 
 A marvel so unwonted, so miraculous. 
 Divine ; though other had I deemed the end 
 Than thus, inglorious, infamous, contrary 
 To those high hopes preferred. I prayed a son, 
 Holding a barren wedlock a reproach; 
 I bore a son, that all esteemed me happy. 
 Who envies now my lot as fortunate? 
 Was my request too fond, or self too much 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 115 
 
 Inmixed, that God devised this punishment 
 
 Upon my sin, doubting his wa5^s not just? 
 
 Yet not as thus announced; for to me gone 
 
 Into the field, there as by wont retired 
 
 To solitude and prayer for children, then 
 
 Childless and barren, as I sat reposed 
 
 Apart, the messenger of God appeared, 
 
 WTio first to me revealed, next to my husband, 
 
 To whom a second vision was vouchsafed. 
 
 The divine mystery high, that from our loins 
 
 Should spring him who should set his people free; 
 
 Then, to assure the message high imparted. 
 
 Ascended all in flames from off the altar. 
 
 Whereon an offering burned, after foretelling 
 
 Conception sure of him who was ordained 
 
 To free his country from her enemies. 
 
 And so, when due time was and all fulfilled, 
 
 I bore a son, whose name bestowed foretold 
 
 His mission, that he should with might set free 
 
 His people — since the angel so affirmed 
 
 At least, though now event puts much in doubt. 
 
 Chorus. A wondrous tale indeed, from which thy 
 faith 
 On hopes well-founded seemed, nor less to us 
 Agreeably conceived; yet now perverse 
 Through his default, and void of reason found. 
 
 Mother. It had been my delight to view his home 
 With children filled, whose little laughter sweet, 
 Choicer to mother's ear than soothest pipe 
 Of stop, should charm the parent heart and mine; 
 My husband also, crowned with age serene. 
 Had summed complete our circled household hearth. 
 Ay me! 
 
 Never must thou call any woman wife. 
 Son, nor must I, with second mother love, 
 Dandle thy lusty babes upon my knees, 
 !N"or clap their cheeks, nor pore on every part. 
 
ii6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Eyes, ears, and nose, and month, and hands, and feet, 
 If mother's touch, or father's, more survive. 
 
 But separate in age, alone, unloved 
 
 Such then must be my lot, it seems, deserted 
 
 And solitary ; since, of thee bereft. 
 
 Whom have I ? Kindred, kindly friends, and home 
 
 No more to me remain, if thou no more. 
 
 Alas, how other seemed it late, when I 
 
 Stood cheered by all that hope or comfort showed ! 
 
 But now one sorrow by another sits. 
 
 And all the doleful sisterhood of grief 
 
 Surrounds me from the light of hope cut off. 
 
 Ah, with what other thoughts must I go hence 
 
 Than those in which I came ! Thus with each mom 
 
 Light shall return, but ne'er to me return 
 
 Peace, or glad thoughts, or thy fond eyes to mine. 
 
 Choeus. Give not to utter sorrow, but consider 
 Kindred thou hast yet, kindly friends remain. 
 And where thy husband is think there thy home. 
 
 MoTHEK. Then shall I so esteem thy loss as naught, 
 Or valued slight, and absence soon restored. 
 By other charities of life supplied. 
 Relations dear of husband, friend, or home? 
 Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh thou art. 
 Life of my life, by sad experience dear 
 As well I know. For not with wonted pangs 
 And throes of travail felt I thee to light. 
 Fruit of my body, bore ; but griping pains 
 And tortures more than death were mid-wife to me. 
 Yet words avail me nothing now, nor tears. 
 Ay me ! my members fail, and eyes, that now. 
 By swift oppression seized, I can no more. 
 
 Choeus. Let some convey her hence, and tend her 
 care. 
 As fits the need, with nursing diligence 
 Bestowed, that nothing seemly lack, becoming 
 Of wont a matron's honorable state. 
 
 i 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS ii^ 
 
 Samson". Alas, those lofty hopes divine, 
 To have set free 
 
 Israel wrested from Philistine yoke ! 
 Was it for this that word descended. 
 Twice by an angel told, 
 
 Who rode in flames up from the burning altar, 
 After conception assured, 
 With nurture holy ordained, and solemn care 
 Enjoined, as of a plant 
 Select and dedicated? 
 
 Why was my heart from earliest years inflamed 
 To high heroic deeds. 
 Magnanimous fortitude. 
 If now, alas, forsaken, betrayed. 
 And by a faithless nation, 
 As by an alien foe, 
 All aidless given, I must pay on 
 My hapless penalty imposed? 
 Unseemly recompence to most men deemed. 
 But doubly to the champion endued 
 With the high gift of God. 
 
 Who now will credence yield 
 Unto our holy oracles, that told 
 Miraculous birth, to me vouchsafed. 
 And wondrous strength sufficient 
 To set my people free. 
 That solemn task divine 
 Gloriously entrusted from above? 
 Alas, whom God^s higii choice hath once elected 
 Chiefest in his regard, not vilely so 
 He should desert, as never known. 
 And sell to servitude. 
 Be it but for promise made. 
 For whom God's favor hath chosen 
 To some great work and glory. 
 When but in part achieved 
 So if he whelm and thrall, subjecting him 
 
ii8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 To foul indignities, how stands therein 
 Judgment approved, or vindicated 
 Above the unjust the just? 
 Since both alike come to like evil end. 
 
 Choeus. "Wondrous the works of God, 
 His many marvellous ways 
 Beyond the searching out of man. 
 Yet some there be who deem no God at all, 
 Insensate, to their own blind thought inclining. 
 Others upbraid his providence adjudged 
 Partial, or to the erring 
 Indulgent, doom perverse misdeemed; 
 Then cast the rein to roving doubt, 
 Unmindful of his former mercies past, 
 Which fills with anxious fears 
 The credulous vain heart of man. 
 
 Yet for the trustful soul, 
 Assured his gracious eye divine, 
 God hath bid range far off all preying care's 
 That spoil the sweet of being. 
 And in his service pure 
 Shine golden days fulfilled with golden deeds 
 Acceptable, which is the calmest life. 
 
 "Which chance had been thy chance and lot secure, 
 Samson, in wondrous might 
 The miracle of men, 
 
 "With added favor joined of freedom wrought 
 And heavy yoke bereft 
 From off thy people, 
 ISTow in vilest bondage found. 
 Had not thy pride and weak ambition ruled, 
 "When thou with impious foot didst pass 
 The sacred bounds ordained 
 Which God of old had set to right, 
 Forgetful of thy task in part achieved. 
 The close of all thy labors and the crown. 
 
 Yet other lot on thee at length is fallen, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 119 
 
 By vanity or erring pride enticed 
 
 Erom that high purpose given 
 
 And trust on thee imposed, 
 
 With ruin Joined, that nulls those mighty deeds, 
 
 The pledge and surety of thy task bestowed, 
 
 Though late in part accomplished. 
 
 Yet now at last defeated. 
 
 And through thy own default, 
 
 Turning thy labors to disastrous end. 
 
 Samson". Alas, how otherwise my life portends 
 Than that it late possessed, when I in might 
 All mortal men excelled, with thoughts divine, 
 Magnanimous intents, to mighty deeds 
 By hopes beyond heroic thus inflamed ! 
 i^ow shamed, dishonored, captive, and betrayed 
 By my own nation, (that which now becomes 
 My worst affliction) wherein can I serve 
 That work imposed, to set my people free ? 
 So much I feel that mighty purpose fail 
 Till now that urged me on, my hopes all down. 
 My plea rejected, and myself contemned 
 Alien, outcast, disglorified, disprized. 
 
 Chokus. Yet thou hadst hope to gain the government 
 
 And rule thy brethren, after freedom wrought 
 
 Pond, and incapable of place or rule. 
 Since lewdly to thy lust thou wert enthralled, 
 j^ot seeing, in thy headlong arrogance. 
 Others who fain would rule must first himself. 
 
 Samson. What then prevailed my abstinence, not 
 armed 
 To all allurements proved however pleasing 
 To appetence, though one it could resist? 
 Things in our law unclean, and thence forbid, 
 The surety of my vow inviolate 
 And pledge of hallowed life, with like regard 
 Of all deliciousness, all weak desires 
 That soften and effeminate the soul. 
 
I20 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 How held seduction sweet, my taste could spurn. 
 Yet, though my mighty strength knew no compeer, 
 Though force unforced in me her fortress held 
 
 Impregnable, myself I could not rule 
 
 Which now I rue; for, womanly overcome, 
 
 Enticed by erring vanity and pride, 
 
 I, like a heedless pilot, have shipwracked 
 
 That glorious task divine enjoined from Heaven. 
 
 Call therefore no man strong who rules not self, 
 
 Though strength, informed with every motion, stalk 
 
 Pre-eminent — weak, worthless, and despised! 
 
 Chorus. Thou might'st have made for "honor and for 
 good, 
 Been high esteemed thy land's deliverer, famed 
 In the universal mouth. ISTow the worse part 
 Chosen thou hast, through giddy headiness 
 Erring, and, virtue lost, thou losest all. 
 
 Samson". I see the ill on which, presumptuously 
 Erring, I fell. Wlien most I felt secure. 
 Lax in my strength, from the unsuspected sky 
 The cloudless thunder bolts upon my head. 
 Yet, none the less, anguish I feel and shame, 
 Betrayed by my own nation and my friends. 
 Who to their utmost should have seconded 
 My high attempts, not striven to have undone them, 
 Snaring my unsuspicion with my words; 
 This not my least affliction and reproach. 
 
 Chorus. We knew thy force, that thou determinest 
 No power but strength of body — our main hold 
 Lay therefore to assay thee what thou art. 
 Wherein thy true might summed, by guile or skill 
 To win thee or win from thee what thou hast 
 Of strength, that we might know; as is the part 
 Of wisdom, when force wavers, with discretion 
 To conquer wherein force effected not. 
 But thou of self didst come, beyond our hope, 
 And we in might presumed no match of thine ; 
 
 J 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 121 
 
 Hence we had need what only aid remains 
 To weakness, and must lack of force supply 
 With cunning, or by what name better called. 
 
 Samson". Dishonor rightlier called, impiety • 
 
 Since disregarded quite those mighty acts 
 
 By God through me vouchsafed — neglect and scorn. 
 
 Rancor and pride and enmity and spite. 
 
 Or whatsoever else of ill and vile, 
 
 jSTot fitting virtuous hearts or generous minds 
 
 Aiming at freedom from a hated yoke, 
 
 But worthy most dispraise, contempt, and shame. 
 
 Yet I to other thoughts had schooled my mind, 
 
 Into your hand to yield myself, since ye 
 
 Resolve me that yourselves will not exact 
 
 A penal forfeit; so, I am content. 
 
 That I to other purpose wrought the deed 
 
 Avails me nothing; hence do I repent 
 
 The error, which is now become my crime 
 
 And 3^our occasion, basel}^, as it seems. 
 
 Choeus. I see thou art not slack of virtue, false 
 To what high worth within thee still remains. 
 Though dim through thy default, but well resolved 
 Of purpose, as the unyielding center firm, 
 I^or wilt revoke thy word sincere engaged. 
 Though dearly to thy cost, if well discharged 
 That heavy score through thy own acts incurred. 
 Yet other would I choose thy end, than so 
 Disglorified, disprized, and lastly death 
 Perhaps, or worse than death, inflicted on thee. 
 
 Samson". Yet otherwise to me my lot portends. 
 For, though by you my plea contemned, despised. 
 Although those mighty acts by me performed 
 Attested well that mission high imposed. 
 Yet I persuade me God will not desert 
 As traitorously his champion, but still 
 Pavor vouchsafe and strength, as times before, 
 To vindicate the glory of his name. 
 
122 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Whence now, if anght from presage be forewarned, 
 Or there be premonition in the mind, 
 This day shall be remarkable, or my last. 
 
 Chorus. May God thy plea accept, his law dispense, 
 For so he can, we not, and thy petition 
 Prosper; though otherwise my thoughts portend, 
 The anguish of my soul, and chief affliction. 
 Yet, what may some avail to raise thy mind, 
 Since wisest men have oft aspired no more 
 Than to the common good, by that regard 
 For which our country is esteemed so dear 
 Thou diest; thus much of excellence and praise 
 Attaches to thy deed. Free choice thou hadst 
 To save thyself, hast chosen, the better part. 
 Her safety, which, be sure, gains due regard, 
 
 The gratitude and thanks of all thy nation 
 
 No small mark, if at glory thou hast aimed. 
 Let this appease thy mind, and thou the rather 
 Accept what fate, lest heavier on thyself 
 That deadlier curse, thy land's destruction, light. 
 
 Samsoj^. I could be well content with that award 
 Which fame appoints to wait on virtuous deeds; 
 But marked with brand of treason, and the stain 
 Of infamy upon my name pronounced, 
 No prize esteemed, yet are by me alike 
 Indifferent held. Glory and shame are one 
 To men who for their country's welfare strive ; 
 And like by me are held, and valued like, 
 So best accomplished that great work imposed. 
 For which my life bestowed, and willing offered. 
 But other reasons urge, and other thoughts. 
 For yonder she, of whom I drew to live, 
 Now droops, anguished, and spent, and quite sunk down, 
 With sad forebodings fraught and seized with fear, 
 So strong the mother in her works. Wherefore 
 Comfort and speak her fair ; omit no means 
 That wait on woman's gentler ministries. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 123 
 
 The man may draw his own strength from himself. 
 And of his own live to himself, secure 
 Through chance in life, and change ; the woman not. 
 But in man lives her best and happiest life, 
 At least his care requires and kindly aid. 
 
 Chorus. Nourish thy hopes ; nor deem us so ungrate- 
 ful. 
 So lacking in the common decencies 
 Of life, which reverence to distress enjoin. 
 And most in woman solitary in grief, 
 As not to guard her care to extreme shift. 
 
 Samson. With cause thy words relieve me for her 
 welfare 
 -Fraught with foreboding fears. This makes amend. 
 Somewhat, for your ingratitude that sends me 
 Dishonored, shamed, disglorified, disprized, 
 A prey to cruel foes. Thus much assured, 
 More eased in mind and somewhat raised I part. 
 
 Choeus. For now thy time arrives ; the man returns. 
 
 Philistine Heeald. Elders, the Ebrew Samson 
 here I seek. 
 
 Choeus. His fetters may inform him where he 
 stands. 
 
 Philistine Heeald. Samson by this doubtless thou 
 hast the cause 
 Wherefore I come. Haste therefore, and prepare 
 Thy journey. Hesitatest? Come without 
 Delay, or thou shalt learn, and to thy cost, 
 We can find means to quench thy insolence. 
 Regard thyself, and school thee to consider 
 Whether of self thou com'st, or, from thy place 
 By violence moved, trailed through your common streets 
 Like a wild beast, a gross indecency, 
 And one which for thy honor best were spared. 
 
 Samson. Thy thought and tongue at variance plain 
 are set. 
 
124 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Philistine Heeald. Prat'st thou so boldly now? 
 
 Soon hast thou cause 
 Justly to rue the insolence thou showest. 
 
 Samsoi^. Threaten not how thou wilt, but, as thou 
 
 canst. 
 Do now ; so fair a chance comes not in haste. 
 Philistine Herald. Dost thou already chafe? I 
 
 thought thee tamed. 
 Yet ways enough under the yoke to tame 
 Even thy gamesome spirit. Thou shalt groan, 
 Loaden with chains, in Gaza^s prison-house 
 Pent in a dolorous dungeon, thy wont comrades 
 Gaunt slaves and asses, which thou shalt not see, 
 Thine eyes bored out — no woman then shall set 
 Those orbs agape — disgraceful there to grind. 
 And, still to anger more, oft shalt thou play 
 At our high festivals to make our mirth. 
 Abused, maltreated, to the multitude 
 A gross unpitied object gazed and scorned. 
 If thou art backward to obey, the worst 
 That torment can devise, scourgings and whips. 
 Packs, branding fire, and cold, the extreme pains ; 
 Last, like a labored beast thy chance-fallen carcass 
 Stenching the common air, to die a death 
 Ignoble, unknown, unenvied, unavenged. 
 
 Samson. No terrors have thy threats to shake my 
 
 soul 
 Armed to endure, with firmest constancy, 
 The utmost ills on me thine can inflict. 
 Before have I considered, and the score 
 To the utmost will discharge, if God's high will 
 Demand, that heavy satisfaction, death. ' 4 
 
 But I persuade me God will not desert " 
 
 Thus traitorously his champion, since his task 
 Still unperformed, but strength will yet vouchsafe 
 To vindicate the glory of his name. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 125 
 
 Philistine Heeald. Reckon not on thy God, 
 Since he no more 
 Considers or regards thee, to permit 
 Thy kin to seize, with all indignity. 
 And yield to alien foes, his foes as thine. 
 Besides, were he so minded, he could not 
 Assist thee, weaker fonnd and less of force 
 Than Dagon and the gods by ns adored 
 With proof of combat, when, in battle joined 
 Your servile heads bowed down beneath our spears. 
 Not all your force sufficed, nor us subdued 
 That day, though Israel's fiercest might contended 
 With the utmost of his deity seconded. 
 Cease then from hope, nor in thy fond expectance 
 Await deliverance destined ne'er to come ; 
 But rather principle thyself to bear 
 Whatever chance may fall, which I assert thee 
 Shall not be less than thy extremest thought. 
 
 Sams'on". Were not thy coat and person by consent 
 Of custom sacred, what withholds my hand 
 To spare thy dastard life, and not at once 
 Buffet thy structure low, or, raised, dash down 
 With hazard of thy head and ruined sides? 
 Then should it soon be known, in this attest 
 At least, whose god were stronger, thine or mine, 
 Or thus deserted found that champion raised, 
 By his high acts on thine avouched, as well 
 Of thy false words the contradiction proving. 
 
 Choeus. Stir not, with vain breath of thy airy 
 threats. 
 The man's grim fires of wrath, already waked. 
 And, Samson, hear thou us, nor in thy anger 
 Give wisdom's rule to folly, as thy wont. 
 
 Samson. Elders, farewell and peace. Though ye 
 this day 
 To me have shown but scant respect, dishonored 
 My plea, and held in all contempt, yet now 
 
126 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 But comfortable words and fair I speak. 
 AYhate^er may come I arm me to endure 
 AYitli constant resolution, and perhaps 
 I yet shall gain my chance by you withheld; 
 For so is presage in my mind, at least. 
 As for this windy boaster, o'er-assured 
 My ignominious life and shameful death, 
 Whether your force be dextrous to subdue 
 The power of IsraeFs God, to me vouchsafed 
 And manifested in my wondrous might, 
 Twixt thee and me the event must arbitrate. 
 
 Chokus. miserable change thou fallest upon, 
 Samson, though with might endued 
 More than the sons of men! 
 So far presumption in thee wrought 
 To wrest, through pride, the laws of God; 
 Yet so repentance moved may still 
 Reverse the solemn edict passed 
 That dooms thy meted punishment, 
 Though doubt much moves my tardy mind 
 If justice roused be thus appeased ; 
 Which now the sure event must arbitrate. 
 But who comes thus in heated haste, as far 
 He fared? an Ebrew, sure, but not of ours. 
 
 Manoah. Elders and men of Judah, since to me 
 Such were ye shown, behold one hither come 
 
 Supposing here to find a son and wife 
 
 Since rumor thus gave out, hence then my search 
 
 Directed — whom my tardy presence here 
 
 Seems not to find. Say therefore where to seek. 
 
 But lest relation thus declare me not, 
 
 Xor serve acquaintance, as my place not known, 
 
 I am of Dan, Manoah is my name. 
 
 But after knowledge gained, thus clear of doubt, 
 
 Why guard ye silence, and with asking looks 
 
 Gaze each on other, without uttered speech? 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 127 
 
 Chorus. Then learn thy son's reproach, the worst 
 that ever 
 Could have bechanced him and his father's house. 
 Because he broke the law of God express 
 By alien wedlock, which our statutes ban. 
 And peril, by his impious acts, on us 
 Induced from our dread lords, the Caphtorim, 
 Therefore have we, and no dispraise to us, 
 Now given him bound with bonds into their hand. 
 Of what hath fallen him notice yet is none ; 
 But doubtless he by this hath paid full score 
 And satisfied the extreme of their revenge 
 In pains and penalties inflicted on him. 
 
 Manoah. miserable hope ! was this that trust 
 I had conceived as fits a father's love 
 And care? Why was I mocked with specious good, 
 As of a gift bestowed desirable, 
 Yet drawing in the end discerned a sting? 
 Is this the just requital of my faith 
 That prayed a son, and gained, and such a son. 
 Purposed by Heaven's attest to our deliverance ? 
 Yet now himself deliverance most hath need. 
 Incapable and vain against his foes ! 
 Alas, if such their import when received. 
 Such gifts, it seems, were best withheld, not given. 
 But cancel now in part this grief with joy, 
 Pair tidings of my wife and hope, or still 
 Add'st thou to this hard sum another score 
 Of woe, more grievous still to satisfy? 
 
 Choeus. Manoah old, it irks me sore to say 
 The heavy tidings, which thou yet must bear. 
 Yet summon now thy most of man to learn 
 The worst of grief that e'er thy ear shall strike. 
 Thy wife, when she had known the sad relation 
 Which thou but late hast learned, quite spent through 
 grief, 
 
128 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Sunk down with sense distraught, whence some haye 
 
 borne her 
 Unto a house hard by, where yet she lies; 
 Her state, or life or death, I cannot say. 
 Yet never shroud in silence thus thy face 
 With mantled robe, but give thy grief to speech. 
 Lest with too rude irruption burst thy heart. 
 
 Manoah. Ay me ! the worst ! God's favor thus with- 
 drawn. 
 And face, how shall I bear to pass my days ? 
 Why should I longer live, since life prolonged 
 Insures but added grief and more remorse? 
 Death now inherits all my hopes conceived 
 Of barren joy and fond expectancy, 
 Yain all and fruitless; wherefore let him now 
 Seize on me also, since desire is gone 
 Of life bereft and solitary thus. 
 Yet I would be resolved the worst ; for still 
 The half woe lies in the uncertainty. 
 Though of my son can tidings be but ill, 
 Hope still would hope, and faith would fain believe. 
 But let me hence, and learn what chance attends 
 My wife, in strait distress by your report. 
 The man, where dangers or dishonors press. 
 Noblest and needliest by the woman stays. 
 And from or with her guards or shares the worst. 
 
 Chorus. Hold, for I hither speeding to thy wish 
 Discern who may report thy son with news. 
 
 Ebeew Messenger. miserable sight these eyes be- 
 held. 
 And still behold, and miserable to hear 
 The ruinous noise that yet peals on my ears ! 
 So lively still imagination shows. 
 And fancy, the dread horror late I passed. 
 But chance, or instinct, or some accident. 
 Seems to have led me hither back again 
 To you, my countrymen, though how scarce known, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 129 
 
 Who doubtless also heard, the noise so dire. 
 
 Choeus. Nothing we heard, except thy rueful outcry. 
 From whose loud tumult comes no perfect witness 
 Of what remarkably hath late been done ; 
 Though from thy aspect thus much we infer, 
 That aught unusual hath happened late, 
 Which we must gain of thee, if still we learn. 
 
 Ebrew Messenger. If I shall truly say what late I 
 saw, 
 Doubtful report will contradict belief. 
 
 Choeus. Set out thy news at once, whatever known-. 
 No hesitation needs ; belief will weigh 
 Thy tidings, after due relation heard. 
 
 Ebeew Messenger. Which thus far ask report, 
 though hard to think. 
 That all the host of Caphtorim is fallen. 
 
 Choeus. Fallen, and by whom? Since never of 
 themselves 
 Fell such a host, nor yet by all our force. 
 
 Ebeew Messengee. Then learn, though little cre- 
 dence gain, and faith, 
 At Samson's mighty hand they met their doom. 
 
 Choeus. Little indeed, since late these eyes beheld 
 him. 
 Bound for his death. But still, if truth thou sayest. 
 Proceed, relate the fact how it befell. 
 
 Ebeew Messengee. Know, therefore, when puj 
 champion parted hence 
 By order of our lords to satisfy 
 For us and our awarded forfeiture 
 Redeem, that I obscurely fared aloof, 
 Not, though in danger, thus to be deterred 
 That I might know the end of this sad day : 
 But not far; for, with earliest glimpse of dawn 
 Removed his camp, the Caphtorim had bent 
 With hastened expedition through the bounds 
 To Judah portioned, weening to o'erpower 
 
130 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Our faint surprise ; and, with hot haste disdaining 
 
 Order and rank, his gross adventurous bands 
 
 ISTow with high noon drew to our city nigh. 
 
 And soon, far in the south, first met our view 
 
 A fierce array of aspect battailous, 
 
 The banded powers of Caphtor hastening on, 
 
 Both horse and foot, archers and slingers, spears, 
 
 The choice and flower of their chivalry 
 
 Met from all parts to this great task, who straight 
 
 Assembled stood at sight of their grand foe 
 
 Bound, and so tame, delivered in their hand ; 
 
 AVhom when they saw, they raised a mighty shout 
 
 Against him, as when thunder speaks from heaven. 
 
 Roused by the sound, Samson upheaved his head 
 
 "With eyes uplift, as one who prayed, till then 
 
 Upon the ground fast-fixed, as in despair, 
 
 Or meditating some great purpose high. 
 
 And ere he scarce had raised them, when behold 
 
 The Spirit of God fell on him, and each orb 
 
 Shot fire, as lightning glares from justling clouds, 
 
 That withered all their strength and vigor drained. 
 
 Then from those mighty arms the binding cords 
 
 Parted, as touched with flame. On their whole host 
 
 He drove, with trivial weapon armed, the jaw 
 
 Of a dead ass, which, in that glorious hand 
 
 Pallen swift with tempest on his enemies. 
 
 Slew largely of their chief and choicest youth. 
 
 Chill horror froze their spirits ; idly dropped 
 
 Their weapons, vain resistance were they raised; 
 
 He, over helmed heads and fallen dead 
 
 Fierce rushing, without let or hindrance slew, 
 
 None daring opposition, all amaze, 
 
 Such mighl^ execution wrought, and fear. 
 
 The sword and wrath of Samson on his foes 
 
 Strook with dismay, despaired, spiritless, fallen. 
 
 So ranged our mighty champion through their host ; 
 
 So fixed, so trembling, so of vigor drained. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 131 
 
 A thousand foreskins fell, their flower and prime. 
 
 Manoah. Come, then; no cause for lamentation 
 here, 
 Far less occasion. Samson like himself 
 Himself hath quit, and vindicated quite 
 His Heaven-attested mission; on his foes 
 Defeat hath wrought, dishonor, fear, and shame ; 
 To Israel hath brought freedom, so but they 
 Seize the occasion, cause to further woe 
 Upon our foes. Gaza in all her gates 
 Deplores the rued attempt, for which shall rise 
 Mourning and lamentation through the bounds 
 Of Ecron, and in Asdod, and in Gath, 
 Among the daughters of the Caphtorim; 
 For never hath so dire a stroke befallen them, 
 Since Israel first bowed beneath his yoke. 
 Nothing wants now to joy, but that my wife. 
 Associate and auxiliar in my hope. 
 Share in these tidings glad and common mirth ; 
 To whose dear side sad duty still enjoins me. 
 So in my son's concern too much remiss. 
 
 Chorus. All is of God, though oft with doubt 
 Is Heavenly disposition dark, 
 Aiming at ends unsearchable; 
 Yet not amiss against its mark 
 His counsel flies, how distant far; 
 As now for us, whose chance hath proved 
 Happy, and that his high intent 
 Good out of evil brings forth still; 
 The event the purpose vindicates. 
 
132 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 SAMSON BLTODED 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Samsoist, having espoused and wedded Dalila, a 
 woman of the Philistines^ in the vale of Sorec, is 
 earnestly importuned by her to reveal the secret of his 
 strength ; which he for some time refuses to do, putting 
 her oS either by pretence or by absolute denial. Mean- 
 while he chances to be visited by certain young men 
 of the tribe of Dan — who make the chorus — as their 
 former custom was, resorting to him for converse; and 
 afterward by his father, Manoah, who, under premoni- 
 tion of danger, warns Samson of evil to befall him from 
 Dalila; which warning Samson scorns. Shortly after, 
 Samson departs under pretence of some onset or act 
 upon the Philistines that shall complete the deliverance 
 of Israel. Then enters Dalila to the chorus, inquiring 
 for Samson, and, after some converse, endeavoring his 
 secret, which they refuse; whereupon Dalila, repeating 
 her determination to succeed in her quest, goes out. 
 Shortly after, Manoah again appears, with anxiety for 
 Samson, having seen some Philistine liers-in-wait ; and 
 is still more troubled to learn of Dalila's attempt upon 
 the chorus to gain the secret. "W^iile in suspense as to 
 what should be done, a messenger, an Ebrew, enters, 
 relating what hath befallen Samson who is soon brought 
 in, his eyes put out, in bonds, a prisoner to the 
 Philistines; Dalila afterward appears also, and seeks 
 reconciliation, but is rejected with scorn, and then with- 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 133 
 
 draws^ glorying in her deceit ; whereupon the chorus seek 
 to comfort Samson what they can, that, less in despair, 
 he is led away, a captive, to Gaza; and the drama con- 
 cludes. 
 
 THE PERSOITS. 
 
 Samson. 
 
 Dalila, his wife. 
 
 Manoah, father to Samson. 
 
 Chorus of Danite Youths. 
 
 Messenger. 
 
 Servant. 
 
 Public Officer. 
 
 The Scene, Dalila's "house, in tKe vale of Sorec. 
 
 Dalila. Once more with doubtful hope and wavering 
 purpose. 
 Although my oft repulse contrary warn 
 And promise like event, if I persist, 
 Samson, once more, ere lastly thou pronounce. 
 Let me renew my pleaded suit, imploring 
 That secret thou refused'st to impart 
 At my solicitation, wondering much 
 Of thy so strange refusal, for to me. 
 As to thyself, thou safely may^st reveal. 
 Who on thee no advantage could presume. 
 The partner of my soul and other self. 
 In whom I live my life, without thee not. 
 But to no end exist, and days prolong 
 With fruitless hope. If, as to me thou sayest, 
 
134 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Thou lov'st me yet, dost hold me yet endeared 
 
 Thy wife, esteem'st me yet and cherishest. 
 
 Thou wilt not longer my request defer. 
 
 But wilt reveal what I so long have sought. 
 
 Wherein thy strength consists and safety placed, 
 
 Thy stubborn secret held, and citadel 
 
 Which I with constant hope so long have tried, 
 
 Yet vainly, to my sorrow, thus assuring. 
 
 Beyond a shadowing doubt, thy heart sincere. 
 
 And trust in me reposed, faithful, approved. 
 
 The solace and sure seal of this our love. 
 
 For, where twixt faith of wedded man and wife 
 
 Some secret stands, no perfect union joins, 
 
 But discord, fear, suspicion, lastly hate, 
 
 That all their fair domestic peace confounds. 
 
 If thou canst use me thus, thy wife esteemed 
 
 And dear delight, as thou hast oft professed. 
 
 Thou lov^st me not, and but in scorn dost hold me, 
 
 As thou didst fear me false, or over-fond. 
 
 So to reveal, and thus thy wrath assured. 
 
 Thy anger, scorn, displeasure, if revealed 
 
 The secret of thy safety and thy life. 
 
 Samson. Not that I trust thee not, or fear thee 
 false, 
 Disloyal to thy faith and fealty sworn. 
 Have I refused, and still refuse, though such 
 Might well be warned, as thereby not surprised, 
 By first experience. Did not she of Timna 
 Betray her solemn trust and solemn faith. 
 When in her prime of spousal love professed 
 She basely to my spies and rivals gave 
 The trusted secret, on whose issue hung not 
 The hazard of my safety and my life. 
 As here depending? She, with like assurance 
 Of wifely love to me and faith maintained. 
 Yet scrupled not, hard pressed and sore beset, 
 Basely my secret for her gain to barter. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 135 
 
 (yercome by magtering imj)ortuTiity. 
 
 Not therefore that I fear thy false intent 
 
 Do I refuse thee; but I fear thy weakness, 
 
 Lest, in like caKe of sore-besetting need. 
 
 Not willingly perhapH, but for thy life. 
 
 Whose loss at moments even the bravest fears. 
 
 Or in a time when unprf^pared^ which all, 
 
 The best, most principJed with good, have felt. 
 
 Thou also, with like error, do what thou, 
 
 Or armed with wontfjd virtue, or by knowledge 
 
 Made stronger, never couldst consent to do. 
 
 Nor should I, as thy husband, thus expose 
 
 Thy virtue to temptation, that assails 
 
 Unsought; trial enough, be sure, will come, 
 
 Without thy seeking, i/> approve thy faith, 
 
 Which will require thy utmost to opy^osc. 
 
 And not thy curious knowledge to divide 
 
 I'hat strength, to thee for other use imparted. 
 
 So shall I best my love t^j thee approve 
 
 By love maintained from trial un secure. 
 
 Not by indulgence weak to work thy fall. 
 
 Or, at the least, confusion somewhat raise. 
 
 Which might our peace and household faith confound. 
 
 Nor does thy happiness upon that knowledge 
 
 TJepend; thy love sincere to me remains 
 
 Without that secret, which revealed would raise 
 
 Trouble, which raised thou wouhlst avoid, yet thus 
 
 Would work what thou might'st vainly thence repent. 
 
 Then seek naught which can not thy happiness 
 
 Increase, but might diminish, or destroy 
 
 Our love; which to maintain should be thy care. 
 
 l)ALiLA. Deny me not here, Samson, not thy wont, 
 WTjo still thy thoughts with me art wont to part. 
 My solace and sole comfort, since to thee 
 TJnited from my nation cuts me off. 
 By this degraded, as they hold, to thee, 
 Of race inferior, joined; though joined to thee 
 
136 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Assures me not the favor yet of thine, 
 
 Who evermore repulse my friendly notions, 
 
 Jealous of thee perhaps, and of my love, 
 
 Whereof good proof to thee that day I gave, 
 
 When I against my country and my faith 
 
 (For so the priest rang ever in my ear. 
 
 Preaching how impious to my country's gods 
 
 It would be to espouse an enemy. 
 
 Our fiercest, most inveterate, who had slain 
 
 Such numbers of our nation and the flower) 
 
 Peceived thee for my husband, loved thee, served thee 
 
 In all good faith, and still thy welfare seek, 
 
 Would still in quiet love, with thee would live, 
 
 My highest happiness and peace accounted, 
 
 Asking thee only to approve thy faith 
 
 As mine to thee, by yielding this last proof, 
 
 The secret that divorces me from thee, 
 
 Still separates our union, mine from thine, 
 
 Whose heart entire I covet, nor would share. 
 
 Except against my will, with aught; repulse 
 
 "No longer her so long who justly sues. 
 
 Samson. With sorrow I refuse; and could desire 
 Some other question of my love, some proof 
 Whose surety I could readily vouchsafe, 
 Thou wouldst prefer, and not thus constant urge 
 So hard the secret, the one citadel 
 I must not yield — too long, if without rudeness 
 I may presume, too long by thee assailed; 
 Thy importunity too far hath borne thee 
 Against thy constant service and thy love. 
 Desist then to prefer thy soft request. 
 That must, if too far urged, but more divide 
 Division, and the rupture slight increase. 
 
 Dalila. If such thy purpose, then in vain I sought 
 To heal our wounded love, and have but widened, 
 Though to my pain and grief — more than to thine, 
 I fear, since ever so the woman feels 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 137^ 
 
 The most, and suffers most love's parting pain; 
 
 But suffering can bear and silent hide 
 
 Her sorrow and heart-grief. And I no less 
 
 Will suffer, as I loved, with due regard 
 
 That no extreme be known, howe'er the smart; 
 
 To bear without complaint is woman's lot. 
 
 And silently endure her chiefest praise. 
 
 But see ! for yonder through the shade discerned 
 
 A youthful troop steering this way their steps ; 
 
 Perhaps thy friends, who for thy wished converse 
 
 Are wont to come; whom fitly to receive 
 
 Thou must with favor meet, and I retire. 
 
 Chorus. This, this is whom we sought, 
 The dread invincible of Israel's foes, 
 The glory of his nation and the boast, 
 With matchless might endued 
 And heavenly vigor armed, 
 Whose dread heroic strength", 
 Now blazed and famous through remotest bounds of 
 
 earth. 
 No ode, or choicest lyric song. 
 Or storied legend told in lofty verse. 
 Can to the height of his true worth exalt. 
 Crowning his name with universal praises. 
 
 Semi-choeus. For first, his flowering youth yet 
 scarcely blown 
 And virtue yet unproved. 
 With strenuous might he slew 
 The solitary beast that wons in wild. 
 Tearing him, as the lion tears the kid. 
 
 Semi-chorus. Then, to avenge the riddle's dastard 
 stealth 
 And wagered pledge redeem. 
 Thirty, the flower and choice of Ascalon, he slew, 
 Alone, and without aid 
 Armed in himself complete. 
 Scorning their weapons proud and martial tools. 
 
138 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Semi-choeus. Then, for his wrested bride and faith 
 profaned. 
 Upon his hapless foes. 
 Distract, surprised, amazed, 
 "Weaponless and unarmed he singly fell. 
 Though clad in mail they stood, proudly secure 
 Of him whose dreaded might and wondrous force 
 They sought to overthrow; 
 But nathless wrought their shame, 
 When on their battled might 
 His anger with impetuous fury smote. 
 And quelled their pride. 
 
 Semi-choeus. Then, armed with trivial weapon, 
 largely slew 
 The choice and prime of their Philistine 3^outh 
 In Ramath-Lechi, where the bidden spring 
 "With kindly rupture burst from the dry ground. 
 After the brunt of battle, to allay 
 His thirst, and virtue restore. 
 
 Semi-choeus. Then on his shoulders took, 
 And by main strength upbare, 
 The massy gates of Gaza, post and door, 
 iSTo trivial burden borne, or distance passed. 
 Toward Hebron, ancient seat of Anakim. 
 
 Choeus. Where shall I first extol 
 Thy dread heroic might. 
 With plain celestial fortitude adorned 
 And heavenly vigor armed. 
 Worthiest all renown and highest glory? 
 For thee I reckon chiefest in estate, 
 "WTiose strength by Heaven endued 
 And wondrous might bestowed. 
 By wondrous acts expressed and wondrous deeds. 
 The miracle of men. 
 
 Declare their doer's worth, and highest tell 
 His fame and loftiest praises. 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 139 
 
 Samsok. Your presence, friends, is kindly; for 1 
 gain 
 Now by experience dear how current runs 
 The coin debased of friendship counterfeit. 
 For not, as once they used, hither resort 
 Frequent my friends for oft converse, wherefrom 
 I drew fresh virtue, vigor new derived. 
 To work my mighty mission. Tell me, comrades, 
 Whence is that falling off, that strange defection, 
 'No ancient enmity or new offence 
 Between us known ? Why am I slighted thus, 
 Cut off from all my nation, disavowed 
 As sprung of hated stock idolatrous. 
 Or held unclean? Other return is due 
 For those great acts which God by me hath wrought 
 Upon our conquerors; gratitude and thanks 
 And better no small praise beseem than thus 
 !N"eglected and discarded, as though held 
 Alien, outcast, uncircumcised, despised. 
 
 Choeus. Be not offended then, if plainly set 
 The reason, which perhaps, though hard to hear, 
 May work thy remedy; apt words, though harsh, 
 Unpalatable, ungrateful, undesirable. 
 Yet, spoken with sincere intent, as herbs 
 Bitter in taste, but healing of effect. 
 Medicine and alleviate the ill. 
 For, to say truth, men deem thee fallen away 
 To our oppressors, since thy hated wedlock, 
 ISTow twice repeated, which persuades the more, 
 Forbidden with the uncircumcised to join, 
 Argues no longer thee of ours esteemed. 
 Or over-proud towards us to condescend. 
 Much wonder have I felt, and often heard. 
 That thou hast twice espoused an infidel, 
 Uncircumcised, unclean, unceremonial. 
 So main against thy God and country's law; 
 The more, that sad event in nuptial choice 
 
140 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 And lot unfortTinate might well deter 
 Thee from attempting what so near thy ruin 
 Once wrought, thus hardly from the snare escaped. 
 Samson". Doubtful it seems, I own; yet still must 
 plead, 
 My sole extenuation and excuse. 
 Divine impulsion prompting me to find 
 Some cause upon our foes that might redeem 
 Our hated yoke. For not through fondest love, 
 Vanquished by passion weak, have I urged on 
 The former marriage, or this second joined; 
 But that I might my mission prosecute. 
 To free my nation from Philistine yoke. 
 The task divine on me enjoined from Heaven ; 
 My own advantage weighed not, how might best 
 Serve my own end of pleasure, thus conjoined 
 With her who had my wished destruction planned. 
 And once had well-nigh wrought; but I escaped 
 Her snare, when she, my former, basely sold 
 My secret to those bridal spies and rivals, 
 "Who sought my undermining, but their own 
 Achieved, importunate of death, and rash. 
 When I on them fierce vengeance executed 
 For violated oath and right profaned. 
 'Not in this other seems more faith, who urges 
 Against denial to besiege the secret 
 Wherein my seal of strength and safety placed. 
 Now thrice, with blandishment and woman's tears. 
 She hath essayed me, summing all her wiles, 
 With feminine allurement, sly assault; 
 And thrice have I refused her, thrice withstood 
 Her wordy batteries, to idle sport 
 Turning her utmost importunity. 
 But she, by all her failure undeterred. 
 Though better taught by ill successes past. 
 Surceases not to storm me day nor night 
 With her assaults, outwatched and over-worn, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 141 
 
 Adjuring me by all the ties of love, 
 
 And ties of wedlock duty, nuptial faith, 
 
 Professing first my duty wanting to her 
 
 And her great love toward me, then threatening high 
 
 To leave me, if refused, as more with me 
 
 To live no pleasure, since my passion cooled 
 
 And trust in her destroyed, or undermined 
 
 At least, thus nicely or thus cautiously 
 
 Her suit denied. So she assaults me sore 
 
 !N'ow this fourth time, and stronger the assault » 
 
 But vainly, since I never will reveal. 
 Thus impiously and weakly, the strict pledge 
 And vow inviolate, wherein reposed 
 The secret of my safety and my life. 
 
 Chorus. Wisely hast thou determined, wisely held, 
 Though urged, thy bosom-purpose ; since before. 
 And often, wisest men have been deceived 
 By some bad woman, once in wedlock joined; 
 Or, over-fond, reposing firm their trust. 
 Thinking no evil where no evil seemed. 
 Or holding cheap the snare of woman's power 
 To frustrate, or divert, or undermine 
 Their inmost counsels. Well thou hast once come off, 
 Hast once escaped the toils, though to thy cost. 
 The wonder thus of many that again 
 Thou sett'st thy feet so near a second snare. 
 
 Samson. IJnduly are they moved, and for my; 
 welfare 
 Too far concerned, who ever have left off 
 To follow, where I led them first the way 
 That guides to freedom ; which they, over-cautious. 
 Or loving more their lives than liberty. 
 
 Servitude more than generous liberty 
 
 Hard liberty and easy servitude 
 
 Neglect, and like despise that champion raised 
 To their deliveran-ce ; whom, if he begin, 
 They will suspect, and envy, and desert, 
 
142 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Holding my glorious actions in contempt, 
 Though destined their deliverance foretold, 
 And on mj task heaping inglorious shame. 
 And therefore let them serve, who have rejected 
 Offered assistance thrice, and be themselves 
 Sufficient to themselves, if they suffice 
 To gain their freedom scorned, since they from me 
 Eefused that glorious boon. For me refused 
 Means what but God refused, whose purpose high 
 Endued my strenuous might and vigor gave, 
 His counsel scorned, and him, not me, despised, 
 His covenant rejected, and those gods, 
 "Whom meanly now they serve, to him preferred? 
 Just cause of wrath and their deserving sin. 
 
 Choeus. Dark are the minds of men, 
 And darkly endued 
 
 Their counsel, struck insensate or depraved, 
 To wrath divine given over. 
 And by their folly drawn to their own hurt, 
 With sight internal dark. 
 When on their hapless heads, 
 Defenceless left, or struck with sense deject, 
 Surprised, bereft, amazed, 
 God visits all his might and vents his wrath 
 In tempests of fierce destruction. 
 
 Yet they not more instruct, but persevere 
 To evil, though God oft of favor warn 
 By prodigies and signs of portent, visioned dreams, 
 Seeking to make acquainted his high purpose; 
 Until, his anger waked 
 And patience quite o'erpassed, 
 Deserted and depraved, to ill given over. 
 On ruin they strike. 
 
 Wrecking their vessel gloriously given from above, 
 And partly their faith aSect, 
 Haply they make not shipwrack of their lives. 
 
 Else had not been, except his counsel served. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 143 
 
 Those visitings of wrath, and fierce avenging stroke 
 
 Of servitude beneath our cmel foes, 
 
 'Not thus our fair expectancy prolonged 
 
 With sure deliverance offered, 
 
 Nor we so long unsuccored 
 
 Under a hateful yoke, abject, despised. 
 
 Though chosen once to rule 
 
 The land where now we serve. 
 
 But we his easy government forsook, 
 And, joined with idols foul. 
 Provoked his righteous wrath, 
 Whose instant stroke denounced, though oft delayed, 
 Hath now overwhelmed; 
 Yet, pitying our sad plight 
 And lost undone estate. 
 Many a mighty champion oft he raised 
 To our deliverance; 
 
 But we received them not, nor yet sincere 
 Repented of our sin, but God contemned. 
 Which more increased our shame. 
 And wrought our deeper woe. 
 To lowest pitch of abject misery fallen. 
 
 But see ! for hither bent in haste. 
 As on some purposed errand bound. 
 Thy sire, Manoah, comes; 
 Whose here intent, or friendly or adverse, 
 The sure event will inform us. 
 
 Manoah. Samson, before and oft have I essayed 
 thee. 
 And urged thee hard with deeds which thou main- 
 
 tainedst 
 Not will, but strong impulsion, set thee on. 
 Though to thy own undoing; but thou pledd'st 
 Permission given thee from above, divine. 
 With purpose to infest our grievous foes, 
 That thou mightst work Israel's deliverance. 
 The task whereto thou wast ordained by Heaven; — > 
 
144 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Whose outcome never hath approved thy plea. 
 
 But rather warned thee to desist the act 
 
 Sinful by law pronounced, and in the end 
 
 Causing thy grief and shame, and to thy foes 
 
 Occasion to their triumph, though thy might 
 
 Hath changed their harm, the ruling will of Heaven-. 
 
 Nor in thy marriage-choices hath appeared 
 
 Other; but, counter to our law express, 
 
 Unschooled in prudence aught, in life unskilled 
 
 Secure, to passion giving headlong rein, 
 
 Thou didst espouse and wed an infidel. 
 
 An alien to our race and thence forbid. 
 
 Whence all thy ills have sprung and grievous woes. 
 
 Nor in thy second choosing wert thou warned 
 
 Aught by thy first, but joined her like, or worse. 
 
 Whence ruin must ensue and still worse harms. 
 
 Yet came I not with purpose to upbraid thee 
 
 For thy default and sin, rather to warn, 
 
 Lest in thy thought suflBcient some worse thing 
 
 Some way or other further to annoy thee 
 
 Might rise, and thou, not warned, careless might fall; 
 
 Not that I know undoubted, or have gained 
 
 By hearsay or report, for seldom come 
 
 Such to my ears, but, if aught presage warn. 
 
 Or there be premonition in the mind, 
 
 Some harm or grievous ill impends upon thee. 
 
 Which haply thy foreknowing might prevent. 
 
 Or, warned and thus aware, thou might'st escape. 
 
 Then wilt thou be advised, or, unaware, 
 
 Continue, till at length in ruin fallen? 
 
 Samson". That danger may impend surprises not, 
 And from what foe or source not far to learn; 
 For, since my mighty acts upon our foes 
 Performed, they have not ceased to seek my harm. 
 But I have still escaped, have still maintained 
 Entire my strength, have kept my secret whole 
 And fortress safe, by oft surprisal tried 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 145 
 
 And oft attempt. Hence admonition warns not 
 Or danger or from whom it may arise. 
 Yet for thy kindly motions in my welfare, 
 Not often now expressed or often shown, 
 Think me not so ungrateful, lost to shame, 
 As not to feel some stirrings of regard 
 For my behoof; though, as thou seest, not needed 
 Anxiety or fear for my concern. 
 
 Manoah. Be not too careless, over-confident. 
 Secure in thy own knowledge, thy own strength, 
 But let another's judgment, not thy own, 
 Sway, or at least assist thy purpose formed; 
 For so becomes the office of a friend. 
 To warn, admonish, still reprove, though harsh' 
 Often reproof or admonition given; 
 Yet so to avoid offence, if without harm 
 May be avoided, as I doubt if now. 
 For I express am come, and for this purpose. 
 To warn thee of this woman thou hast joined 
 To be thy wife, and to admonish thee 
 Of danger, if thou longer persevere 
 With her to live, and not at once shall leave; 
 Sorrowful, that offence by this must come 
 Between us, but no less this to endure. 
 Or worse, if worse there be that may arise. 
 Contented only if at last I win thee 
 To thy true good and welfare, as I aim. 
 
 Samson". Thy warning I repulse not, but receive, 
 For so in kindness meant, yet follow not ; 
 Since, to myself myself sufficient deemed 
 And now to proper age arrived, I yield not 
 Unduly to another, but myself 
 Eegard, and follow what to me deemed right. 
 But, though thy labor useless, yet not lost. 
 Since never lost the action kindly meant. 
 Yet that I ever will desert the wife 
 Myself have joined, and still have held endeared, 
 
146 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Still cherished, loved, esteemed, thou may'st not think, 
 
 Since other counsel, other act, becomes 
 
 The virtuous husband; though his wife he love not, 
 
 Wliile faithful she remains, due right demands 
 
 And faith sincere constrains he should receive 
 
 And cherish, still should foster, nor desert. 
 
 But still his wife consider, loved, endeared. 
 
 Manoah. Of those our law forbids not, women found 
 Of our own tribe or nation, sentence holds; 
 But this, of alien stock derived, adjudged 
 Uncircumcised, unclean, unceremonial, 
 'Not only not enjoined, but strait forbid 
 To wed, or wedded cleave to, her no law 
 Commands thee still to keep, with her to live. 
 Rather forbids thee not; no reason then 
 Why thou shouldst longer love, or with her live. 
 The more, because thy enemy accounted 
 And sprung of heathen stock, our foe professed, 
 "Warns thee the rather now to null those bonds 
 Which may, if I mistake not, work thy ruth. 
 Nor is opinion only to my cause. 
 Already she hath tried thee, tasted, sought 
 To undermine thy welfare by obtaining 
 Thy secret in her power; and that thou 
 Wast proof against her argues not the less 
 Her wicked act, solicitous attempt 
 To work thy ruin, nor assures that thou 
 More than thy former will refuse to her 
 The object of her importunity. 
 Thy weakness, if I may without reproach 
 Remind thee, as thou knowest, too nearly wrought 
 Thy ruin once, against my warning pled 
 AVhen thou didst persevere and headlong join 
 That woman, who confusion to thee brought 
 And wished thy harm. ISTor deem this other else, 
 Or seeking more thy good, howe'er she descant 
 Of wifely duty, wifely love and faith. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 147 
 
 Be warned then, while in time thou mayest, before 
 The threatened ruin fall, and thou repent 
 Too late, when thou receivest what once scorned. 
 Samson". That thou dost hold some danger threatens 
 near 
 1 well can think, yet cannot all receive 
 Wliat thou so main hast urged, or false or fond 
 The woman I have joined to be my wife. 
 For though thy reasons from our law hold good 
 And capable in ordinary, here, 
 A^Hiere God hath prompted, urged the act express, 
 With purpose to redeem his chosen people 
 From servitude, they argue not my sin, 
 Thus with the uncircumcised in wedlock joined, 
 'Not urging to invalidate or null 
 The bonds of spousal faith conjoined, though here 
 With one of race by law forbid, nor lastly 
 So to desert, on nothing proved thus grounding 
 Some faint suspicion had of ill or harm 
 Offered by whom such first from me prevented. 
 But grant thy reasons good, and that to me 
 Danger impends, if I reveal the secret 
 Wherein my safety placed and life secure, 
 No peril yet impends, while I hold fast 
 My fixed determination not to yield, 
 Not to di^oilge by word or motioned act, 
 Nor by expression aught betray, thus fond. 
 The fortress of my silence to a woman, 
 A^Tierein my safety garrisoned and life. 
 And this thou mayest with more assurance have. 
 Because I, once essayed, escaped the snare. 
 Which warns me, and the warning well received, 
 Never to trust nor to another give. 
 Although my wife sincere and true accounted, 
 What by myself best known. Herein if I 
 Persist, what danger or what harm can threat 
 While I remain but faithful to myself ? 
 
148 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Manoah. I praise thy resolution, while I fear 
 Thy former weakness to the mastering charms 
 Of powerful beauty. Virtue is safe, untried, 
 But liable to fall, proudly secure; 
 ISTor loses aught her worth, if but discretion. 
 
 Her best ally, she grapple and hold fast 
 
 For to avoid is better than escape 
 
 The danger, and the more assurance gives 
 
 Of safety, valorous, yet found discreet- 
 
 But entered in the toils, and once entangled. 
 
 Finds hard escape, ^or canst thou, once embroiled. 
 
 Gain hope or respite that thy nation roused 
 
 To thy deliverance will afford thee aid. 
 
 The less, that, when thou stood'st in height of fame. 
 
 Full of magnanimous intent, high thoughts, 
 
 After some acts of proof indeed heroic 
 
 And favor shown upon thy ways by Heaven, 
 
 Thence by such proof and favor shown impelled 
 
 To work thy country's freedom, they the sooner, 
 
 Or false, or over-fond, or impotent. 
 
 Resigned thee to thy foes, who had demanded 
 
 The satisfaction of thy life for deeds 
 
 Which thou by strait appointment hadst performed 
 
 For their behoof who traitorously yielded 
 
 Thee to those cruel enemies provoked 
 
 By those same acts which rightly viewed had wrought 
 
 Allies to aid thy task enjoined from Heaven. 
 
 Then since thou for thy own behoof must stand 
 
 Sufficient to thyself, and of thy own 
 
 Live to thyself, the livelier reason bids 
 
 That caution thou conjoin with hardihood. 
 
 Lest unawares thou work thyself much harm 
 
 By weak dependence placed where none is found. 
 
 Nor this alone. Thy mission high asserted, 
 
 To wrest thy nation from Philistine yoke, 
 
 Delayed or quite forgot, thou long foregoest, 
 
 Since long indeed the time thy last assault 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 149 
 
 Humbled their high-built pride, and dashed their hope 
 To frustrate, or destroy, or render naught 
 
 That mighty strength on thee endued from Heaven 
 
 To other purpose given, other end, 
 
 Than to sit weakly on the household hearth 
 
 In luxury or slothfulness or ease, 
 
 Thus vassal to a woman, in the toils 
 
 Of amorous snare, the wonder and reproach 
 
 Of all thy kindred, all thy nation slaved. 
 
 Whom thou wast sent expressly to redeem. 
 
 And to thy foes contemned a gaze and scorn. 
 
 Whence some have fallen away to our dread lords 
 
 And joined their worship foul, by thee seduced 
 
 And bad example dra^vTi, thus diflSdent 
 
 Leaving their Living Strength, enough before 
 
 Given to waver and fall off to idols. 
 
 Samson". Whole to m3^self I well can live, nor ask, 
 ISTor need their godless aid who have rejected. 
 More traitorously than I, that covenant 
 Between Jehovah joined and IsraeFs sons. 
 Expressly joined, !^^o^ shall I sorrow aught, 
 Nor aught repine or dread, if I shall live 
 Sufficient from my own, and from myself 
 Draw my own strength, sujSicient while I keep 
 My vow inviolate and locks unshorn. 
 'Not have I held my mission light, despised; 
 But thrice our governors and heads of tribes 
 Have slighted, or neglected, or opposed 
 My high attempts to break the cruel yoke 
 Under which now they chafe, forgetful thus 
 That those who aim at freedom and assay 
 Deliverance from a hated servitude 
 Themselves must first their inward freedom work, 
 Before their outward liberty attained. 
 Hence they deserve naught else but to obey 
 With painful servitude those cruel lords 
 Who have enslaved them, since themselves not free. 
 
150 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 But slaves to passion, hate, mistrust, and guile. 
 
 Xor would it much avail, should I again 
 
 Move aught upon our foes to their deliverance, 
 
 Thrice in event so proving, justly held 
 
 The shame and deep reproach of all our nation, 
 
 Though theirs the fault, not mine, since they refused 
 
 Ungratefully the gift to them designed. 
 
 Maxoah. I am sorry what this resolution cost thee. 
 
 SAMSOi^. Perhaps to others cause of sorrow also. 
 
 Manoah. Wouldst thou then still maintain, as now 
 determined ? 
 
 Samson". !^o less than if by God himself enjoined. 
 
 Ma>^"oah. Regard thyself; this may work near thy 
 ruin. 
 
 Samsoist. Yet so I persevere, nor aught abate. 
 
 Manoah. I cannot praise thy purpose, 3"et admire 
 "What strict determination hath impelled thee 
 And held thee jfirm ; nor think me yet offended, 
 iSTor hurt by thy refusal, nor let rise 
 Reason of quarrel, which would more defeat 
 My end, to work thy good and welfare best, 
 The purpose and wished aim that still I seek. 
 
 Samsox. Mistake not, friends, if strictly I refuse 
 The object of such importunity, 
 Though moved toward me in all sincere intent, 
 Xor yield, though by solicitation urged 
 And father's asking, since in this myself. 
 And not another, must of right determine 
 ^Tiat for my own best welfare deemed and good. 
 'Not should I, as of age accountable 
 And ripened of experience, to another 
 Give o'er the reins of rule, as to myself 
 K"ot trusting aught, or easily thus moved. 
 But casting so right reason from her office, 
 Distrusting, or not countenanced her due ; 
 Thence weak, and of her exercise deprived. 
 Unable to determine or deter, 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 151 
 
 If aught of moment rise to be resolved, 
 When on herself depending. I should so 
 Myself work my own harm, and be myself 
 The cause of my own ruin, thus unwares 
 Bereft of reason's aid, unapt, unfit. 
 Unprompted aught of merit or of praise. 
 Which would be to determine my own fall. 
 Too lightly swayed, or without reason drawn 
 From my own counsel, what concerns me most. 
 And on my mission bring contempt deserved. 
 
 Chorus. I cannot praise thy resolution, Samson, 
 Yet neither blame, both praise and blame must mix. 
 For counsel, though well-meaning, hath wrought harm, 
 If over-trusted, nor sufficient weighed; 
 Contrary, some, too stiff in self -opinion. 
 Or seeing not their good, by passion blinded. 
 Or thinking them sufficient to themselves. 
 Led on by vanity and high ambition, 
 Eocks on which men perhaps have oftest wrecked, 
 Wrought sooner their own niin, unaware. 
 Proudly secure of self, unthought to fall. 
 But thou of self take counsel, and determine 
 \\Tiat best may serve thy end, that thou, at least, 
 Have but thyself to censure or reproach, 
 If the outcome answer not thy purposed thought. 
 
 Samson". At least no blame on other could attach, 
 And I pretend surprisal, unforewamed. 
 Or led on by false light of erring counsel 
 Until in ruin dashed — far from my thought. 
 For never would the woman I have Joined 
 Desire or seek my harm, however urged. 
 Or with what strong persuasion hard assailed; 
 And in her seeking motions but to hold me 
 More to herself endeared, to her secure, 
 Fearing perhaps lest one day I should leave 
 As once at Timna, counsels only then 
 To keep me safe, whole to herself and love; 
 
152 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Though yet to her I will not weakly yield 
 What nearly to my safe concern pertains, 
 Lest, unawares, or in some evil moment 
 Strongly assailed, she may as weakly yield. 
 But other purpose moves me importuned 
 
 By thoughts which late my father had let fall 
 
 Not weakly to lie idle, and thence scorned, 
 Contemned, despised, but, once more recollecting 
 That mission high enjoined, with summoned might 
 By sudden act or onset to surprise 
 Israel's oppressors, and from them to wrest 
 Entire our freedom; since long time secure 
 From inroad, careless grown, indifferent, 
 Esteeming me their vassal or ally. 
 Unwilling, or not heartened to such task, 
 So long at ease sojourning in their land 
 And by the ties of wedlock indisposed 
 
 To aim at hostile acts or work their harm 
 
 Good reason then, if unaware surprised 
 
 And faint, unfortified by warning fear, 
 
 I upon them some sudden act determine 
 
 That may complete secure deliverance. 
 
 This would revenge, indeed, and close the mouths 
 
 Of those who cease not to forewarn destruction, 
 
 If I persist in what I have allied, 
 
 This wedlock, and compel perforce their praise, 
 
 Who only ruin bode and blame foretell 
 
 Reason well to induce at least the trial. 
 
 Chorus. Thy purpose well approves thy wisdom, 
 Samson, 
 Thus to determine; for I oft have heard 
 Men wonder that thou didst not quite complete 
 Thy task, from Heaven pretended, whose right proof 
 'Not argument nor idle talk aSords, 
 But to assure thy boast, make good thy plea, 
 By freedom wrought entire. If this be done. 
 And thou by proof approve thy mission highj 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 153 
 
 No longer will they waste in idle breatH, 
 But, silent and confuted, own thy right 
 By silence, nor yet longer thee annoy, 
 Pretending falsely deemed thy task preferred. 
 Or blame thee arrogant and over-proud. 
 
 Samson. I long had meditated, and before 
 Determined on this task, nor to myself 
 Attach the blame deferred; but our due lords, 
 Ill-meaning, politic, neglected still. 
 Despised, mistrusted, hated, to our foes 
 Gave me a welcome prey, nor cared in aught 
 Whether that act should end me or should spare. 
 But sacrificed me for their welfare deemed. 
 Unmindful of their future state, preferring 
 Hard servitude to easy liberty. 
 Nor do they now, although their judge ordained, 
 Respect me, serve me, cherish and assist me, 
 By their free sufferance in this office placed. 
 But I too long have wavered, and kept back 
 Prom this my glorious mission, held by thoughts 
 That nulled my purpose; since, though they found 
 
 slack, 
 Ease-amorous, idle, obligation holds 
 Upon me still to work my mighty task, 
 While still this strength remains, the surety given, 
 Garrisoned in my hair inviolate, 
 Nor should the gift of God lie useless thus. 
 
 Choeus. With cause this resolution, since averred 
 By some that, in despite those high attempts 
 To break our yoke, freedom no nearer gained, 
 No nearer wrought thy task assumed from Heaven, 
 Since Israel still serves with servitude. 
 Yet other reasons to this act induce, 
 And well according purpose held. Perhaps 
 This gifted might remains no more, unused, 
 As like despised, disdained, contemned, and scorned. 
 The glorious faculties that Heaven endues. 
 
154 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Keglected, or but slackly exercised, 
 
 Are suffered not to waste in idle slotli. 
 
 But taken to assure them not our own, 
 
 Thus lent of Heaven, that strict accompt requires; 
 
 The more inducement then to this high task, 
 
 Before too late, and vainly thence, assayed. 
 
 Yet not upon thy single strength attempted 
 
 So dangerous enterprise, as on one act 
 
 Casting the hazard, with repulse defeated 
 
 Our hope entire and end; but to thyself 
 
 Some strength sufficient join and aid who, under 
 
 Thy conduct, will insure total success. 
 
 And quite redeem our yoke, the aim designed. 
 
 Samson". Thy thought is not unfounded, but must 
 fail 
 Of purpose, that I should with others' aid 
 Prosecute thus my lofty task determined; 
 Por, as my counsel no auxilliar needed, 
 Although by father's asking wrought and fear, 
 So also not my strength, judged in itself 
 Sufficient to whatever task; superfluous 
 Either by wiles to work, or to itself 
 Conjoin assistance; whereof soon good proof 
 This selfsame day affords, since I no more 
 Will vouchsafe to delay, already now 
 Too long dela3ring, but will prosecute 
 This mission, so that all who hear may own 
 My courage yet undamped, nor strength impaired. 
 Parewell, then; and of me expect to hear 
 iSTothing impure, unvalorous, unworthy, 
 But such as may become our God and Law, 
 Beseeming both my nation and myself. 
 
 Chorus. glorious gift of strength and matchless 
 might 
 By will of Heaven endued 
 To our foretold deliverance! 
 As God's prevailing counsel oft decreed 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 155 
 
 And wisdom high ordained 
 
 His strenuous champions raised 
 
 To work his mighty purpose, 
 
 With heavenly vigor adorned 
 
 And plain celestial virtue armed, 
 
 "When they his purposed wrath have visited 
 
 Upon his hapless foes, 
 
 "Who, reft of strength, distracted and surprised, 
 
 Upon ruin have struck. 
 
 Insensate, spiritless, despairing, fallen. 
 
 "^Hiich had our promised freedom long secured 
 And reft our captive yoke, 
 Abject, unworthy, vile ; 
 
 But them our fathers owned not, nor received. 
 Although those mighty acts 
 Attested well their mission high imposed 
 And task divine asserted, 
 To set his people free. 
 
 And, these despised, with justice high incensed 
 His favor God withdrew 
 And turned his holy eyes, 
 Thence visiting upon their scorn 
 
 The wrath reserved and destined for their foes 
 
 Just punishment inflicted 
 And their deserving sin, 
 Ungratefully who had received 
 His champions high ordained, 
 Yet more ungrateful left. 
 Despised, contemned, deserted. 
 Visiting all contempt upon their deeds. 
 
 "Which task his favor high had thee appointed, 
 Samson, by merit proved 
 Strongest of mortal men. 
 With heavenly vigor thus endued 
 And celestial virtue armed 
 To break thy nation^s cruel foes, 
 Thy mission high asserted 
 
156 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 And work by Heaven imposed, 
 
 Except some evil chance, or thy weak sin, 
 
 That might thy strength o'ercome, or force impair 
 
 Insensibly, thence struck with sense depraved. 
 
 Draw thee aside, defeating his high purpose. 
 
 So let not like mischance befall thee, Samson, 
 With wondrous might endued above the sons of men; 
 Rather may God regard those mighty deeds, 
 The surety of thy mission high enjoined 
 And pledge of task imposed, 
 Already now in part achieved, 
 With hopeful recompence 
 Turning thy labors to successful end. 
 
 But softly, for behold where yonder cornea 
 Some Philistean woman, as I deem. 
 So by her habit known; 
 And now, on nearer view, not else than found 
 His wife, Dalila, come. 
 
 Dalila. My coming, friends, was not to pry, or gain 
 Some notice of your doings or your words, 
 Of unforeseen approach thus unaware. 
 If haply I might learn, but to obtain 
 Some tidings of my husband, parted late 
 Erom me, and busied in converse with you, 
 Eor so from some I had; yet here not found 
 My hopeful search. Say therefore where to seek. 
 
 Choeus. But late with us he stood, yet now is passed, 
 Bound on some purpose that concerned him nearly. 
 For so to us but lately he vouchsafed; 
 Whereof much wonder is if thus to thee 
 Imparted not, or not to thee revealed 
 What might suffice thy knowledge, since his wife 
 Esteemed gave thee some title to have known 
 His doings; though perhaps his soon departure 
 May have prevented him determined thus. 
 
 Dalila. Doubtless; though yet of late he gives no 
 care 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 157 
 
 For my behoof or comfort, since from me 
 
 He long withholds a secret I have still 
 
 Endeavored, but in vain; though, if he grant. 
 
 Not less my love to him, but only more 
 
 Assured, and firmlier fixed my faith. But he 
 
 Delays me, still refuses, puts me off, 
 
 One while pretending to have plain revealed. 
 
 Yet found on trial false; again, implored. 
 
 With like pretence deceiving, so that I 
 
 Am vexed, thus made a fool and still o'erborne. 
 
 Thrice have I thus assailed him, thrice have sought 
 
 To win from him the secret he so guards ; 
 
 And thrice he hath deluded, thrice denied. 
 
 Turning to sport my importunity. 
 
 Again, and this fourth time, have I besieged 
 
 The secret, but thus far with like success, 
 
 Unhoping, but still stubborn to succeed; 
 
 Since never can I cease or quiet rest 
 
 Until this final hindrance that remains 
 
 Between us, and divorces our close union, 
 
 Give way, and nothing still divide our love. 
 
 For betwixt faith of wedded man and wife 
 
 By right no secret stands, or, standing, breeds 
 
 Mistrust, at least suspicion, if not hate. 
 
 And wrecks all happiness, and peace confounds. 
 
 But ye perhaps have learned, by knowledge gained 
 
 Or some relation heard, and can reveal 
 
 The secret I have sought, approving so 
 
 Your friendly mind to him, and like to me 
 
 Imparting on what most my peace depends. 
 
 Chorus. Neither his leave we have, nor deem it 
 right 
 Thus to reveal what closely by him guarded, 
 
 His bosom-secret held and purpose fixed 
 
 Thus by revealing only to divide 
 
 And more the rupture widen, now enough 
 
 Divided, as thou deemest, which but worsens 
 
158 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 What gladly thou wouldst better; so insure 
 
 To us his wrath, and thou no richer left, 
 
 But poorer, by his anger thus obtained. 
 
 Good reason then to give thy seeking o'er. 
 
 And rest contented, if not satisfied, 
 
 With what thou hast, his love to thee assured 
 
 And faith maintained, nor lose, by seeking, all. 
 
 Dalila. Is not some way perhaps to move this mind ? 
 
 Chorus. We still are firm and fixed in our dissent. 
 
 Dalila. Bethink yourselves; this may give high 
 offence. 
 
 Choeus. Yet with like resolution still maintained. 
 
 Dalila;. I am sorry if this mind work near your 
 ruin. 
 
 Chokus. Think not to move us aught, or daunt by 
 threats 
 Idle, as thou perceivest, or to thyself 
 More danger holding; since toward thee his wrath 
 Aroused and anger waked, if thou shouldst force 
 Against his will the secret he so guards, 
 Nor will reveal. Hence double rage expect, 
 If thou through treachery, or craft, or guile. 
 Win from another what from him thou couldst not. 
 Just cause to him of anger not to pass. 
 
 Dalila. I thought to gain the secret, and have 
 purpose 
 Still to possess, not out of levity 
 Inquisitive, with curiosity 
 As over-powered, but only to remove 
 The great desire I have more to insure 
 And fix his moving fancy, not enough 
 Secure to my regard, as now I deem. 
 Since longer I cannot endure to live 
 With him, and not possess him all my own; 
 Either must leave, or, better lot, secure 
 The secret by whatever means, not caring 
 Much what may happen, if success assure not 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 159 
 
 His heart entire to me and faith secure 
 
 Unalterably fixed, so much I feel 
 
 The bond of nature draw me, soul to soul, 
 
 That we must be one heart, one flesh, one mind; 
 
 To be without him were to lack m3^self. 
 
 Choeus. Consider, if his wrath awake, and thou 
 Draw thy own ruin, persevering thus. 
 
 Dalila. Yet that could not dissuade, nor daunt me 
 aught, 
 So fixed to gain my purpose sought I feel, 
 So bent upon success, determined, steadfast, 
 Fearing not death, nor aught than death more dread. 
 So only I secure him to myself 
 Entire, nor thus divided share his love. 
 The purpose and fixed aim that now I seek. 
 
 Chorus. Wise, who hath well conjoined 
 His lot in nuptial choice, 
 ISTot weakly drawn aside by beauty's snare, 
 !N"or to frail passion yielding 
 
 Wisdom's chief sway and sovereign place assigned; 
 But who hath well determined, chosen well 
 A virtuous choice in woman, that combines 
 Domestic care with virtue, chiefest good 
 In woman found, assuring 
 Happy that house, his path to virtue smooth. 
 
 If otherwise he choose, or other choice, 
 Or comeliness of form, or beauty's shape, 
 Pleasing to the eye and lovely. 
 Of outside fair, 
 
 But the inward show deformed, abhorred, and vile, 
 To passion weakly yielding reason's sway. 
 By wisdom unapproved, 
 Him shall no pleasure find, once joined 
 In nuptials hateful, to a hateful bride 
 Past-linked and wedlock-bound, 
 Adverse to virtue. 
 Turbulent and loud. 
 
i6o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 His sliame and sharp reproach, an inward thorn 
 
 Too late perceived, thus by her charms ensnared 
 
 And drawn to folly. 
 
 Or wrought to sense depraved. 
 
 Or dotage, which in ruin surest ends. 
 
 But her whom reason and desire conjoined 
 Approves, with all perfections fair adorned 
 And heavenly virtue armed. 
 Modest and meek, demure. 
 Yet so with goodness principled. 
 That neither weak suggestion from within 
 l^or from without temptation frail o'ercomes, 
 Happy indeed pronounced, who thus hath found 
 One virtuous that conjoins 
 Domestic good, and highly favored held 
 Of Heaven indeed, who thus secures; 
 For she will do him evil not, but good. 
 All the days of her life. 
 
 But see ! for hither bent in haste, 
 Though parted late as not with soon return, 
 Manoah comes; 
 
 As hoping here perchance to find his son. 
 Or of his welfare bringing else some news. 
 
 Manoah. My purpose, friends, is not to urge my 
 son. 
 As first, on presage only to beware 
 The woman joined his wife, mere premonition 
 Unwarranted by likelihood or proof. 
 But to impart more valid argument. 
 Reasons more sound adduce, if haply so 
 I might prevail upon him to forego 
 His purpose fixed, and danger to avoid, 
 "While yet in time. But him I see not here. 
 
 Chokus. But late he was, yet now is parted hence. 
 Bound on a purpose dangerous and uncouth. 
 Yet not 1:0 us displeasing or averse. 
 For, after thy departure, something moved 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS i6l 
 
 His mind, and purpose altered, held so fixed 
 Before and different, that put him on 
 Some desperate adventure to reprieve 
 Our ills, and our entire deliverance work; 
 Haply by this, on high emprise drawn forth 
 Now from the snare, he hath escaped the toils 
 Of that bad woman, who so clearly purposed 
 His ruin, and to seeming near had wrought, 
 Importune, curious, inquisitive 
 To know the secret, where his vigor summed 
 And mighty hidden strength, no reason known 
 Why she should wish, except to work his harm, 
 As oft before attempting; if thence foiled. 
 Belike some overt act she may presume. 
 Something too open try, that clear may warn him, 
 Infatuate, blind, and captive to her will. 
 This would be joy indeed, and valid cause 
 For gratitude, our gratitude as his ; 
 Since, thus entangled in her snare, he cannot 
 Hearten him wholly to his task, but wastes 
 In idle ease those mighty powers endued 
 To our deliverance ; thence from this achieved 
 Perhaps his gifted strength again to act, 
 Not captive in the toils and hence withheld. 
 
 Manoah. Thy hopes are not ungrateful, and thy; 
 fears 
 For what of harm might happen well accord 
 In that I late received; for, as I passed 
 Homeward in haste, with sterile task deject, 
 I marked where lay in hidden close recess 
 Some of our foes, not singly, as disjoined 
 In purpose, but combined upon some task 
 Whose object and intent not clearly gained. 
 Yet could be what than aught upon my son. 
 Their hated foe, on whom not yet revenged 
 The injuries inflicted at his hand? 
 That sight it is hath moved me to return, 
 
i62 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Although my first attempt not kindly warn. 
 But argue like event, if I persist 
 A second time, after refusal offered. 
 And make attempt, at least, to put him on 
 The lurking danger, though, from your report, 
 N"ot to be dreaded now, since his departure. 
 If so accomplished, hath removed him safe 
 From what might undermine him and destroy; 
 If so indeed departed, and not lingered 
 On some pretext or other by that woman. 
 Who never hath left off to seek his harm; 
 I fear, unwilling, still some dread event. 
 
 Servant. friends, that here now stand, attend my 
 news. 
 The Caphtorim, but late in ambush laid, 
 Within the house now hide, to what intent 
 Unknown, though not unguessed, foreboding ill 
 To Samson feared; whose place, alike unknown. 
 But more distrust excites of what may chance 
 From them, if he unwares return within, 
 Or, he not parted, what yet worse ensues 
 To him unwarned; for such my fears infer 
 Of them his ruin seeking still to wreak. 
 
 Choeus. Thy fears I also share ; and well could wisK 
 He were departed quite, ere unaware 
 Caught in assassination's wily net, 
 Since they no less on him, should chance occur, 
 Would venture, as their oft attempt assures. 
 For what thou hast related brings to mind. 
 When late his wife stood present, how she sought 
 To gain his careful secret, and on us 
 Presumed her wiles, if haply she might gain. 
 But we refused her, fearing what might fall 
 From bad compliance. If he have not gained 
 The danger where he stands, nor parted yet, 
 It would be, on our part, received but friendly 
 To warn, if so perchance he win escape. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 163 
 
 And time not much permits, if warned in time 
 Intending, since so long he parted hence 
 Permits attempt. What cry was that within? 
 
 Manoah. Perhaps his foemen shouting to behold 
 Their mighty dread, unbound and armed upon them. 
 Whom they had thought to seize, yet now, arrived 
 Among his enemies, dealing dreadful dole 
 And over slaughterous heaps walking his way. 
 Again ! again ! more loud ! What should it be ? 
 
 Chorus. That shout was not of fear, but rather 
 
 triumph, 
 "Not of one voice, but many. What it bodes 
 I dread to think. 
 
 Manoah. Euin is in that noise. 
 And dread destruction — whose, the time yet gives not. 
 Some danger, sure, impends. How should we do? 
 Best keep together here, or go and seek? 
 
 Chorus. I know not how to counsel, thus with fears 
 Assailed, that reason null. 'Rot long remains 
 Our doubt, since hither speeding to our wish 
 One by his mien and act hath left but late 
 The scene of horror ; whom I may not wish 
 To hear, nor yet refuse the tidings brought. 
 Though dreading much to learn complete relation. 
 An Ebrew, of our tribe, if I may guess. 
 Which some assures to us no present danger. 
 
 Messenger. horrible to see, the sight I saw, 
 That drove me, filled with terror and with dread 
 Of like destruction, from that horrid place 
 And sight more horrid still, which yet I see, 
 By fancy or imagination fixed 
 Still on my mind confused, though loathing much; 
 Yet not thus, but that reason, scarce consulted. 
 Or chance, or instinct, though divined not how. 
 Hath brought me to this place, where now I find, 
 Manoah, thee, and ye, my countrymen. 
 Too much, alas, in the like woe concerned. 
 
i64 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Manoah. Thy news would much relieve us to par- 
 take. 
 Since apprehension shows more dark than knowledge. 
 Set forth, then, what thou hast, while we attend. 
 Messengek. Ah, friends, if truly said what late I 
 saw, 
 I fear lest evil tidings pierce too deep. 
 
 Manoah. Suspense in news more tortures than re- 
 lation ; 
 Delay no more thy tidings ; speak them out. 
 
 Messeistgek. Then take the worst — what to my^ 
 horror gained. 
 And better wished unknown, so dire the tale, 
 Told only that your knowledge may suffice. 
 Due service had compelled my here attendance 
 "Within this house, where long time I endured 
 To see what chanced, and suffered much to see ; 
 But duty to my master held me faithful, 
 Though marvelled much his patience thus could bear 
 And hold out firm against the constant siege 
 That sore assaulted. For, as well ye know, 
 His wife hath rested not by day or night 
 To vex him, harass, press him, urge him hard 
 To yield to her the secret he so keeps 
 Wherein his safety placed and strength contained. 
 But he hath still withstood her, still put off, 
 (Would that he had till now — fond wish, alas !)' 
 Still borne her irksome importunity. 
 The wonder still of all, so much endured. 
 But this day she hath urged him hard, and pressed hiiri 
 To weariness, with blandishments and cries 
 Hath stormed him sore, till he at length out-worn. 
 Weary and over-watched, out-harassed, vexed, 
 Yielding at last to words and woman's tears, 
 Opened her all his heart and gave her will ; 
 That he, whom not their whole united force. 
 In camp, or listed field, or ambuscade. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 165 
 
 Could vanquish and overcome, hath weakly now 
 
 Given up his key of silence to a woman; 
 
 Who well hath recompensed, hath well returned. 
 
 The trust in her reposed. For when she knew 
 
 His secret sure revealed, and now perceived. 
 
 Accordant to her wish, that he was laid, 
 
 Weary and over-watched, out-worn and toiled, 
 
 Asleep secure of harm, she hastened then, 
 
 Forgetful of her solemn faith engaged, 
 
 And shore those mighty locks wherein contained 
 
 The surety of his strength ; then called his foes, 
 
 And to them gave him up, a welcome prey. 
 
 Shorn of his mighty strength, afflicted, fallen, 
 
 Disprized, dishonored, shamed, discovered thus 
 
 JSTaked, disarmed among his enemies. 
 
 Yet, when he heard her cries, and saw his foes. 
 
 He wist not of his might departed him, 
 
 But as before assayed, and rising stood 
 
 Like a wild beast, when hounds and huntsmen rouse, 
 
 And galling darts; then, as the foremost came, 
 
 Unwary, caught and raised him high in air 
 
 And cast him down to death; like measure found 
 
 The second, coming; but at length, o'er-borne 
 
 By numbers, that each moment thicker grew. 
 
 Surrounded by his foes mistrustful still 
 
 And fearful of his strength, departing now, 
 
 Though still endeavoring, struggling to make head. 
 
 But now with less and still less hostile force. 
 
 They seized upon him — ^head, or limbs, or arms, 
 
 What part where each could chance, binding him fast; 
 
 Then put out both his eyes, and fettered held him, 
 
 That he no more should use that mighty strength, 
 
 Thus captive, poor, and blind, of sight bereft. 
 
 Their danger once and dread, to work their harm. 
 
 What further hath befallen him I have gained not; 
 
 But that I have related true, behold him 
 
 Where yonder now he stands, and his dire state, 
 
i66 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Shaven and despoiled before his enemies. 
 
 IMaxoah. sight detested ! sight of grief and shame f 
 Thy nation's glory late and nation's boast, 
 Now snared, assaiilted, captive, and betrayed. 
 Of all thy wonted vigor thus deprived, 
 Xaked and shamed among thy enemies ! 
 How wilt thon now thy nation serve, or work 
 That glorions mission trusted from above? 
 How rather curse that fatal weakness, curse 
 Thy yielding, that hath left thee, sight bereft. 
 Ridiculous, shamed, broken, miserable ! 
 But peace ! for without added burden joined 
 Heavy enough imposed, and deep the smart, 
 !N'or needs from me, whose office better found 
 To lighten of thy load, and ease thy pains. 
 
 Choeus. miserable hope ! is this the man, 
 The mighty Samson, wide renowned 
 The fear of Caphtor's sons. 
 Famous and blazed his nation's boast and glory, 
 "Whose matchless fortitude 
 And wondrous might bestowed 
 
 'Ko banded strength opposed of man, or fiercest bea^t, 
 Could chasten or subdue? 
 Yet now, incapable and vain. 
 Bereft, captived, betrayed. 
 The gaze and scorn of those inhuman foes 
 "VThose might he was ordained to quell, 
 Thus miserable, broken, snared, and blind ! 
 
 SAMS0J5". Alas, from what high hopes and lofty 
 thoughts 
 Conceived unlooked for fallen ? "Was it for this 
 The angel twice descended 
 AYith solemn word declared 
 And sacred task bestowed. 
 To work my land's deliverance foretold. 
 And thus divinely set 
 As by attest of Heaven? 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS i6;r 
 
 Yet now assaulted, captive, poor, and blind, 
 Made of mine enemies the mock and gaze, 
 A shame and deep reproach 
 To all my friends and kindred. 
 My eyes put out, and, that high strength bereaved 
 Foretold to our deliverance, 
 Reserved to be repeated 
 Their cruelty and scorn. 
 Deserted thus by him who had ordained 
 My strength and wondrous force ! 
 
 What then availed that favor high pronounced 
 Of wondrous strength and matchless force endued, 
 If, when he gave me these, 
 God wisdom left disjoined. 
 Or ill-proportioned gave, not balanced just 
 To immeasureable might? 
 But left on me that burdened work imposed. 
 The source of all my evils, pains, and wrongs. 
 Who life would glad forego, too heavy weight 
 Under such task assigned, and gladlier death 
 Invoke, as my chief good and final end. 
 AVherefore let God now also take my life. 
 Sight vilely thus bereft. 
 The worst indignity that could befall. 
 And most to me, his minister ordained. 
 Yet without hope remaining. 
 
 Choeus. Just are the ways of God, 
 And justly ordained 
 
 His purposes, though darkened oft by doubt 
 What Heavenly disposition may allot 
 And right decree ordain; 
 So oft with men appearing 
 Partial his judgements high, condemned perverse. 
 To the erring indulgent. 
 Afflictive to the just. 
 
 Yet in the end approved, when clearly seen 
 The aim of justice triumphant, 
 
i68 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 But to the afflicted, bowed beneath the stroke 
 Of piiiiishmeiit, no consolation seems. 
 Or solace to his pains. 
 Though justly found afflicted, 
 Nor slackly penance urged. 
 Of hope bereaved, of mercy. 
 To despair given over, 
 "With fainting spirits depressed. 
 
 Yet so, perhaps, God's counsel high fulfilled 
 And purpose best ordained. 
 Allotted justly so his punishment, 
 Whose fierce avenging stroke, though long delayed, 
 Yet fallen at length, approves his justice sure, 
 iN'or to his enemies occasion leaves 
 To murmur, or to chide him, or upbraid. 
 Since on his chosen, as on them, assigned. 
 If they be erring found. 
 Like punishment allotted. 
 And both alike brought to like evil end. 
 
 Which on thee, Samson, now at length is come. 
 In over-weening thought 
 And haughty pride secure 
 Unmindful thus of harm that might befall ; 
 Either too insecure with thought sufficient 
 Of strength on thee bestowed. 
 Or else too far presuming 
 The sufferance high of God, 
 Which, too far tried, hath cast thee, 
 Blind, naked, miserable, 
 Off to those cruel enemies provoked 
 By his appointment. 
 But through thy weak offence 
 
 Suffered at last to work thy ruin 
 
 Bitter mischance and hard, yet not unearned. 
 
 But yonder, since those eyes no more perceive, 
 Deprived their visual ray. 
 The occasion of thy woes; and now toward us 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 169 
 
 Holding her steps, thy wife, Dalila, comes. 
 
 Samson". My wife ? my viper and accursed hate ! 
 
 Dalila. Be not offended, Samson, if I come 
 With hopes of thy relief, though sorrowing much 
 At this thy lot untoward and captive state 
 Undone, blind, poor, and lonely, yet still mindful 
 To give what aid remains to thy offence, 
 This loss of sight, which ne'er I would have wrought, 
 Had I foreseen the sad event derived; 
 But now too late perceived prevents to spare 
 What thou hast dearly lost, my grief as thine ; 
 Yet not refused thy pardon, that my service. 
 Which gladly shall attend thy life, may make 
 Some small amends for what I have misdone, 
 !N"ot so intending, since I other deemed 
 The end. Thy hurtful loss my purpose holds 
 In part to null at least, if not entire, 
 By loving tendance visited upon thee. 
 The service of my life, and willing offered, 
 If by such aid some slight redress obtained 
 For thee, my consolation sole and hope. 
 
 Samson". Let her approach and touch my hand for 
 pardon. 
 Would I had caught thee, as I had designed 
 And purposed, but this loss of eyes prevented. 
 And these slow chains unused that thus retard ! 
 I would have torn thee lingering joint by joint, 
 That thou no more shouldst flatter and deceive. 
 Or work my further ruin, now enough 
 Through thy false practise ruined — fittest end 
 Of thee and of thy fraud, that hath accomplished 
 The ruin of my mission and my hopes, 
 Caused my offence to God, and weakly left me, 
 At times when men wont most in vigor found, 
 Slight, miserable, disarmed, betrayed, captived, 
 Of all my wonted strength bereft, sight lost, 
 Dishonored, poor, and blind, disprized, despoiled, 
 
170 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Naked and shamed among my enemies. 
 
 Reason enough, if I refuse to love thee. 
 
 But rather leave, nor more avow my wife. 
 
 As I had long, but some blind chance withheld me 
 
 Against example warned and those who sought 
 
 My good, but I refused; whence now I marvel 
 
 Or greater what weak folly hath betrayed me 
 
 And wrecked my hopes, or this unwifely hate 
 
 Of thine, that wrought with greed of gold surrendered 
 
 Basely my secret given wherein contained 
 
 My hopes and mission — ^hopes, alas, how vain. 
 
 And mission how defeated, since by me 
 
 As basely and as impiously delivered 
 
 Up to a faithless woman (0 what weakness!) 
 
 The secret of my safety and my life ! 
 
 Dalila. Since thou hast so determined, I shall not 
 Again assay thy wrath which wrought so near 
 My fierce destruction, but I, warier found 
 Than thou^ or better seeing, since to me 
 The clearer sight, escaped the danger feared, 
 •Knowing thee, as I do, and thy blind anger ; 
 But rest me satisfied with what performed, 
 That shall, doubt not, assure my future safe. 
 Thus grateful to my nation and our lords. 
 Whom I o'er thee have chosen, nor repent 
 The choice, my country's faith preferred to thine. 
 But now, if I mistake not, thou must go 
 To Gaza, in our prison-house to grind 
 With slaves and asses, thy adjudged compeers, 
 For so thy wisdom hath approved, incautious. 
 Infatuate, rash, impetuous, blind, where thou 
 Shalt other mission find and other task, 
 More suited to thy state, to exercise 
 That vaunted strength, than to destroy our land 
 With ravage ; whence may be my greatest boast 
 Singly to have o'ercome that fierce destroyer. 
 And in an hour, whom not my nation banded 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 171 
 
 In years entire could vanquish and o'ercome. 
 And though thy favor I have lost, and love. 
 Yet I have gained, what I much more esteem, 
 The favor of my kindred and my nation 
 To recompence my zeal for duty shown. 
 Whether this like thee then, or like thee not, 
 I to my lot will cleave, and thou to thine. 
 
 Chorus. Have comfort, Samson ; yet thy friends thou 
 hast, 
 And kindred yet remain, who may perhaps 
 Work out thy ransom and redeem thee quite 
 Forth from their loathsome prison-house confined, 
 Though there intended now to woe and pain; 
 Or else thy might, returning with thy hair, 
 Garrisoning thy shoulders yet again. 
 May of thyself enahle thy deliverance, 
 !N'or frustrate thus thy lofty mission found; 
 Which would be joy indeed and well revenge. 
 
 Samson. Yet otherwise to me my lot portends ; 
 God's favor thus withdrawn and eyesight lost. 
 This light of life continues not for long. 
 Since the other light bereft, nor do I wish. 
 Rather implore for death, which my own hands 
 Would visit on myself, were they but free. 
 Their kindly office deemed and welcome service, 
 Hastening thus the cure of all my pains. 
 
 Manoah. Deject not thus thyself, nor, over-strict, 
 Thus from thyself exact the penal forfeit; 
 For God may yet, if by sincere repentance 
 Appeased, quit thee his claim and quite relent; 
 From whom consider that thou hadst this strength, 
 Which, though now lost, may yet again return 
 With eyesight, if he will who all things can. 
 And since thy Heaven-set mission unperformed, 
 He may renew thy might, and cause again 
 The light within thy eyes — else why thus spared 
 Thy life, which he as well had thee deprived, 
 
172 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Had not his purpose more prevailed, and held 
 In some great other service yet to use thee? 
 Cast then not thus away thy hope entire, 
 ISTor God reject, who may again receive thee, 
 By true repentance and sincere assaying 
 Restored to favor bv his sufferance thus. 
 That thou ma/st serve him wiselier than thou hast. 
 Thy life continues in thee not for naught, 
 Nor shall thy mission high be frustrate so. 
 
 Samson. Thy words are not unkindly, and accord 
 With that high sufferance which hath long endured 
 My weak presumptuous sin, that hath delayed 
 The task on me imposed, and last defeated; 
 But me they little ease afford, and hope. 
 Since not myself alone perhaps must bear 
 The heavy burden of my fault, but others 
 Also perhaps in the like ruin joined. 
 What if with me in chains a father dragged, 
 And countr^Tnen, companions to my fall, 
 Innocent of my sin, yet drawn to waste 
 Their years entire, confined to woe and pain? 
 This would be woe indeed, and worse afflict 
 Than what already felt, or might befall, 
 And well would merit fiercest curses heaped 
 Upon my head, as cause of all their harm; 
 Just reason, if their hate against me hold. 
 Then wherefore should I wish for life, or why 
 Desire that sight, which saw not when with eyes ? 
 
 Officer. Be of more courage, Samson, nor deject 
 O'er-much thyself; since here our purpose holds 
 Upon thee only, and, thou but secured, 
 To other means no violence or harm. 
 Therefore that fear dismiss, nor so dishearten, 
 Enough disheartened, if thyself regarded, 
 ISTor to so great a burden add the more 
 Of fault on these performed, thy present mind. 
 
 Samson. Thy words with hope relieve me, and their 
 thoughts 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 173 
 
 I as a grateful prophecy account; 
 
 Nor more shall dread my life, nor so be bent 
 
 To lay it down, too burdensome to bear. 
 
 Which would be to defeat in me God's will, 
 
 And double thus my sin, already found 
 
 Too great, thus weakly and thus impiously 
 
 If I presume my life, after betraying 
 
 Secrets by God imparted, act profane, 
 
 Not savoring thus of piety to God, 
 
 But rancor and impatience to his rule. 
 
 But now, thus cheered in hopes and elevate, 
 
 The willinger I go, nor all repine. 
 
 Arming my breast with patience to endure 
 
 Whatever ills, and comforted with thought 
 
 Not all defeated yet that mission high 
 
 On me imposed, which to have so put off 
 
 Was my chief sin ; for whose accomplishment. 
 
 If I repent sincere, and shall forsake 
 
 My weak offending, God will yet vouchsafe 
 
 To vindicate his name and me uphold 
 
 With favor and assistance to the end. 
 
 My sole sustaining hope and solace found. 
 
 But now farewell; for I begin to feel 
 
 Some rousing motions round me that forewarn 
 
 Departure, which by me shall not delay. 
 
 But hasten rather, heartened thus and cheered 
 
 With what of hope allows, or what is else 
 
 Not to be overborne, more bent to do 
 
 My task assigned, and strong in fortitude 
 
 By Heavenly consolation thus imparted 
 
 To bear, ii strive, to feel, nor be o'ercome. 
 
 Choeus. All is dark, and filled with doubt 
 Of what unsearchably disposed 
 And all inscrutably ordained; 
 Yet in the close not contradicting 
 Heaven's purpose high decreed, chief hope 
 To us remaining, and the end 
 With vindication full and fair event. 
 
174 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 DINAH. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 DiXAH, daughter to Jacob, after her ravishment by 
 Shechem, son of Hamor, prince of Shalem, comes forth 
 at morning. She is discovered by some maiden attend- 
 ants, making the chorus, who endeavor to hearten her 
 what they can. Next enters her mother, Leah, who seeks 
 Dinah's consent for the latter^s marriage to Shechem; 
 which Dinah refuses at first, but later is prevailed upon 
 to permit. Dinah is next visited by her brothers, to 
 whom she makes recourse for aid. They promise to 
 endeavor revenge of her quarrel. Her father, Jacob, 
 then enters with Shechem, who tries to persuade her to 
 the marriage. She refuses at first, mindful of her 
 brothers' injunction of feigned unwillingness ; but, after 
 some discourse, consents, and departs toward the city 
 with Shechem. After her departure, Jacob bewails his 
 misfortune; whom the chorus seek to comfort, telling 
 him of his sons' promised endeavor to requite the injury. 
 He, in anger at their disobedience, thinks to depart and 
 warn the Shechemites of their peril ; but is prevented by 
 the appearance of a servant, who relates what hath 
 happened in the city, namely, the slaughter of the men 
 of Shalem by Simeon and Levi. These now appear ; are 
 reproached by their father for their f aith -breach ; but 
 excuse themselves under pretext of their sister's wrong; 
 wherewith the drama concludes. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 175 
 
 THE PERSONS. 
 
 DINAH. 
 
 Jacob, her father. 
 Leah, her mother. 
 Simeon, son to Jacob. 
 Levi, son to Jacob. 
 Shechem. 
 Servant. - 
 
 Chorus of maiden attendants, 
 
 TKe Scene, near the tents of Jacob, before Shalem. 
 
 Dinah. swarming thoughts, that wakened rush 
 upon me, 
 Tormenting, as with stings of hornets armed! 
 Which bring to mind what happy state I lost, 
 Of purity, of maiden innocence 
 Bereft, deflowered, and all my virgin awe 
 Rent from me, that uncovers thus my shame ; 
 And I bereaved, all disadvantaged found, 
 Alas, what was my all, yet him that seized 
 Enriched not more, but poorer left with blame 
 Of maiden innocence and honor wronged ! 
 wherefore did my parents bring me forth 
 And thence with care uprear me — to such end 
 Abominable, hateful, fraught with shame 
 Unquenchable, that burns me as with flame. 
 When in that dark and lecherous place I found 
 Alas, what hath no name, which yet I feel, 
 Sleeping or waking, thus with ruin harmed ? 
 \fhy did I walk that day thus forth alone,^ 
 And thence that evil draw, my dearest grief, 
 Which brought on me what sorrow I possess, 
 
176 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 What hatred, what contempt, what utter shame 
 Of mine own self, when I — scarce three days past- 
 Went forth to see the daughters of this land, 
 And in their city, where I canght my hurt, 
 Lost all my maiden virtue, all my peace, 
 Leaving me blank of honor, blani of good. 
 My harsh undoing, which I know not well 
 Shall end me, or shall spare ? shameful blot 
 Of virgin purity and virtue wronged ! 
 Indignity the vilest that might fall, 
 Without all hope of change, to curse this life- 
 
 Both what now is and that which is to come ! 
 
 Since now I bear such miseries as well 
 
 Could task my life to weep. 0, worse than death, 
 
 Torment, or hunger, or aught other ill 
 
 That human life contains ! While he, who thus 
 
 Hath wrecked me, smiles away my maiden blame, 
 
 Boasting his cunning and accursed guile 
 
 That vilely forced the casket of my honor 
 
 And set my virgin treasures forth to scorn. 
 
 Whence death I now invoke — yet why? to me. 
 
 Thus quick or dead, incorporate found with shame, 
 
 ISTo glad release, though wont the captive freed 
 
 By death, his surest friend and dearest aid, 
 
 Erom sorrows all discharged, from fear, from woe. 
 
 But me no wished reprieve shall find. 
 
 Thus captive to the worst of wrongs. 
 
 That night is friendlier found than day, 
 
 "Which wakes me to the sense of bitter woe 
 
 With stinging thoughts, that goad along my mind ; 
 
 Though night may medicine not thus my grief. 
 
 That I all pains forego — since even in dreams 
 
 I see the ravisher approaching on 
 
 To seize me, and once more my flesh pollute 
 
 With loathly foul embrace and touch of shame. 
 
 The day to me is dark 
 
 And silent as the gloom 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS \T7, 
 
 When light forsakes the sky, 
 
 Hid in her nightly cave ! 
 
 Such miseries threaten dire, 
 
 Thronging upon me, numberless, confused. 
 
 With horror, blanking out the hopeful light. 
 
 As in the press and thrust of the night-storm 
 
 AYlien atom snow falls through the atom dark. 
 
 But let me not forget what brings me forth. 
 
 Escaped their watch whose vigilance I shun, 
 
 That purpose to seek out some violent end 
 
 And desperate death; which my own hand shall wreak, 
 
 Avenging me this worst of pains and wrongs. 
 
 Wliicli than I had received, better had I 
 
 Never beheld the bright face of the sun. 
 
 But never been, unknowing life and light 
 
 As an abortive birth untimely dead 
 
 Or ere I saw the day ! 
 
 Then would I not be banished thus to shame, 
 
 As to the land of death, although in life, 
 
 The land of darkness and the shades of death, 
 
 A life of living death, yet not exempt 
 
 From burial in life. 
 
 Entombed in living shame. 
 
 But stay ; for now I hear the tread of feet 
 
 Hasting this way their steps — and thence perhaps 
 
 Of my pursuers, me now come to find 
 
 And stare upon my wrongs, to spite me more. 
 
 \^Tiose presence feared I shun, and hide me thus. 
 
 That I may thence conceal me from their shame. 
 
 Chorus. Where, where is she ? mindful the while ! 
 Lest now, through uncouth haste. 
 Harshly we break in upon her, 
 Disordering more her thoughts, in saddest plight 
 Thus changed, beyond belief and all report 
 Languished, apart withdrawn. 
 Abandoned all by hope, 
 In sordid habit of sad thoughts, only perchance 
 
178 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Not all outworn from life. 
 
 Or was it she whom thus we marked, 
 Our flower of beauty once and fairest pride ? 
 Yet now by ruin deflowered, 
 Of all thy virtue reft, thy good, thy peace, 
 Humbled to act impure by lustful play. 
 That hath offended thy fair maiden awe 
 And rent thv virs^in veil, 
 Though late in stainless purity thou stood'st. 
 With choicest care upreared, and nurture sweet 
 Bestowed, as a fair flower 
 Select in choice and sacred. 
 
 Was it for this thy mother brought thee forth. 
 And cherished from the womb. 
 Till in her careful eye 
 
 Thou stood'st her nursling sweet and choice delight, 
 "WTiom she had thoughts one day to see espoused, 
 And strow the bridal bed for thee, a bride 
 Yielded with sweet submission, coy delight, 
 To him, thy flrst of men ? 
 Yet thee a bed unhoped thy mother dews 
 With tears and misty sighs 
 Dropped from her cloudy years. 
 
 How may I well bewail 
 The hard mischance thou bearest. 
 Misery of miseries, the top and crown 
 Of human ills, which thee hath brought to woe, 
 A prisoner now to shame, in bonds to grief, 
 Such ruined life thou hast, abhorred and scorned, 
 For thee I reckon abject in estate, 
 With sorrows undeserved 
 And vile contempt befallen, 
 Under all insult whelmed. 
 That grief herself might grieve. 
 Though late in honor high thou stood'st. 
 Universally known with fairest graces. 
 
 Dinah. Ay me ! 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 179 
 
 Chorus. But stay! for now I hear 
 Her sorrowed plaint whom thus we seek ; 
 And yonder from her place 
 Discern her coming whom befits to cheer 
 With healing sympathy, if lightened aught 
 Her burdenous load of suffering and shame. 
 
 Dinah. I heard the sound of gentle words, which me 
 Drew forth ; though what their import yet uncaught. 
 
 Chorus. Let us approach and speak her fair for 
 solace. 
 If aught in consolation we may bring 
 Of comfort, or in word or action given, 
 Behold us come ; since we indeed for thee 
 Know sorrow at thy irksome touch of shame. 
 
 Dinah. friends, I wished you not — come forth in 
 haste 
 If I perchance might find some ready death 
 To medicine my sorrows with sweet balm. 
 
 Chorus. Despair not; nor such desperate thoughts 
 admit. 
 As meaning thus perhaps to heal thy pains, 
 But better learn to bear thy loaded sorrow, 
 Lest more by death be drawn, when in the grave 
 Shame should still cling thee, and thou miss thy aim 
 To scape the load thou bearest now of grief. 
 For not thy present sorrow deem the heaviest 
 That might bechance thee ; since, if desperate grown 
 Through grief, thou take thy life, thou shalt not scape 
 Sharp scorn of weakness for thy facile death. 
 And here consider what thou rightly doest ; 
 For, if thy sorrow thou shalt well endure, 
 Thou may'st o'erlive thy shame, and draw renown 
 For mind superior to thy sufferings borne; 
 But, if thou weakly yield to grief, and quit 
 To struggle with thy shame, thou reapest thence 
 Far worse contempt, shame, and dishonor borne. 
 
 Dinah. Such reasons fair approve ; but how should. I 
 
i8o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Find solace thence for such extremest pains ? 
 How should I once endure to lift my head, 
 Or gaze with forehead unabashed my friends, 
 After the ship wrack of my honor wrought? 
 How should not all who know point me with scorn 
 As ruined ? or my parents not with shame 
 Bemoan my state ? Unwedded, yet no maid, 
 N'ot virgin, yet no wife — while I should live 
 Hapless and scorned — a living death to think ! 
 I in earth's universal lap would lie. 
 As in my mother's so to lay me down. 
 The cure of all my sorrows and the balm. 
 
 Choeus. An evil load thou hast, I bear thee witness. 
 But now relate what direful chance possessed thee 
 And drew thy hurt ; which to unburden well. 
 Impart to us thy anguish — as perchance 
 To thy relief ; since griefs, once past, are sweet. 
 
 DiN"AH. He saw me fair ; and, moved thereby to lust, 
 Sought me ; and, when alone he found me, forced. 
 
 Chorus. heavy load thou hast, the extreme grief ! 
 More than we ought we know of thy sad plight, 
 Such hard condition. Yet, since thus is told 
 Thy sad relation, now in full set forth. 
 Recital given with detail and distinct; 
 That we may share with thee what grief thou bearest, 
 If haply lightened aught thy loaded pain ; 
 Since cure oft found in burdened woes cast forth. 
 
 Dinah. The greater woe I feel than first I felt. 
 What have ye asked ? are ye become my foes, 
 Who thus add grief to grief and woe to woe 
 For one already bowed beneath such weight. 
 By mention of my evils made thus fond ? 
 For of our sorrows think the top and crown 
 Is their remembrance. Though ye well intend 
 Toward me, perhaps misguided in your minds, 
 That I relax what purpose I have held 
 Of silence and close thoughts — so wrought I feel 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS i8i 
 
 By sympathy and tender love expressed. 
 
 That hour I well remember when, from home 
 
 Parting, I journeyed, innocent, alone, 
 
 Nourished with pleasant thoughts, as forth I walked 
 
 Toward the near city, where my comrades dwelt. 
 
 To visit thence the daughters of the land. 
 
 As thus I passed, and plucked what forward flowers 
 
 The season showed, filling my lap with sweet, 
 
 "Wearied at length, sharp thirst upon me seized. 
 
 That me constrained to seek some pleasant draught 
 
 From mossy fountain or cool shady spring. 
 
 While thus with inexperienced quest I strayed, 
 
 And knew not whither, on a pettish rill 
 
 I chanced, that tinkled through the pleasant green; 
 
 Which following on, it led me to a cave. 
 
 Wherein it spread into a gleaming plain, 
 
 That in its glassy mirror held the sky. 
 
 Then on its brink I knelt, as much in haste. 
 
 And all the gathered flowers from my lap 
 
 Let fall, as to the mossy brim I leaned. 
 
 There as I bent to look, and stooped to drink, 
 
 Another face within that gleam appeared. 
 
 Smiling to mine. As back I started straight. 
 
 Dismayed and sad, about me round were thrown 
 
 Arms of such gripe that I in vain might strive 
 
 To loose their coil. There while perplexed I lay. 
 
 Uncertain what, a calming voice I heard 
 
 That mildly spake. And, fair flower, it said. 
 
 Deigns none to crop thy bloom and smell thy sweet ? 
 
 But me no amorous reproach shall seize 
 
 Of slack neglect — so smitten with the dart 
 
 Of powerful beauty. Thence he bent his head. 
 
 As to impress my cheek, with grasp relaxed. 
 
 That forth I sprang, and sought escape in flight. 
 
 But me he overtook, found swifter far; 
 
 And in embraces amorous and strong 
 
 He bore me to a mossy bed nearby 
 
i82 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Of roses, iris blue, and violets pied. 
 What after chanced I cannot well relate. 
 As from a dream I waked, and found me laid 
 On that soft bed, by that still pool reclined ; 
 But 0, how glad, could I have never waked, 
 Or could have waked and found it but a dream ! 
 Thence, rising, through the fields I took my steps, 
 And sorrowed to my father's house returned. 
 Thus did I lose my honor, all my shame ; 
 But 0, where may T lose what there I gained. 
 This burning torture, that torments me, thus 
 With fierce oppression seized, deflowered and fallen? 
 
 Choeus. Have comfort; yet secure thy friends thou 
 hast. 
 Who blame thee not, but sorrow for thy state, 
 Abject, insulted, wronged, dishonored, vile. 
 Which thence may not be cured, nor lightened aught, 
 If thou bereave thy life — only more shame 
 Visited on thy name, extreme contempt. 
 Thy shame thou drew'st not on thee ; none will blame 
 Thy hard condition as self-caused. Bethink thee, 
 That to thy purity no stain attaches; 
 Thou didst not to defilement foul consent, 
 N'or taste, self-moved, that sin. Thou canst but worsen 
 Thy honor's sad offence, not better aught. 
 By violent remove to scape from life. 
 Death ends not all. Though thou to sense wert dead, 
 Yet shame or fame of thee should live — and which 
 Falls now within the compass of thy choice. 
 But after death too late shalt thou repent 
 The choice thou hast, if thence unwisely made, 
 Untimely, ere with wisdom shall consort 
 Thy better mind. Bethink thee here thy state. 
 
 I)iN"AH. Your words approve not wise — ^have naught 
 of cure 
 To stanch my wound which hath infixed so deep, 
 That only opiate death may medicine 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 183 
 
 My honor's seated sickness and sore harm. 
 All else is now past cure. Only remains 
 That death, by me oft-invocated, come, 
 Hastening the healing balm of all my pains. 
 
 Choeus. Thou shalt not, while we present stand, 
 escape 
 Thus from thy life, and worse distress thy wound, 
 Still more defile thy name ; which not by us 
 May be endured — or else the worst endured 
 By us, thy friends and kindred here, who yet 
 Shall save thee to thyself against thy will. 
 
 Dinah. Yet thence I persevere, nor aught give o'er. 
 
 Choeus. Have care; lest here thy ruin worse 
 bechance. 
 
 Dinah. It cannot, with more sorrow on me drawn. 
 
 Choeus. I fear what worse dishonor thence ensue. 
 
 Dinah. Your purpose fair intends; but, thus 
 distraught, 
 I cannot well bethink — so fierce my grief. 
 That thence the readiest way I seize to scape 
 Out of my pains — too faint and spent my mind, 
 That I should well consider what is best. 
 Best for all time, since now to me approves 
 The quickest cure as best — which death now holds. 
 
 Choeus. A better mind thou hast — show'st more the 
 smack 
 Of wisdom in thy words, more with the salt 
 Of wise discretion savoring. For what grief 
 Thou on thy parents draw'st, if through despair 
 Thou take thy life, and quite bereave their hope 
 Of thee, their dearest solace yet esteemed ! 
 Be of more courage, then, nor thus deject 
 Thy mind to thoughts of death, but think on life. 
 Wherein thou mayest yet their sorrow cheer 
 By faithful love and care on them maintained, ' 
 Blunting in service the sharp thorn of grief, 
 That what thou hast now lost thou least shalt miss. 
 
i84 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Dinah. that hope of respite I could find 
 From the spirit^s harms and pangs, 
 Which rankling fester more 
 And worse infect with pains than body's wounds, 
 Ulcerating with inflammation dire 
 Of maladies unnumbered 
 Wliich maim the apprehensive secret parts, 
 Torturing the corporal sense ! 
 
 For the mind's wounds distress me 
 Distract with rankling pains, 
 ISTo less than corporal pangs, 
 Which yield to healing liquors that assuage 
 The pains of bodily sense. 
 
 But for the spirit's ill no cure, no virtuous balm, 
 'Not opiate syrup drugged with sense of death, 
 ^or oil of precious touch, to heal 
 This lingering ill of woe 
 That visits thus my mind. 
 Whence now I beg for death's benumbing balm, 
 With preying grief's disease quite spent and sunk, 
 Oppressed with grief in surfeit. 
 
 Yet hapless all I mourn, deject with grief. 
 Struck from the list of hope ; 
 Hopeless my evils, found remediless 
 Beyond all earthly cure. 
 Since I no respite thence may gain 
 From these my vexing ills 
 Shown to the shame of day, 
 'Not from the night concealed. 
 Whence kindly death once more I now invoke 
 To hide me in the grave. 
 Where I might lie in sweet forgetfulness, 
 Of all my woes the balm. 
 
 Chorus. Thy griefs distressful bring to mind 
 How, stirred with wrath and zeal of jealousy, 
 By Abraham's slack effeminacy drawn, 
 Sarai had dealt with Hagar, when she strove 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 185 
 
 Against her ; and the inhospitable tent 
 
 Exposed her helpless, to avoid worse fate. 
 
 Yet she from threatening woes deliverance won, 
 
 Or God delivered ; which like happy chance 
 
 For thee perhaps ordained, 
 
 Thns tested, and through suffering grace endued, 
 
 With release from dire afflictions. 
 
 But who is this — since now, so wrought with grief, 
 I scarce have wonted sight — approaching slow 
 With leaden feet, and garments disarrayed. 
 The signs of woe. Yet now, more near discerned. 
 Thy mother seems; if I in aught may guess. 
 Perhaps thus come with thee to hold 
 Wished converse, as with tidings new arrived. 
 Since in her face I see not utter woe. 
 But some reflex and glimmering of faint hope 
 To thy behoof; prepare 
 With her what converse thou holdest. 
 
 DiN'AH. Ay, in what other plight must I now stand. 
 Abused, maltreated, cast a prey to scorn ! 
 
 Leah. Friends, for I see you such, though opiate 
 sorrow 
 Hath wellnigh drugged my sense, that scarce I know 
 Sleeping or waking, say if here be found 
 Whom thus distraught myself distraught now seek; 
 Or if ye aught from sight or word have gained 
 Of her, that hapless maiden, my lost daughter ; 
 Who now perhaps betakes her to the shroud 
 Of thickest trees to hide her fearful sight 
 From peering day, or on some bolstering trunk 
 Pillows her head, fraught with o'erburdened fears. 
 
 Choeus. Not further seek ; for here, though such her 
 change 
 Belief forbids, behold thy daughter sought. 
 
 Leah. wretched sight accurst ! Is this my hope 
 Once cherished, this my flower of youth, and pride. 
 My nursling, my delight ? — ^yet now, alas, 
 
i86 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Deflowered all beanty by a ruthless hand 
 
 That stole her maiden sweet and rifled all 
 
 Her virgin store ! 0^ wherefore did I beg 
 
 For children, and a daughter wished receive. 
 
 More dear to me, late come, desired the more 
 
 That I might solace of her sex obtain ? 
 
 For fathers in a son take first delight, 
 
 But every mother for a daughter asks, 
 
 Her solace and delight, whom she may rear, 
 
 Her tendance fond, till, bred at length to years 
 
 And wedded, she may hearten her in pain 
 
 Of children, and renew her former love 
 
 For offspring in her daughter's place obtained. 
 
 But 0, what hopes I have, what thoughts are mine, 
 
 Afflicting, when I mourn thy hapless state 
 
 Defaced, deflowered, and ruined ! Wlio will ask 
 
 Thy hand in marriage ? who will wish thee joined 
 
 His wife, abhorred by all and deeply scorned? 
 
 But peace ; what have I said ? my grief -wrought words 
 
 Too far have run. For now befits not best 
 
 Wailing, or weak dejection, as but late 
 
 Disburdened ; and this now so sudden sight 
 
 Of all thy miseries anew inflicted 
 
 Drew my fresh tears. And these good news I bring 
 
 To heal thy griefs. For thou this day art sought 
 
 For marriage, and by him who most is fit, 
 
 Who shall atone to thee for all thy wrongs. 
 
 Dinah. Think not of nie such care ; since I indeed 
 Have now no hopes to live, but only pray 
 For death, my chief est cure and happiest balm. 
 Death, my best bridegroom and my husband best, 
 Shall wed me soon. Then in some lonely grave 
 Shall I forgotten lie and quiet sleep. 
 As in my mother's lap — a joy to think. 
 
 Leah. Deject not, daughter, but have better hopes 
 Of life and pleasure yet to come. Nor mourn 
 As thus; for thou shalt yet live down thy shame 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 187 
 
 And lift thy head ; since thee no common man 
 Seeks now with hopes to wed, but one whom kings 
 Might favor to receive, a prince's son, 
 Honor to thee unthought. Hence now no more 
 Deject thy mind, but livelier hopes obtain 
 Of wedlock dalliance and nuptial joys. 
 Thy solace for the sorrows thou hast borne. 
 Dinah. Who thus would wed me? who so far fore- 
 gone 
 And dead to his own shame, as to invoke 
 His worst undoing by ill spousals joined 
 With me, his constant torment and reproach, 
 Universal contempt and grief obtaining? 
 Foolhardy ! who might thus no joy obtain 
 In wedlock dalliance, on whose offspring lights 
 Contamination and base shame. Thence not 
 By me permitted that on others placed 
 My burden, yet divided not, nor shared. 
 For woe, though halved when shared and still the more 
 Communicated — ^yet ill shame as mine 
 Disburdens not by lightening, but grows more 
 With sharing — and on her at first who bears 
 Presses most heavily when divided most. 
 'No mention then be made of wedlock here 
 And nuptial dalliance, deemed however sweet 
 By me, who should inflict the greatest wrong. 
 The heaviest, that a husband e'er should bear. 
 
 Leah. Daughter, determine not, till thou know'st all. 
 For he, who seeks thee, is for thee most fit, 
 Who knows thee, and, as thy sad cause of shame. 
 So now would reparation offer, cure 
 What hurts by him were done. So much hath love 
 For thee constrained him, that he now desires 
 Thy kindness and thy favor and thy love. 
 Reject not then these offered means, which give thee 
 Wished opportunity to heal thy shame 
 By marriage — and to whom more fit than him, 
 
i88 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 The cause of thy sad ruin and dismay? 
 
 Dinah. Mother, what outrage fresh, what living 
 shame 
 Endured, wouldst thou force on me ? Must I hold 
 Thee of my foes, pernicious to my peace. 
 That thus thou seekest to augment my grief 
 Made lasting, and thence much in horror grown? 
 Destroy not so my peace, wreck not my hopes 
 Of quiet sought. What have I done, what motioned 
 Toward thee, that thou my worst foe art become, 
 Most noxious, to move thus my dearest shame? 
 
 Leah. Yet hear me, daughter. Not that I would 
 lessen 
 Or aught extenuate what offence thou hast ; 
 But if thou well consider, thou must take 
 Whatever means to save what still thou mayest, 
 What still may be advantaged to thy good. 
 Thou seest thy plight unhappy, virtue reft 
 And name dishonored; which thou canst not cure, 
 Nor aught relieve by cold repulse and hatred 
 Toward him, the cause of all thy harm obtained. 
 Bethink thee better what thou yet may'st have, 
 His wife; which name and station shall protect thee 
 Erom added insult, shame, indignity. 
 His high condition warrants what respect 
 Condition gives, and somewhat heals thy pride 
 Thus wounded. Only disregard not all, 
 All consolation not reject, that so 
 What thou hast lost thou easily shalt miss. 
 
 Dinah. Give over thy assault, thus tedious, irksome^, 
 Aiming to win me to thy mind proposed. 
 And leave me, worn and weary, thus tongue-battered. 
 With siege of words beset, hard pressed and girded. 
 That I to thee should yield, with him should live, 
 Enduring all that shameful chance might bring. 
 Sooner than such mischance, tormentive, grievous 
 Above the lot of men, I would the sun 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 189 
 
 Might scorch my reason, shriveled up and burned, 
 Or that the lightning reach an angry arm 
 To snatch me from a life more curst than death; 
 Or that the blackening whirlwind suck me up, 
 Then dash in pieces down, destroyed entire, 
 That I might perish and be never more. 
 Cancelled in every member, joint, and limb 
 Of what I was, that none had known my shame. 
 
 Leah. Be not so forward to afflict thyself, 
 N'or motion to thy own destruction, daughter, 
 "What heavy ills thou bear'st, only more burdened 
 If thy own hand shall heap upon thyself 
 More shame, more anguish to thy burden add, 
 By fond rejection made, when offered now 
 And set before thee to redeem thy hurt; 
 Which motions to thy good, and makes for thee. 
 Accept his offer then, while yet is time. 
 Before perchance offended to depart. 
 
 Dinah. What favor at his hand could I receive, 
 Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down 
 To such contempt, that he cannot avail 
 With succor to uplift me, cleanse my stain? 
 !Por so it should fall out in sad event. 
 That he, who most would help, should hinder most, 
 The best that he can give to me the worst. 
 This knows my ravisher, and only seeks 
 Yet further to afflict me with the shame 
 Of constant misery — ever to my sight 
 Present my deadliest foe and dearest harm. 
 
 Leah. Would thou hadst hearkened, daughter, to my^ 
 words. 
 When I besought thee, that unhappy morn, 
 ]!s'ot so to leave the side that gave thee birth ! 
 But wandering desire, I know not whence. 
 Possessed thee. Thou hadst then persisted safe ; 
 Not, as now, stained, deflowered, dishonored, reft 
 Of all thy peace, slight, wretched, miserable. 
 
IQO TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Let parents learn henceforth to shun all hopes 
 Of honor, reverence, respect from children, 
 Who early will approve to lack that faith 
 Which they toward their parents best should hold — 
 That oft, be sure, shall wreck all household peace, 
 And all their flowering hopes shall blast with woe. 
 
 Dinah. What blame hath trod thy lip, mother 
 perverse. 
 That on me all that heavy load should light 
 Of censure and reproach, which thus thou loadest ? 
 To what was done I gave not then consent, 
 WTiich might to any chance, nor touch with blame. 
 Was I then never from thy side to go. 
 But still at home remained, as though too weak 
 Of nature that I could myself have care 
 For what was wrong ? And what couldst thou have done, 
 Hadst thou been there, more than myself I did? 
 I begged him, I implored him, to forbear. 
 Adjured by all the bonds of natural duty 
 And of religion not to blot my honor. 
 What could thy force have done which mine could not? 
 If I not then sought out the ill I took, 
 I^either shouldst thou upbraid me now with blame. 
 Wrong me hot then for this so hard mischance. 
 Which on me came invited not, nor sought. 
 
 Leah. Then hear me with changed plea, since in thy 
 words 
 Much reason, and in thy thoughts trouble stands. 
 N'ot that I like thy wedlock fortune, Dinah, 
 Have I assayed thee thus, and moved thee hard 
 To do but what remains, which thence perhaps 
 May remedy thy state, and thee restore 
 To place of wonted honor lost. Perhaps 
 Men will forget, and kindlier in their words 
 Will mention thee, of less desert insist 
 Thy shame, if thou thy shame shalt cover well 
 With discreet deed, this marriage I would join 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 191 
 
 With him who now shall heal thy chief est harm. 
 No better chance thou hast ; nor canst thou choose 
 Herein what thou wouldst do — best then to think 
 That now, since what thou wouldst thou canst not do, 
 Here what thou canst thou wouldst. If else thou canst. 
 Which herein I have failed to offer, say. 
 
 Dinah. What husband now would wish me for a 
 wife? 
 
 Leah. The better that thou shouldst a husband have. 
 
 Dinah. A woman should conceal a woman's shame. 
 
 Leah. Rather should heal it, as in this were done. 
 
 Dinah. I cannot so refute what plea thou offerest; 
 But feel no less disgust and ill distaste 
 For what thou hast proposed, this marriage joined 
 With him who me hath ruined — and thence joined 
 Much more to shame and misery, than to him 
 Shall e'er be joined. How with him could I live, 
 And him regard with reverence, who hath wronged 
 Against my good ? yet fresh indignity 
 Hath added, deeplier fixed the sting of shame, 
 By this which now from him is moved — a union, 
 Yet no just marriage, no true wedlock bands. 
 Rather the bonds of hate — such death in life 
 I thence with him should live, if thus were joined. 
 
 Leah. Daughter, what is past hope is not past cure. 
 For, grant thy life afflicted, broken, worn 
 With ruin, yet of us thou still shouldst think, 
 Thy parents, whose thy duty is and service. 
 If here we think to work thy good, and gain 
 Advantage to thy benefit, despise not 
 Our counsel, nor our purpose thus forego. 
 Though life no pleasure show, no glad delight, 
 Nor even content, settled content, yet think 
 That we intend what best for thee, advantage 
 Hoped for thy good, which thus our purpose seeks. 
 If thou shalt slack our counsel, and not seize 
 Occasion to thy good, which offers here, 
 
192 TAMAR AND OTHER POEM? 
 
 What wilt thou? Idle on the household hearth 
 Burdenous to sit, afflicted, broken, tortured 
 The more that thou didst not the chance then grasp, 
 When chance presented, to appease thy wrongs. 
 So shalt thou sink to querulous old age 
 Outworn, and vexed that wedlock was not thine. 
 Blaming thy own perversity which took not 
 What chance for wedlock once to thee was offered. 
 And mourning shalt thou walk in loveless age. 
 Life undesired, though wont desired by all. 
 And death, oft prayed, found tardy in approach. 
 Then shalt thou truly suifer scorn, bemocked 
 By wives, who children bear, thence happy, honored. 
 Marking thy folly thus and perverse shame. 
 These reasons then should win thee to thy good, 
 Heartening thee to bear what ills thou hast, 
 N'one added, that thou more of grief shouldst bear. 
 But if, as seems, these win thee not, let win thee 
 Persuaders of more power. My tears thou seest; 
 Let these prevail with thee where reason could not. 
 Thou art my daughter, thou my darling, thou 
 Prom me hadst being. Whom shouldst thou regard 
 But me? whom favor? I will bring thee soon, 
 Where thou shalt find again thy ravished peace, 
 That what thou lost by me shall be restored. 
 Thus thou shalt have a husband, I a son. 
 
 Dinah. I had no thoughts to answer thee ; but thou 
 Hast brought to bear reasons more powerful 
 Than reason, that perforce I yield. Thy tears. 
 More valid arguments than words, have won me 
 Vanquished by mastering importunity. 
 Do as thou wilt ; thou seest it in thy hand. 
 
 Leah. I thought discretion better would instruct 
 And raise thy mind to higher thoughts, esteeming 
 Thy own advantage worthier, weighed in value 
 Of heavier scale — as this event hath proved, 
 Showing thee not from reason all estranged. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 193 
 
 But I must hence, and see all things prepared 
 
 That to the happy spousal rite pertain. 
 
 Thou therefore rise, and come with me along, 
 
 That I may have thee heartened and new-clad, 
 
 To appear as best becomes a spousal bride. 
 
 Rise then and come. Thy body needs refreshment; 
 
 Refreshment after pain, food after toil. 
 
 That hath been tired all night without repose, 
 
 Wherein thou hast endured vicissitudes. 
 
 Hard changes, to the dews and damps exposed 
 
 Unsheltered, which unseemly have disordered 
 
 Thy beauty, comeliness, and maiden grace. 
 
 Dinah. No, no ; it fits not that thou take such care 
 Of my condition. Better suit me now 
 These rags defiled, this base degree of shame 
 To which I now am sunk. Why should I seek 
 Ease for the body thus, not for the mind 
 From vexing thoughts, which gather head, that so 
 Bod/s distress be felt not in the mind's ? 
 And why speak'st thou of beauty, once my pride? 
 My beauty was my snare, provoking theft 
 Of what to me than beauty dearer far. 
 Then leave me as I am, fitly adorned 
 For spousals such as mine, such ornaments 
 And bridal trappings as may well befit 
 These happy nuptial rites and wedlock-bands. 
 A bride's best ornaments are purity. 
 Fair unstained honor, virgin innocence; 
 Which if I wear, what fault in me appears. 
 Arrayed as best becomes a virgin bride? 
 At least whate'er adornments I may have, 
 That may commend me in my husband's sight, 
 Are his bestowing, and should please him best. 
 Who, ere his purchase, knows his bargain got. 
 If he will seek me thus, and thence esteem, 
 I shall have better heart to go along 
 With him who now my lord and head becomes. 
 
194 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Thus I shall have a husband, thou a son. 
 
 Leah. I see thy mind is much by passion "WTOUght, 
 And desperate through grief ; thou hadst not else 
 Disdained the wont adornments of the bride. 
 
 DiN'AH. Such honorable usage as I had 
 From him who weds me ; which, if thus he like not, 
 Loads yet no blame on other than himself. 
 
 Leah. If thou wilt take such thought to scom thy- 
 self. 
 So far forget thy honor, as to draw 
 'New shame and scorn by such course thus untoward, 
 To wisdom thwart, I care not, but will go 
 Where other welcome I shall find, more fit. 
 As suits a mother. Scorn with scorn I pay, 
 Tolly will match with folly. So, farewell. 
 
 Choeus. She's gone, as much in grief and vexed 
 with wrath. 
 
 Dinah. So let her go, who only sought my harm 
 Unwisely — ^to my good though here intending — 
 And worse dishonor, by these nuptials joined. 
 
 Choeus. Yet wedlock is for woman her high state. 
 Her happiest, cheered by husband's love obtained, 
 And children's — ^bonds that tie her with such joy 
 As women most are willing to endure. 
 
 Dinah. If wedlock honorable, sentence holds. 
 Where, matched with like, love hath an equal mate; 
 But not here, where no true affection stands — 
 Starved thus, and perished ere its timely birth. 
 Where lust hath so obtained, love cannot come. 
 
 Choeus. Dark are the ways of man 
 And darkly endued 
 
 His purpose, from right counsels found astray, 
 Awry with ill, depraved 
 To worst abuse, which all unsought alights, 
 Unmerited, upon his steps. 
 By nets of evil closed, pent in and drawn 
 To lot unfortunate and shameful end; 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 195 
 
 That grief with sorrow feeds the mind 
 Harassed with doubts, perplexed, 
 Impossible to solve 
 The riddle hard of life. 
 
 Semi-Chorus. For oft on those whom God's edicts 
 divine 
 Ordained in highest place, 
 By favor fonnd his chosen 
 And special people held, 
 These he alike subjects to hard event, 
 Though dignified with honor of his choice, 
 ISTor aught of difference weighs 
 Without their known default 
 . Than on those visited whose deeds of ill 
 Had fitly his anger induced 
 And wrath well merited for impious acts. 
 His ministers of fierce destruction called 
 On them devote to ruin. 
 
 Semi-Chorus. Else had not fallen thy lot such evil 
 chance 
 Painful, distressful, vile, 
 With loss of virgin shame. 
 That now torments thee with affliction sore 
 And grievous lack of honor, 
 With those torturing pains 
 Of stinging anguish fierce and vexing grief. 
 That pierce thus near thy heart. 
 
 Chorus. But now toward us I see thy brothers tend. 
 As here perhaps come thus to share thy grief, 
 Condoling with thee what hard chance thou hast. 
 Prepare forthwith to receive them. 
 
 DiiTAH. Or this or not, with shame to me they come. 
 
 Levi. We come thus, sister, to bemoan thy chance, 
 As all who learn, and wish it had not been. 
 For think not on thyself all grief alights, 
 Though of its burden thou hast heavier share, 
 But also we have sorrow that afflicts us 
 
196 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Alike as thine; which to relieve in part, 
 If aught of comfort found in solace given, 
 Behold us come. Say therefore what now done, 
 That may relieve thy sorrow, raise thy mind 
 With grief thus found distressed and grievous hurt. 
 
 Dinah. If words might solace or beguile my 
 wounds, 
 They had been cured. For I that surfeit have 
 Of speech intended healing, (and yet naught 
 Of help affording) as might well induce 
 Eelief or cure. Yet deeds might heal my griefs. 
 For now my parents purpose thence to join 
 In wedlock thus distasteful me to him, 
 My ravisher, who hath destroyed my peace. 
 But vainly do they purpose thus, unthought. 
 Eather shall I endure to die, than live 
 With him, in that iniquitous city left. 
 Which knows my wrong, and shall behold my shame, 
 A daily torture, never-ending death. 
 That death itself endured before such lot 
 Accurst, calamitous, abject, afflicted. 
 Whence now from you I ask, since others fail. 
 Some aid in counsel or fit deed supplied. 
 That may with hopes present some chance to scape 
 This worst of miseries that my life might bear. 
 My life, thick-sown with griefs, I value not. 
 Lose rather, than preserve to such ill end. 
 Yet why do I complain, and show my griefs ? 
 For so it must be — ^man shall woman wrong, 
 And woman wronged endure. Whence it shall fall, 
 That I shall draw out miserable days 
 With him, a noxious bosoni-snake, entangled, 
 If I by self-destruction cut not off 
 My end — a better than with him to join. 
 
 Simeon". Peace, sister ; be not o'ercome by thy evils, 
 But overcome thy evils with strong hopes 
 Of good from thence obtained, or at the least 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 197 
 
 Of some fit recompense from wrought revenge, 
 
 As suits thy outrage vile. Life is not lost ; 
 
 And until that be reft despair not all, 
 
 'Not slack occasion to redress thy wrongs; 
 
 Whose satisfaction we ourselves must work, 
 
 If we would gain. For I this day our father 
 
 Have with solicitation wrought, to bring 
 
 Upon our part, with wished consent obtained 
 
 Of strict revenge upon our enemies. 
 
 I have approached him, tried him, urged him hard, 
 
 Adjured by all the ties of dear relation 
 
 And of religion, duty, honor, virtue. 
 
 To join with us, or at the least forbid not, 
 
 If seeking out some opportunity 
 
 Or apt occasion found to our revenge. 
 
 But he persisted deaf, and would not hear, 
 
 With strict refusal, dreading what might fall 
 
 From slack compliance. Hence, if we desire not 
 
 Ever such scorn to bear, contempt, such hatred. 
 
 Debased to such ill shai^e, our foes' derision, 
 
 We on ourselves must now depend, to gain 
 
 What wished advantage found to scape our grief. 
 
 What we should do lies not in long debate; 
 
 But how alone, and when, remain to answer. 
 
 Levi. In shrewd disasters caught behooves wise 
 caution 
 Lest in such toils and ill-considered snares 
 But worse entangled — as not all revenge 
 Foregoing, but with serious doubt ensnared 
 If thence escaped — not all in folly wrecked. 
 
 Simeon. Brother, in much unequal scale thou 
 weighest 
 Our danger, from far other quarter fearest 
 Irruption, than what reason justly shows. 
 Our greater peril is not that success 
 We fail, but that we tamely thus endure, 
 Without attempt, our loaded grief and shame. 
 
198 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Hath it escaped thee what unhappy plight 
 
 We now possess, bearing such bitter change, 
 
 Before unthought ? Four days' time now is passed, 
 
 Since first our sister, innocent of ill. 
 
 Went forth to see the daughters of this land. 
 
 And in their city caught her grievous hurt 
 
 Which hath undone her, shaming us to think; 
 
 While we have thus endured without protest. 
 
 Or word, or action; or, if aught protested, 
 
 As though it were not. While our father, more 
 
 To heap our shame, as though enough not harmed, 
 
 Hath leagued him with the rulers of this land. 
 
 Deaf to our wishes as the shore to surge, 
 
 Passing that vile affront and outrage foul 
 
 Of maiden innocence unwilling forced, 
 
 That so hath touched us with the sting of shame; 
 
 Bestowing thence our sister as reward 
 
 On him who hath our sorrow thus induced ; 
 
 Whom for our sister's sake I will not name. 
 
 And this I mention, not that I would add 
 
 To our affliction, but that I might raise thee 
 
 To temper thus heroic that will chafe 
 
 Under such insult done and shameful scorn. 
 
 What think'st thou ? Wilt thou tamely thus endure. 
 
 Or art thou apt with me to some revenge 
 
 That may despoil our wrong and foil our ill, 
 
 Wreaking upon our wronger hurt unthought? 
 
 Occasion winks on opportunity, 
 
 Beckoning soon perhaps a bold attempt. 
 
 Such a discomfit as shall blank them quite 
 
 And with confusion damp their mockery. 
 
 Dinah. Leave such proposal, brother; spare the 
 danger 
 Of such attempt. But let me rather mourn 
 My lost virginity and maiden peace, 
 !N"eglected thus, thrown into much contempt, 
 Or joined with him, my ravisher, to live 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 199 
 
 Days undesired, in direst misery, 
 Abhorred of all and shunned. What of me yet 
 Remains think not of so much value held 
 As to beguile to perilous enterprise 
 Those who commiserate and with me mourn. 
 For soon shall death, wherever found, seize on me, 
 Or, he not come, I in some way shall find 
 Escape from life thus bitter, undesired; 
 Content in this, if with my own I draw not 
 Ruin to others, in like pains cut off. 
 For certain is my purpose fixed to die. 
 Unless some satisfaction found, some forfeit. 
 He shall exchange, who thus hath found me, ruined me, 
 Destroyed, and now would worse dishonor heap 
 Upon my shame — yoked in such heavy yoke 
 Of wedlock loathsome, hateful, vile, distressed — 
 But added insult on my shame now fixed. 
 Perhaps myself shall chance on some revenge, 
 Or else devise, suitable to my mind, 
 That may convert my woes, and like bring down 
 Discomfit and destruction, now unthought, 
 On him who hath contemned and like despised 
 My griefs. Howe'er may chance, my presage is 
 That I some hard occasion to revenge 
 On him shall find, or shortly be at rest, 
 Surviving not the attempt to blot quite out 
 All my dishonor or my hated life. 
 Levi. It hath not scaped me, brother, what sore 
 plight 
 Hath late possessed us, that we suffer change 
 Grievous to bear, and now in sad event 
 Liker to prove far worse than first was feared. 
 Of outcome ill, healing not thus what breach 
 Upon our honor offered. These three days 
 Wlio of us hath gone forth, or dared to show 
 His face ? How have not all, who heard, re^viled 
 Our lot, and cast upon us all reproach, 
 
200 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Our sister shamed? Yet wherein have we healed 
 
 Our diseased honor ? Thou art not more apt 
 
 To point revenge^ than I to follow thence. 
 
 If they will threaten war, let them have war; 
 
 Better a just war than an unjust peace. 
 
 And who besides hath blame, except ourselves, 
 
 If this despite, this hurt, unpunished scape? 
 
 Which must not be. Doubt not, but we shall find 
 
 Some plan, occasion, some consenting time, 
 
 Both to avenge our wrongs, and thence pluck down 
 
 Upon our foes like sorrow and contempt. 
 
 If we but sudden courage seize, we may 
 
 Boldly assault the ravisher in his hold. 
 
 Yet come off safe. But let not slack forbearance 
 
 Eat out the heart of shrewd intent, which urges 
 
 To enterprise us. While we speak, he lives. 
 
 Simeon. With wisdom hast thou spoken. Only 
 hence 
 Run not upon the worse extreme, and draw 
 Peril unthought from slack discretion found, 
 Or error — which might dash our hope secure 
 Of wished advantage to their ruin found. 
 Nor let us therefore slack aught vigilance 
 In effort, but approve our vengeance thought 
 By safety to ourselves, when once obtained. 
 For what avails our recompense, if we 
 Pull down the same destruction on ourselves 
 As on our foes visited with dismay ? 
 Which must not be, but makes against our purpose. 
 Yet, on the other, let not slackened courage 
 Put us too much from venture, howe'er chanced. 
 Much better shall we choose to bear some risk 
 In effort, something close or open try. 
 Than she in that pernicious city left; 
 Whence plan or guile invented that may serve 
 To stir them to their peril, with such diet 
 In surfeit gained, as may approve their bane, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 201 
 
 Ravening their own ruin. Whence I bethink 
 
 Occasion sly and opportunity 
 
 Of onset or adventure on them tried, 
 
 Boldly upon them come, unwarned, surprised. 
 
 Which on them may bechance with much dire ruin, 
 
 And quell their pride, who thus have sore affronted 
 
 Our honor — to our foes' dismay attempted ; 
 
 Which is both victory and dread revenge. 
 
 Levi. I see thou art not slow-paced to some revenge 
 That may requite our harm, and us redeem 
 From stain of injured honor, wilt not slack 
 To wipe our blot of infamy. But what plan 
 Or scheme hast thou that may advantage here, 
 And rase the mark of our indignity? 
 Thou seest our number few; and what in might 
 Have we upon so many, if provoked 
 And stirred with harm? Hence now discretion needs 
 With caution to our purpose entertained 
 Of shame and hatred in their ruin quenched. 
 
 Simeon". What plan advantaged here let shrewd 
 occasion 
 With time consent. Some chance, be sure, will rise. 
 Or we can find device of stratagem 
 Apt to our purpose. I do not more fear 
 Time and occasion lacking to our need 
 Than courage to lay hold upon occasion 
 And seize its forelock — ^bald indeed behind 
 It comes, and hard to grasp, but easily 
 May be approached before, and mastered thence. 
 Yet so, be sure, in nothing to induce 
 Our own desert in danger ; for herein 
 That plan approves as best, which foresight takes 
 Of its own safety — lacking that, foregone. 
 As but the hazard of its own destruction. 
 But use we here discretion, and not passion. 
 To rule our counsels joined. Anger, like rain, 
 Breaks but itself by what it falls upon; 
 
202 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 But wise 'discretion reaches its snre aim, 
 Yet is not gored by reflex of the stroke. 
 Whence, sister, thou must herein give consent. 
 Unwillingly, to part with him along, 
 As toward the city to the marriage -feast ; 
 Thence we shall follow, and in safest hope 
 Boldly upon them venture there, and slay, 
 Swording it through the city, till not one 
 Shall yet alive remain, nor tongue to boast 
 What ruin and confusion on thee brought. 
 Which shall revenge indeed, and well repay 
 What thou hast suffered, what reproach we bear, 
 And teach our enemies not much to hope 
 Escape, or think to shun what punishment, 
 If they on us indignity presume. 
 
 Levi. With deeds, not words, we mean herein to try 
 What our power is, or right — our clear intent 
 Let action speak, the loudest orator. 
 To cheat occasion, with the time consent. 
 And let it not abate us, that we lack 
 ISTumbers, experience, and warlike skill. 
 Our vigor is the justice of our cause, 
 Which more avails than coats of stoutest proof ; 
 This lacked, unarmed they fight, though locked in mail. 
 
 Simeon. But now bethink; for open lies this place, 
 Nor far withdrawn from sound, or close espial. 
 Which well betrays our speech, if any mark. 
 And loud disquiet. Whence retire befits 
 To secrecy, herein our best ally. 
 Thou, sister, the meantime, slight not all aids 
 To safety, which discretion holds. While we 
 Abroad, shall venture forth,, to enterprise 
 The means of thy revenge ; that thou not thence 
 Shalt hold us slack, or froward from our aim. 
 
 Chorus. What hopes of aid in this thou hast, set 
 forth. 
 That we, who shared thy sorrow, share thy joy. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 203 
 
 Since woman most a woman's trouble feels. 
 
 DiN"AH. Your purpose, friends, is kindly, and 
 approves 
 What former care ye had for my distress. 
 But be not like the summer-seeming friend, 
 Vanishing, as the fickle flies of spring, 
 When threatened storm is nigh. But to my aid 
 Give silence and close circumspection sly. 
 Lest some ill-greeting failure shall attempt 
 Our purpose tried, converting all to ruin; 
 Which must not be, if we would gain revenge. 
 
 Chorus. Doubt not; thus much we promise thee in 
 aid. 
 
 Dinah. Thence more to you in grateful debt I stand. 
 Which my sincerest joy shall recompense 
 When satisfied the great accompt I have 
 Toward him, who wrought on me this direst harm, 
 To ravish thus my shame and virgin peace. 
 
 Choeus. folly ! to pervert Heaven-gifted powers 
 With worst abuse thus to their meanest use. 
 Which God intends to reason should be subject. 
 Nor over reason evilly usurp ! 
 
 Dinah. For on him justly is repaid the sin 
 Which he hath sinned, yielding with loosened lust 
 To an ungoverned and wild appetite. 
 With unthought grief in surfeit crammed and gorged. 
 
 Choeus. glorious means endued, the gift of 
 Heaven, 
 As God thus late hath raised 
 For thy complete deliverance 
 Unquenchable force ordained 
 To quell the boisterous violence of evil men, 
 When, in his mighty purpose 
 And counsel high decreed 
 Upon those enemies and proud insulters 
 To wreak his vengeful wrath, 
 From ashes rousing into sudden flame, 
 
204 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 He, all their strength and mighty feats contemning. 
 
 On them surprised, amazed. 
 
 Struck from defence. 
 
 His furious purpose sends. 
 
 Whelming them, spent and lost, thus high distract. 
 
 In the tempest of Heaven's affliction. 
 
 Semi-choeus. Yet so deliverance high he oft delays, 
 Postpones his mighty counsel 
 And purpose great decreed 
 Upon his people held, 
 The trial of their patient faith esteemed 
 And tested fortitude, 
 
 Till suffering and endurance prove their faith 
 Victorious over all 
 
 The tyranny of chance may them allot, 
 That in the end his counsel wise appear 
 Upon his chosen ordained, 
 "W'Tiom high reward for purpose resolute 
 And patient fortitude must crown. 
 
 Semi-choeus. Which on thee so perhaps by God 
 ordained^ 
 Thus in his purpose wise 
 By evil sorrows burdened 
 Above the lot of men ; 
 Which yet may he avert 
 Prom thee, and thence to good 
 As high, as low to evil now, upraise 
 Thy swooning spirits depressed. 
 Turning thy sorrows to some hopeful end. 
 
 CnoEUS. But now I see thy father here approach 
 With tardy steps — perhaps thus come to gain 
 Thy doubtful purpose; for with him I see 
 The miner of thy state, who such annoy 
 To thee hath wrought, yet now perhaps would seek 
 Forgiveness, and move pardon for his fault. 
 His action bears remorse, his mien repentance. 
 What his intent may chance, we now; shall learn. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 205 
 
 Dinah. Or thus or not, alike to me they come. 
 
 Jacob. With hesitating thoughts and doubtful pur- 
 pose, 
 As moved herein by thy affliction, daughter, 
 I come with hopes of benefit accomplished 
 Perhaps to thee; and with me I have brought 
 AAHiom thus thou seest, who now desires to join thee 
 His wife. Which comfortable hope affords 
 To thy desired relief. Whence hear him speak. 
 
 Dinah. His wife? my ruin! let him not approach 
 me ! 
 
 Shechem. With doubtful hopes and lagging resolu- 
 tion, 
 I come, still fearful of thy hatred, Dinah, 
 Which I with my own act have justly drawn. 
 Meriting well thy fierce displeasure heaped 
 Upon my fault, which I could wish not done, 
 So ill the consequence to thee derived. 
 But powerful love hath thus to thee impelled me, 
 Once more to see thy face and view thy state. 
 Which now thus sad I see, and like repine 
 Thy hard condition. This hath moved me then, 
 XFor so of thee had come such ill report) 
 With hopes of reparation made perhaps 
 Por my too hasty deed. Whence now proposed 
 This honorable marriage with thee joined- 
 
 As to thy parents thou knoVst late was moved ^ 
 
 (Nor all unwillingly by thee deemed heard) 
 Which may perhaps redeem thy forfeit state 
 
 And thee in former place of honor set 
 
 Tardy amends, yet all within my power 
 Of satisfaction for my rash misdeed. 
 
 Dinah. To salve my honor I could better choose 
 My choice, than thee — thus brutish, bestial, lustful. 
 My outrage who with cruelty hast wrought. 
 
 Shechem. Bid me not thus despair ; but in thy face, 
 Wherein the heaven of mercy I behold. 
 
2o6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Let glimpses of some happier fortune shine. 
 
 Dinah. What ear thou gavest to my prayers, when I 
 Besought thee not with ruin thus to harm me 
 And force my maiden fortress, give I thine. 
 
 Shechem. Repulse me not thus, Dinah; but still 
 hear me, 
 While I to thee such forceful plea shall move, 
 So powerful, weighty, pleasing, as may well 
 
 Convince thee that I then no harm intended 
 
 By gusty passion hurried to that deed 
 
 And now to thee motion what highest good 
 I unto thee may offer, with intent 
 To salve thy wounded hurt, and quite redeem 
 The blot thy name hath taken with foul stain. 
 
 Dinah. Hence from my sight, thou serpent, that 
 hath stung 
 With poisonous tooth my honor, whose dire hurt 
 No balm or healing cure may medicine. 
 That e'er it show as fair as then it showed 
 Ere thee I saw, my lecherous ravisher, 
 My dearest enemy, my direst harm, 
 Who ruined me — seek'st but to ruin more. 
 Upon whom shall contempt and hatred sit 
 Throughout all time, defamed with evil shame 
 Of maiden honor ravished, virgin peace, 
 Which hath exposed me to such chilling hatred 
 Of those who hear — pointed with all contempt 
 And hateful scorn. Boast of thy venom foul. 
 That hath polluted me, and stained my name 
 With such dishonor, with such blot accurst; 
 But think not thus to charm me to my harm 
 With cunning spell of words ; thy double tongue 
 On me can have no power, its strength is nulled, 
 
 That I should mind thee, or to thee give ear 
 
 Yet worse esteemed, debased, abhorred, and vile, 
 If I endure to pass thy heinous crime 
 And gloss it with the added stain of wife 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 207^ 
 
 To thee conjoined — wilful dishonor done 
 To my own self by my own hand, thence worse 
 Than what thou did^st, as though I had consented 
 In what thou hast done, which me hath so undone. 
 Thus much from thee of serpent I have gained, 
 That I am deaf to these thy sweet persuasions, 
 Stopping my ear to all thy flatteries. 
 
 Shechem. Let me but touch thy hand in sign of 
 pardon. 
 
 DiiSTAH. Take not possession of me by a look. 
 ITo ; ravish other virgins for thy wives, 
 '\Tho glory in that shame, but think not me 
 Ever to draw to such defilement foul, 
 With bait of honeyed words beguiled to folly. 
 Dishonor, which should prove my chiefest shame, 
 That I intend on me not thus is done. 
 If in my flower of beauty, when all loved me, 
 Admired, respected, cherished, sought me, served me, 
 Thou only couldst contemn me and despise me, 
 Force me to hard condition, last insult me, 
 Pretending through thy love for me impelled 
 To do what thou hast done, if thou couldst this. 
 How wouldst thou soon my trampled beauty scorn. 
 How slight, disfavor ! How wouldst thou insult me, 
 Exult upon me, scorn me, hate, neglect me. 
 Taunting me with the stain of virgin name 
 Defaced, deflowered, thence cheap by thee esteemed! 
 Yet now to pity wouldst thou make pretence, 
 And softened heart ! No pity could make tender 
 Thy calloused heart ! Thy shifts and feigned devices 
 Open appear, and show thy love how false. 
 I see thee, serpent, what thou art — a heart 
 Treacherous as hard, the snake beneath the rock. 
 What peace with thee were found, what pleasure, honor, 
 Who sought me out, since fair, then falsely robbed me, 
 At time when life wont most with joy be found, 
 Of all my honor, virtue, virgin peace 
 
2o8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Violated, then ^thrust me forth despoiled, 
 
 Naked of innocence, of hope, of good 
 
 Eeft, and ashamed before my enemy? 
 
 Think not that aught shall ever tempt my feet 
 
 That I should enter in thy doors, a vnie 
 
 Thus wronged, insulted, shamed, dishonored, scorned, 
 
 Visited with contempt, the worst disgrace 
 
 With evil that could e'er my life befall. 
 
 Shechem. Yet hear me speak, nor causelessly reject 
 My offered sorrow for my deed misdone. 
 Which cannot now undo. Hence but remains 
 To seek what means may heal thy hurt, and thee 
 Restore to place of honor, set thee high 
 In all men's sight. Be not, as thy great shame 
 Constrains thee now, stubborn as steel, austere, 
 Set on revengeful spite, severe in thoughts 
 Toward him who loves thee and would now repair 
 
 The damage to thy name, unweeting wrought 
 
 Rio-orous for my default, but rather learn 
 What cure may best thy sore hurts now avail 
 With healing, mindless all of what is past, 
 That what I reft thou easily shalt spare. 
 
 Dinah. Out, jackal, out ! who didst not then relent 
 To leave thy horrid purpose, when thou forced'st me 
 To act of lust distasteful, scandalous, 
 Pernicious to my honor ! What had love 
 In thee, or how thy purpose aught impelled, ^ 
 When thou didst thus constrain me to thj msh. 
 Rifling my virgin store? But love thou call st it, 
 The urging and impulse of powerful love ! 
 Thy lust it was, thy lecherous l^'t i^Jff, 
 That made me-what I am-which hath no name, 
 Thus under all contempt reduced, below 
 All shame, disgust, and loathing. Is it love, 
 Is it now love become, thy plea thus changed 
 That I should like it more than when it robbed 
 Me of my peace, destroyed my honor, iett me 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 209 
 
 A target to the constant dart of scorn ? 
 But love thou hast degraded with such name 
 Affixed to kist thus hateful. Love seeks love; 
 ^ot with rank violation and hot shame, 
 The hateful and unhol}^ use of lust. 
 But with just honor paid and jealous awe 
 Upon its object guarded with due care 
 From harm betided — not, as thou hast done, 
 Working to raise inexpiable contempt, 
 Knowing, as needs thou should, so disregarding 
 The honor due to love. Still canst thou plead 
 That love impelled thee, urged thee, forced thee on ? 
 For, had thy love been, as it ought, sincere, 
 It would have taught thee other, other deeeds 
 Would have brought forth, than insult to the honor 
 And name of virgin, as thou here hast done. 
 Yet now wouldst cloak thy deed, veil it, thus foul, 
 With the fair guise of love ! How wilt thou here 
 Varnish thy plea, that bare in guilt now shows? 
 
 Shechem. Yet hear me, Dinah ; not that I excuse 
 My fault, or value less thy ill received. 
 That great offence from me, but that I still 
 Have heart to move such plea, as moved before. 
 Of love to thee constraining (though I took 
 Manner unkind to manifest my love) 
 Humbly with penitence and pardon sought, 
 That thou mayest know how much I now repent 
 Thy sad undoing, when, I know not whence, 
 That impulse mad and fierce desire possessed me 
 To taste thee and enjoy thee, found by chance, 
 Unknown, whom I, by sudden passion forced. 
 The effect of love working some violent way. 
 Constrained thus to my liking and thy hurt. 
 And then I knew thee not — for, had I known thee, 
 Be sure some way I had found out to know 
 Thy parents, and from them desired in haste 
 Thee as my wife, in wedlock fair conjoined. 
 
210 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Must it be then my punisliment determined, 
 That, when I now have found thee and have gained 
 Thy parents to my wish, I thence must lose thee, 
 To lose thee when I scarce had rightly found thee, 
 Foregoing in thee all delight, once hoped. 
 All converse, that I might to thee display 
 My sorrow and regret for what I did. 
 Thy ruin, which hath also drawn my pain, 
 My sorrow — which I did not so intend. 
 Impelled by passion mad and blind desire. 
 That thus hath wrought thy ruin and reproach, 
 If to my purpose thou not willing yield? 
 Forego then what intent thou hast of hatred 
 And distance toward me ; let me find some way, 
 Though late, to recompense, what in my power. 
 The great harm on thee I am charged to have done. 
 DiiTAH. Since thou art minded thus to recompense 
 Thy harm on me, no better way I know 
 Than to give o'er thy seeking, thus through love 
 Impelling, to this act now motioning on, 
 As thou averrest. If love be thy object. 
 Love to thyself, as love to self thou givest. 
 Elsewhere, another woman for thy wife 
 Seek out, not me, who ne'er toward thee can know 
 The love thou seekest. Should I now accept 
 Thy plea as true of love toward me impelling 
 When thou didst what thou didst, that could not raise 
 Love toward thyself in me, nor aught allay 
 The hate toward thee I hold. The wont effect 
 Of hatred and of hateful deeds is hate, 
 Not love, not honor for dishonor, reverence 
 For shame, not liking for dislike, distaste. 
 A harvest like thy seed thou shouldst expect. 
 Sow love, thou shalt reap love ; sow hate and scorn, 
 Then scorn thou garnerest, scorn, repulse and hate. 
 Thou wouldst not think in wedlock fair to Join, 
 Or wish thy wife, one so pernicious found, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 211 
 
 Destructive, to thy peace, reminding thee 
 
 Thy constant shame — that more should work thy shame. 
 
 Thou must with other plea attempt my mind. 
 
 More consonant with reason, more adjudged 
 
 To soothe discretion, than what now thou hast, 
 
 Contrary to all kindness, reason, justice. 
 
 Or favor, by this plea but outraged worse. 
 
 Approve thy plea with reason, that my reason 
 
 Thence may approve thy plea; which reason is. 
 
 Shechem. Then further hear me. Since love moves 
 thee notj 
 Love, held the highest aim of human life, 
 Rigorous of sway in human hearts, and most 
 Of force adjudged in woman, who loves most 
 And most for love will venture, then let move thee 
 Motive more valid deemed to reason found. 
 More apt, that thence thy reason may approve. 
 Though thou hast scorned my love, and treated thence 
 With harsh neglect, against life's canon law, 
 
 (For to be loved is sure the first delight 
 
 To love, not less) yet reason thou mayest not 
 So readily, if it consort with prudence. 
 With wisdom, skill, discretion. For but think. 
 If love be not admitted, nor considered, 
 As to the mind distasteful, offered thus, 
 What still may be accomplished, nor too late, 
 To lighten what thou bearest, satisfying. 
 With what amends I have, thy loaded shame. 
 Thou shalt not wisely disregard my words 
 As idle judged, vexatious, futile, fond. 
 First, as it was my weakness, not thy sin, 
 I on myself all blame transfer, and beg 
 What time and opportunity may offer 
 To make amends for what I have mis done, 
 Misguided. Then, since now the deed is done 
 Beyond undoing, whether good or ill. 
 Thou mayest not alter, nor to change contrive. 
 
212 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 (Since done none can undo, nor past recall) 
 
 What can it still avail that thou shouldst bear 
 
 So sensibly as not such reparation 
 
 Shown to accept? — deemed only madness then 
 
 Idly to mourn thy heavy chance, nor change 
 
 What in thy power now shows. Though thou shouldst 
 
 rain 
 Rivers of tears, they cannot wash thy grief. 
 Let us leave what is past — as known past cure, 
 So past bewailing known — and to the present 
 Entrust our joy, mindless of what is done. 
 And hopeful what the future holds in store. 
 If reason, and not love, made thee reject, 
 As fond, what offer tendered late by love. 
 Let reason, and not love, make thee accept 
 What for thy name recovered reason offers. 
 
 Jacob. Daughter, if tender love toward thee may 
 
 venture 
 Thus far, and not reap sole repulse and scorn. 
 Like, if thou canst, this offer, since the best 
 That now is hoped, nor fondly thus reject 
 What tendered good thou seest ; perhaps withdrawn, 
 If thou despitefully mistreat with scorn. 
 
 Shechem. I know not how my words may be 
 
 received, 
 "^Tien further ventured; but discretion still 
 For thee obtains, if thou unstop thy ear 
 Now to her voice. Though thou hast many wrongs 
 And grievous, heavy, hard indeed to bear. 
 Wrong not thyself still worse by proud rejection 
 Had to my suit, that offers thee thy name 
 And fame recovered; nor, as now thou showest, 
 Be thus contemptuous, proud, austere as steel, 
 Rigorous for my offence, but rather choose 
 What cure may best avail to close thy wounds; 
 That thou mayest, if in mercy not excels 
 In prudence and in wise discretion so. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 213 
 
 Dinah. The view of thee doth still offend my eyes 
 With blasting sight! that the piercing thorn 
 Of painful blindness might destroy that sense, 
 That I might never see thee more, once seen 
 To my destruction, whom I now must see 
 Both day and night — a horror but to think ! 
 Yet, worse, shall thee embrace, my husband, deemed 
 The partner of my heart and solace dear ! 
 place, wherein I lost my virtuous shame 
 And virgin honor, must I then consent 
 To see, and not once only, but through life, 
 That darkest spot accurst, wherein I lost 
 Both name and virgin blame, and with him live^ 
 My ravisher, the ruin of my peace? 
 Yet now who proffers peace, unthinking aught 
 What horror stands between us, what disgust, 
 Our firstborn offspring, gendered and conceived 
 In lust, inbred by hate, before their time 
 In loathing now delivered and in shame. 
 That sharp distaste shall still possess us linked 
 As to a lewd and loathly corpse of death. 
 Much rather would I die than live with him. 
 My ravisher, who bred my quickening shame. 
 The sight of whom shall vex me day by day, 
 A life's long dying to augment my grief, 
 A lifelong death. Yet what avail my words? 
 Since death, who sets all free with glad release. 
 Shall here be foiled, for still my shame shall live, 
 Though I be dead, my fair inheritance, 
 And monument that shall forever stand. 
 Living or dying then, what succor found, 
 Or solace to my hopes, that I should scape 
 Shame, my tormenter, that thus suffers not 
 My anguish to assuage, or thoughts to rest? 
 This lingering fever, this disease of shame, 
 Which in my body lurks and banishes 
 The sense of peace, in me must ever live. 
 
214 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 virgin spousal bed^ which I had Jiopes 
 
 One day I should possess, and there enjoy 
 
 Embrace of him, my solace and delight, 
 
 Whom I could love; and thence with joy bring forth 
 
 Fair beauteous offspring chaste, to whom should cling 
 
 JSTo shame, as from a mother bad derives ! 
 
 What dowry shall I bring ye, daughters ! sons, 
 
 Fair heritage your mother now bestows! 
 
 But go I must ; and what avails to mourn ? 
 
 Chorus. wretched chance thou fallest upon, 
 Dinah, with woes endued 
 Above the lot of men! 
 
 Which that thou shalt endure, may God afford 
 Patience and helpful grace. 
 
 Heartening thee to endure what ills thou bearest. 
 That thou may'st conquer all 
 The tyranny of shame on thee allots. 
 And last be numbered found on those 
 Whom patience gloriously shall crown; 
 Since in the hand of God the issue lies. 
 
 Jacob. friends, what hope of consolation here 
 May seem, or solace ? where unhappy chance 
 Hath seized my child, and in me now begets 
 Dire grief, plucking from me that pleasing hope 
 In her perhaps to have received some surety 
 
 Of honor all unwonted on me found 
 
 Return unsuitable adjudged from God 
 
 For so much faith that trusted thus in all. 
 
 Who now could pray for children, valuing 
 
 The stain of barrenness as a reproach. 
 
 Or curse of God, when sorrow such as mine 
 
 May seize a parent and depress with grief? 
 
 Or are such gifts, desirable appearing. 
 
 Only of doubtful ,a:ood, and offered thus 
 
 To tempt our wishful prayers, but draw a sting, 
 
 Sharp as a serpent's tooth, to wound the mind? 
 
 Alas, not so to me as good appears 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 215 
 
 That whom God's choice hath chosen thus and reared 
 To grace and favor should be thus o'erwhelmed. 
 Be it but for sake of former honor given ! 
 
 Choeus. Deject not utterly; nor thus arraign 
 God's providence, and Heavenly disposition, 
 Which yet perhaps may turn the works of men, 
 Though evil now appearing, to some good. 
 Working herein the trial of thy faith 
 With richer grace bestowed, when from such ill 
 God shall ordain on thee some benefit, 
 Returning for thy evil certain good. 
 For God, who thee hath chosen and ordained 
 To such high state, such honor, can as easy 
 Ordain, to recompense the ill thou hast. 
 Some glorious guerdon of exceeding faith. 
 Visiting thy affliction and sore pain 
 With marvelous healing, found thy hopeful balni. 
 His mighty power we know, and him can like 
 Accredit on his people purpose high 
 (For whom, if not on us, his favor set?) 
 The Holy One of Heaven, and our God. 
 
 Jacob. Thy words not yet avail to raise my trust. 
 For, oh, how different now my hopes portend 
 From what they late possessed, when high in thoughts 
 Magnanimous I stood, secure of ill. 
 By proof beyond all doubts thus high inflamed ! 
 Yet now, alas, despised, abject, and gazed. 
 Made of all men the mock and deepest scorn, 
 Forsaken, left of God, by him esteemed 
 Thence to such glorious mission high upraised ! 
 Who envies now my lot, or thus could live 
 Hopeless of future, that me now presents 
 Life undesirable, laborious days 
 Of toilsome thought, myself thus all contemned, 
 Hopeless, unpitied, hated, and despised? 
 Why could not death, acceptable death, have comd 
 To snatch her hence, ere thus upon her fallen 
 
2i6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Such burdenous ill unthought, the worst of grief 
 That human life with misery might bear? 
 
 Chorus. Lament not thus; nor, all in doubts, afflict 
 thee 
 With impious thoughts of sin unpunished done. 
 For God hath not entirely left, nor all 
 Suitable vengeance passed, as paid entire 
 Those who have thus his precepts foully mocked, 
 But still shall visit with affliction grievous 
 And direful, as may best befit his care. 
 Such foul dishonor to his chosen done. 
 Against God also, not against thee alone. 
 Have they presumed, who to their hurt shall find 
 Doubtless swift vengeance visited upon them 
 And wrath of Heaven, who their own ruin invoked. 
 For God, who thee upheld with heavenly strength, 
 When once at Peniel all night thou strovest, 
 There wrestling with the angel, can as easy 
 Uphold and strengthen in thy trial hard, 
 Tf thou believe him better than thou hast. 
 And I persuade me more, because of old 
 Thou wert his chosen, who with hand not slack 
 Can still sustain thee thence by heavenly grace. 
 Whence share with us what hopes we now obtain 
 With good success to reach complete revenge, 
 Visiting them with vengeance, as befits. 
 Who our despite have wreaked and shameful harm. 
 Thy sons (for so in purpose late they stood 
 With us) through sharp desire to satisfy 
 For her, and ample vengeance wreak for loss 
 Of virgin peace thus wrecked, have parted late. 
 Bound thus obscure that none perhaps might mark 
 And frustrate thus their secret purpose set. 
 Requital for such outrage vile to seek. 
 Wliat if by this they have passed, and soon shall gain 
 Such ample retribution as may well 
 Cancel those hopes thus vile and dash their thoughts 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 217 
 
 Who impiously presumed indignity 
 
 Upon God's chosen, to their harm presumed, 
 
 Their own destruction thence and ruin drawn ? 
 
 Jacob. folly and shame ! That they should thus 
 presume, 
 My sons, usurping, set on hateful spite. 
 Against my right, thence drawing their own harm, 
 Yet, worse, of me, and all, when, thus provoked, 
 Our foes on us shall recompense exact 
 For oath so violated and slack faith ! 
 Why have I thus bemoaned as ill that lot 
 I had obtained, since now much worse appears 
 Danger which threatens, that the lesser evil 
 I feel not, by the greater thus infixed ? 
 But let me hence, if warned in time perhaps 
 Those with whom late in league I joined, that thence 
 Haply they may escape the mortal snare ; 
 N'or on me stick reproach for slackened faith. 
 What they had done deserved no such return 
 After close league in amity so joined, 
 ISTor me excuses that I now should warn 
 What danger, all unthought, on them impends. 
 For, where such warranty and oath conjoin. 
 True faith should like conjoin, nor thus permit 
 Duty to slack, or care, as here were done. 
 
 Choeus. Yet stay; for hither speeding to our place 
 I see who may report our state with news. 
 
 Messenger. sight, which late these eyes with dre:.cl 
 beheld, 
 And still behold, so lively yet I see. 
 By fancy or imagination fixed 
 
 Still on my mind that sight, though loathing much ! 
 Yet not so, but that accident or chance 
 Hath led me hither, or the guess of instinct. 
 To ye, so much thus in the news concerned. 
 
 Jacob. Or good or bad thy tidings, speak them out. 
 
2i8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Messengek. Good to whom good ; which here not all 
 may boast. 
 
 Jacob. Yet still set out thy news; which, good or 
 bad, 
 Come not too soon; for still the worst endured, 
 Until relation clear ends apprehension. 
 
 Messenger. Shechem, and all who wrought thy 
 daughter's harm, 
 Are overthrown, in ruin whelmed and fallen. 
 
 Jacob. What punishment upon him was exacted, 
 Adjudged thus guilty, worthy not to scape? 
 
 Jacob. Just punishment and right, nor aught 
 extenuate. 
 The dark and lecherous deed, which there he wrought, 
 Cost him his life. 
 
 Jacob. heavy satisfaction 
 Upon his sin exacted to his harm! 
 One question else remains — say at whose hand. 
 
 Messenger. Thy sons have recompensed her direful 
 harm. 
 
 Jacob. But how done thus? put forth the full rela- 
 tion, 
 "With tidings more particular and distinct. 
 
 Messenger. Hither from Shalem come I, wherein 
 dwelt 
 He who had wrought thy daughter's ruinous harm. 
 There as my task I sped, following a beast 
 Stolen from the flock, some little time I passed, 
 Ere I had quite dispatched; when sudden rose 
 Rumor of tumult, that with noise aroused 
 Each byway and high street. Soon I beheld 
 M'^here through the streets approached some bridal train, 
 
 That wont with glad disorder pass along 
 
 But passed not gladly here, such uproar wild 
 Threatening arose, as well might ruin all, 
 Not suiting nuptial time and marriage-feast. 
 There as I nearer drew, I found the bride 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 219 
 
 (And so, ere I arrived, from some I gained) 
 
 None else than that sad virgin, thy wronged daughter. 
 
 She, with distressful plight, and fearful tears 
 
 That ceased not flowing, passed along the streets, 
 
 Matter of scorn and gaze, with foul abuse 
 
 Exclaimed upon each side, as well might draw 
 
 Resentment, if aught friendly to her stood. 
 
 And so it chanced; for soon a voice was heard 
 
 Much moved, by passionate wrath as far distressed : 
 
 Why do ye thus presume beyond the bounds 
 
 Of hospitality, that ye bemock 
 
 One so misfortuned, whose distressful plight 
 
 Might pity better draw and courteous silence. 
 
 As fits a woman solitary in grief. 
 
 Raising compassionate ruth for sad mischance? 
 
 Whereto with impudence was thus returned : 
 
 Who art thou that inquirest thus our right 
 
 To do as now? Know that thy thought concern 
 
 Hath here no place, for not thy bride we deem 
 
 The woman was, nor haply of thy tribe. 
 
 To mix with our concerns thou wert best forbear, 
 
 'Not draw upon thyself perhaps what anger 
 
 Provoked thou seest; better love thy life. 
 
 So spake they, as to height of fury raised, 
 
 Surveying him who thus had dared presume 
 
 To that bold deed, vouched with a speech thus bold. 
 
 Whereat thy sons, for so I then perceived 
 
 Simeon and Levi, waited not, but set 
 
 Upon them, with what weapons there by chance. 
 
 Or haply to this purpose with them found. 
 
 Whom when among, they with such fury smote 
 
 Upon them, that they might not well withstand 
 
 So sudden onset, but to flight they turned, 
 
 (Unweaponed, as the wont of bridal train) 
 
 Struck from their boastful hope, bereft, and fallen. 
 
 After whom slain, these stayed not yet their wrath, 
 
 Swording it through the city, where by chance, 
 
220 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Within doors or without, in flower of youth 
 
 Or crowned with wintry age — none able aught 
 
 Of opposition — till, of all there found 
 
 In manhood, none alive remained, overcome 
 
 And quite destroyed by such avenging wrath. 
 
 Then, after such dire slaughter, which had slain 
 
 Their city's prime in manhood and the flower. 
 
 Youth, or old age, or child, in death not spared, 
 
 "With all of common sort, and thereto joined 
 
 Him who had wrought so grievous harm, the proud 
 
 Insulter, cause of all their wrath provoked 
 
 By such indignity, dishonor foul. 
 
 They took forthwith their sister and escaped. 
 
 Wherein if to our foes be aught of joy. 
 
 Let them rejoice indeed and gratulate. 
 
 Chokus. Heaven-ordained revenge victorious ! 
 On those insulters proud in scorn 
 Fully avenged with grievous foil 
 Amply repaid, their high-built pride 
 Tumbled with shock; 
 
 Which ruined their hopes and dashed their thoughts, 
 Who only meant our harm, yet reaped 
 Anger and dread insult 
 Upon them ensnared. 
 In the fatal fold self-tangled ! 
 
 When their hearts were uplifted, high in scorn. 
 Jocund with mockery, drunk with pride 
 And surfeit of laughter deep ingorged. 
 Sudden upon them struck 
 Dire madness, by them induced 
 Unthought, which only drew 
 Speedy destruction and death upon them come 
 Who thought our wrong. 
 Yet contrary proved 
 The snare of ruin upon them. 
 
 For these, though all disprized, 
 Contemned, and held diminished, slight, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 221 
 
 From under embers roused their vigor's sudden blaze ; 
 
 And as a leopard came, which hunger drives 
 
 Upon the flocks in wattled cotes at eve 
 
 When shepherds sleep secure, but as a lion 
 
 Their fiery virtue fell, 
 
 Sudden as clap of thunder from clear sky ! 
 
 So fell their foes ; but these, as Virtue's self, 
 
 Most active roused when seeming most depressed, 
 
 Revived their courage hid, 
 
 And on their enemies, who them despised, 
 
 Smote like a tempest, when the quartered winds 
 
 Rush forth and vex the woods. So fell their foes; 
 
 But these, from great emprise. 
 
 Return with joy and glad elation high. 
 
 After the slaughter of their foes amazed. 
 
 Stricken from all defence, on whom o'erwhelmed 
 
 God hath discharged his errand of affliction. 
 
 But hold ; for now the storm draws on apace. 
 
 Jacob. The day hath promised fair, nor yet portends. 
 
 Choeus. Another kind of tempest threatens now. 
 
 Jacob. Un joint thy speech perplexed; no riddle 
 needs. 
 
 Choeus. The riddle is resolved ; thy sons draw nigh. 
 
 Jacob. Why have ye, sons, thus motioned to my hurt 
 And yours, by this ill deed that shall corrupt 
 My name among these heathen and profane ? 
 Was there no right on you by me presumed. 
 That ye should venture thus beyond your due. 
 Done in this deed, usurping to yourselves, 
 And arrogating my due place supposed? 
 
 Simeon. We have done what we have done, motion- 
 ing to good. 
 Thereto set on by Grod, purposed to do. 
 His instruments, what punishment ordained 
 Upon those evil, heathen, treacherous, vile. 
 That guilt of their own ruin thence had drawn. 
 And herein do we but our deed approve 
 
222 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 That vengeance sore hath dealt on him, the proud 
 Insulter. For should he thus basely scape, 
 Who with our sister hath presumed to deal 
 As with a harlot ? Thus in this we erred not. 
 But better are approved. Who could endure 
 Such treacherous blot to family and God, 
 Indignity to honor and religion, 
 Joined to idolaters, the head of shame? 
 If thou, her father, couldst not feel such insult, 
 And thence resent it with more strenuous anger. 
 We at the least could, and could like avenge it. 
 Thy slackness hath relaxed our bond of duty 
 Toward thee, and justified our vengeful deed. 
 As but a holy ill and pious wrong. 
 All of them then were slain — ^he, who had spoiled 
 Our sister's honor, to avenge our quarrel; 
 The other only to assure our safety 
 Was done, lest thence on us perhaps induced 
 Danger unthought, with ruin unsuspect, 
 Yet none the less pernicious to our lives 
 From these who wrought our ruin thence and shame. 
 Jacob. What consequence from this rash act may 
 draw 
 Condemns the deed. Why should I be contemned 
 As a league-breaker, worthy death adjudged, 
 Which these shall visit on me for my faith 
 Unfaithful, unregarded, unobserved? 
 Had I no power herein, and ye no duty, 
 That ye with disobedience have usurped 
 My office known, a stench upon my name 
 Thus bringing with contempt, that Canaan's sons 
 Cast blame on me for disregarded oath. 
 Broken my plighted faith and duty sworn, 
 That I have infamy upon my name 
 Denounced, a breaker of just oath and faith ? 
 And do ye now with sober brow approve it, 
 Glossing it with religion's holy name 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 223 
 
 A deed thus vile, unholy, irreligious, 
 Against the laws of God and laws of nations 
 So to disrupt a sacred peace thus joined? 
 Curst is the deed for your sakes ! Ye in sorrow 
 Shall bear that weight all the days of your lives ! 
 
 Levi. Father, we are not careful to observe 
 Thy reverence, where a higher duty claims 
 Upon us, that the mark of infamy. 
 Such foul dishonor stuck upon our front. 
 Be cleansed, and cleared our stain. For they themselves 
 Drew their own hurt, with base dishonor done 
 And rape of virgin, taking stain of crime 
 Unnatural, inhospitable done. 
 From whence indignity and sister's shame. 
 
 Chorus. Fair in its end, though oft with doubt 
 Hath closed this day, wherein was seen 
 God's trial of his chosen found. 
 With Heavenly endurance upheld 
 Of wisdom high, that sore hath visited 
 Discomfit and fierce vengeance on his foes; 
 But on his people hath allotted thence 
 Favor, and recompense for insult high 
 Upon them presumed, 
 With release from sore affliction. 
 
224 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 JEPHTHA SACRIFICING. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Jephtha, for his vow at setting forth to the conquest 
 of the Ammonites, is constrained to offer his daughter in 
 sacrifice. He consents, though not willingly, to the 
 offering; but is openly opposed in this by his wife and 
 secretly by others ; yet, convinced that this is of God, he 
 perseveres in his purpose to offer his daughter in 
 sacrifice : Which accomplished, the drama concludes. 
 
 THE PERSONS. 
 
 JEPHTHA. 
 
 Miriam, daughter to Jephtha. 
 
 Mara, his wife. 
 
 Chorus of elders of Mizpeh. 
 
 Messenger. 
 
 Servant. 
 
 The Scene -.—Before the house of Jephtha, in Mizpeh. 
 
 Jephtha. With certain feet and happy resolution 
 At length I come, in this ancestral spot, 
 Home to my country and my father's house. 
 pleasant thoughts, that swarming rush upon me. 
 Of youthful years distressful, which have changed, 
 In man's maturer life, to other purpose. 
 Befitting well my birth of lineage high 
 And this high mission happily achieved ; J 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 225 
 
 Whence happier store of future I presage, 
 Thus glad returned, ancestral house and home ! 
 With other hopes I left ye, other mind, 
 Who, thrust from home inhospitably, went 
 Wandering that barren region, where of old 
 Israel wandered; thither then compelled 
 Into the desert, where I long sojourned 
 With others of like sort, as head conjoined. 
 Earning my bread by violence enforced 
 
 Upon all travelers who passed that way 
 
 The rich at least and proud ; the poorer sort 
 I suffered to escape without annoy. 
 Or, pined by drouth and hunger, I relieved. 
 And to their need bestowed what I had reft, 
 Adding what I from others had enforced, 
 Happy to scape so quit. Nor all content 
 With such inglorious life, who wont to feel 
 Far otherwise in youth, with hopes inflamed 
 To highest actions, no less in their reach 
 Than freedom for my country, now oppressed 
 
 By enemies, that us environed round 
 
 Not thus as all content here then I stayed 
 
 Till years were passed, and meditated much 
 
 "V\^at also had my earlier years engaged 
 
 To free my nation from a cruel yoke, 
 
 But found no way, so sunk in bondage found 
 
 And servitude, their fittest punishment 
 
 Ingloriously who their True Strength forsook, 
 
 Thus fallen away to brutish idols foul. 
 
 Yet later came the lords of Mizpeh, pressed 
 
 By the fierce Ammonite who claimed the land 
 
 By ancient right secured, and threatened high 
 
 To thrust them forth, as I by these compelled. 
 
 Hence me they chose their leader, much dismayed. 
 
 By dire compulsion, and confirmed their choice 
 
 Before the altar in the sacred grove 
 
 In presence of the oracle and priest 
 
226 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Also by God confirmed ; and from him given 
 
 Victory sure, strength from on high vouchsafed 
 
 Upon our enemy and fierce oppressor, 
 
 To overcome his brute tyrannic power 
 
 And rescue Israel from the Ammonite, 
 
 That proud insulting foe, who dared presume 
 
 Against the people of God, but soon discerned 
 
 Far otherwise, in broken flight, dismayed. 
 
 With all their power infringed. For, parting soon, 
 
 I upon them dread execution wreaked 
 
 For disregarded right and broken faith. 
 
 Leaving them blank of joy and blank of boast, 
 
 WTio in their arrogance had thus presumed 
 
 To set themselves and gods over our own. 
 
 And now, from victory turned, I come to claim 
 
 That just desert to rule, my right assured 
 
 By our dread lords pronounced, secure in peace, 
 
 And long in this fair land secure to dwell, 
 
 Of happiness assured, of peace, of joy. 
 
 But one doubt yet remains, lest that rash vow 
 
 Infatuate, which I took at setting forth. 
 
 Some danger draw, or trouble, which my days 
 
 Knew never until now. Yet why despair. 
 
 Or waver ? Doubtless ill can not befall 
 
 After such good received, fair premonition 
 
 And flattery to my hope, thus fair achieved. 
 
 But if the future aught of trouble hold. 
 
 Or danger, which the time hath yet concealed, 
 
 He who hath guided still my steps aright, 
 
 Dispel it, as the darkness now the day. 
 
 Choeus. Mighty the works of God, 
 And marvelous his wondrous ways. 
 Above the highest reach 
 Of human thought to know ! 
 
 Semi-chorus. Nor least, when came the river-dragon 
 proud 
 From Egypt after Israel, though sore tamed 
 
TAMAR AND QTHER POEMS 22^ 
 
 By prodigies of portent, grievous signs 
 
 Afflictive, which his spirit compelled; but he, 
 
 Despite such wonders shown 
 
 And wrath of God provoked. 
 
 By whom himself proudly he durst compare, 
 
 With rallied hopes perfidious elevate. 
 
 Hardened his heart, more hardened as by thaw 
 
 Obdurate ice, pursuing 
 
 Them in his anger whom his promise gave 
 
 To part in safety assured. 
 
 But him the sea withstood, and mustering fierce 
 
 On his embattled war. 
 
 As in despite his feigned omnipotence, 
 
 Swallowed him with his host. 
 
 And whelmed them in its waves. 
 
 Semi-choeus. Nor otherwise, when Israel fought of 
 old 
 In Joshua's conduct, and in sky stood still, 
 Midway in heaven, the sun. 
 And moon her wonted course adjourned. 
 The voice of man commanding, till his foes 
 Israel o'ercame. 
 
 Semi-choeus. Nor less his power appeared, when 
 Sisera's might. 
 Presumptuous, fought to enslave 
 God's people chosen, and his deity like despised ; 
 But, joined in battle fierce, learned other thoughts 
 And meaner hopes conceived, 
 Safety and peace in flight, which death denied. 
 Por him the stars of heaven in fight withstood. 
 And Kishon's wave, that ancient river, rolled, 
 Swallowed them, when from heaven 
 Strange fire and direful hail and lightnings, mixed 
 With blackness and with tempest, fiercely fell 
 On that proud host confused, 
 And as in anger consumed 
 The fierce insulting foe, 
 
228 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Whom earth, opening her mouth, in aid devoured, 
 And whelmed their war. 
 
 Semi-chorus. Nor lastly Chemosh, Ammon's fear 
 obscene, 
 More dread or potent, 
 When he fondly matched 
 
 His fierce presumptuous might with Israel's God, 
 Whose arm of power displayed 
 Enforced hard vengeance. 
 When the strength of Israel pierced 
 Their utmost battle drawn ; 
 Nor stayed, but spread the slaughtering pestilence 
 And the consuming sickness of the land, 
 Till twenty cities of their country, chief 
 Daughters esteemed, and prime, 
 Erom Aroer to Mirinith's frontier plains. 
 Beneath the avenging force of war's dread stroke 
 Bowed captive, or, worse fate, ascended all 
 In flame and smoke to heaven. 
 
 Semi-chorus. Thee, Jephtha, then I praise, ■uncon- 
 querable. 
 Mightiest, our first of men, 
 Whose prowest deeds performed. 
 Not less than thy prevailing argument, 
 In that sore battle quelled the Ammonite 
 With flight or death. 
 Whence Minnith mourns. 
 And Aroer, with all that region round, 
 The battle's rued attempt and dire event, 
 That cost so many of their chiefest sons. 
 And quelled their pride. 
 
 Semi-choeus. Where shall I first extol 
 Thy deeds and matchless might ? 
 The wonder of thy nation, and the boast. 
 When on the Ammonite, our dreaded enemy. 
 Confusion fell and horrible dismay. 
 Erst undismayed, now reft, surprised, amazed. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 229 
 
 When, as the lightning glimpse, 
 
 Under thy conduct Mizpeh's sons thrust forth 
 
 In fierce pursuing bands 
 
 Upon his dreadless ranks and broken war. 
 
 Chokus. Yet softly; for behold where yonder comes 
 One as with grief surcharged and fraught with woe, 
 O'erburdened sore ; for such his mien infers 
 Depressed and sad. 
 
 Whence in his look appears, fallen, and damp, 
 Some recent grief, perhaps ; or what portends 
 Sorrow at this glad time, when all rejoice ? 
 
 Seevant. Companions to this house, for such infer 
 Both your attendance and regardful mien. 
 Say if ye aught by sight or word have gained. 
 If gone from hence, or stayed, or harboring near. 
 Of both my master and 3^our friend, great Jephtha? 
 
 Choeus. Nothing we know in aught, by accident 
 Obtained, or purpose ; hither only come 
 To greet our champion, wondering much to learn 
 Him gone we hoped to find. But now relate 
 Why with inquiry anxious thus thou comest 
 Asking of us, whom like intent hath brought? 
 
 Seevant. Ah, friends, if truly told what grief I bear, 
 I fear lest evil words may wound too deep. 
 
 Choeus. Set forth thy tidings, whatsoever gained, 
 Since grief withheld more pains than what imparted, 
 
 Seevant. Look not for happy tidings, deemed no 
 doubt. 
 Sequel of victory, as might beseem 
 Glad issue of success in fair event; 
 Eather expect to hear the heaviest evil, 
 The most with grief, most sorrowful, that ever 
 Could have befallen us — nor else importing 
 Than harm of him by whom we stand, our champion 
 And first of men. For now great Jephtha, come 
 Home to his father^s house, secure of joy. 
 And wished-for welcome waiting, passed the doors, 
 
230 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 And scarcely yet had passed them, when behold 
 
 A horror ! she, his daughter, first in view, 
 
 A bevy of fair maids accompanying 
 
 In dance, with charming song and chiming harp, 
 
 Met in the doors him entering, to greet 
 
 Her father's loved return. But he that sight 
 
 Far otherwise received, in pallid fear. 
 
 Stricken with terror. Backward he recoiled. 
 
 And bowed and groaning shook, as bows and shakes 
 
 The forest oak with tempest; then essayed, 
 
 Sore tossed with grief, and thrice in vain, to speak. 
 
 And thrice, despite of manly shame, burst forth 
 
 In tears and sighs — at last gained utterance thus : 
 
 Alas, my daughter, thou hast brought me low. 
 
 And sore with grief hast troubled. I have sworn 
 
 To God ; that fated vow may not recall. 
 
 Though it import no less than death to thee, 
 
 To me destruction, in thy loss destroyed. 
 
 But she returned : As thou hast sworn, perform : 
 
 Behold me. For thy honor and thy vow 
 
 Gladly I die, so offered ; since to me 
 
 To die is as to live, for that dear sake 
 
 By which I now am living. Horror first 
 
 And horrid silence fell at what might mean. 
 
 With sorrow new and sudden grief so strange, 
 
 A speech so strange vouched with reply so strange ; 
 
 But no long silence ; for that direful vow. 
 
 All unremembered but for this event. 
 
 One spoke, with look askance, as much afraid; 
 
 And soon from mouth to mouth the rumor ran. 
 
 Yet ventured none aloud. Her maidens then, 
 
 Scarce from surprise revived, gave signs of grief. 
 
 But them she checked with gentle voice, and bade 
 
 None for her weep ; and all who thronged the place 
 
 Spoke cheerfully to, both menial in the house. 
 
 Or free without, nor aught in face or voice 
 
 Gave sign of sorrow ; only last withdrew 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 231 
 
 Into a diamber to await command, 
 Her father's ordering. N'either Jephtlia stayed. 
 Thus desperate with grief and quite deject; 
 But, rushing out of doors, sought only surcease 
 Of pain, in thoughts divided, sore distressed. 
 The saddest sight, most sorrowful, that ever 
 Man saw, most pitiful ; nor since was seen 
 By any ; whence my mission to discern 
 His place and posture, whether, thus distraught, 
 He seek some violent way. But how shall end 
 This direful day, or how fall out the event, 
 'None may surmise, and all despair to think. 
 
 Choeus. Doubtful the ways of man. 
 And doubtfully his life ordained. 
 Though still with graces eminently given, 
 Perfections high adorned, 
 Created fair, conformity divine. 
 For upon him God's purpose high appears 
 To good, as oft, yet soon, with heavier hand 
 And altered face, his weightier doom he sends, 
 With no respect, as seems, 
 To sufferings past grievous endured. 
 Or heavier yet inflictions. 
 
 Oft with distresses dire, or poverty. 
 Ambition's curb, depressed. 
 And maladies of grievous kinds. 
 Joint-racking agonies, or torturing qualms 
 Afflictive, wasting pestilence 
 And slaughtering famine, all consuming ills. 
 Till life is worse pronounced than death, that comes 
 The cure of all life's evil, and the balm. 
 
 If these escaped, perhaps by dire afflictions, 
 Within him or without, man's life oppressed; 
 Fell hate of kind, or worse ingratitude. 
 Fiercer than body's ill. 
 Madness of secret mind, presumption fond 
 Drawing the direful wrath of God, 
 
232 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 All fiercest accidents 
 
 Which on man's spirits prey and inmost mind, 
 
 That life no less a bnrdenoiis freight becomes, 
 Till death, a glad relief, alike reprieves. 
 
 Yet some, ordained, by high election chosen 
 And solemn choice, escape 
 Those grievoTis ills of being, 
 Remote from all the anxious cares of life, 
 Tnlfilled with bliss. 
 
 l^ot therefore praised as wholly good, or banned 
 As wholly ill, this mortal lot; the end. 
 Doubtful, of all determines. 
 
 But see ! for yonder, sought in haste. 
 Great Jephtha comes, as much depressed with grief 
 xA.nd spent with sorrow; now, in halt, 
 Stands like a blasted pine, by thunder scathed, 
 Its beauty withered : hither bends 
 His steps, as toward us bound; with honor due 
 Prepare forthwith to receive him. 
 
 Jephtha. I heard the sound of voices, which the 
 sense 
 Of hearing, gross with grief, denied to know. 
 
 Chorus. Let us approach. Jephtha, our country's 
 boast, 
 ISTot mindless of thy sorrow are we met 
 By thy unlocked approach, if aught in words 
 To solace and console thee ; or if deeds, 
 Apt to thy malady, we may bring forth. 
 Thy comfort deemed, our office better found. 
 
 Jephtha. Ye see, comrades, what a net of ills 
 Hath closed me round; and, what my worst affliction, 
 Myself have drawn, myself the ruin caused. 
 Who but myself, in heedless arrogance. 
 Thus impiously and weakly hath brought on me 
 Both my own sorrow and my household's ruin ? 
 How shall I more look up, or lift my head, 
 Who have shipwracked on pride and high presumption, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 233 
 
 Thus heedless, wrecked my hopes whereon I built 
 
 My glory and great honor to my name, 
 
 And lastly drawn derision of my foes? 
 
 How shall not all who hear pronounce me punished 
 
 Justly for that presumption which asserted 
 
 Myself secure of future, and thence ruined 
 
 My fair desert? How ill b.ecomes me now 
 
 That honor high, to have received salute 
 
 Of judge in Israel ! More will all approve 
 
 The just reward (0 folly !) of my weakness. 
 
 And on my name merited curses heap 
 
 With obloquy, 3^et rightly to my shame. 
 
 Chorus. Despair not, Jephtha; greater cause have 
 all, 
 And disposition like, to ease thy burden. 
 Who from the fiery Ammonite delivered them 
 And raised them up once more to be a nation. 
 Though near destroyed — no less a mighty champion, 
 And worthy no less fame and high desert 
 Than all who erst, in siege or foughten field. 
 Have borne the honor great and name of judge, 
 Barak and Othniel, Gideon, famous found. 
 Not then entire deject. Perhaps a way 
 Shall still be found, though now thou deeply liest 
 In much despair (and reason, as thou seest) 
 Eightly to do thy vow, and still preserve 
 Thy daughter to thy life inviolate. 
 
 Jephtha. Urge me not thus. That way impiety 
 And hate toward Heaven, with judgment worse pro- 
 nounced. 
 The oath I swore, though rash, infatuate, 
 I will perform, as reason is, obepng 
 Heaven^s purpose manifest to punish justly 
 My weak presumptuous sin, that sought my honor 
 Only, not Heaven^s. Other to attempt 
 Would not escape my guilt, nor slacken aught 
 What solemn contract binds to offer up 
 
234 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 In sacrifice my daughter — rather draw 
 No less a greater stroke on me, and her. 
 Whose dearest loss I monrn, not more reprieve. 
 
 Chokus. Consider, Jephtha, that in evil case 
 Thou stand this day, either to sacrifice 
 Thy daughter, which thy strictest vow enjoins, 
 Abhorred by all who hear, and thus thyself 
 (j^o less !) expose to calumny and hate. 
 The people's wrath ; or else thou must forego 
 That predetermined oath and vow engaged. 
 With recompense upon thy head returned. 
 The will of Heaven. Reckon the greater evil. 
 To spill thy daughter's blood, which Heaven forbids. 
 Or else forego what thou to Heaven engaged'st, 
 Unratified by counsel or by wisdom. 
 Hence thou hast need all circumspection use. 
 And we no less choice in advice; for so 
 On what thou dost this day, or undone leavest. 
 The weight of all and all thy hope depend*. 
 
 Jephtha. I cannot, friends, deny that strictest vow, 
 Fondly engaged, and to my harm fulfilled ; 
 Nor can I deem, thought all deplore the loss. 
 That any will oppose my weak attempt 
 To its fulfilling, sad though deemed and hard, 
 Questioning thus my right of father had 
 To do what with my own my right assures. 
 But how shall I suffice thus to perform, 
 Or how again but to behold her face 
 Endure, with joy and rapture so oft beheld? 
 Whose hand but mine, or whose permissive will. 
 Shall destroy in her my own life, not deemed 
 Thus given to be destroyed ? But right compels, 
 And justice, what I must, though loath, perform. 
 
 Chorus. Thy daughter is thy daughter, and thy 
 right 
 Thy right ; do therefore with her as thou wilt. 
 None questions here thy pow;er, and least do we; 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 235 
 
 But pondered if some better way found out 
 
 Both to fulfil and to escape thy vow 
 
 Grievous engaged, yet in thy power to do. 
 
 Sore it must be and hard, I bear thee witness, 
 
 To lose her fairest — since the sons of earth 
 
 Saw the daughters of men that they were fair, 
 
 None fairer; neither in the common way 
 
 Of death deplored, as by the will of Heaven 
 
 Removed, and mourned, but still the stain escaped 
 
 Of blood, which on thy hands if used must show 
 
 Kot guiltless; nor thy loss pronounced alone, 
 
 Her death, but deemed the woeful fee of grief 
 
 Common to us and all who here inhabit. 
 
 And how art thou of courage found enough 
 
 To do this deed, the death of thy own child, 
 
 Horrid to hear, more horrible to see. 
 
 Much more, performed by thee, her source and head? 
 
 Jephtha. Alas, those lofty hopes, to have achieved 
 Honor in Israel and name assured, 
 God's mighty champion missioned. 
 Thus put on highest purpose. 
 And now in part performed 
 As sealed with hoped success. 
 Yet now on me such trial hard ordained 
 As on those evil found! 
 A barren honor in a barren gripe, 
 No after issue of my loins to spring 
 Succeeding, if this now repenting hand 
 
 Destroy my issue sole and single hope, 
 
 Cut off as never known, 
 
 And to life's preying ills 
 
 All aidless thus designed ! which damps indeed 
 
 My fainting life depressed. 
 
 Why was that choice of head and captain laid 
 On me, not seeking, and assurance given 
 Of victory upon my enemies, 
 As though a gift desirable bestowed ! 
 
236 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Yet now, alas, forsaken 
 
 By God, abandoned, afflicted. 
 
 That yoke of woe, which I had reft 
 
 From off my nation, 
 
 I now must feel. 
 
 Who for my one default 
 
 Shall thus pay on that forfeit bad, adjudged 
 
 To my own act perverse; 
 
 Whence faintings of despair. 
 
 And swoonings of the spirit overcome 
 
 By fear of Heaven's defection. 
 
 Chorus. Thy woes afflictive bring into my mind 
 How others famous else have like endured 
 Calamity; great Abraham first, 
 Most like to thee in trial, but his faith 
 Him saved; and others, patient Job 
 Thus memorable, who bore the utmost stroke 
 Of fortune ill; undaunted Gideon, 
 Though him ingratitude from those he freed^ 
 At Succoth and the tower of Penuel, 
 Oppressed, and death of kindred. 
 
 Yet these through grievous woes deliverance won, 
 Or faith delivered; whence like hopeful lot 
 For thee my presage, tested thus 
 By worst afflictions tried. 
 
 The high intent of Heaven to prove what means 
 He for himself ordains. 
 And rightly chosen thence, if haply found 
 Fit for his mighty purpose. 
 
 But now I see draw nigh. 
 With altered face disordered 
 And garb as discomposed, 
 The wonted signs of woe, thy wife, 
 Whose purpose here intends ; upon her brow 
 A cloud of sorrow hangs, and in her look 
 Xot found submission meek, as like resigned 
 With thee in purpose; but, if I aread 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 237 
 
 Signs of regard aright, far opposite 
 Found to thy vow performed ; consider well 
 How here thy purpose thou holdest. 
 
 Maea. With grief of heart and sorrow have I come, 
 Jephtha, to hear from thy own mouth what thou 
 Intend'st on her, our daughter; since report 
 Avers that for thy vow infatuate 
 Thou wilt exact in recompense her life 
 And us bereave our hope — not in my thoughts 
 That thou couldst thus determine, who hast held 
 Ever, and holdest still, thy daughter dear. 
 Deny this rumor then, as right and meet. 
 And us relieve from grief, which but to think 
 Compels my spirit, doubtless thus as thine. 
 But after question made, thus plain express, 
 Why keep'st thou silence guarded and constrained; 
 And why do these bend thus their asking look 
 Only on thee, or stand with sorrowed mien. 
 Gazing upon each other without speech? 
 
 Jephtha. Would I could thus deny, and quite annul 
 Purpose of me supposed ! How gladly rather 
 Would I lay down this life, quite spent with grief. 
 If by that laying down hers were reprieved ! 
 But this can not avail, nor could our prayers. 
 Weak as our breath breathed forth against the wind; 
 Since truth and faith and vow engaged compel me 
 To do what yet in doing I abhor. 
 
 Maka. Then, if thou her shalt not enough regard, 
 Regard thy wife, even me, who suing come 
 To thee for mercy, whom the ties of love 
 Constrain to hear, and to consider well 
 What so thou doest, ere too late achieved 
 Thy own destruction, and thy lasting shame 
 Surely esteemed, with hate of all drawn on thee. 
 Who hear thy deed. Should not my prayers avail, 
 Who brought her forth in pangs and travail sore 
 Whom so thou slayest? Harden not thy heart 
 
238 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Against my prayers, nor disregard my tears. 
 Which here thou seest, but esteem thy wife, 
 And grant this only to her proffered wish 
 Whom thou hast still professed loved and endeared. 
 
 Jephtha. Not as unwrought by sorrow I refused, 
 And still refuse, entreaty, though refusal 
 Found hard, and doubly hard that purpose found; 
 For with myself I war, and half my heart 
 Aids thee, against my will. Yet I not well 
 Become myself or this authority 
 But late on me bestowed, if I should leave 
 To do what purposed right, with fond and partial 
 Feeling swayed thus, who should by judgment rule, 
 Not weakly by affection be overcome. 
 Or feeling, which with judgment have no place. 
 Hence, as before my plea, I still must plead 
 Necessity and truth and faith engaged. 
 Which thus compel me to a deed esteemed 
 Evil perhaps by thee, desirable 
 Not to myself, who still, though loath, must do. 
 
 Maea. I see the natural ties, that wont to bind, 
 In thee are slack, but those may still be found 
 That stronglier bind, authority, opinion 
 Of others, the compulsive force that governs 
 Even him who rules. Me mayest thou disregard 
 As weak, and her, whom love should teach regard; 
 But popular will expressed and commonalty 
 Of thought in deeds put forth may well constrain thee 
 To some regard. Bethink thy office new, 
 In which the state of order settled yet 
 But little, with regard but little grown 
 And new authority, may little stead 
 To succor or avail thee, once aroused 
 The people, who esteem thy daughter well ; 
 Against their force stands not authority ; 
 That bond may break in use, and weakly leave thee 
 Exposed to wrath of those who now revere. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 239 
 
 Easily is the people overcome 
 By change against its idol, if too far 
 Presumption carried — thou no less in danger, 
 They in the present need and circumstance 
 Unmanageable, ungovernable, unquenchable. 
 
 Jephtha. I like esteem thy threats, thus idly vented, 
 Of people's vengeance wreaked, as once I weighed 
 Thy tears, of value less are they accounted. 
 Me they deter not, though its utmost wrath 
 The people wakes, my purpose once assured. 
 But other bonds there are thou hast not mentioned 
 Of honor, faith, obedience, religion, 
 And duty; these constrain, or should, much more 
 Than nature's, oft proved false. These still compel 
 Me to my vow performed ; nor shall I slack 
 "What bands on me constrain — so only find 
 All bands that bind relaxed, and that true fear, 
 WHiereon stands government, no longer found. 
 This is true government, where they who rule 
 Serve whom they rule, and each one rules himself 
 By serving all; which is the highest good. 
 Desist thy purpose then, and me relieve 
 Prom importunity, which only worsens 
 What pain I feel. Though yet, despite of that. 
 Or what worse may be felt, I shall perform. 
 And to the score exact, my vow secured. 
 
 Maea. Speak not of truth and faith, if still that mind 
 Thou boldest, to deprive thy daughter life. 
 That vow presumptuous sworn. Por how can faith 
 Or truth impel thee on, or vow enforce thee. 
 To do what law forbids ? That great command. 
 Do thou no murder, how shalt thou escape. 
 If thou perform what God forbids express ? 
 What monster art thou, what enormity 
 Of man, what rather worse than brutish beast, 
 !N'ot man, if thy unfaithful faith impel thee 
 Basely to profit by thy daughter's death, 
 
240 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Like him the heathen feign devoured his children? 
 How shalt thou stand to all posterity 
 Defamed and pointed for a heinous crime 
 Inhuman, base pronounced; not less thy name 
 Than Cain's abhorred, who for his bloody deed 
 Heard the stern curse of God on him pronounced: 
 Thy hr other's Mood cries to me from the ground 
 For vengeance. Nor less thine than his the stain 
 Of hateful murder, odious to all time. 
 
 Jephtha. Forbear thy words, nor further thus pro- 
 voke 
 Sorrow, already now enough provoked. 
 For should I, as I do, melt at thy grief 
 And sore affliction, what could that avail, 
 
 Or succor? Wrong sufficient have I done, 
 
 Nor would a greater add; for so should I 
 Not only not escape, nor her dear life 
 Reprieve, with faith and strictest vow profaned 
 Thus impiously and weakly, but meet worse 
 Destruction, daughter of a broken oath. 
 
 Maea. Thou durst not, thus against the laws of 
 nature 
 And laws of God, offer thy daughter's life 
 In base fulfilment of thy heinous vow 
 Fond, rash, infatuate, so but to add 
 The greater sin, thus in religion's name 
 To do what still by God express forbid. 
 Except some madness fierce had seized thy mind. 
 Or worse depravity, which my intent 
 Shall be to master or defeat, preventing 
 This basest of all deeds, abominable. 
 Detestable, and gross, though thou to cloak 
 Thy wickedness adorn'st it with the name 
 Of honor, faith, obedience, religion. 
 
 Jephtha. That way destruction lies, to gloze and 
 smooth 
 The laws of God to our especial need, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 241 
 
 Made only in uprightness and in truth. 
 
 So, by fullilling some and some denying 
 
 Fulfilment, to draw guilt of all commands 
 
 Left and neglected, as thou now beholdest 
 
 In Israel, where God is not revered. 
 
 But Baal and Ashtoreth receive his honor 
 
 Whose strength Israel upholds; yet they, perverse, 
 
 Worship the works of their own hands in wood 
 
 And stone. Shall I weakly obey the flesh 
 
 That cries against this vow, or God consider. 
 
 Thus in that vow revered, or, worse than those 
 
 Wlio only Baal adore, and Ashtoreth, 
 
 The work only of men, worship myself 
 
 And corrupt flesh, thus full of lusts and sins ? 
 
 The greater sin than yet in Israel known. 
 
 Mara. I saw how still thy circling pretence closed 
 In feigned religion, smooth hypocrisy, 
 The wont of all who plead necessity 
 To basest deeds, and in that error do 
 Evil that good may come; but find instead 
 That evil follows evil, offspring bad 
 Of parent ill, nor in its course disjoins 
 Or lessens, rather but increases still 
 The sum of evil found. Yet this thy plea, 
 Though wrong, but thou deprav'st it with the name 
 Of justice, truth, and right, so to escape 
 Shame on thyself of deeds by thee performed. 
 To please thy God thou dost it, that his glory 
 And praise may grow ! But know zeal for thy God 
 Consumes thy house ; and Moloch is thy God, 
 That grisly monster, Ammon's vile pollution, 
 "V\Tiose horrid sacrifice of human blood. 
 Performed with timbrels loud, and parents' tears. 
 Whose children pass through fire, hath still provoked 
 Their ill who offer thus, and like the wrath 
 Of Israel's God, whom mercy rather pleases, 
 And care for life, by him bestowed, not thence 
 
242 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Lightly or easily, as thus, bereft. 
 Or dost thou then esteem thyself a god 
 To give or take away, as good appears, 
 The life thou gavest not? A base presumption, 
 An impious pretence, which thy words aver, 
 Yet more thy act, if thou, as I shall doubt, 
 Wilt venture to the utmost of thy vow. 
 Let mercy rather sway thee; and consider 
 That promises thus made in wanton mind. 
 Heedless and careless, do not firm constrain, 
 But worthily are broken, and no blame 
 Attached to him whose error fondly passed 
 WTiat better wisdom breaks. Let this assure. 
 And thou the rather spare thy daughter's life 
 Thou gav'st not, nor should take ; and thus redeem 
 Thee from destruction, where thy purpose tends. 
 And me from grief relieve, who wretched plead. 
 
 Jephtha. Thou neither dost compel me by re- 
 proaches, 
 Nor by thy tears persuade, that I should leave 
 My purpose, which I still have firmly held, 
 Despite what yet of weight thou bor'st against; 
 Eather the more confirmed, the more I see 
 What argument thou choosest to oppose 
 My will, though sad, now fixed. Desist thy task 
 To alter, or subvert, or undermine 
 My fast determination not to yield, 
 But still perform, that all in Israel 
 May see that some still rather choose to do 
 Eight, though against desire, and still approve 
 To honor God, whom most have still dishonored 
 And disobeyed. Forbear thy purpose, then; 
 Thy labor is but lost, which now thou usest. 
 
 Mara. In all disputes with men the woman still 
 Obtains the worse, how fair her argument. 
 
 Jephtha. But not for lack of breath or stiff per- 
 sistence 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 243 
 
 In purpose; let this present instance witness. 
 
 Maea. Wilt thou then still perform, as now aver- 
 ring? 
 
 Jephtha. No less esteem; since plain by God en- 
 joined. 
 
 Mara. Bethink thyself; this may invite thy ruin. 
 
 Jephtha. Bethink myself? my sense of justice 
 rather 
 And mind's approval, conscience, duty, reason ! 
 Canst thou esteem me so by grief compelled, 
 As honor to desert and inward peace. 
 Thus to excuse myself from task found irksome ? 
 So to betray the trust by God enjoined 
 Of judge in Israel called, whose oflBce given 
 Should rather me persuade to disregard 
 All claims of kindred, all the wonted bonds 
 Of friendship and affection, than abuse 
 The power I have, what but to prostitute 
 My sacred honor basely to desire. 
 Mine or another's? No; my mind is fixed. 
 And all my powers are settled and assured 
 To do this deed, and to oppose thy plea 
 Thus partial, shallow, specious, irreligious, 
 Savoring of fear to man ; which if I hear. 
 How should I not obey the voice of man, 
 God's disregarded, and he like despised, 
 Dishonored, and displeased? Which thus I will not. 
 
 Mara. I thought to win thee from thyself, and gain 
 Advantage to her good. But now I find 
 That thou as dear esteem'st thy dastard life 
 As hers thou boldest cheap. Yet if avail 
 Community of life and neighborhood. 
 Or if the natural ties that join mankind 
 Shall in this region bide, thou may'st not yet 
 Exult entirely, nor I all despair; 
 Which now I go to prove, and think to find 
 Others, who no degree or nearness trace 
 
244 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Of blood related, or afiinity, 
 
 More faithful to those ties that birth begets 
 
 Than thou, who thus despisest nature's bond. 
 
 Choeus. Despair not thus entire deliverance, 
 Jephtha ; 
 But rather think that G-od will find some way. 
 Accordant with his purpose, to reprieve 
 The sad intent thou hast, coUeaguing so 
 Mercy with justice joined, if thou prove faithful 
 And hold out firm, until enough performed 
 To show thy faith sufficient and obedience 
 Amply expressed. Doubtless this favor high 
 God will vouchsafe at need, and free thee quite 
 From the fond vow thou mad'st, thus unadvised, 
 With grievous end. Perhaps thy daughter's life 
 God will redeem, as once was Abraham's son's, 
 After this trial of thy faith, though sore, 
 And testing hard; be thou of equal trust. 
 
 Jephtha. By miracle he may; yet not presumed 
 Interposition thus will be vouchsafed. 
 As once to Abraham was, who sacrificed 
 His son to God, obeying that command. 
 Though hard and difficult; but faith delivered 
 And wrought escape unthought. Yet not to me 
 That mercy, since in me no faithfulness 
 Was found, or firm regard for truth, but lightness 
 Of soul impelled, and odious disrespect 
 Of law and right; this other found excuse 
 And vindication, since his trial had 
 And tested fortitude proved him sincere 
 To do the will of God, who him approved 
 And blest. But me no like desert shall find. 
 Since I myself provoked what loss I feel 
 Already, though in apprehension only ; 
 Which I shall not escape, even fulfilled, 
 
 Chorus. Consider, Jephtha, that in times past God 
 Hath for his people wonders wrought; what now 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 245 
 
 Forbids belief? His power and might we know 
 Are limitless, and still his purpose holds 
 To good, as ever, on his chosen people, 
 Of whom thee not the least I now account, 
 Not therefore last to be esteemed and honored 
 By God, who hath his gracious favor given 
 To thee, his servant great and judge ordained. 
 That special honor shown thee warrants well 
 Expectancy and hope ; nor shouldst thou waver. 
 Or faint, that God will to thy special honor 
 And in thy special need deliverance send; 
 Which would be to deny and doubt his power, 
 Or blaspheme with despite his goodness still. 
 The Holy One of Israel and our God. 
 
 Jephtha. Not thus to me my anxious mind por- 
 tends. 
 Though gladly hope would here subscribe belief. 
 The miracles thou mentionest wrought of old 
 Were for obedience, duty, faith, submission, 
 Not for unthinking disregard of God, 
 Denial of his right; and usurpation 
 In his great stead. No ; I have sinned away 
 That grace, and now thus fond musj: never hope 
 Deliverance or relief; hopeless my evils. 
 Remediless, beyond all thought of cure. 
 Only remains that I repent sincere 
 My error and my crime, that have provoked 
 Justly thus punishment, and God absolve 
 (What can I less with right regard and truth?) 
 From blame and from dispraise, which all to me 
 Belong; to me, sole cause of all my ills. 
 
 Choeus. I cannot like thy thoughts, to limit thus 
 God's mercy or his power, deemed by some 
 Traitorous to him perhaps, distasteful, faithless. 
 Impious and disloyal ; but to thee 
 Accord thy right of thought, attributing 
 All to thy faith sincere, and to thy conscience 
 
246 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Leave thee, to blame or to approve. But still 
 One doubt remains, if in thy single right 
 And of thy sole impulsion to perform 
 Deed so untoward well deemed. Perhaps the people, 
 Ever ungoverned, unmanageable, heady. 
 And most where use and custom thought infringed, 
 Will not conform, or suffer here thy mind. 
 So strange esteemed. How wilt thou then come off, 
 A.lone against them raging and provoked? 
 Perhaps some direful vengeance they may take 
 On thee, or quite in wrath defeat thy purpose 
 Once known, which well thy wife by this hath opened, 
 On thee, presumed to have aroused just ire 
 Of Heaven., and God's law impiously abused. 
 Thus fond. Bethink thee then whereon thou stand. 
 Jephtha. I held no purpose to consider greatly 
 Others' opinion, had with like regard 
 Despised both people's wrath and tried prevention. 
 My counsel once made sure. Where duty bids. 
 The good little esteem the weight attaching 
 To censure or approval, satisfied 
 With what deemed right performed. What then should 
 
 I 
 Apprehend aught their censure or reproach. 
 Or worse, if worse be tried, thus armed alike 
 With innocence and purity intended 
 Put on, though deemed perverse? Which this great 
 
 office 
 Might, if need were, and public service done, 
 Excuse or palliate, perhaps, in me 
 What so in others not. But who so wise, J 
 
 Counselled, discreet, principled, reasoned, wary, ' 
 
 As not advice regards, oft meets the ill 
 Which he would most avoid. The mind of man 
 Is ever prone to error, found no less 
 Fallible than human. N"or would I assert 
 Myself above my right, though here no question 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 247 
 
 Esteemed, debate. But lest a doubt remain 
 
 Either of my due right or valid oath, 
 
 I will abroad unto the lords, and seek 
 
 Whether, as now employs some minds in doubt, 
 
 Authority thus hold of father's right 
 
 And duty; thence, assured, not much need fear 
 
 What men shall do or say, intent thus right. 
 
 Chorus. Doubtful the works of God 
 And doubtfully his ways ordained. 
 Allotting oft contrary in his purpose 
 To what of right esteemed ; 
 Esteemed by man, whose blinded counsel sees 
 Not wisely the event or purpose aimed; 
 Thence often sore perplexed, with doubts confused 
 And fear of good o'ercome, 
 Yet in the end discerned what justice high 
 Guides all to good and benefit of man. 
 
 God had not else, except with taint of sin, 
 Not consonant with his high will decreed 
 And purity avowed. 
 Permitted this heroic Gileadite, 
 Against our law express and God's declared. 
 To take his daughter's life. 
 Except that bond of strictest vow 
 Secured his faith, constrained 
 To serve some purpose best and highest end ; 
 Though yet may he avert. 
 If in his mighty purpose 
 And counsel high ordained. 
 Such trial from his servant 
 And champion chosen express; 
 Though, if he else decree, 
 His providence shall vindicate his name. ^ 
 
 But see ! for yonder comes with tranquil step 
 Great Jephtha's daughter, beauteous well pronounced, 
 Fairest of woman born. 
 Though beauty last in her be seen. 
 
248 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Of soul all lieavenly seeming, 
 
 Honor in her looks expressed, love in her mien, 
 
 Submissive, meek, and pure, 
 
 In every gesture dignity and peace ; 
 
 By me and by all others justly shown 
 
 The best of daughters living. 
 
 MiEiAM. Elders and men of Mizpeh, I am come 
 Thus hastily, against what held perhaps 
 Custom and use in woman, unattended. 
 Because by some averred, and to me brought. 
 That counsel given, or influence, to prevent 
 Fulfilment of that vow by God enjoined 
 Upon my father ; which my purpose holds 
 To accomplish, and from him all peril draw 
 From whom I have to live, so to discharge 
 Only my debt, as meet, and nature's bond. 
 
 Choeus. Thy purpose well thy duteous love declares 
 And courage beyond thought in thee expressed 
 More than belief to woman's fear accords, 
 And custom. But perhaps, since not accomplished, 
 Averted yet that cruel lot, by me. 
 As by all others, justly held abhorred. 
 And now in time thou com'st to share with us 
 What hope we have of favorable import 
 With good success to see thy free deliverance. 
 For with thy mother's asking wrought in counsel, 
 Thy father now is parted to the lords, 
 To find if any hope remain perhaps 
 To set thee free, and yet regard his vow 
 That claimed thy offering. If these favorably 
 Advise to thy release (what can they else?) 
 Undoubtedly he will relent, and leave 
 His purpose, grievous, yet by him accounted 
 Compulsive. Hence no more thy thoughts afflict 
 With fear of death, but rather summon hope 
 (Hope still remains, that still remains to all) 
 Hope of thy safety, of deliverance, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 249 
 
 In which all we, as fits, participate. 
 
 Miriam. Thy words are not ungrateful, and accord 
 With pleasant thoughts, yet reckoned prophecy 
 Untrue ; since thoughts of life to me are sweet, 
 That life with manifold delights by me 
 Once hoped, with husband's love and children's given, 
 Nuptial endearment sweet, enjoyment fair 
 Bestowed; not hated, then, the life I leave. 
 Left willingly for whose dear sake I spare 
 All this of life, and life itself forego. 
 That he may well fulfill God's purpose high 
 In him expressed, and I his will in me ; 
 My one desire and counsel sole approved. 
 
 Chorus. Desire of life, and therewith life's delight, 
 Which every soul constrains, and therefore thee. 
 Thou canst forego, and rather dare to choose 
 Death, if to save thy honor. But perhaps 
 Thy honor not involved in this, as deemed. 
 Despair not utterly thy life confessed 
 To thee endeared, nor quite forego all hope 
 Of safety 3^et secured. Others have stood 
 In like ill case, and yet the worst escaped. 
 Through God's great sufferance for the faith of man; 
 Perhaps by miracle he may deliver 
 Thy life, and thee preserve, as Abraham's son 
 Once to his sire preserved, whom firm obedience 
 Delivered from the stain of crime performed, 
 His son's destruction, and at last reprieved 
 With blood of victim given. Despair not thou. 
 
 Miriam. He can, I grant, perform as thou main* 
 tain'st. 
 To doubt which well were folly, or inquire; 
 His power, by frequent miracles averred. 
 Commanded nurture in the wilderness 
 For Israel wandering, so to spare their lives 
 And his high glory augment, his purpose great; 
 Manna from heaven rained down, and water gushed 
 
250 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 From the dry rock; which mighty wonders shown, 
 
 With others more, attested well that path 
 
 By flights of angels ministrant attended. 
 
 No question then of his omnipotence, 
 
 But his intent in this, if I shall scape 
 
 The death adjudged, or that strict vow fulfil. 
 
 Yet whether thns or no, I am resigned 
 
 To what by Heaven allotted; nor in this 
 
 Folly to God impute, nor blame to man ; 
 
 'None to myself, so I shall well endure 
 
 To bear his will in me performed, my purpose 
 
 And one intent. No other aim I seek 
 
 Than to fulfil God's purpose and intent 
 
 In me vouchsafed. Lying or dying, I serve 
 
 His will who me ordained — if to this end. 
 
 The end is fair, and fair by me approved. 
 
 Chorus. If God ordain his purpose high in this. 
 Question not thou his counsel. But perhaps 
 ( Since mutuable the ways and minds of men, 
 Erroneous oft, where right is most presumed) 
 God's counsel not in this. What if his purpose 
 Have not ordained this trial, but some error 
 Misleads thy father thus to his destruction 
 And thy fond ruin — suffered thus to bear • 
 
 Awhile, to test his wisdom that now bears 
 Office of God on earth? Or some fell madness, \ 
 
 Upon the wariest as full oft hath seized, '] 
 
 Delusive, vain, possess thy father's mind ^ 
 
 Given o'er to folly? Then not well approved \ 
 
 His purpose or thy fond obedience found, 
 If he, belike through sin or unaware 
 Of his own deed, wreak thus upon his child 
 Some great enormity of crime, iniquity 
 Monstrous and horrid, not to be permitted 
 By those who have in charge the public good, 
 Thy good, as others ! Here then be advised, 
 And well consider what thou here shouldst do 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 251 
 
 Or suffer; since upon what thou determin'st 
 Perhaps his welfare and thy life depend. 
 
 MiKiAM. Thy thoughts are plausible, yet not con- 
 vince ; 
 For God will not permit his servant chosen, 
 And high ordained, through sin impious to fall. 
 Or fall through error, which would question well 
 His deity or wisdom to permit 
 Iniquity, or not avert. Those evil. 
 And they who purpose ill, are oft deluded 
 And given to error, that they may accomplish 
 Their own desert and doom. The good not so. 
 But guarded by his grace who them approves. 
 !N'ot error then, or sin, or fond delusion. 
 Be mentioned here, but only God's high purpose 
 Himself to honor, and his servant prove 
 How faithful — I the lowly instrument 
 To manifest his will and honor high. 
 At least by his permissive will hath come 
 What now hath come; nor shall my wisdom deem. 
 Thus fallible, to question his intent 
 And ordered purpose; wise are all his ways. 
 
 Chorus. Bethink thee what of pain in death thou 
 feelest, 
 Xor thyself only, but thy mother, wrought 
 With woe, while here she stood, and much distressed; 
 Thy father, too, after his vow performed. 
 Will miss thee, and deplore, if not repent. 
 His rash, infatuate deed, only too late. 
 The present still is thine in which to work 
 Deliverance for thyself and them and all 
 From stain of crime, from sorrow, from affliction. 
 Consider then what means thou usest here 
 To work thy safe release and that of all. 
 
 Miriam. Dishonorably myself should I esteem, 
 If, wrought by pain or dread, I should herein 
 Waver weakly for parents' love, or tears, 
 
252 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Or aught more dear esteemed — so to escape 
 Death, a less ill, the greater ruin invoked 
 Upon myself and them; thence justly punished 
 By direful stroke of wrath, tortured the more 
 By sense of weak apostacy from right, 
 Knowing my duty, but I did it not. 
 For death is not the greatest ill, nor pain, 
 l^or to the virtuous mind brings greatest fear; 
 But to approve the best, and thence pursue 
 "Weakly the worst, is perfect misery, 
 Both to behold and to endure ; thence not 
 By me to be beheld, or worse, endured. 
 
 Chorus. Yet stay ; for now thy mother comes, 
 A train accompanying; whose purpose here. 
 If friendly or adverse, still undetermined, 
 Since not in look or act declared: Though what 
 Intended the event will soon disclose. 
 
 Maea. With purposed resolution have I come, 
 Daughter, with these thou seest, thy comrades dear, 
 To win thee to thy good, and to persuade 
 What nearly to thy safe concern pertains. 
 That from thy father's purpose, to thee known. 
 Thou may^st escape, and quite redeem thy life 
 Thus from destruction, that now threatens thee. 
 And me no less in thy dear loss destroyed. 
 For in thee lives my life, and by that bond 
 Part of myself I feel thee and thee own 
 My dearest loss ; nor ever will remove 
 The smart I feel, thou parting, and the pain. 
 What hinders, then, since now all things conspire, 
 The place, thy father absent, these thy friends. 
 And opportune occasion, to redeem thee 
 From death, and us relieve, who anguish feel 
 Not less than thine; which thine is now to ease. 
 
 MiEiAM. Thou may^st not thus persuade me to thy; 
 mind 
 Against what just and right by me esteemed, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 253 
 
 Contrary to God's will and his divulged, 
 
 My father's; whom this act would give defiance, 
 
 And like in me compel from truth and goodness 
 
 What counsel I have held. Not thus by me 
 
 Shall that strict vow be thwarted, though deemed hard 
 
 And sad; my purpose otherwise is fixed. 
 
 If by the life thou thns wouldst save (yet vainly 
 
 "Would'st thou attempt the trial now) I may 
 
 Avail perhaps to save my father's vow. 
 
 From this declared intent seek not to draw me. 
 
 Maea. Consider, daughter, that none here disputes 
 The rashness of that vow, sworn impiously 
 And hence not binding — ^least of all on thee 
 Who didst not then consent ; that false engagement 
 On thee can have no power, nor compel thee 
 Against thy life ; better such promise broken, 
 That against God's due law and man's conflicts, 
 Thus kept, with end so direful ; and perhaps 
 Some trial of thy father's faith designed 
 By God it may appear; or else, since thus 
 To reason opposed, some madness urges on 
 Thy father to this deed; from whence on thee 
 Can be no right in honor and obedience 
 To him, thus seized with error, and perverse ; 
 But rather right and reason both conjoin 
 That thou defeat thy father's purpose, deemed 
 Madness, or worse impiety, and him 
 Relieve from stain of guilt for vow performed. 
 
 Miriam Thou dost not yet avail to move my purpose 
 Of faith and firm obedience to my God 
 And to my father; nor wilt thou o'erbear. 
 More than thou now o'erbearest, that I leave 
 My firm determination not to yield. 
 Or seek to save my life, thus jeopardized 
 For him to wnom my life is owed, my father 
 
254 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 And head. Desist as useless, then, thy purpose. 
 
 Mara. A father's right thou mentionest, but thou 
 feel'st not 
 What place in thee thy mother has. Shall I, 
 Who bore thee with sore pains, not find thy duty^ 
 Also appear to me, as to thy father? 
 Not his entire thy duty and thy love, 
 But also mine, where now thou disregardest 
 To me duty and love, where most is owed. 
 Let tender love to me constrain thee, then, 
 That to my asking thou be not opposed, 
 But yield my due, as right, approving thus 
 The debt to me thou owest, as nature bids. 
 
 Miriam. N'ot that I love thee not, nor lack the bonds 
 That nature draws, have I refused thy asking; 
 But duty and respect, more valid plea 
 And more on me constraining, have compelled me 
 Hither to this purpose. God and nature bid 
 That I, who to my father owe my life, 
 For him should yield it, when occasion bids, 
 As now. Not then through disobedience drawn, 
 Or lacking in regard to thee, adjudge me, 
 That thus I still refuse thee, though still loath. 
 
 Mara. Bethink thee here ; that way thy ruin lies. 
 
 Miriam. Yet still I persevere in this, as right. 
 
 Mara. Then, if persuasion win thee not, let win thee 
 What more avails, compulsion, since to reason 
 Thy ear is closed. Thou seest my company 
 Assembled to o'erbear, if thou opposed. 
 As now thou hast. If thus thou wilt refuse 
 To save thy life, when opportunity 
 Invites, as now, if life thus cheap be held 
 By thee, but not by us now hither come, 
 Some means are here to save thee from thyself 
 To us against thy will, our present purpose 
 Not to be overborne or now gainsaid. 
 
 Miriam. If reverence for authority avail. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 255 
 
 Or aught respect and right regard for law, 
 Ye will desist your purpose, thus avowed 
 And now presumed, against mj will declared 
 Thus purposed; or if these, as seems, avail not, 
 Perhaps against your purpose may oppose 
 Aught stronger than ye have, of more persuasion. 
 Since force o'er force prevails, when reason not. 
 For these who present stand, my father's comrades 
 And friends, will not, I think, withhold their aid, 
 As not before, nor their obedience now. 
 Most needed; whom I here appeal to save 
 This wrong to law presumed thus violate. 
 
 Chorus. Withhold thy purpose here; nor thus 
 enforce 
 Against authority, but better learn 
 Respect to those that rule, as right, obeying 
 Thy husband, as in all things, like in this. 
 
 Mara. I thought to gain my purpose, but have 
 failed. 
 Due to thy folly that refused my aid 
 Thus offered, against what deemed reasonable; 
 And reason is in all, yet not in thee. 
 But thou wouldst die ; die, then, if thou prefer 
 Death to thy life. And thou in this art found 
 Like daughter to like father, obstinate 
 In purpose fond. Yet think not I shall bid 
 Farewell, or mourn thee ; rather disavow 
 As of my kin one so pernicious found 
 To her destruction ; whom my disregard 
 Shall visit, not my curse, found thus unworthy 
 All notice, thus insensate, rash, and fond. 
 
 Chorus. Thrice happy he, with love of offspring 
 given, 
 Founded in nature, pure. 
 Informed with goodliness, with honor due 
 Bestowed to parents, which most honor is. 
 Inclined to virtue, 
 
256 TAMAR AND OTHER POEM§ 
 
 Faithful, to good submiss; 
 
 Him happy thus, thrice blest, grief may not bend 
 
 With sorrow down, nor pain consume his life, 
 
 Thus anguished, blasted, lamentable, dread, 
 
 But death shall gently pluck 
 
 In ripe old age mature. 
 
 But whom ungrateful children curse, to ill 
 Inclined, to mischief bent, 
 Honoring not good, irreverent, arrogant, 
 Of duty scant, thrice miserable he, 
 Loveless and unendeared, thus desolate, 
 Unhappy, vexed, importuned 
 With grief, to sorrow devote. 
 
 Thus pierced with inward thorns, by ruin whelmed 
 In crude old age oppressed; 
 For they will do him evil, and not good, 
 All the days of his life. 
 
 But stay; for now thy father comes 
 With steps not light, yet firm in look, 
 As who resolved on right, 
 Though painful; whom the less to grieve 
 Do thou receive assured; while we no less 
 Assay to lighten what he bears of grief. 
 
 Jephtha. I have, although their judge, besought 
 the lords 
 Wherever found by search, or chanced upon. 
 To express opinion of my deed, this offering; 
 'Not that I aught misdoubted my intent, 
 But only to confirm belief I had 
 In this by God compelled, by him constrained. 
 Kone much opposed I found, and most approved, 
 Averring that, since now the vow engaged. 
 Only offence to God must be entailed 
 If I from this great entering now draw back. 
 Impious and fond, thus thwart to his great purpose ;' 
 From which inferred that sole impiety, 
 Sole disobedience, could prevent thy offering, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 257 
 
 Though sore to me, distasteful and abhorrent. 
 For though sons yet to me were born, and more 
 Daughters besides, yet dearest loss of thee 
 Would never from me, such the pain I feel, 
 Thou parting; nor that sorrow ever ceased; 
 Since joy without thee found were found no joy. 
 Thence hither am I come, not much in hope 
 Or heart to seek thee whom I here now find, 
 Not gladly, but with sorrow rather felt, 
 To do, although upon this purpose fixed 
 Steadfastly, what I yet shall most abhor. 
 
 MiKiAM. Nor find'st thou me unready, unprepared. 
 Father, from whom I spring, and trust to show 
 My deeds approve that boast. Farewells are said 
 Sufficient, since in them no solace found, 
 But sorrow felt and uttermost distress. 
 And nothing now remains but to be offered. 
 Thy surety, which for thee I glad endure. 
 
 Jephtha. Delay; while hence I part and see 
 prepared 
 All needful things, and summon all my house 
 And all my kindred, that the deed performed 
 All vouch, and own by me discharged entire 
 That compact hard, which yet I must accomplish. 
 
 Chorus. Thou seest the hour approaching nearly 
 now. 
 That brings thy last of life ; and what for thee 
 In comfort or in counsel may we offer 
 To ease thy burdenous load, or lighten aught 
 The weight of all thy sorrow, and the pain? 
 
 MiEiAM. happy days, which I must never see. 
 Thus from the purlieus of glad life exiled. 
 Untimely, unprepared ! Never must I 
 Behold the life I thought, nor see my years 
 Lengthening in peace, begirt with issue dear. 
 Brave sons and goodly daughters, whom I hoped 
 To bear and rear, and in them in live my life; 
 
258 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 But I must die untimely in my youth 
 For whom I most would live, both to enjoy 
 And by them be enjoyed, my parents dear. 
 
 Chorus. Parents are used to spare all for their 
 children, 
 The course of nature bid, to gain increase; 
 Thou for thy parents bent to give thy utmost^ 
 Made needful to redeem thy father^s vow. 
 
 Miriam. thoughts, which I again must never hold, 
 Of life, sweet in itself, but doubly so. 
 Endeared with love of kindred, and with love 
 Destined of husband blest and children dear ! 
 Me not old age, after full length of days 
 Fulfilled with honor, love, and life's delight, 
 Shall. pluck, nor I mature fall in the lap 
 Of earth, the common mother of us all; 
 N'o home, nor friendly household hearth, where I 
 May sit with reverence girt, with peace, with joy, 
 Must be my lot, but I in life's fair spring 
 Shall go to joyless death, and bid farewell 
 To life and life's delight, now doubly dear. 
 Thee, lastly, spousal bed, whereon I ne'er 
 May lie, nor ever know nuptial embrace, 
 But childless I shall die; nor ever feel 
 The tread of infant feet upon my breast, 
 Nor the sweet pain of childbirth ; but shall die 
 Unwed; nor ever know that hope fulfilled. 
 Mother in Israel from whom should spring 
 That Saviour, who shall set his people free. 
 
 Chorus. Give not to utter woe, but well bethink thee 
 That in good case thou diest, not honored less, 
 But more esteemed and reverenced, though thy years 
 Reached the full span of life ; by all accounted 
 Among those faithful women who have cherished 
 Their country's welfare deemed above their own. 
 And name thou hast secure, not less renowned 
 Than Ruth or Deborah, famous to lall time. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 259 
 
 But yonder now for all due rites performed 
 Thy father comes, a train accompanying 
 Of all our choice esteemed, the best and prime, 
 To do thy rites meet reverence, as befits. 
 
 Jephtha. With tardy feet and lagging resolution, 
 Daughter, I come, to do what still remains. 
 Thy sacrifice, which I would gladlier stead 
 With my own life. But that could not avail. 
 Or benefit, but only worse draw down 
 The vengeful ire of Heaven ; thought, if prayers 
 Would aught avert, I long ere this had won 
 Eeprieve for thee, for me a glad release 
 Of what in apprehension felt till now, 
 Yet now in sad reality soon known. 
 But come ; for now the hour precise arrives 
 To offer thee, if now God's purpose hold 
 Thus toward thy sacrifice ; or, if he will 
 Interposition, to prevent thy offering 
 Such means will not be wanting, but at hand. 
 
 Choeus. Delay; since I perceive thy wife, as bent 
 On haste, this way approaching; for her coming 
 Defer departure, till her purpose gained. 
 
 Mara. With altered purpose, Jephtha, have I come. 
 Though sorrowing much, nor longer will oppose 
 Thy sad determination, sad to me 
 As to thyself. Bitter reproaches hard 
 Have I heaped on thee, which I now abjure. 
 And now withdraw that curse, then much enforced 
 By mother's love, and much compelled with thoughts 
 Then held so direful. Yet not me expect 
 To attend the deed; thus far my spirit can. 
 But no more ; to behold my daughter's death 
 Would draw my own — no benefit esteemed 
 To her or me — and doubly thee bereave, 
 In this enough bereaved. Here will I take 
 Farewell, daughter, of thee, whom I had hopes 
 One day to see espoused, and worthily, 
 
26o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 And offspring born to thee, also my joy; 
 Fond hopes, alas, conceived, without fruition, 
 Destined to end in empty expectation; 
 For now thou art espoused to barren death. 
 
 Miriam. Thy flattering hopes with cause I also 
 shared, 
 But must no more. Farewells by me are said, 
 Except to thee, which now the last I bid; 
 For I shall shortly go that way, whence I 
 Ne'er shall return, and be with them that rest. 
 But come ; let us no more delay ; for me 
 To die is as to live, since God's high will 
 Demands that sacrifice. Though life be sweet, 
 And hath delights, yet this delight is chief. 
 That God shall find fulfilled in thee express 
 His purpose predecreed, thou thine in me. 
 Living or dying, then, that thou obey 
 Him, as I thee, esteem the greatest good 
 And best, and in us both, as now, fulfilled. 
 
 Jephtha. Elders and friends, farewell. Your com- 
 pany 
 I will not ask, but wish your presence here 
 Upon this place. Comfort and cheer my wife 
 With what of comfort is ; speak her but fair 
 And reasonably, if need of speech be found 
 For solace given. Bitter hath been this day, 
 And grievous ; the event remains with God. 
 
 Chorus. Wise he, who from above 
 Hath wisdom given him well to moderate 
 His soul, and reason guide ! Him not, perplexed 
 And drawn from right and path of fairest truth 
 By folly, from wisdom enticed. 
 Shall ruin chance unthought, nor on his steps 
 Unfeared destruction light; 
 ISTot found confused, but smooth 
 His way to virtue, thus escaped 
 His own ruin invoked. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 261 
 
 With sight internal clear. 
 
 And from presumption fond. 
 
 The grossest ill that walks, escaped secure. 
 
 But whom delusion and folly have possessed, 
 Thus drawn to evil counsel 
 And wrought to ruin depraved, 
 Incautious, fond, insensate, 
 
 "With darkness internal struck 
 
 What voyage but must needs result in wrack, 
 With folly, ruin's steersmate, at the helm? 
 
 For me, may I not pass with impious foot 
 The sacred bounds ordained 
 Which God of old had set to right; 
 Ne'er may transgression's net enclose my steps 
 Pound in forbidden place abjured; 
 Nor let my due feet fail 
 From wisdom's studious paths ; 
 So shall I scape o'erweening pride. 
 That works confusion dire 
 And each best thing perverts to basest use. 
 
 So let not God impute his servant folly. 
 The mirror of his state and imaged might; 
 Eather his labors view calamitous. 
 And turn his toils to hopeful end. 
 
 But yonder now approaches, as in haste. 
 Who can relate what tidings we have wished, 
 As present on that place; 
 For thus his look infers. 
 From question cleared; and tidings borne 
 Speak in his face assured before disclosed. 
 Say therefore freely on; but first pronounce 
 If glad or sorrowful the news thou bringest. 
 
 Messengee. Both glad and sorrowful; the former 
 more. 
 
 Chorus. Set forth then what thou hast in full rela- 
 tion. 
 While we attend; thou seest our thirst to know. 
 
262 JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Messengee. Desire constrained me from that 
 spectacle 
 Not to be absent, though dejecting much 
 To see so mournful sight, our mighty champion 
 Submitted to such trial, and his daughter, 
 Our prize of beauty and goodness well esteemed. 
 Seized by so violent death. With others more 
 That solemn moved in stately troop, I came. 
 Captains and counsellors, lords, ladies, held 
 Our choice in honor and the flower, not only 
 Of Mizpeh, but this neighboring region round 
 (So wide the rumor sad by this had spread). 
 Who flocked to see, not idly, nor as curious, 
 But to assure respect and sympathy 
 For both whom love of all in this possessed. 
 The place was open plain, where all might see, 
 Whatever sort attended, great and high 
 In office, or found lesser, civil freedmen 
 Gathered from town and city nigh, or menial 
 Of service found, whom love of these constrained 
 To this sad spectacle and solemn rite. 
 Within the open space an altar stood. 
 Of random stones upreared, virgin of use, 
 With needful things prepared for sacrifice. 
 Thither was Miriam brought, and thither came 
 Her father, Jephtha, while with solemn mien 
 And reverent action ranged the lords around, 
 That with their presence dignified the scene ; 
 Behind these next the crowd, rank beyond rank 
 In ordered circles drawn. Before the altar 
 Great Jephtha stood, with hands uplift, and prayed : 
 If this to God displeasing, be some sign 
 To warn vouchsafed, or other victim given, 
 To purge my sin for vow if unperformed. 
 Then to his daughter turned : Dear daughter, thou 
 Pardon this deed I do ; nor on me charge 
 What guilt, if any, that I take thy life. 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 263 
 
 Whereat, with eyes uplift, as one who prayed, 
 
 She answered: Freely I forgive thee, father, 
 
 Who, as in all things, doest only right 
 
 In this; far from thee be all thought of blame. 
 
 This said, he kissed his daughter, and with tears 
 
 Fondly embraced, much won that she could choose 
 
 To bear all things for his dear sake, even death. 
 
 'Not she him less returned, and also wept, 
 
 T^ot sorrowful, but smiling as with joy; 
 
 Then thus resumed : Let not my limbs be bound, 
 
 !N"or bind my eyes, but let me freely go. 
 
 Thus seeing all, and seen, because I die 
 
 Freely, father, for thee, for whom to die 
 
 Is joy, not pain; nor any blame be charged 
 
 For this to thee or me, nor punishment. 
 
 So saying, she stepped before the altar, and stood 
 
 With upward eyes in prayer ; then turned unmoved. 
 
 In firm composure fixed, unpaled with ill, 
 
 Awaiting what her sire might next perform. 
 
 And darts of pity from all eyes received 
 
 Into her sight of those who mourning gazed, 
 
 Compassioning her end. And forthwith he, 
 
 The knife in hand upraised, beside her stept; 
 
 What after chanced I knew, but not relate; 
 
 But knew her father's oath not unfulfilled. 
 
 The assembly soon dispersed; nor Jephtha stayed 
 
 After his vow performed, but parted straight; 
 
 And now approaches yonder to this place. 
 
 Jephtha. Elders and men of Mizpeh, not by me 
 Recital needs of what but late performed, 
 Since now perceived that tidings to you came. 
 Before my presence, of what seemly done, 
 Both well pronounced and fair ; and God in this 
 Honored, as in all else ; nor of me questioned 
 On whom all blame alights But that is past; 
 Only remains that God's great will be wrought 
 In all else that remains, as done in this 
 
264 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 By me, with patience armed and faith to bear 
 Whatever lot, and strong with fortitude 
 Not weakly to relax what powers I have, 
 But still exert for honor to his name. 
 Who will with strength uphold and me enable, 
 My purpose hence and counsel sole assured. 
 
 Chorus. Doubtful and dark the ways of God, 
 And undiscerned his high intent; 
 Evil to men appearing oft ; 
 Yet in the close agreeing well 
 With his great purpose ; whence, though mourned, 
 His servants wise his works pronounce, 
 And fair, befitting his great end. 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 265 
 
 TAMAR. 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 Tamar, daughter to David, forced by her half- 
 brother, Amnon, is visited by Absalom, her brother, who 
 endeavors to persuade her that she join with him in 
 revenge upon her wronger. She refuses, and Absalom^ 
 departs, after ambiguous words of comfort. She is 
 next visited by maiden friends, who make the chorus. 
 They tell her of some rumor that she is to wed Amnon ; 
 and soon endeavor to dissuade her. Next enters her 
 mother, Maacha, who tries yet more strongly to dissuade 
 her daughter from the marriage; but fails; and, after 
 bitter reproaches, departs. Her brother next returns 
 with her father, David. Absalom upbraids his father 
 for slackness in punishing Tamar's wronger; they 
 quarrel; at last Absalom apparently submits to his 
 father's purpose that Tamar shall wed Amnon. David 
 then departs, with Tamar, to arrange for the marriage. 
 Amnon then comes to reproch Absalom for the rumor 
 of Amnon's marriage with Tamar. Absalom at first is 
 angry; but later seems to reconcile himself to his 
 brother, whom he invites to the shearers' feast provided 
 at Baal-hazor. They depart together for the feast. 
 David and Tamar then return in search of Amnon; 
 are informed by the chorus of the brothers' departure 
 to the feast. David mistrusts ill; and determines to 
 send a messenger to Baal-hazor. He is prevented by 
 one entering, who relates the manner of Amnon's death. 
 David mourns for his sons; is comforted; and at last 
 departs to bury Amnon: which concludes the drama. 
 
266 3:AMAR and other POEMS 
 
 THE PERSONS. 
 Tamab. 
 
 David, father to Tamar. 
 Maacha^ her mother. 
 Absalom, brother to Tamar. 
 Amjs^on, her half-brother. 
 Messengek. 
 Chokus. 
 
 The Scene: — tlie Icing's palace in Jerusalem, 
 
 Tamae. that the act of evil with its deed 
 Might in the surcease end! Or that the doer 
 Should all the burden bear, nor once disload, 
 By others thence misborne the deed's sad weight! 
 Then had I not been thus exiled to grief, 
 Where none regards me, none hath any care, 
 "Whatever my state were known. sad, sad, sad. 
 Sorrow unending, never to hope again ! 
 And time, that steals the smart from every wound, 
 Swages not this. For to the body's ill 
 Some opiate syrup, oil of precious cure. 
 Or virtuous balm to medicine we find; 
 But for the spirit's ailment vain we .search 
 Relief, in tincture nor in ointment found. 
 Yet why do I complain, or show my griefs 
 That will not by disburdening lighten aught. 
 But by their tale increase — without all hope, 
 "Where even wisdom is not proof to bear, 
 i^nd knowledge is no comfort? Whence I hold 
 That constant mind, most resolute, but weak. 
 With ineffectual error which bewails 
 The evil whose firm cure it cannot find: 
 A patience, wherein Heaven our minds would school, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 267 
 
 Which bids with open plainness, if but we 
 Fit lesson take : Love not this mortal life 
 Overmuch, uncertain still how short or long, 
 Short at the longest ; nor with error live 
 As to thyself alone; the rest is Heaven's. 
 But who is this ? for now I hear the steps 
 Of rougher feet hasting this way their tread; 
 Perhaps my sometime comrades, come in scorn, 
 With seeming friendliness, their practise oft 
 And wonted pretence that insult me more. 
 
 Absalom. What voice was that? my sister? my lost 
 sister ! 
 Poor hapless bird, caught in how foul a snare ! 
 
 Tamae. The way thou cam'st I knew ; and know thed 
 now 
 Friendly ; and perhaps with friendly purpose brought. 
 
 Absalom. Dextrous thy aim ; and therefore take my; 
 mind. 
 For I have that in purpose that shall call 
 Thy color's wasted flower and build again 
 The body, the soul's temple, that not thence 
 Thou shouldst repine thy beauty, somewhat lacked; 
 Grief -cankering sorrow hath from o3 thy cheek 
 Stolen the fresh dew of youth. But fear no more ; 
 For what thou lost thou hence no more shalt miss. 
 
 Tamae. The cure is still but physical thou hast. 
 They think but of the body, still the body. 
 
 Canst thou not medicine the fevered mind 
 
 Opiate, or syrup, tincture, balm that may 
 Purge and disperse the sieging malady 
 That shakes the aguish heart, and bring again 
 The hues of health to the distempered spirit? 
 What signify the outward shows of health, 
 The color and the odor and the form 
 That painted beauty at a touch puts on, 
 If these but mask, as dying roses' hues 
 That brighten as they die and fall ere night. 
 
268 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 The inward canker that consumes the mind? 
 
 Absalom. Grief hath a business but to know itself, 
 Not find a remedy. 
 
 Tamae. Still my heart's wound. 
 For, since my fair hopes blasted, virgin peace 
 Thus wrecked, how do I still but mourn my state 
 Distressed, deflowered, and ruined? Who beside, 
 So sore entreated, but would think escape 
 From scorn's stretched finger, from the doubtful eye 
 Of friendship slackened, forward once, now cold 
 And tempered with disdain? The loves I had, 
 The reverence, honors, companies of friends, 
 I must not look for — ^but instead receive 
 Reproach and insult, whips of shame, sharp scorns 
 Unspoken, yet more bitter, the award 
 Of shame deserved ; and these from whom I most 
 Other deserved, my comrades, chamber-friends 
 And nearest in my bosom. 
 
 Absalom. Public woe 
 Outgalls the private sorrow. 
 
 Tamar. Though indeed 
 !N"ot from the general have I received 
 Slackened regard, but still the use obtain 
 That royal daughters have, yet soon were lost 
 And fallen to neglect, if once were shown 
 My ruined state that cloaks me thus with shame 
 Which makes me in the crowd more solitary 
 Than solitude itself. Whence, if our hope 
 Aim at deliverance from this irksome chain 
 Which now I wear, behooves all heed employ 
 With circumspection to our motioned acts, 
 Lest we but medicine the worse our wound. 
 And like some ill ph3^sician, whose intent 
 Works to unskillful issue, harm the hurt 
 Which he would heal. But to thy thoughts proposed. 
 
 Absalom. Wouldst thou be quit of thy so great con- 
 tempt 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 269 
 
 That thrusts so near thy honor, dear as life? 
 
 Tamae. The state I have is not so pleasurable, 
 So fraught with joy, that I should think to keep it. 
 
 Absalom. List then, and closely; for I have those 
 words 
 That are not spoken to the general air. 
 
 Tamae. If thou hast aught concerns me that I hear, 
 Say freely on. I cannot know of worse. 
 
 Absalom. Hast thou forgotten thy dear loss of 
 honor. 
 That robbed thee of thy name, despoiled thy virtue ? 
 
 Tamae. I cannot think but that such things have 
 been, 
 And are no more ; which is my chief affliction. 
 That suffers not my thoughts in sleep to rest. 
 
 Absalom. And what hath he deserved, who wrought 
 thy wrong. 
 But death, but grievous death for grievous wrong? 
 What answer needed have his deeds given voice. 
 And silence speaks itself in thy consent. 
 
 Tamae. Hath he deserved but death, but only death ? 
 
 Absalom. What stain of infamy, foul blot, dishonor. 
 Contempt, neglect, what hatred must we bear, 
 If we neglect occasion, which now offers 
 To heal our ruin, in his ruin healed? 
 
 Tamae. The punishment is greater than the sin. 
 
 Absalom. The sin is greater than all punishment. 
 
 Tamae. But shows there not some nobler way than so 
 To pay my wronger in so baser metal 
 Than his own coin? 
 
 Absalom. What hast thou desired? 
 Or what hath dulled thy appetite to taste 
 Revenge, thus sweet? If ye let slip the time, 
 Which offers now, ye have no suretied future 
 Of how to apter purpose could be done. 
 
 Tamae. Yet hear me; though to reason contrary 
 And thwart to maiden diffidence I speak. 
 
270 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Though, he hath wronged me, him would I not wrong; 
 Though he doth love me not, him do I love. 
 
 Absalom. Thou hast love then, aSection, weak 
 desire 
 Toward him who wrought thy ruin, sought thee, found 
 
 thee. 
 Pleading those rights a brother wont possess, 
 Enticed thee to thy hurt, then rudely robbed thee 
 Of all thy virgin treasure, maiden peace. 
 And thrust thee forth ridiculous, despised! 
 
 Tamae. I loathe him, yet I love him — if to my 
 shame. 
 Then to my shame, who loathe, yet love, myself. 
 
 Absalom. Bethink thee; that way lies thy lasting 
 scorn. 
 
 Tamar. Still, though it stand thus, that way must it 
 stand. 
 
 Absalom. Thou hast a slow mind and a quick-paced 
 heart ! 
 
 Tamae. I cannot, brother, so contrive reproach, 
 As thou of late threw^st forth; but feel no less 
 Distaste and ill disgust that thou couldst worsen 
 What now alreadv worst. How could avail 
 To compass now his ruin, work his death ? 
 What malice would be silenced, what sharp tongues 
 Dulled and restrained? Should not my ill-fame rather 
 Walk further on the tongues of men, my name, 
 With malediction mentioned and gross stain 
 Scorned and defiled, tread upon every lip? 
 Pour water, and not oil, upon the fire 
 Which thou wouldst quench. Do that which reason 
 
 favors 
 To lessen the great shame I bear, not worsen, 
 By ill attempts, what now already worst. 
 
 Absalom. I did not hold my sister so to lack, 
 Or wanting in the rudiments of virtue. 
 As to neglect and lose what offered chance 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 27; 
 
 To wipe her infamy and rase the stain » 
 
 Upon her name thus fixed ; for virtue, truth. 
 
 Honor, regard of men alike enjoin 
 
 What to thy name and fame recovered tend. 
 
 But since thou art minded so to gloss and smooth 
 
 Thy distained honor, though not wisely deemed 
 
 The sought occasion slipped to thy revenge, 
 
 I shall assay what may be done, what motioned 
 
 Thus toward thy good, as here thou hast esteemed^ 
 
 I shall entice him, work him, put him on 
 
 To make some reparation, fit return 
 
 Suitable to thy wrong, as with persuasion 
 
 May cease our ills, and work our free deliverance 
 
 With name and fame recovered to thy state. 
 
 Tamar. Nor else, except with greater shame^ were 
 done. 
 
 Absalom. And this I do, misliking thy intent^ 
 As trivial, nor worth notice, but still done 
 That somewhat may recover thy sad plight; 
 And thy unwish compels me that I work 
 As best for thee I may, not as I might; 
 For man may wiselier move in little things 
 Than at a stand in great; as here may chance. 
 Thou, the meantime, be calm and leave to me 
 What ordered purpose may perhaps obtain 
 Some satisfaction to thy offered wrong 
 As may avail to close all mouths, and cease 
 Upbraiding tongues that scandal thus thy name. 
 Be patient then, and healing hopes admit. 
 
 Chorus. There, there is she ! softly draw nigh ! 
 Break not thus harsh in upon her! 
 Lest more her thoughts disordered, in sad plight 
 Rufiled but worse, as through our uncouth haste 
 With lack of reverence due and honor meet 
 Shown to her hapless state, 
 Thus worn with ruin, deflowered. 
 Her we approach, whom rightlier now befits 
 
2rj2 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 To watch with, tenderest care and tendance given 
 Toward her, thus abject from her wonted state. 
 Overwhelmed with grief, and burdened. 
 
 Or do my eyes mistake? and is it she. 
 In honor once who stood, in reverence, virtue, 
 Pointed with all regard, esteemed our choice 
 In favor once and pride? 
 Yet abject now, deflowered, 
 Her maiden sweet thus rifled, virgin store, 
 That worse than death her lot, though once she stood 
 With cherished nurture tended, fairest hope, 
 Select in choice, esteemed 
 The flower of pride and beauty. 
 
 Where shall I first bewail 
 Thy lot and saddest plight, 
 
 Sorrow on sorrow, held the top of grief 
 
 For thee, who wont so lofty in estate. 
 
 Thus high in life ordained. 
 
 Esteemed secure of ill. 
 
 As fortune had for thee her dearest pledge engaged. 
 
 Her nursling, her desire, her choice delight ? 
 
 Yet abject now and whebned, 
 
 Reduced beneath contempt, 
 
 Hopeless of future, humbled thus, and reft 
 
 Prom hopes of good, by cruel pains possessed 
 
 And torment, that thus visit near thy heart. 
 
 mirror of man's mortal lot. 
 Unchallenged since recorded time, 
 Thus from the top of honor, 
 Fairest of fortune born. 
 To abject sink of extreme misery fallen ! 
 For them I reckon highest in estate. 
 Of virtue still possessed, of good, of peace, 
 Which higher than the accident of birth, 
 Esteem, or honor raises, wealth, or place, 
 Or the turning sphere of fortune. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 273 
 
 Tamae. Your coming, friends, is kindly, tlioiigh it 
 wake 
 Some sore remembrance of what state I have; 
 As wounds that once have closed, yet to the touch 
 Upon the cicatrice though kindly placed. 
 Soreness unthought disclose, unwonted pains. 
 But think not that offense I feel if ye 
 Thus touch upon my sore, since harm unmeant; 
 And friendship's coin runs not so current now. 
 As once. For now from those, who have my state, 
 I take not that regardful heed I had. 
 Before my sorrow, from their friendship deemed 
 Counterfeit now and base, since now it rings 
 Thus falsely to my need. Whence of you thought 
 Unwonted favor that with notice now 
 Not looked for ye are come — perhaps with news 
 !N"ot hoped, though still desired: Since, thus with- 
 drawn, 
 Thrown somewhat in neglect, I lack to know 
 What happens new ; fame seldom finds me out. 
 
 Chorus. Some rumor or report, though whether true 
 Or false it run, of aid to cure thy state. 
 Unhoped for now possessed, hath brought us here. 
 
 Tamar. That rumor say; thou seest my thirst to 
 know. 
 
 Chorus. Report now speaks that thou with him shalt 
 wed, 
 Amnon, thy injurer, who would now atone 
 With satisfaction for thy heavy wrongs. 
 
 Tamar. And where the house from which that rumor 
 walks ? 
 
 Chorus. Unowned, unparented, it runs; for fame. 
 Though double-faced and double-mouthed, proceeds 
 From nothing, and in nothing of test ends. 
 As here, most like ; for what hast thou but hate, 
 Contempt, and contumely, and fierce scorn 
 
274 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Toward him who wronged thee, robbed thee, quite 
 
 despoiled 
 Thee of thy fame, thy honor, and thy life? 
 But tell Tis, as in saddest plight some cure 
 Perhaps to thy sore wound, the full recital 
 Of thy so grievous hurt ; which not to us 
 So well is known, as with complete desire 
 May satisfy what thirst we have to learn. 
 
 Tamak. The mention of the sorrows we have passed 
 Is their chief pang ; as present witness vouches. 
 
 Chorus. But hast thou not some fiercer word to 
 
 curse 
 
 Blistering the tongue, blasting the hearing ear 
 
 Thy ravisher, the ruiner of thy peace, 
 
 Who wrought on thee that grossest wrong, iniquity 
 
 Monstrous and horrid, held in all men's sight 
 
 The supreme ill, most hurtful, grievous, harmful, 
 
 The most with misery that thy life might bear? 
 
 Or means thy silence, though it show not plausible. 
 
 Some love, affection, or at least not hate. 
 
 Toward him who wrecked thee, spoiled thy virgin peace, 
 
 And hath neglected thee, despised, contemned thee, 
 
 Presuming on thy silence, thus abashed 
 
 And fallen with neglect? If thou canst this, 
 
 Abominable, detested, gross and vile. 
 
 Thou hast a heart that shows not woman's wont. 
 
 Tamae. Think not I hate him, though I speak of 
 him. 
 If he could motion to my good, or move 
 Such honorable marriage with me joined 
 As might redeem my honor, cleanse my stain, 
 I could forego what purpose I have held 
 To join no marriage, nor be wrought to it. 
 If he will seek me not, nor me esteem 
 In honorable wedlock thus to join. 
 Think not with other I would wed, nor bring 
 Shame and not fame, hate and not love to him 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 275 
 
 Who else might wed me. No; my mind is fixed; 
 Either with him to wed, or live my life 
 Lonely, disprized, unloved, contemned, as known 
 Eeft and ashamed before my enemies. 
 
 Chorus. To the first offer thou must make thy sale, 
 And be not over-nice, nor stand; since thou 
 Art not for every market. Though I hold 
 Thou showest not wise in purpose thus to join 
 In nuptials thence distasteful him who wronged thee. 
 Thy ravisher, thy miner, thy destroyer. 
 
 Tamae. Or thus, or no, to me far wiselier shows 
 By covering act to hide my shame, with him 
 In wedlock joined, than thus endure the lot 
 1 now possess, distressful, evil, vile, 
 Or by the loud report of his remove, 
 As at my hands, or with connival joined, 
 To wake yet noisier memory of my shame. 
 That shall with wider rumor walk the world, 
 To my still lasting scorn from tongueless time. 
 Which would but worsen every way my lot 
 And more distress my state, herein quite lost; 
 For still a woman's honor is her life, 
 Her fairest treasure, held her dearest jewel, 
 Whose loss, as most immediate, not replaced. 
 
 Chorus. Thou seemest fast in purpose, fixed in 
 thoughts 
 To work thy rash misdoing to thy harm. 
 Yoking thus with thy wronger wedlock base. 
 Who hath despised thee, hated thee, contemned thee, 
 Put on thee much contempt. But others are. 
 Who may perhaps with more persuasion move, 
 Raise in thee better mind, some wiser motion. 
 Than what thou here hast vented to thy hurt. 
 
 Tamar. Not otherwise, except with shame, were 
 done. 
 
 Chorus. For see ! this way thy mother steers, 
 With hasty steps and features disarrayed. 
 
276 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 The signs of evident woe. 
 
 As when a timorous bird, distressed, 
 
 Whose tender young a serpent fierce hath seized, 
 
 Faces her scaly foe, 
 
 Despite the terror of his folds. 
 
 His potent mouth wide-gaped, or threatening charm. 
 
 Whence now bethink thee, as in doubtful plight. 
 
 What weightier converse thou vdth her must join. 
 
 With wise approval gained. 
 
 If here thy purpose thou boldest. 
 
 Maacha. With hopes of some wished benefit to thee, 
 Daughter, I come; for rumor now gives out 
 That thou with him wilt join, who wrecked thy peace 
 And left thee thus distained, slight, miserable. 
 Thus covered with contempt. For how could love 
 (The noblest action still that moves the mind) 
 And amity toward him now hold, where hate 
 And fierce desire of vengeance, mixed with scorn, 
 With wrath and contumely and contempt, 
 Much more should hold ? Deny this rumor then, 
 As most is fit, and me relieve from grief 
 The illest that I might with misery bear. 
 The state is tolerable that now thou hast, 
 If thou assure not to thyself more woe. 
 
 Tamae. I know not how such baseless rumor hold 
 And sort with truth; but if some wiser mind 
 He entertain of offered satisfaction 
 Had for his evil deed, which thus my name 
 Shall raise to wonted honor, not so deem 
 But that I shall, as happier turn of fortune. 
 Embrace his ofier, go with him along 
 In marriage, as my hopeful solace deemed. 
 Thus grateful cheered, with all things so supplied. 
 That longer what I lost I may not miss. 
 
 Maacha. Sometimes our helps become our hin- 
 drances. 
 The kindly virtue, that thou still hast known. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 27;^ 
 
 The gentleness, forbearance, that adorn 
 The noble mind, if urged too far, permit 
 Excess and error in themselves, neglect 
 Their proper mean and measure, as in thee. 
 The kindness, that thon hast, shows now a sin, 
 And shall become a snare, to catch and wound 
 The honor that thy fair name still hath borne. 
 
 Tamak. Not kindly virtue, gentleness, forbearance, 
 Which best themselves approve, are still themselves 
 Their own excuse and warrant, and hence thus 
 Which thou in me commendest, but bright honor. 
 My blackened name to furbish, tarnished thus, 
 Constrain me to that marriage I have sought. 
 And let me not pretend a virtue still 
 Which I possess not, or, if I possess. 
 Is not my chief inducement to this choice. 
 I need no more incentive than mere self, 
 Than my advantage motioned, to accept 
 What chance may offer to redeem my name 
 And cleanse my honor from the stain of scorn. 
 
 Maacha. Hast thou forgotten what indignities 
 He set on thee, a virgin, when he forced thee 
 With scandalous foul deed, to sate his lust? 
 When in his chamber, suffering sickness feigned, 
 He had all else without, pretending so 
 Thy better ministering, while he but lay 
 Couched in his coil, snakelike in act to spring, 
 Safelier to sting thy honor, wound thy peace 
 With poisonous tooth — that so hath scandaled thee 
 By deed unholy, shameful, irreligious. 
 And in our law condemned, and law of God, 
 To death by stoning ! Whence thou long hast borne 
 Universal contempt, the heaviest grief, 
 The most with sorrow, that thy life might bear. 
 
 Tamae. Yet hear me. Not that I would aught 
 excuse 
 His great transgression on me, but refute 
 
278 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 The scandals and the slander I have borne, 
 
 Shall I approve this deed. For I must take 
 
 Whatever means I may what still remains 
 
 To save — my name and honor, virgin fame, 
 
 Endangered now, which thence would quite be wrecked, 
 
 If I with strict refusal should forego 
 
 "What chance of safety offers. His high name 
 
 And station may avail to give what state 
 
 Such high condition gives. Whose disregard, 
 
 With high disdained refusal thus reject, 
 
 Would draw on me still greater scorn,* contempt. 
 
 As thence refused thus idle, weak, and fond. 
 
 Maacha. With him, a man despised, contemned, 
 forsworn. 
 Due in our law to death, to shameful death. 
 To wed with him no wife of fame will deign. 
 
 Tamae. ^ot of her own impulsion, but induced 
 
 By thoughts of honor, reverence, regard 
 
 Powerful persuaders — these might so constrain. 
 
 Maacha. But joined with him what woman shame 
 could scape? 
 
 Tamae. Most men are bad, but differ in degree 
 And sort of evil. In the best may show 
 Some reprobative glimpses; in the worst 
 Some spark struck out of goodness; as in him: 
 The ferment of repentance works, though late. 
 
 Maacha. Being once a wife, how should he not 
 insult thee. 
 Exult upon thee, scorn thee, hate, neglect thee ! 
 
 Tamae, Yet this, though all thou sayest, or motioned 
 worse, 
 Were tolerable to that I now endure. 
 
 Maacha. Wouldst thou, when he hath shown thee 
 such despite. 
 Enter his doors a wife, a despised wife ? 
 
 Tamae. To salve my honor, could I better choose 
 My choice than him, though brutish, bestial, lustful? 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 279 
 
 Maacha. Yet hear me, daughter. And consider 
 thence 
 What thou in thy fond thoughts art motioning on, 
 Which only to thy harm shall work, and move 
 Yet more ill to thy state, in this enough 
 By hurt endamaged. But, if not thy own, 
 Account thy mother's good, who thence must feel 
 What shame, what anguish, horror, what despite 
 From scorn of friends, from foes' contempt, a burden 
 Of woe far heavier than what now I bear. 
 How may I lift my head, or once regard 
 Who may behold me? who shall scorn me thence, 
 Thy mother that could thus permit thy wrong, 
 As wanting duty, slack in wont respect 
 The careful mother to her daughter owes; 
 That sorrow for thy sake I shall endure 
 More grievous still — a sorrow but to think ! 
 
 Tamar. Not that I lack in reverence to thee, mother. 
 Or want that love, to parents wont deserved. 
 Shall I refuse thee. But I now esteem 
 That thou against thy own good here hast wrought, 
 With opposition to my purpose aimed. 
 I am not so to want, nor wisdom lack, 
 As to forego what wished advantage thought, 
 If he in marriage thus with me shall join ; 
 Which best may heal my woes, and stop my griefs 
 That now too loud complain. 'Not shalt thou question 
 My wisdom, nor my wise discretion chide. 
 After event, best umpire, shall allot 
 Decision of my good, best here subserved. 
 
 Maacha. With argument thou answerest, where 
 respect 
 Of duty more should prompt, and reverence wont, 
 To parents owed, with other answer brought. 
 Besides, if me thou not enough regard, 
 Yet other ties on thee enforce, constraining 
 Far other answer to thy purpose thought. 
 
28o TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Thy father and thy brother yet remain^ 
 Whom thou shouldst more consider, whose intent 
 May thwart contrarily thy stubborn mind. 
 Though were they minded still to motion here 
 What I conceive thy harm, yet not for this, 
 jSTor what may else be urged, shall I give o'er 
 With wished consent to thy undoing wrought. 
 If thou at this take sorrow or despite, 
 Still to my mind I cleave, as thou to thine. 
 
 Tamar. I cannot like thy fast determination 
 Found opposite to what I purpose, mother. 
 So fixed in constancy, that I despair 
 To alter or divert. And what those else 
 May urge, through ties of dear relation moved, 
 Or charities of father, brother done. 
 As I can alter not, I must endure. 
 Besides, were they so minded, they could not 
 With decency forbid what should be done 
 To cancel my sore blot, indignity 
 Yet worse than what by me already borne. 
 Why should they, since themselves have nothing wrought 
 My ai dance or relief, debar me thus 
 That I in aught work out my free deliverance 
 And solace, from the stain of shame escaped? 
 If I herein shall err, as thou maintainest, 
 I do it righteously, desiring so 
 My good and that of all, as here subserved. 
 
 Maacha. Thy purpose and thy words alike so 
 strange. 
 Thou almost mak'st me falter in my mind 
 To hold thee in the like incontinence 
 As his who forced thee, not unwilling found 
 
 To such vile lust, such beastly appetence 
 
 A partner, as a sharer, in the crime. 
 Art thou my daughter? Have I still controlled 
 Desire, which in thee mutines to such lust? 
 What slips of virtue have I known, where fallen 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 281 
 
 To gross debasement ? when with thoughts unchaste 
 And lewd defiled my mind, that in thee lives 
 A purpose thus to virtue thwart, to honor, 
 Respect, discretion, decency, and duty? 
 
 Tamae. Give o'er thy asking, still but tedious found, 
 Unaiding, uneffectual, unavailing. 
 That stirs but wrath, and shows thy gusty mind 
 As is the sea unstable, still in storm; 
 And leave me, thus tongue-battered, thus beset. 
 With siege of words thus girded, to that solace,. 
 Little at best, remains me, if at peace. 
 Thou canst not have thy seeking, howe'er sought. 
 I am the rock, and thou the raging sea 
 That vainly beats; or surge to sure-set shore. 
 
 Maacha. If lust may riot in a sister's veins, 
 Brother and husband in an act confound 
 With such unnatural incest, bestial heat, 
 Forgetting the dear charities of life. 
 Let firmest virtue melt, and take what mould 
 Hot brutish license and desire impress ! 
 Abhorred incest ! nearness in degree 
 Scandalous, and forbidden in our law 
 As most unnatural, brutish as unkind ! 
 
 Tamar. The evils that have been bear such a pang 
 As those to come. What ills we have we know. 
 
 Maacha. What charms unwonted have enticed thee, 
 daughter. 
 To yield thy maiden virtue and thy prime 
 So to his lust, who hath no comely part 
 That may commend him in a maiden's choice? 
 He hath not with that wonted favor dealt 
 To tempt thee, as the basest men may show. 
 With colors luring their foul purposes 
 Varnishing, pretext base. He with hot rape 
 And foul defilement forced, not courted, thee. 
 Yet love for him thou feelest, wouldst profess 
 Affection for such gross impurity 
 
282 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Monstrous and horrid that thou so shouldst think. 
 lust^ how blacklier in a maid thou showest 
 Than in a matron seems thy mutinous deed ! 
 
 Tamae. Hast thou not pity for a mind abused? 
 When have I wronged thee, slighted thee, despised thee, 
 Been wanting in my duty, the regard 
 A virtuous daughter to her mother shows, 
 That thou shouldst contumely and contempt 
 Heap on me, with disparagement and scorn ? 
 
 Maacha. The deed thou motionest much dishonors 
 me; 
 And thy so strict refusal shames me more. 
 
 Tamar. Thou may'st not by such vile reproaches 
 move, 
 More than persuasion, that I now forego 
 That purpose I have held to cleanse my name 
 Thus from dishonor, hatred, calumny. 
 "WTio better than myself, who have the hurt, 
 May know what medicine to heal it, cure 
 My diseased honor, my infected fame? 
 Though I have lost thy favor, lost thy love, 
 "WTiich think not thereby I regard as light. 
 Yet I have kept, what I must more esteem. 
 The mind's approval, virtue's conscious self. 
 That more approves than fame of men, as voice 
 Of duty, goodness, virtue so enjoining. 
 
 Maacha. No further needest thou excuse thyself, 
 N'or think to gloss thy sin, that thus would join 
 Thy ravisher, thy wronger, thy insulter. 
 
 Tamar. I seek no worse alliance thence to join 
 Than our first father Abraham; he with less cause 
 His father's, though not mother's, daughter wed; 
 He by desire and merest pleasure did 
 What I through strict necessity am forced. 
 If I herein by law stand thus condemned. 
 He the much more, and all his offspring brands, 
 Which he with incest and in license got. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 283 
 
 Thou must with reason more attempt my plea, 
 If thou hast hope in aught to move my mind. 
 
 Maacha. wickedness of men ! to plead the sins 
 Of others to excuse thy slips of good ! 
 Besides, what more incestuous, lustful, brutish, 
 And likest to the brute, his nature apt. 
 As in those warrens of foul incest found 
 Where beasts enkindle? Be a beast indeed, 
 As in thy wild desires thou showest now. 
 But plead not thus example, custom, law 
 To gloss the deed thou wouldst, thus evil found; 
 But be thy own desire its best excuse. 
 
 That in its own foul naked truth it stand 
 
 A warning, not enticement, to like crime. 
 
 Tamak. I do not, mother, herein worse offend 
 Than others, in our good tradition joined. 
 Did not our father Abraham, as I think, 
 His sister Sarai wed? affinity 
 Kot farther than I now approve to join. 
 If I in this, he like by law condemned, 
 "With less excuse, or reason, with no stain 
 Attaching to his deed, as not to mine. 
 
 Maacha. I saw thy circling pretense, how it closed 
 In feigned religion, fair hypocrisy ! 
 So far thou still art forward to thy hurt, 
 
 FeePst not the sting of shame, but by that love 
 
 What thou call'st love, I folly — art thrust on 
 
 To thy own hurt, by weakness far enticed 
 
 From thy advantage. But not me expect 
 
 To share thy folly, from my purpose hold 
 
 To quench thy wrongs and mine. Though thou deniest 
 
 What right in thee a mother has, thou canst not 
 
 Forbid my watchful care of thee to venture 
 
 Toward thy behoof. Which now I go to seek. 
 
 That thy dread wrongs and mine shall be avenged 
 
 By such return, such vengeance, as may wipe 
 
 Entire our blot of honor. So, farewell. 
 
284 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Tamae. that grief and anguish were confined 
 To the inmost mind, 
 
 And not, as touch, through every part diffused, 
 In countenance, eye, form; 
 That sorrow still were secret, nor expressed, 
 Still to herself best hid! 
 Then were I not to woe thus darkly joined, 
 With hatred of my kindred, 
 The object of their mockery and scorn. 
 Under such vilest fortune. 
 Without my known default, 
 Who pity more should gain and kindliest ruth 
 
 At sore mischance unearned 
 
 Such lot with misery passed 
 In sorrows undeserved ! 
 
 Chorus. The mention of thy many wrongs 
 And woes afflictive brings into my mind 
 How others in like evil state distressed 
 Like pains have suffered ; and what saddest lot 
 Dinah possessed, whom, reft of dearest honor, 
 Like sorrows dread assailed, 
 Though undeserved as thine her lot 
 Whom vengeance yet restored, exacting thence 
 His life in recompense who wrought her wrong. 
 Which that sad city's stroke lamenting felt, 
 And all with him who mocked her sorrowed state. 
 With him devote to ruin. 
 
 Tamae. But me what hoped return may recompense, 
 A shame and worst reproach 
 To all my friends and kindred. 
 Their cruelty and scorn. 
 Reserved to draw out wretched days, 
 A sight and hapless mock, 
 Thus miserable, assaulted, reft, and shamed. 
 Despised of all and shunned. 
 But most by him who wrought my grievous harm. 
 And to the ills of life 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 285 
 
 Left me all aidless, 
 
 With irreparable loss of honor ! 
 
 Chorus. Whence like return with her thou shouldst 
 expect 
 And recompense from God, 
 Whose ear is gracious to admit. 
 
 Whose eye is ever open to the suppliant 
 
 Thence to thy sorrows open, thus designed 
 
 Perhaps thy testing hard. 
 
 And trial of thy patient fortitude, 
 
 Which favor sent of Heaven 
 
 And faithful meek endurance last shall crown. 
 
 But see ! this way thy reverend sire, 
 With steps not light, and aspect worn; 
 And after him with equal pace 
 Thy brother walks ; advise 
 With them what converse thou boldest. 
 
 David. With hopes to find my daughter, whom 
 report 
 Gave out as on this place, behold me come; 
 Say then if here. Or elsewhere must I seek? 
 
 Absalom. Father, I have approached thee oft, 
 essayed thee. 
 Have sought thee, wrought thee, urged all means to gain 
 
 thee 
 Apt to my purpose, that hath still proposed 
 To satisfy the great indignity 
 Put on her with contempt, my sister, held 
 Thy daughter. But thou still hast put me off, 
 Refused me, slighted me, denied, neglected. 
 With promise of some solace to her harm. 
 That should redeem her honor, cleanse her stain. 
 This I have borne, and worse, his taunts, reproaches, 
 Insults, and scorn, until endurance falters 
 To bear yet more. Now the last time I come. 
 And ask for justice that shall quite purge off 
 The blot her name hath taken with foul stain. 
 
286 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 David. I have not, son, forgotten that dishonor 
 Which fouls her name with much contempt, but held 
 The times not ripe. Thou seest her famie distained; 
 And worse were yet disfeatured, if through haste 
 What now is closed to few abroad should range, 
 And rumor wider walk. What is to do 
 Should so with stealth be done, that what now worse 
 May not be worst. Whence caution best befits. 
 With circumspection to our purpose tried. 
 And thou shouldst not chafe with delay, but think 
 Each thing is best done as it may be best, 
 Not as we would. The present is our own. 
 To our command; unless we slip through folly 
 And rash misjudgment, or through half-ripe haste, 
 Sister to large delay. What next may come 
 Is born from what now is, the present still 
 Is father to the future. I have lived 
 More days than thou, and greater evil seen 
 Born of too soon than offspring of too late. 
 
 Absalom. Not as by rash impatience motioned on, 
 Or fond misknowledge, have I sought thee, father, 
 The wont of youth unripe, that ever shoots 
 Before its aim ; which time unheeded slipped 
 With slack forbearance more to urge upon thee 
 Approves with reason ; but my sister's claim 
 Hath clamored long for right into the ear 
 Of sleeping justice. Whence suspicion wakes. 
 And doubts if ever shall her name be cleansed 
 From stain of public scorn. And while she waits. 
 Mourning her hapless state and peace thus wrecked, 
 Her foul insulter passes boldly on 
 Unpunished, with a brazen front that shows 
 His enmity and slack indifference 
 Had to her offered wrong. If justice fail. 
 Despite his lofty pride and haughty state. 
 To reach him with a stroke to publish wide 
 His satisfaction for his ill performed. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 287 
 
 New crime shall wake, and sin more boldly walk. 
 While justice, thus affronted, hides its head. 
 
 David. I long have meditated, and before 
 Determined on this task, as both incurred, 
 If justice here be slack, what swift reproach 
 Assails the name of king, and, what more near. 
 That fiercer vengeance roused remorse wont urge 
 Upon the father, to his duty slack, 
 Self-scorn, reproach, fierce sorrows thick as rain 
 Dropt from the spongy cloud. But grant thee so, 
 And that it nearly now concerns to act. 
 What yet concerns it thee ? Why art thou moved 
 With interest in thy sister, not thy wont? 
 1 sit, not thou, as king, as in God^s stead 
 To speak redress of sin and sentence wrong. 
 
 Absalom. If thou hadst spoken, then should I not 
 speak ; 
 Hadst thou given j^istice, then had I not sought. 
 But thou art placed above me, canst inflict 
 Reproach for zeal, mistaken but in this, 
 That not against due right, but against thee 
 It only sought. And what thou may'st appoint 
 I must endure, and happy if so quit. 
 But 0, that I were made judge in the land ! 
 Should each man bring his suit and controversy 
 Into my presence, that the laws and statutes, 
 With witness and opinion, judge the cause. 
 That each man should have justice at my hand ! 
 
 David. Too far hast thou presumed upon thy right; 
 Too far ; upon my patience trespassed, son. 
 Thus with contemptuous anger, son, and scorn 
 Answering a father, whose extreme fault goes 
 Not farther than kind favor, fond indulgence 
 Repaid with insult, contumely, scorn. 
 And art thou by ambition so possessed. 
 So by desire unfilial seized, to climb 
 Up to the kingly chair and thence disseat 
 
288 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Thy father, that thou might'st with justice do 
 What in thy raw unwisdom thou might's think ? 
 Thou need'st thyself in wisdom much to school; 
 And older must thou be by many days, 
 Ere thou upon my scepter get fast hold. 
 What pains of anguish here do eat my heart, 
 \^Tiich now I feel, ingratitude of children 
 That sharper biteth than the serpent's tooth ! 
 Better at once destroy than more endure 
 What to my shame I seem to have begotten, 
 A blusterer, a boaster, and a braggart ! 
 
 Absalom. Thou know'st thou art my father; that 
 name therefore 
 Denies me to do aught against thy reverence; 
 Or nothing should withhold or thwart my hand 
 To wreak upon thee some most sudden vengeance, 
 That should with satisfaction answer thus 
 What wrongs from thee I have! And thou, who 
 
 urgest 
 Another's ill, art thou thyself so pure 
 Of error, that thou may'st with constant mind 
 Urge on another's sin? Who now but knows 
 What folly with another's wife thou wroughtest, 
 Bathsheba, and her ruin compassed thence. 
 Thy harlot, whom thou mad'st to be thy queen ? 
 A sin by God not passed, when he denounced 
 The sword against thee punishing and thy house, 
 To future ruin and contempt designed. 
 And thou with him art like in sin, the crime 
 Of woman's hateful shame unwilling forced. 
 AVhat then withholds me that I more endure. 
 As thou hast said, the shames I now endure. 
 And not against thee lift my hand, that thence 
 My own wrongs and her wrongs at once cut off? 
 
 David. Hast thou not shame to speak thy father ill, 
 A violater, ravisher, an adulterer? 
 
 Absalom. You do it, not I. You do ungodly deeds, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 289 
 
 And those ungodly deeds themselves find words. 
 
 Tamae. son, what fury bids thee lift thy hand 
 Against thy father's head? What answering wrath, 
 father, if I may with reverence speak, 
 Hath moved thee to destroy thy son — for whom, 
 But for myself, sole cause of wrath in both? 
 Better have died unborn than be dispute 
 Of son and sire ! a still wished for lot. 
 That might with death my woes at once cut off. 
 But peace ; and let us, as in plight thus sad, 
 Search out some cure to medicine our wounds. 
 And not our greater grief induce, as now. 
 
 David. wretched chance unthought ! Is this my^ 
 pride 
 Once cherished, this my flowering hope, once known 
 My daughter and my darling, my delight ? 
 Xow ruined, shamed, assaulted, snared with ill. 
 In what may'st thou be happy ? wherein find 
 Or solace, or contentment, or delight? 
 Which now becomes my shame, so long neglect 
 Hath held me from thy good. But fear not more; 
 For thou this day shalt see thy state restored. 
 His wife conjoined who thee to ruin brought. 
 That shall, doubt not, redress thy bitter wrongs. 
 
 Absalom. Is this that solemn care and duty owed 
 By parent to a daughter, that conjoin 
 In wedlock hateful, impious, despised. 
 Her to her ravisher, that foul destroyer 
 Who sought her, wrought her harm? Much worse 
 
 appears 
 Thy duteous care bestowed than thy neglect. 
 Which, at the least, conjoined not wrong to wrong. 
 Added not scorn to scorn, of ills the worst. 
 And dost thou so approve thy love that showed 
 First but neglect and later but contempt? 
 If such thy love, may I possess thy hate ! 
 
 Tamae. Peace, brother, to thy shame who mentionest 
 
290 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Our father's slips of virtue, reckoning 
 
 With wonted sin perverse the instant lust 
 
 To instant ill misled; unthinking here 
 
 That not the passion's momentary gust 
 
 Condemns the man, but meditated sin, 
 
 Born of intent and burned within the blood. 
 
 That into habit breeds. Where is thy reverence, 
 
 Thy filial duty and regard toward him 
 
 Who hath begotten thee, hath reared thee, bred the^ 
 
 With careful hand? I have the heavier wrong 
 
 By far than thou ; but shame withholds my tongue 
 
 To scorn my father, and just reverence 
 
 To parents wont deserved. If I can thus. 
 
 Thou canst forego thy vn-ath and hold thy peace 
 
 Till fitter are thy words — a parent's wont. 
 
 Though thou hadst heavier cause to wrath, and he 
 
 A worser ill had wrought, he is thy father. 
 
 Still to be reverenced, honored, loved, revered. 
 
 'Not prime dishonor, not the worst of ills 
 
 Can slacken or relax what duty binds 
 
 To honor the commandment that enjoins 
 
 Respect to parents, honor, duty, reverence. 
 
 David. How fitly in a daughter's mouth appears 
 That duteous love toward parents wont deserved! 
 The beauteous issue doth enrich its fount. 
 Like silver pictures in a frame of gold. 
 
 Absalom. Sin still were sin, unholy lust were lust. 
 Although he were a thousand times my father. 
 And thou, who wouldst excuse that father's wrong. 
 Gloss o'er with smoothing speech that brother's sin, 
 Hast thou forgotten then what direful wrong 
 He once upon thee set, who wrought thy harm 
 And ravished thee, then thrust thee discomposed, 
 TJnhonored, unappareled, unadorned, 
 A mock to public scorn, through each high street 
 Published thy shame to men ? His passion fierce, 
 Incestuous, brutish, shows not worse than thine, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 291 
 
 Who thus would wed thy brother that hath forced thee, 
 Outraged thy virgin honor, slain thy shame, 
 Insulted, vexed thee, wronged thee, spoiled thy life 
 With worst undoing. Curses fierce, not prayers, 
 Hate and not love, scorn and extreme contempt, 
 Woe and not joy, hapless despair not hopes 
 Of wedlock may beseem thee, whose worst plight 
 Hath no mate throughout present, future, past. 
 
 David. N'o iteration needs to urge thy suit, 
 Nor dress my crimes more fitly forth to view. 
 A guilty conscience is the shrewdest plaintiff. 
 
 Tamar. Peace, brother; nor in wrath forego thyself 
 thus. 
 
 Absalom. Counsel not peace, where hate may fitlier 
 hold. 
 
 Tamae. Yet him respect a father^s right enjoins. 
 
 Absalom. Eelation holds not where regard not holds: 
 
 Tamae. Experience must teach, where wisdom not. 
 
 Absalom. Must I in wisdom by a girl be schooled? 
 
 Tamae. I am sorry what way thus thy ruin tends. 
 
 Absalom. Yet hast not sorrow for thy father's sin ! 
 
 David. son, my sins appear so gross in show 
 Thou need'st not urge them more, for now they seem 
 As foul as death! 
 
 Absalom. In such mood art thou safe. 
 When I shall kill thee, it shall be that time 
 WHien dalliance loose, or sin, with slackened lust. 
 Hath dulled thee, that thou slip thy hopes of good; 
 And not, when sweet repentance seasons thee, 
 I to felicity shall cut thee off. 
 And send thee post to heaven. 
 
 David. I know thy youth. 
 Be circumspect, and of thy words more nice, 
 Nor urge thus to thy own affliction, son. 
 Knowing that to thy father thou shouldst hold 
 Respect and reverence meet, as right enjoins. 
 Age hath a privilege to be exempt 
 
292 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 From folly; youth is ever green and rash. 
 But mind thou wisdom here, and mind thou me. 
 Since raw unheedful anger bears a fruit 
 More bitter the more tasted. Thou, I fear, 
 Art between passion and desire distraught. 
 That captain should is ruled by servant will; 
 Which thou shouldst end with reason's right regard, 
 Seeing I will is servant to I ought; 
 And trial now shall sift thee fine as wheat. 
 For in the soul are good and evil powers 
 That strive for mastery; will, as umpire, sits, 
 And by decision victory allots 
 Upon that part where destiny thence stands. 
 And thou to him, who hath presumed thy wrong, 
 Shouldst deal that mercy which I now to thee; 
 Knowing that not for him alone thou needest, 
 But for thyself, sweet mercy, heavenly mercy. 
 Which is to Heaven both the way and guide. 
 The ladder whereon man may climb to God. 
 And yield not thou to hate, misguiding hate. 
 That is itself its own worst punishment. 
 As he becomes like what he contemplates 
 Forming to evil what in man divine. 
 Upon this hazard is thy soul now set. 
 And thou shouldst mind thy welfare, to the height 
 Matters now strained, whether to hold or break. 
 
 Absalom. Father, I do repent my bitter words; 
 And further, in like sign of amity. 
 At Baal-hazor hold the shearers' feast. 
 Whereto thy presence wished I now desire. 
 As proof of amity between us joined. 
 Say therefore if thou come in sign of peace. 
 
 David. Repentance is a plant of gracious growth, 
 That in its own kind breeds; which now in me 
 Raises the like return. Yet other cares 
 Unwonted must withhold me willing here. 
 And my wished presence at the shearers' feast. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 293 
 
 Absalom. Then, if not thou may'st come, at least 
 bid send 
 My brothers to this feast, as hopeful sign 
 That peace and amity between us grow. 
 
 David. The willinger I yield, that happier cares 
 Withhold me here. But let me hence depart ; 
 And thou, my daughter, must with me along, 
 To attire as best befits a nuptial bride; 
 Since I this day shall do what left too long. 
 Which to thy name and peace recovered tends. 
 
 Choeus. Thou seest thy sister's evils finish now; 
 And what hast thou of hope to better aught 
 Her state, neglected, thus outraged, and scorned? 
 
 Absalom. That which must be, must be. But, how 
 shall fall. 
 The event is yet uncertain; which I think 
 This day shall prove : and here as favor seek 
 That, if not on my part, at least no side 
 Ye choose, but silent circumspection give. 
 Ere some surprise, ill-greeting, shall convert 
 My purpose held, ere well begins the attempt. 
 For of my purpose I would not be sure, 
 Seeing unsafe security oversets 
 The wariest counsel and to ruin turns. 
 
 For now my hopeful thoughts to peace incline 
 
 Such as the winter makes with summer heat, 
 Or as the summer makes with winter snow. 
 Or sun with cloud, or water with fierce fire. 
 
 Chorus. But doubtless, to discharge that score of ill. 
 Ere this, be sure, thou hast made some cunning way 
 To pay her wronger in still baser coin. 
 
 Absalom. Some fearful way found out to my revenge 
 Think not but I shall find ; though now may seem, 
 As is a mother with her children, who 
 Each last one loves the most, I with my thoughts. 
 That cannot with contrivance well devise. 
 But doubt not ; I shall chance upon some plan. 
 
294 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Or to my need devise, that may purge oS 
 
 Entire such, blot, and rase indignity, 
 
 Through pondered recompense to wrought revenge 
 
 By indirection or direction gained. 
 
 Xor think that I in heat of hasty wrath, 
 
 Or lack of patient wisdom, close discretion, 
 
 Shall aim a blinded stroke, whose fierce reflex 
 
 Unguarded on my own head shall redound ; 
 
 Since I shall choose discretion wise to join 
 
 My wary counsels, not insensate found. 
 
 Choeus. THiat thou hast said we heard not; what 
 wouldst speak 
 TVe somewhat guess ; and closer to thy wish 
 Thou couldst not ask us ; for with thee now hold 
 Expectancy and hope and strong desire. 
 
 Absalom. Xor think such hopeful aid as hostile 
 scorned. 
 Eor now the times, to action ripe, demand 
 Our utmost need in effort, thence to gain 
 Return found suitable, our purpose sought, 
 That warrants now my absence on this place. 
 
 Choeus. glorious warrant of regard endued 
 With favor upon his chosen. 
 When God upon their foe 
 Surprised, distract, astonished, 
 Of all protection reft. 
 
 Defenceless left, or strook with thoughts insensate, 
 His message of destruction fiercely sends 
 With mighty force unquenchably ordained 
 And anger awaked of Heaven! 
 
 Thus fond the mind of man. 
 So mutable his ways and mortal deeds, 
 Fallen upon error, seized 
 With siniul folly dire. 
 Insensate strook, or left to sense deject, 
 And with inward vision blind: 
 Though him of old, erected from the ground, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 295 
 
 Had God himself ordained, 
 
 Into his nostrils breathed the breath of life 
 
 And made him living soul. 
 
 But now forbear; for now a rougher tongue 
 With harsher stride draws nigh, not tuned with 
 
 peace 
 
 Amnon, who hath a sister's folly wrought. 
 What chance or what intent hath blown him hither 
 Conjecture fails; which time shall straight resolve. 
 His visage and his aspect carry war. 
 
 Amnon". Friends, for I hold you such, though found 
 uncouth, 
 Say whether on this place my brother stands, 
 Absalom, who hath harmed me much in words. 
 And now in act proceeds to further wrong. 
 
 Chorus. But late with us he stood, hath parted now, 
 As bound on purpose hidden and uncouth, 
 'Not so to us in full imparted thence. 
 
 Amnon". That purpose speak; for I have thirst to 
 know. 
 
 Choeus. His wished intent withheld prevents to say. 
 
 Amnon". Unknown his actions best, who basely acts ! 
 
 Choeus. From thee such words befit not, base in 
 chief ! 
 
 Amnon. To waste in strife with woman I disdain, 
 Or else with other answer were ye taught. 
 
 Choeus. Go further; stop not so in folly short. 
 Who hast defiled thy sister, put to shame, 
 Evil hast wrought in thine own house, a stain 
 On foreheads else unsmirched. The count so large. 
 More crime, to the hard sum already set. 
 Added, a greater reckoning scarce can show ! 
 Or, if with us to argue thou disdain's t. 
 Too mean contemned, consider what appellant 
 Approaches now; whom, howso'er thy purpose 
 
 May present hold, thou hast not always scorned 
 
 Tamar, to whom what ruin thou hast brought ! 
 
296 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Amnox. However known, alike to me she comes. 
 Tamae. Peace with you, friends! My here return 
 account 
 
 So sudden that some wonder, chance, were moved ^ 
 
 !N'o other than to bring you kindly words 
 
 And biddance to the marriage-supper set; 
 
 Since this day, as to you my father said. 
 
 Must bring those nuptials that shall end my wrongs. 
 
 Choeus. Thou seest, Amnon, set before thee now 
 Whom thou this day conjoin^st in wedlock-bands, 
 As doubtless to thy wish conforming found. 
 
 Amnon. With her despised, contemned, foreknown 
 to man. 
 What husband with such wife to wed would deign! 
 
 Choeus. Such as she is thou mad'st her ; if the work 
 Thou like not, think it still as thou hast wrought. 
 
 Amnon. Such as she is I hate her, nor will wed. 
 
 Choeus. Tamar, perchance if thou should'st ask the 
 man. 
 He would not, as discourteous, thence refuse 
 That wifely honor which with thee were brought. 
 
 Amnon. I hate, where nature so foregoes herself; 
 And would not, though her knees were bent to beg, 
 Wed with her who so far herself forgot 
 Against all decency, regard of nature. 
 Or honored thought of mankind, custom, use; 
 Whom my request consents not to beseech. 
 
 As known unworthy, undesirable 
 
 A wife no man of honor e'er will deign. 
 
 Tamae. IN'ature hath made man's province here to 
 speak. 
 Woman's to answer. Here perforce I stand. 
 If he will ask me for his wife — why, well ; 
 I shall give answer as becomes my place. 
 If not, then he will not. I may no more. 
 
 Amnon. With thee, unwedded yet no maid, not wife 
 And yet no virgin — what constrains me choose, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 297 
 
 If so be here allowed, such wedlock choice ? 
 
 Chorus. Justice and sense of reason, the behoof 
 Of manly shame, if thou have such, constrain. 
 
 Amn'ON". The greater shame I took, if thou herein 
 Shouldst guide me, as my choice not so intends. 
 
 Chorus. The better choosing were the worser choice. 
 
 Amnon. Why should I choose her, whom I have de- 
 spised. 
 Contemned, and lastly hated ; why her take, 
 The casket of whose honor I have oped 
 And stolen her maiden treasure, that with scorn 
 I should esteem her, flout her, hate, neglect her, 
 Put on her much contempt ? Which all on me 
 Shall visit, if I choose perforce that choice ! 
 No, no ; where once I loved, there now I hate ; 
 Where once admired, disdain ; and worse might do 
 Toward her than what already I have done, 
 If I submit me to that shameful yoke 
 Of marriage — no true marriage — rather foul 
 Concupiscence; that loathing and disgust. 
 Pull-grown, nor young as yet, should stand between. 
 To vex us and consume us, day by day. 
 Till death should haste the end of all our pains. 
 
 Tamar. Or thus or no, repent the bitter harms 
 I suffer, which may draw what punishment ! 
 
 Chorus. Let Heaven let him repent not; lest he 
 scape, 
 Through meed of such repentance, punishment ! 
 
 Tamar. I pray Heaven grant him truly to repent! 
 As freely as his trespass I forgive. 
 Heaven forgive mine ! But thou, ere wrath shall wake 
 And quite consume thee, unaware perhaps 
 And stuffed with sins that season thee for death, 
 Through anger of a father, brother felt. 
 In peace depart. I all revenge abjure. 
 And all thy faults forgive thee; go with that. 
 Euin bechance thee through no wish of mine! 
 
298 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 I hoped to have wedded thee, and found content. 
 
 If not some happiness, or perchance love 
 
 Ofttimes the first-born after marriage-rite- 
 
 (For who would wedded be, and not be loved?) 
 
 And on our knees children perhaps might sit, 
 
 Thine as known mine. Which might in part have eased. 
 
 Or cured entire perhaps my pains. But now 
 
 Whatever else the hand of God allot. 
 
 Since all things as from God^s hand I receive, 
 
 I take, nor will repine, arming my breast 
 
 With patience to whatever ills of life; 
 
 Nor yet so young in sorrow, that I cannot 
 
 Bear longer what load long already borne. 
 
 Chokus. Amnon, when danger's voice is threatening 
 near, 
 Discretion then is wisdom's better part. 
 Consider if thy father's wrath awake 
 To draw thy ruin, persevering thus? 
 Who now is surety that thou shalt perform 
 Marriage with her, who thus before thee stands. 
 
 Whence now, if I in aught may here advise 
 
 Though to this action I gave counsel not, 
 
 But rather have opposed that marriage thought ' 
 
 And not too far presume, make offer now 
 
 Albeit such good hap thou hast not deserved. 
 
 And fairer fortune were the lady's lot 
 
 Beseeming both to offer and accept. 
 
 And, Tamar, if the man shall tender thee 
 
 The meed of marriage, slight it not with scorn. 
 
 xImnon. Who will not to good purpose change his 
 mind. 
 Shows but the fool, and draws his ruin more. 
 I will this offer take; nor so reject, 
 For so it pleases, what now here advised ; 
 Chiefly persuaded that my welfare best, 
 As thine, herein consorts. Nor be thus sad, 
 As now thou seem'st, but let thy aspect show 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 299 
 
 As fits glad miptial time and marriage-feast. 
 
 Chorus. Would I were Tamar, and that Tamar I, 
 To answer thee ! I know what should be said 
 To scorn such offer! Go; retract thy words! 
 For nobler didst thou seem when most with scorn 
 Thou mad'st thy answer. 
 
 Tamar. Being but myself, 
 Myself must answer, as beseems me best. 
 Such offer I accept ; though some may hold 
 lN"ot wisdom that such wedlock here were joined, 
 To wisdom thwart ; and other might I choose, 
 Did not so strict necessity enforce. 
 But reasons many, cogent, capable 
 Compel me. For their sakes accept I must. 
 
 Chorus. She's gone; and who knows how she may 
 increase 
 Trouble, things to the height already strained? 
 
 Amnon". So let her go ; I still would not detain her, 
 Though surety of my safety and my life. 
 
 Chorus. Amnon, with caution hast thou said, as 
 fits. 
 For wilt thou, as thy promise bids, perform. 
 To the full reckoning set, such heavy vow 
 That links thee in such irksome marriage-bands ? 
 Or other does thy purpose hold, more apt 
 To what once done, which her hath so undone ? 
 
 Amnon. To wed with her, as erst I said, what man 
 So lost to sense of honor, fond, would deign? 
 
 Chorus. Yet now with other answer thou must fit 
 Thy argument ; for yonder to our place 
 Absalom comes; and in his face I see 
 Determination high that would debate. 
 Even to fell destruction's utmost edge. 
 The slight upon his sister thou hast done. 
 In brief prepare; for all his thoughts are war. 
 
 Amnon. Alike to me, if peace or war, he comes. 
 
300 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Absalom. I come not, Amnon, to inquire thj 
 chance. 
 As wont perhaps, or learn thy fortune done. 
 But now upon this place thy purpose say. 
 
 Amnon. Why hast thou, Absalom, presumed thy 
 right 
 Too far, when thou gav^st out that baseless rumor 
 Of wedlock and wished marriage with her joined. 
 Thy sister? to my shame presuming thus. 
 To couple so our names in wedlock-bands ! 
 Thou far art found too fro ward to my hurt ; 
 And now I come to see why thence such noise 
 Hath walked about, and why by thee set forth. 
 That contradiction answer such report. 
 
 Absalom. Think'st thou such need of speech ? Thou 
 errest far; 
 So much hath sin enfeebled, and weak lust. 
 Thy erst clear judgement, umpire of the mind. 
 No wickedness can hide itself, nor find 
 A shelter from its own or others' eyes. 
 Injustice needs no tongue to cry her wrongs ; 
 Themselves are vocal without uttered speech, 
 Nor want fit words; if human voice were mute, 
 The silent air would cry aloud their shame. 
 
 Amnon. Think not with her I e'er shall wed, or join 
 In wedlock thus distasteful whom I hate. 
 Whoe'er may wish, or what the argument. 
 And her another husband may possess, 
 Who shall atone her wherein I have wronged. 
 
 Absalom. Who now would wish her for a wife, thus 
 joined 
 With her, his grievous torment, great reproach 
 Among all men, that he should loathe his lot 
 Thus hateful, evil, shamed, distressful, vile? 
 Besides, what honor should his children have, 
 As from a mother bad derived? a curse 
 Heavier than aught other ill of life, 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 301 
 
 Pointed with, all contempt, upbraided, scorned, 
 
 The chiefest wrong, most hurtful, irksome, grievous, 
 
 With misery, that a husband e'er might bear. 
 
 Amnon. O'er-shrewdly hast thou urged; nor such 
 her lot 
 Thus grievous, if in wedlock once conjoined, 
 ISTor with disfavor tasting nuptial joys. 
 As thy imagination merely shows. 
 With over-colored fancy varnished thus. 
 Look you ; the lion doth not tear his mate 
 For act of copulation; the rank horse 
 Breeds without all chaste question; wanton kinds 
 Couple, in general common; each succeeds 
 Without reluctance in the natural act; 
 Chastity is not known, nor hath a name. 
 Why then should man, being but beast, decline 
 To sickened appetence, pretending so 
 From soilure of the gendering touch, nor taste. 
 Save with disrelish, from another's feast? 
 Thou wouldst thyself, no doubt. And here obtrudest 
 Thy offered aid unasked and like esteemed. 
 I would myself, nor feel reluctance aught 
 In such fruition, where my liking chose. 
 
 Absalom. Hast thou no touch of shame, to utter so 
 What, even if thought, in silence better hid? 
 
 Amnon". Truth still is truth, whatever the audience. 
 
 Absalom. lost to virtue, honor, left of good. 
 Thus to excuse thy beastly appetence 
 That wrought her ruin! Thou thyself but needest 
 The outwardly resemblance of a beast 
 To be a beast indeed ! The inly bestial. 
 Brutish desires and lustful appetence 
 That range without due law, with no constraint 
 Beyond satiety, that see but sex. 
 And, seeing, have no prompting save from lust, 
 Unknowing the dear charities of life, 
 Family, or relation, father, son, 
 
302 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 All these thou hast ; as in thy face discerned 
 The express resemblance of a beast, debased 
 Below all decency, all virtue, honor. 
 Thus ranging without rein. Couple with beasts 
 That take no cognizance, thy like in this 
 And fittest counterpart, but shun to mix 
 With mankind, from thy sort dissevered far ! 
 
 Amnon". The wont regard of brother here protects 
 
 thee, 
 That satisfaction dare not speak itself. 
 Absalom. What words are these ? I fear not, though 
 
 thou add 
 A brother threatened to a sister wronged. 
 Come from thy serpent coil; thy fangs are dulled. 
 But, if thou think thy honor damaged aught. 
 Or asking satisfaction, as through shame 
 Of public scorn, set on; at once to try 
 Whose might be found the stronger, thine or mine. 
 But stay; let me not fear thy threatened force. 
 Thou through relaxing wickedness art weak; 
 As trial should convince thee in assay 
 How mining sin and lust unbend the powers, 
 With crumbled sinews and unthreaded joints. 
 And better think thee to protect thyself 
 Than threaten aught on others to enforce. 
 With flattery thou thine own harm shalt avoid. 
 Besides, if thou man's vengeance might escape, 
 What wings hast thou to flee the sight of God ? 
 Whose eye sees all things at one instant view. 
 Though in this life thou shun, what chance may seize 
 Thee after abject death, and what shame cling? 
 Because thou art now, hast thou always been. 
 And shalt be ever ? If thou so hast thought, 
 Thou err^st, and wide hast wandered from the truth ; 
 Since mortal thoughts beseem the mortal mind. 
 
 Amnon. Give o'er thy tedious siege; there is no 
 
 force 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 303 
 
 In thy so futile words, which cannot wound. 
 The object is but lost which here thou hast. 
 
 Absalom. Thou hell-hawk, that on dovelike virtue 
 preyest ! 
 Who, like a devil, gloatest on the deeds 
 Which thou hast wrought ! Hast thou no pangs of ill ? 
 Do not thy ill deeds troublous threaten thee? 
 Or art thou so of evil all compact. 
 That goodness cannot reach thee, nor remorse ? 
 Why, how is man above his brother beasts, 
 If lust, not reason, shall his action sway. 
 And passion do what conscience ne'er would list? 
 
 AMZsroN". Thou dost not by these arguments dislodge 
 me. 
 More than persuasion, from my counsel held 
 To join not, where no liking there can join. 
 
 In wedlock thus distasteful whom I hate 
 
 Since more my hatred is than once my love 
 
 Toward her, whom once I knew, by cunning forced 
 
 When I the casket of her honor oped 
 
 And took her maiden treasure forth in scorn. 
 
 But what thy future purpose here may hold 
 
 I fear not, as I know not, like in this. 
 
 And armed against whatever thou may'st contrive 
 
 To alter or subvert or undermine 
 
 My present state, secure from thee of ill. 
 
 Absalom. And leave her all ungarded thence from 
 scorn ? 
 
 Amnon. I hate her; cannot love her; will not wed 
 her. 
 
 Absalom. Is this thy final answer then returned ? 
 
 Amnon. So take it, with what hope thou hast of 
 change. 
 
 Absalom. I thought to win thee to my mind, and 
 gain 
 Advantage to her good, but thou refusest. 
 Misled. But why should we in wrath dispart, 
 
304 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 By hate disjoined? and rather not conjoin. 
 
 As duteous love constrains, with amity? 
 To Baal-hazor am I now addressed, 
 That borders on the coasts of Ephraim, 
 And in that city hold the shearers^ feast; 
 Whereto I now desire thy presence wished, 
 As proof of amity between us joined. 
 Say therefore if thou come, in peaceful sign 
 To stay, as in thy honor, this high feast. 
 
 Amnon". The willinger I come, that wisdom now 
 Thou hast recovered. Whence to thy request 
 Think now I yield with peace. But I must hence; 
 That I may have me freshened and new-clad, 
 To appear as may befit such noble feast. 
 
 Choeus. Is this the truce thou spak'st of? so to 
 
 join 
 With him who wronged thy sister, with such insult 
 Answered thy argument, such bitter scorn ! 
 
 Absalom. Think not I yet give o'er ; for subtlety 
 May here best work, whether with open fraud, 
 Or craft with craft most easily opposed. 
 More confidently certain of success. 
 I with this brother now will go along, 
 With whom I have in love thus newly joined. 
 Something to do, be sure, that shall devise 
 To draw him in the snare of his desert. 
 What may be done shall not be satisfied 
 Save by success, the touchstone truest found. 
 That tries with temper most; that so the mean 
 Shall satisfy the end ; as here may chance. 
 
 Choeus. If he shall lead long life, and without ill 
 Chance on his end, thus reprobate, mankind 
 Shall never come to good. 
 
 Absalom. ISTature cries out 
 Against him, as with violation harmed. 
 But if he scape that self and motioned sin, 
 May I ne'er come to comfort in my death^ 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 305 
 
 Since virtue proves a cheat, and good a lie. 
 
 Chokus. Justly hath God ordained 
 Dire punishment, for sin an evil end 
 Appointing, and fond ways perverse cut off, 
 Ere worst presumption seize the mind of man, 
 Already impious found. 
 Taken with evil bent 
 
 Toward sin and folly, blindly following thence 
 The scent of ruin. 
 Hunting his own harm, 
 Not ignorant, but wilful to his doom, 
 Till from the precipice 
 Of dread destruction fallen. 
 
 Yet thence, though by example warned, fond man 
 "Will not withhold his foot. 
 But perseveres to evil, in ill paths 
 Persisting still to tread; thus greedily 
 Following on error, with delight 
 The taste of sin approving, nor will cease, 
 Till surfeit unbethought surprises, gust 
 Gorged with ill fare distasteful. 
 
 But yonder now, with hastened steps, I see 
 Those coming, whose performed intent defeats 
 Our purpose. Sadder than erewhile they seem. 
 What hath induced them here, conjecture fails; 
 Supposing so perhaps to find him sought. 
 Or of their purpose bringing some ill news. 
 With careful thoughts prepare 
 Our counselled intent to receive them. 
 
 David. With hurried fears and startled resolution 
 Again I come, with purpose to seek out 
 Amnon, my son, whom opportunity 
 Now with occasion asks; for so befalls 
 He must this day conjoin in wedlock-bands. 
 And now his presence the wished hour requires; 
 "V\Tiom at his house or through the high streets passing 
 I might not chance. Say then, if he be here. 
 
3o6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Choeus. Of late he was; but now is parted hence 
 Toward Baal-hazor, to the shearers' feast, 
 Whereto his presence by thy son desired. 
 What more hath chanced him, notice yet is none; 
 But doubtless he by this hath gained the place, 
 And is attendant at the shearers' feast. 
 
 David. How went he? by himself? with others 
 joined? 
 
 Chorus. He with his brother went his way along. 
 
 David. Passed they in peace, as bound on friendly 
 purpose ? 
 
 Choeus. They should be well enough at peace by 
 this. 
 
 David. Thy words thus doubtful raise in me some 
 doubts ; 
 For well I knew them hostile ; and this change. 
 So sudden, may import but hidden ill. 
 Winding them into the heart of easy harms. 
 It likes me not; lest here some consequence 
 May dog the event, that looks but evil now. 
 
 Tamae. Peace, father; nor against thy better mind 
 Fashion the model of uncertain harms. 
 My brothers are not still so unprovided, 
 Xor lack that wary counsel to their need. 
 As to neglect their state, whate'er bechance. 
 And stir not here such careful thoughts; but think 
 That even if some ill were opportune, 
 The dread occasion wants. 
 
 David. Not outward force. 
 That might assail, I fear, but dread lest hatred 
 May inwardly divide them and induce 
 More hapless chance. Where sly desire is hid, 
 It works but stronglier; and, if at a stay, 
 With opposition mounts and undermines. 
 We do not dread the standing pool to sap 
 The mason's toil deep-set ; but the thin rill, 
 However slight it stream; we give it head 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 307 
 
 And room to work its way. I dread lest here 
 
 Occasion linked with opportunity 
 
 Some direful chance induce, which all overturns; 
 
 And now am purposed thither to dispatch 
 
 Who may inform our state the latest news. 
 
 For, while we waste in words, who knows what deed. 
 
 Thus to our purpose froward, may be toward? 
 
 Chorus. But stay; for yonder now some other 
 comes, 
 Who can perhaps inform our state with news. 
 
 David. Thy looks declare thy tidings; speak them 
 out. 
 
 Tamae. With such looks haste beholds; set out thy 
 news. 
 
 Messenger. horror, which these eyes but late 
 beheld, 
 And which my tongue, nigh palsied, must recite, 
 Although the dread relation sicken here. 
 
 David. Suspense is torture; speak thy tidings out. 
 
 Messenger. Amnon is dead; by his own harm is 
 dead. 
 
 David. Sad ; but thou knowest the fateful day to all 
 Comes, not to be denied — a heavy sorrow, 
 Not unsupportable, thou thence hast brought. 
 Or does some fiercer evil lurk behind? 
 
 Messenger. Not in the course of nature, as with age 
 Or some besieging malady, he died. 
 
 David. How died he — of himself, by violent hand? 
 
 Messenger. No self and violent death; a heavier 
 chance. 
 Allotted him, shore off his thread in twain. 
 
 David. Say at whose hand. 
 
 Messenger. At Absalom's. 
 
 David. That worsens 
 The sorrow, and to horror nigh converts. 
 I knew him sudden, rash in wrath, and heady, 
 Smacking of insolence, of pride, rebellion; 
 
3o8 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 But never deemed his thoughts thus far could venture, 
 
 To exact in recompense a brother's life 
 
 Savoring of disregard to God as man, 
 Rather sets man before, and God behind. 
 Whence now I mourn my slack neglect, which failed 
 Some seasonable precaution to this harm; 
 Yet God absolve, and in this stroke discern 
 Punishment for my sin, that sought not good. 
 But pleasure sensual, earthly thence pronounced. 
 The snare that should induce my fiercest harm. 
 But tell us, as in doubts, what dreadful chance 
 Seized on my son, as evil punished thus 
 Por his weak sin that wrought a sister shame ; 
 Yet so perhaps not all his blame adjudged 
 That slew his brother, though so dread it seem. 
 And thwart the wont of hospitality. 
 Which to resolve, tell with complete recital 
 What chance occurred, relation more distinct. 
 
 Messengee. So dire the chance befallen, so with ill, 
 The dread relation sickens; but if thence 
 Desire within thee grows to learn recital 
 So strange, attend; and hear a grievous tale 
 More horrible than horror, as bechanced. 
 And without dread of dogging consequence 
 Preely I speak, as best free truth befits. 
 Por this is freedom, when a freeborn man, 
 Having ill tidings, boldly may pronounce 
 Into what ears, nor thereby suffer harm. 
 Since it becomes a freeman to speak free. 
 At Baal-hazor, while we kept the feast. 
 All things with pleasure sorted, as gay looks, 
 Pair words, high cheer consorting, the fair morn, 
 Whence men are wont to tell like day ; for never 
 So fair a morn hath drawn so foul a day. 
 Though first all hopeful showed. High noon grew nigK, 
 And all was joy and frolic, sport and game ; 
 Then to refreshment turned. Immediately, 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 309 
 
 In large provision courteous, cheer was brought • 
 
 Gates of each kind, and meats delicious, fruits 
 
 Of every sort and savor, choice and fine. 
 
 And wine that warms the sodden heart of man ; 
 
 Which Absalom on Amnon urged, till drink 
 
 Had with excess brought surfeit, surfeit thence 
 
 Blank loss of self and powers, loosed with wine. 
 
 When to his servants Absalom aloud : 
 
 Strike him, nor spare ! Why spare ye ? They thereat 
 
 (So Absalom before had given command) 
 
 Set fierce upon him, pressed him, smote him, slew, 
 
 Mingling his blood with his own wine, distract, 
 
 Put from his mind, disfeatured, discomposed. 
 
 Disordered, drowsed with wine, abject and sunk : 
 
 As when a city on a sudden jars. 
 
 Shocked by the shifting earth, and all her towers 
 
 Totter, while men cry out with gripe of fear 
 
 Sudden heart-seized, and tumult throngs the street. 
 
 So Amnon brutish died, as in his life 
 
 So in death, unrepentant, reprobate. 
 
 And punished in the brutal shape he sinned; 
 
 While all thy other sons are safe escaped. 
 
 But Absalom hath parted, and is passed 
 
 To Talmai, at Geshur, as is thought. 
 
 David. heavy woe ! the worst with grief that ever 
 Could have bechanced thee and thy father's house ! 
 wretched end accurst ! That son I prayed 
 Acceptable, importuned, so desired. 
 How was he still in life a thorn to pierce 
 A father's inmost heart, and in his death 
 Hath so inflicted to my peace what wound ! 
 Wherefore it seems the doubtful gifts of God 
 Are to man's hurt, and best withheld not given. 
 But peace ! what have I said ? Too far my words 
 Grief -wrought have run, inviting further ill 
 Retributive perhaps than yet received. 
 
 Choeus. By how much are the evils tha,t we learnj 
 
310 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 In apt recital quickened ; as here known ! 
 Check now thy headlong grief, and to discretion 
 Slacken the rein, lest ruin worse bechance. 
 For now behold thy daughter, where she stands 
 With eyes downcast and cheeks all paled with ill, 
 As painted in a picture, fain to speak. 
 What may portend concerns thee ; since hath chanced 
 A silence that imports more dread than sound. 
 
 David. Alas ! how had I nearly in my grief 
 Eun on the greater evil, from the less 
 No way escaped ! As man full oft hath done. 
 Tangling still worse the knotted coil of woe. 
 Be of more comfort, daughter ; nor bereave 
 Me doubly, in my sons enough bereaved. 
 Sufficient am I punished; add not more 
 To the hard sum, as yet not satisfied. 
 Or must the heavy score of punishment 
 Eun ever on, a burdenous tale, in sum 
 Of grievous woe increased, never to end? 
 
 Choeus. Many the woes of life. 
 And many sorrows compass round 
 The lot of man, both for himself distressed 
 By worst of troubles, ills and pains. 
 And those who hold relation dear 
 Of kin or friendship; that, perplexed. 
 Doubt rises oft if life be worth its care, 
 Not better lost, as over-balanced found 
 With worst consuming ills. 
 
 Semi-Chorus. Nor only upon those who have de- 
 spised 
 His edicts, and his tenets held in scorn, 
 God in his purpose hid 
 Sends his consuming wrath 
 And fiery hate reserved ; 
 But often on the good displays his hand 
 And favor adverse, as with punishment 
 Visiting on his chosen some dire sin. 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 311 
 
 Nor this perhaps the sum of all his ills^, 
 
 But joined with worse, as linked in double woe ' 
 
 Honor removed, and loss of friends, respect 
 To station lost, contumely of foes. 
 The mock and scorn exposed of people's wrath, 
 Insult, and tumult worse, confusion dire. 
 That wear the stubborn hardihood of pride 
 And rouse the fiercer anarchy within 
 Than wars without distressed. 
 'Not shall he by his cunning scape, 
 Too slight with all his ills to cope, 
 Though to inventions famed, devices rare 
 Of arts that cherish life, unapt not found. 
 
 Semi-Choeus. For though he ward away the bolts 
 of frost 
 In winter, and the summer^s direful heat, 
 Or in the season's drouth 
 Provide himself with store of harvest reaped 
 Against the days of want, when famine found. 
 And many means devise for many ills, 
 Himself he cannot guard 
 Against misfortune, loss, and death, 
 Nor free his mind from fear 
 Of sorrows worse endured. 
 
 David. Come, friends; enough have we bemoaned 
 his fate 
 Thus ill and foul, untimely in his end. 
 Yet in his flower cut off. But so, not deemed 
 All undeserved his ill desert, since he 
 Drew his own hurt, taking the stain of crime 
 With harm to virgin innocence performed. 
 Nor his all blamed, who motioned such dire hurt. 
 That other, to avenge his sister's wrong 
 Wrought ill and foully, done without due heed. 
 
 Or right respect and reverence for law 
 
 God's law, or man's ; which yet outraged not all. 
 Which blames my slackness, wilful negligence 
 
312 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 To punish what ill crime by him performed. 
 And, daughter, be thou comforted; thy state 
 Is widowed now of shame, since death has paid 
 That debt, and thee from all arrears released. 
 Let us bid send to seek him, where he lies 
 Slain bv a brother^s hand, and bring him home 
 With all due rite and solemn ceremony, 
 As fits the son of kings. Then in a tomb 
 His body shall be laid; and marble stand 
 
 Aboye him, to recount his hapless end 
 
 Xothing extenuate his shameful deed, 
 Whence ignominy and dire loss of life. 
 
 Choeus. All with good hath closed this day, 
 Wherein God's purpose great hath shown 
 Inscrutable and dark, yet in the close 
 According with his high intent; 
 "WTiich to their evil hath inflicted thence 
 Discomfort and fierce yengeance upon those 
 Who overpass his edicts. On his chosen 
 With favor now hath closed. 
 And peace of mind, all malice spent. 
 
 ODE : TO INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM. 
 
 Thou who art beauty, wisdom, glory, law, 
 
 A protean name, a various effluence. 
 
 Yet one, like light thrown through prism-crystalj 
 
 whence 
 All hues their shades and shifting echoes draw; 
 Who art a power that is felt and known 
 To kindle and restrain and overawe 
 The pure delight, the rapture, and the fear 
 Toward which our highest and our holiest yearn. 
 While in slow roundure turn 
 The mighty months that measure time's vast year; 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 313 
 
 A being won 
 
 And like swift lightning lost, where art thou gone ? 
 
 For thou wert known to men. The halcyon days 
 Of Greece heard thy communings, and thy form 
 Stood, a majestic presence to the gaze 
 Of poet, seer, and sculptor known; while, warm 
 With tempered passion, verse not vain 
 Poured forth in praise of thee her golden strain; 
 Thou in the sea of faction still' dst the storm; 
 And the beauty that they loved 
 Breathed in brass, in marble moved; 
 Philosophy divined with voice elate. 
 And learning woke in rapture animate. 
 But when thou couldst no more their minds illume, 
 Thou at the last forsook'st the anarch gloom; 
 And freedom sank in Greece, to rise in Rome. 
 
 The days of Alfred saw thee, though afar 
 Shone thy dim coming, shrouded close in gloom. 
 Thy herald was the braying shock of war. 
 Thy proclamation, peace ; but the blind doom, 
 Slavery, fell; unknown thou didst depart; 
 Ever hadst thou disdained the race of slaves ! 
 Prance knew thee too, when mighty Charlemain 
 Steered for thy light, adrift on war's waste waves; 
 But storms of state repelled him, and thy light 
 Soon faded, swallowed up in error's night. 
 
 And Italy, the nurse of arms and art, 
 The crag-set cradle of young liberty. 
 The eye and soul of learning — Italy 
 Beheld thee. All her daughters, hand to hand. 
 Passed thy swift torch o'er anarchy's waste deep 
 Like watch-fires flashed along from steep to steep. 
 Again sung Poesy : that sister band 
 Hymned a wild sorrow, fallen on days forlorn. . 
 Others have seen thee ; but, alas, too few : 
 Thou fledd'st ; they to that heavenly vision were untrue ! 
 And last, as one out of due season bom. 
 
314 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 America, the fairest birth of time. 
 But none have e'er beheld thee in thy prime ; 
 Their eyes were holden from thy fnll-orbed grace, 
 Seen dark, as in a glass, not face to face. 
 
 Toward what untrodden temple of the mind 
 May votaries bend their pilgrimage to thee; 
 And plucked from what impruned boughs npbind 
 Their brows with thy rich bays of fnll-flowered tree? 
 0, when thy heralds and thy priests have blown 
 The golden summons to thy jubilee. 
 Then shall thy altar with full incense teem, 
 Thy gold again o'erstream. 
 The perfect flower of peace 
 Flourish, and the rich increase 
 Of honor and high praise throughout the world be 
 
 shown. 
 To win thy face, thy favor to redeem, 
 0, are these tears of too imperfect moan ? 
 
 THE SUN. 
 
 I STOOD at the birth of the primal earth. 
 
 That her infancy bare. 
 Swung by the wind, that rough nurse kind, 
 
 In her cradle of soft-fleeced air. 
 She was not the first that budded and burst 
 
 In glory from out my side; 
 Five births before I had given and yearned o'er. 
 
 Tameless in their swift pride. 
 And since from my womb, a light-woven gloom. 
 
 Thrice a birth have I born; 
 But the years wear not me ; I am fresh as the sea 
 
 Eobed in my rainbows by morn. 
 
 The rivers I lift and the glacier-drift 
 
JAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 315 
 
 On the foreheads of mountains hoar ; 
 Whence their ebb's eager flow, or soft foot slow, 
 
 Steals to ocean's crystalline floor; 
 And or mighty or small, I still hear all 
 
 The echoes their voices first woke. 
 I roar in thunder ; and, flashing under. 
 
 In lightning cleave the oak; 
 While the frighted air feels weak fear, and reels 
 
 Aghast before the stroke. 
 Cloud and clear weather I weave together 
 
 My garment pied to be. 
 As in fire I glow, in water flow, 
 
 With primal energy. 
 
 I pass through all space ; but the wizard-place 
 
 Is the earth of my alchemy. 
 Where, a Proteus, I through a million shapes fly, 
 
 To a million millions to be. 
 The limbec of air and the dun hues there 
 
 With my myriad essences swarm. 
 As a million, yet one, done and undone, 
 
 I pass through life's pores, and wami 
 I enter and go, congeal and flow, 
 
 Till I flit, a formless form. 
 
 The lilies of the field, the flowers that yield 
 
 Sweets for the hive's honeyed lip, 
 The cattle on the hills, and the pasture that fills. 
 
 Are my cunning workmanship. 
 I grow the clover, whose vermeil globes over 
 
 Drone the bees golden-girdled and blithe ; 
 And I am the power, the selfsame hour. 
 
 That swings the hungry scythe. 
 The blood amain through the myriad brain 
 
 I pour — I fashioned both, 
 And the slave that feeds their innumerous needs, 
 
 The lazy muscle loth. 
 
3i6 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 I urge the toil of passion's turmoil 
 
 Through the heart's feverous fane, 
 As in hate I burn, in desire yearn 
 
 "With love's warm pleasant pain. 
 I glow in thought; in words I am wrought 
 
 "With cunning speech to bind 
 The sly spirit that works in the heart, and lurks 
 
 In the many-chambered mind. 
 
 I am life, I am death, I am breather and breath. 
 
 Food, waste, and fuel, and flame ; 
 I am born and die, follow and fly ; 
 
 Life, death, flight, pursuit are the same. 
 I am drawn and draw, I am slave and law; 
 
 Earth and air and sea 
 May struggle amain to slip — but in vain 
 
 The chain of my energy; 
 Yet earth's weakest motions, or air's, or ocean's, 
 
 Are lord and master of me. 
 
 I give and take, make and break, 
 
 Recede, advance, go and come; 
 I pass and turn, deaden and burn. 
 
 Add, then draw from the sum; 
 But I wax, nor wane, I lose, nor gain, 
 
 As I lead the lagging years 
 Through the zodiac round girding wide heaven's bound, 
 
 Where, a peer among myriad peers, 
 I keep firm state, as I modulate 
 
 The music of the spheres. 
 
 TO A LILY OF THE VALLEY. 
 
 Fair, drooping flower, than driven snow more white, 
 Meekly that rear'st thy tender, modest form. 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 317 
 
 Content when shines the sun with glowings warm 
 As when around prevail the shades of night, 
 Far from thee ever stay all blasting blight 
 And whatsoever hath the power to harm, 
 But be thy lot to flourish long, and charm. 
 The chilling winter may thee lowly smite; 
 But thou shalt rise once more and gem the sod, 
 Fresh as the dew that nestles in thy heart 
 When gilds the eastern sky the rising morn. 
 Fit emblem of the sinless Son of God, 
 As humble as that lowly one thou art, 
 Pure as the lamb that without spot wa^ born. 
 
 FOETITUDE. 
 
 Theee is no bondage to the noble mind, 
 
 Howe'er in iron poverty hard-pent ; 
 
 Rich in himself, in being's fee content. 
 
 That generous soul mounts free as frolic wind, 
 
 Whether men's hearts be hard and life unkind. 
 
 Nor will he aught to fortune's blast relent, 
 
 But with a purpose and a brow stern-bent 
 
 Bear up and steer right on, until he find 
 
 The harbor of his hope. No lowering grey 
 
 Of leaden-hue d despair blinds that clear plan. 
 
 In the beginning seeing the sure end. 
 
 So through the mine's grim mouth the eye may scan 
 
 Despite the murk of darkness where, far-kenned, 
 
 Beam the pure stars hid by the garish day. 
 
 THE HERMIT MINSTER. 
 HiGH-TOWEEiNQ trees, the pillars rude^ 
 
3iB TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Support my minster of the wood, 
 
 O'er whose broad roof, and through whose aisles, 
 
 The many-checkering sunlight smiles; 
 
 Far-roaming breezes fill and faint, 
 
 As through the dim cathedral quaint 
 
 The full-voiced choirs their anthems raise 
 
 In tribute to their Maker's praise; 
 
 "While fill all stops and intervals 
 
 Sounds of far-moaning waterfalls. 
 
 IN PEACE. 
 
 Spring to the earth, flowers to the spring return, 
 
 And bees to flowers, after winter hoar; 
 
 But though our grief might fade — yet nevermore 
 
 Must thou revisit us, howler we yearn. 
 
 I would not coldly weigh thy worth, nor earn 
 
 Thy meed of praise, as rich in wisdom's store; 
 
 For now hast thou in fulness that great lore 
 
 Toward which our highest and our holiest burn. 
 
 Our narrow knowledge of this petty world 
 
 Thou canst outsoar on thy expanded wings 
 
 That sweep the highest arc of heavenly zone; 
 
 Yet in our lives thy spirit lies impearled, 
 
 And still with us thou dwell'st, as the light clings 
 
 Still to a star, although the source be gone. 
 
 ON THE TIMES. 
 
 Spirit of liberty, how art thou fled! 
 Driven out to dwell among the beasts again, 
 Or in the hills, or on wide ocean's main, 
 Or in the eternity of heaven. For dead 
 
 I 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 319 
 
 Are all those golden ancient dreams that bred 
 Unrest divine in man, and generous pain. 
 Now the starved heart yields to the pampered brain 
 That on gold battens. We have stones for bread, 
 Serpents for meat ; the gall of asps we drink, 
 And conch on vilest refuse or the draff 
 Of servile rags. Is there no fear with awe 
 That we have lost our birthright ? Then bethink : 
 We to the nations are a mock and laugh ; 
 Hewers of wood are we, and water draw. 
 
 ON THE SAME. 
 
 A JEALOUS honor of the public good, 
 
 A generous envy, a consuming zeal. 
 
 Are things which well befit those breasts to feel 
 
 Who ever like the rock have firmly stood 
 
 Against the torrent, when an evil flood 
 
 Hath swept above the submerged commonweal. 
 
 And the fair champaign hastes in wreck to seal. 
 
 Leaving a base and reptile-swarming mud. 
 
 What souls are theirs, who batten on the filth 
 
 Themselves have spewed, who make the state their boot, 
 
 And like the vulture hasten to the prey, 
 
 Eating the vitals of their kind ! The tilth 
 
 Of error brings not forth a righteous fruit, 
 
 Briars and brambles rather — such as they. 
 
 ON THE EUSSIAN MASSACRES. 
 
 Stainless art thou and pure, Liberty ! 
 Whether among the mountains be thy home. 
 Thy haunts beloved of old, or whether roam 
 
320 TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 
 
 Thy holy footsteps o'er the untraced sea ; 
 
 Loved in all climes ! where thou the unyoked may'st see, 
 
 Or dregs of mankind trod in blood and foam, 
 
 The winepress of God's wrath, which those, who come 
 
 To bind and slave, wring with unholy glee. 
 
 And drink. They who endured the whips of hate, 
 
 Who bore oppression's load, who felt the smart, 
 
 And rather than in bondage that they stood, 
 
 Which eats the soul as iron, soon and late, 
 
 Fell unto death, loving that better part, 
 
 Are these. earth, cover not thou their blood I 
 
 THE FAIREST ROSE. 
 
 In a garden of roses, 
 The fairest rose 
 
 For one, one only. 
 Her beauty shows. 
 
 My heart is the garden, 
 And thou the rose; 
 
 For me, me only 
 Thy beauty shows. 
 
 The rose in the garden 
 
 Ever blows; 
 In my heart bloom ever, 
 
 fairest rose! 
 
 FALSE OR TRUE. 
 
 Would that my heart were false as yours, 
 Or yours were true as mine ; 
 
TAMAR AND OTHER POEMS 3^1 
 
 Then life were joy; nor I at least 
 For your sweet want should pine. 
 
 0, what in comfort may I find, 
 
 Or what from pleasure borrow ? 
 Now in a gloomy room, apart, 
 
 I sit, and sup with sorrow. 
 
 For since my life has been o'ercast, 
 
 Nor thy star gleams to follow. 
 Every woman's face is false, 
 
 Every heart is hollow. 
 
 MY LOVE IS YOUNG. 
 
 Flowees that show in spring 
 
 Are fairest. 
 Time that's on the wing 
 
 Is rarest. 
 All things by their season 
 
 Best seasoned are. 
 Love is best, when reason 
 
 And beauty square. 
 
 My love is young. 
 
 Youth is still the prime 
 
 For warm delights; 
 Age the frosty time 
 
 Of colder sleights. 
 Summer fruits do grow 
 
 With age the strongest; 
 Only love doth show 
 
 Ripest when youngest. 
 
 My love is young. 
 
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 d 9 9 i) 
 
Loews American Roof 
 
 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, near Times Square 
 
 THE WORLD^S MOST BEAUTIFUL 
 ROOF GARDEN THEATRE. 
 
 Presenting 
 
 High Class Vaudeville 
 12— Big Acts— 12 
 
 —OPEN ALL YEAR- 
 
 Delightfully cool in the Summer 
 
 and 
 
 Cosy and warm in the Winter. 
 
 Performance every evening, 8:15. 
 
 SEATS RESERVED IN ADVANCE, 
 
 25c. and 50c. 
 
Marcus Loews Vaudeville 
 Theatres 
 
 Presenting 
 
 CONTINUOUS VAUDEVILLE 
 
 I to II P. M. Daily. 
 
 Afternoon loc Night loc, 15c., 25c. 
 
 LOEWS SEVENTH AVENUE THEATRE— 124th Street and 7th 
 
 Avenue, N. T. 
 LOEWS NATIONAL. THEATRE— 149th Street and Bergen 
 
 Avenue, Bronx, 
 
 YORKVILLE THEATRE— East 86th Street, N. Y. 
 LINCOLN SQUARE THEATRE— 66th St. and Broadway, N. Y. 
 CIRCLE THEATRE^ — 61st Street and Broadway, N. Y. 
 AMERICAN THEATRE — 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, N. Y. 
 AMERICAN MUSIC HALL— 42nd Street and 8th Avenue (atop 
 American Theatre). 
 
 HERALD SQUARE THEATRE, Broadway and 35th Street, N. Y. 
 LOEWS GREELEY SQUARE THEATRE — 30th Street and 6th 
 Avenue, N. Y. 
 
 LOEWS DELANCEY STREET THEATRE, Delancey and Suf- 
 folk Streets, N. Y. 
 
 BIJOU THEATRE, 24 Smith Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 ROYAL THEATRE, Pearl and Willoughby Sts., Brooklyn, N, Y, 
 COLUMBIA THEATRE, Washington and Tillery Streets, Brook- 
 lyn, N. Y. 
 
 SHUBERT THEATRE, Howard Avenue, Brooklyn, N. T. 
 LIBERTY THEATRE, Liberty and Stone Avs., Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 
 LOEWS THEATRE, New Rochelle, N. Y. 
 
 LYRIC THEATRE, Hoboken, N. J. 
 
 PREMIER THEATRE, Fall River, Mass. 
 BIJOU THEATRE, Fall River, Mass. 
 
 ORPHEUM THEATRE, Boston, Mass. 
 WEST END THEATRE. Boston, Mass, 
 
 WEST END THEATRE (Sunday's only), 125th St. N. Y. City. 
 MANHATTAN OPERA HOUSE (Sundays only) West 34th St., 
 N. T. 
 
 2 
 
Deacidified using the Bookkeeper procei 
 Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
 Treatment Date: Sept. 2009 
 
 PreservationTechnologie 
 
 A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATII 
 
 111 Thomson Park Drive 
 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
 (724)779-2111