THH 44 SONG OF SONGS," SPIRITUALLY CONTEMPLATED AS A SACRED DIALOGUE BETWEEN CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH, AND BRIEFLY RENDERED INTO VERSE. TO WHICH IS ADDED, STRONGHOLD OF BIGOTRY; A POETIC VISION. LONDON : PARTRIDGE & OAKEY, 34, PATERNOSTER ROW. G, ERRATA. p. 32, 1. 2, tor dividedst, rfad nietecUt. p. 49, 1. 7, for On, read O'er. PREFACE. The following attempt was occasioned by the Author's wish to read that portion of Sacred Scripture which he has select- ed, with some degree of spiritual profit. For this purpose, it occurred to him, that a brief and obvious paraphrase hi simple verse, would both assist the memory, and furnish hints for a more ample and expanded contemplation on the endearing and important truths which are couched in the Sacred Allegory. Various and dissimilar have been the spiritual interpretations of this divine book among the most learned and conscientious commentators ; from whence it would seem not improbable, that the Holy Spirit may have left it without any certain clue, or fixed standard of the sacred sense in detail, in order to bring our spiritual faculties into salutary exercise for it seems to be of comparatively small importance, what particular spiritual mean- ing is attached to some of its lively and beautiful imagery, BO that the infinite, eternal, sovereign love of Christ to his Church, and her unworthiness, dependance, obligations, and consequent gratitude and responded affection, with all their blessed results 1074131 ii in the experience and practice of each individual Believer, are kept in view.* It may perhaps be alleged by some readers of the following pages, that a theme which is so little studied, and so seldom handled, and which has been so profanely abused, had better have remained, on the present occasion, within its hallowed shrine, unexplored ; but, so long as it continues an acknowledged and integral portion of "the Lively Oracles," it is highly im- portant not to reduce it in any sense to a "dead letter." The Author of the humble essay here presented, is among the num- ber of those who, for many years, refrained from reading the original. The numerous and lengthy commentaries, however excellent, he found were too burdensome and distracting for his memory ; and the pleasure and benefit which he has derived from Ms more concise and condensed method, induces him to hope, that his little manuel may possibly be acceptable to many "The variety of attempts which have been made to bring out by different methods, the stores of Divine Poetry, is very pleasing. A metrical version afford s many opportunities of preserving the force of the eastern poetry, l?yond what can be done in a literal form in prose: the metaphor, and the thing conveyed by it, may be often combined in verse, in a way they could not be in prose. Where fidelity is the first and great object, and by acquaintance with Holy Scripture a writer has become in some degree imbued with its spirit, and familiarized with its mode of thought and expression, the very power of \cr-e may afford him the most apt vehicle for conveying it. There are occasions when plain words are in a manner inadequate to support a suitable tone and spirit in a feeble language, without this assistance. As music may convey impressions and thoughts beyond the reach of words, so may words in verse ofttimes, beyond the power of pro^c. In many instances Virgil pro-one* the .-tiviigtli mid lauty of Homer, by the pause* and rythm of his verse, beyond the fora- (if any mere language of un- assisted prose." [British (ViViV.] of his Christian brethren.* One rather formidable objection, indeed, to its publication, especially in & poetic form, remains to be obviated : its apparent competition with the well known version of the accomplished and pious Mrs. Howe. It will be seen, perhaps but too plainly, that no advantage has been taken of that lady's elegant model. Indeed, after many years of almost oblivious intermission, a re- perusal was purposely abstained from, in order to work out the thoughts and style of the present essay, however inferior, with perfect freedom, and to obviate all invidious comparison with so celebrated a rival. It has, however, been thought by some of her most judicious and Christian critics, that her glowing am- plifications and rapturous flights, are, for a spiritual paraphrase, too much tinctured with the language of human passion ; and that a feminine langour occasionally weakens the required energy of her verse; blemishes, which, with a masculine pen, and such a concise and energetic original, it is no great merit to avoid. In the following version, the imagery has heen closely inter - woven with the paraphrase ; the addition of crowded Notes- purposely avoided ; and, in order to preserve the mind of the Author free from all theoretical bias, no commentary was pre- viously consulted. He has, however, the satisfaction to find, on a subsequent reference to such authorities, that his general tone * "A metrical version of Sacred Song, clothes the words of the original for our use in a way to explain tfiemsehes; and as in some respects it super it linos in others surpass a prose, commentary : for that is consulted and set aside ; whereas this dwells on the heart and car." [Rritish Critic.] iv of interpretation is desirably accordant. The present t* therefore stands on ;in original basis; aiul, committing it to the divine blessing, and the reader's candour, it is unanxiously left to await its award.* The Reader will derive great advantage in consulting, at large, the numeral references in the side margins. Spenser, the Author of The Farie Queene, versified the whole of Solomon's Sony; but there is no extant copy of his version; a pretty str.mi: indication (though hs loss is to be regretted) that elegant as it must have been, it was de- ficient in some quality of popular attraction. Michael Drayton has also versified some portions of that sacred liook ; but he confines himself to the literal text. SONG OF SONGS; A SACRED DIALOGUE BETWEF.X CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH. The Church's love to Christ. Rev. i. 5, r,. Greet me, ALL FAITHFUL, with a pledge of love From thine own lips ; be such sweet intercourse My daily joy: for thine unchanging love Thus plighted, far excels the choicest wine. paim ixiii. 1-4. Past tokens of thy grace engage my heart Ardent again to crave that vital cheer. The unction of thy Name EMMANUEL Renown'd through heav'n and earth, gently distils Prov. xxvii, 9. Like precious ointment, on each favour'd soul ; Therefore the godly virgin puro in heart B She confesseth her deformity. My choice companions, love thee fervently.* a Cor. v. H. Draw me by thy constraining grace from sin, John vt. 44. xli 32 My soul's detested tyranny ; and swift As to her faithful mate the fleet-wing'd dove, I, and my kindred saints, will follow thee. The KING OF Ziox, from my vile abode Of misery and guilt, hath brought my soul Eph.H. 6. Into his chambers Purity and Bliss. The CHURCH and BELIEVERS. We will rejoice in Thee. Thy tasted love Leaves a rich savour, as of costliest wine. Thy Saints thy Chosen, love thee fervently. The CHURCH. I'm black, yet comely (Witness this strange trutl To the false brethren, ye saints of ZION.) Psaim cx\.. Black with sin's loathsome taint, as KEDAR'S tents ; Yet comely in my Lord's imparted grace, * Marginal muling. Tlu-i/ lure //< ujtriyhlly. 3 Prtiitetli to be directed to IHsfl,* h. As SOLOMON'S fair shrine. Look not on me, O ye profanely proud ; Look not on me With scorn, though black as with the sun's fierce brand, Nor persecution add to conscious shame. My carnal brethren taunted me Would set me, Prnv. xxiv. 30. For guard and culture, o'er their weed-chok'd vineyards Of Idol-faith, and drudging Superstition, isaiah v. i7. Whilst foul neglect, alas ! disgrac'd my oirjt .' Thus sore beset, I seek, my Lord, to thee Tell tell me (0 my soul's supreme delight) Isaiah xi. ii. Where thou dost pasture and repose thy flock Ezek. xxxiv. 15. J xxx vi. 37, 38. With godly counsel, and o'crshadowing peace, In fierce temptation's noontide heat ? For, why 'Midst thine ungodly rivals aliens false, Gen. xxxviii. u. Like a veil'd stranger* should I turn aside fiuth iii. 15. Incontinent, at each seductive lure, " Munrin. Jfnrlnt. R'J 4 Christ direcleth her to the SJiepherds' tents. Sheweth his love to her. Psalm urn. 2. From thy lov'd presence with thy folded sheep ? CHRIST. If thou know not (O thou supremely fair !) Go, trace the footsteps of my gentle flock, In each divinely-suited ordinance, Psalm xxiu. 2. And feed thy tender charge thy babes in grace, Isa. xl. 11. Acts xx. 28. Beside the tents where my true shepherds dwell. 1 Peter v. 2. thou, my soul's chief joy ! Fam'd is thy bright Majestic beauty, where a numerous train Of Gifts Divine, meet, like the noble steeds In PHARAOH'S stately chariots. Thy fair face Beams comely with that "jewel of great price," i reter in. . "A meek and quiet spirit." Link'd around Thy neck of polish'd grace, each virtue shines Like chains of purest gold. WE, thine ELOIIIM, Yea, thine in changeless covenant, will complete Thy bright adornment with a spotless Robe . 10. (The Rol.t- <>f j.rrtVet Righteonsm-st J)irinc) 5 her yraciotts Promises. t-k.xvi ii-M. Gold-heium'd, and starr'd with silver. The CilUKCii. Whilst the KINO Sits at his feast of love, my soul ascends Like spikenard-incense, to the sacred joys Of sweet communion, rapt in prayer and praise. Psalm xiv. 8. My well beloved is as clust'ring myrrh To my faint spirit. Through each dreary night Of restless grief, I'll clasp him to my heart. Yea, my beloved, (O, transcending grace !) Cheers me with precious Promises, a balm Divine like bundles of sweet camphire, pluck'd Fresh from EN-GEDI'S* vineyards. CHRIST. Thou dear companion of my sacred joys ! Lo ! thou art fair, my love ! yea, passing fair ! Thy black reproachful stain, by my free grace * EX-GEIH. A celebrated spot in Solomon's time, anil abounding in great variety of the richest fruits* and spices. 6 The ( 'liurch and (^'lirist congratulate on another. Is wash'd away. True mirrors of thy heart, (To lowliest self-esteem divinely wrought) Meek are thine eyes, like doves' ! The CHURCH. Thou art all fair, My best-belov'd ! Eternal, underiv'd, All-perfect ! Yea, all-precious thou to me, As I to thee, though deck'd in borrmo'd beauty. Thus mutually endear'd, in perfect peace, As in some ever-verdant mead, we rest. Firm, as with ever-during cedar beam'd . u. 21. A living, holy temple, fitly fram'd Stands our blest mansion ; and, in lofty range, Our heav'n-cop'd galleries of divine delight, Time-proof, and pillar'd as with stately fir. CHRIST. I am tin- lln-c of heav'nly SHARON'S* field. * SIIAKON. His plain, or field. 7 The mutual /ore of (,'///- ; .s7 and His Church. Where in supremcst sov'reignty I reign : But in my nether world of Grace, am known The meekly-fashiou'd Lily of the vale. And thon, my soul's delight, thus one with me, As 'midst rude thorns the graceful lily blooms, puii. u. is. All proud presumptuous rivals dost transcend. The CHURCH. As 'mid the fruitless forest brightly glows Th' alluring apple, my beloved shines All creature-worth to nought. With great delight I sat beneath his shade. Fresh vigour there Imbib'd ; afflictions, cares, temptations, griefs, Were banish'd or subdued. His vital fruit, Re" xxii^i ' *' Heart -holiness, was my most sweet repast. He brought me into his rich banquet -house Of gospel privilege, and sacred joy. Juim xv. 9, 10. His banner over me was LOVE. Sustain me With cordial flagons of celestial wine Thy soul-reviving Promises. 0, comfort me 8 The /)/>, and calling of the Church. With fruits in foretaste of immortal glory, Fresh from the tree of life : for my faint soul Pines with intense desire. He comes ! He comes ! His left hand, soother of each earthly care, Pillows my drooping head. His right hand, pledge Of heav'n, enfolds me in a blest embrace. I charge you, daughters of Jerusalem, AY ho coldly may misdeem my fervent love ; I charge you, by the gentle roes and hindes By those inferior joys ye fondly prize "Wake not my Lord from this our sacred rest, Till He, O mournful hour ! himself withdraw. ****** The voice of my beloved ! See ! He comes, Leaping o'er all my mountain-heap of sin ; Long absent, more endear'd. Swift to my aid, As the young fleet-sped hart, and bounding roe, Comes my beloved Lord. Behold, ev'n now 9 W.v can- uf tin' C/iur<:/i. i Cor. m. 9. He stands behind our ZION'S lowly wall : Sun of my soul ! He through the lattice looks Luke HIV. 35. Qf each clear truth, and lucid ordinance. Anon, (O wondrous plenitude of grace !) To sweet companionship, and nobler joys, He calls me forth. "Rise up, my best belov'd, " My fair one ! Come away ! Forget thy long "Drear winter of desertion : Lo, 'tis gone ! Psalm xxx. 5. Xhe rain, thy tearful grief for sin, is past : "Fresh-flow'ring graces deck thee gloriously: "Praises, long mute, like joyous birds break forth j "And oft the Sacred SPIRIT'S dove-like voice "Delights our happy land. The fig, yet green, " The tender grape's prime odour, fitly note " Each promise-fruit of grace. Arise, my love, "Fair partner of my joys, and come away ! "0, my chaste dove, whose lone retreat is oft " The rocky cleft the steep, rough, mountain lodge " Of desolate distress ; let me behold c 10 The Church profesixth her faith anil hope. "Thy joy -lit countenance, and hear again " Thy cheerful voice : for, welcome is thy voice " Of prayer and grateful praise ; and sweet to me Proverbs xv. s. "Thy countenance of joy." O ye, who watch AVithin my chosen vineyard, seize promptly seize And cast out, ev'ry crafty wile, of false And fox-like teachers, who, by treach'rous guile, And dark, insidious error, spoil our vines Ezek. xiii. 4, r>. Our tender plants of grace. The CHURCH. Pledg'd, heart to heart, 1 Cor. IB. 23. My best-belov'd is mine, and I am Hi?, In covenant endearment : Yea, He feasts Among his Saints, heart-pure like spotless lilies. Return then, my beloved. Till those shades, Soul-dark'ning ignorance, corruption, sin, 2 Peter i. 19. Distress, all flee before thy gospel-day O, haste thee, as the hart, or lightsome roc, 11 The Church's fliyht, and cicto/y in temptation. O'er ESTHER'S barrier-mountain.* ****## On my lone bed Of dark desertion, HIM, my soul's chaste love, xxvi. 9. Oft I invok'd. In agonizing prayer I sought, but found him not. "Now will I rise : "Importunately bold I'll range the streets, " The highways of our Ziox. Wheresoe'er " His sainted throngs assemble, there I'll seek " My soul's ador'd EMMANUEL." I sought him, Job xxiu. s, 9. But still (O, bitter anguish !) found him not. Ezek. m. n. Our hallow'd City's pastor-guardians met me : "Tell teU me" (I implor'd) "Say have you seen "My soul's supreme desire ?" Scarce had I spoke, "When, lo ! transporting joy ! I found I clasp'd Jer.xxix. 12, 13. 1 held, the best-beloved of my soul : Gen. xxii. 26. Nor lax'd my strict embrace, till to my blest * ESTHER. Mountain of division. c2 12 BeMeven ylwy in Christ. Maternal SALEM, chaniber'd in full peace, Exultingly I brought him. Thus repos'd, I charge you, daughters of Jerusalem, Who my rapt fervour coldly may misdeem, I charge you, by the gentle roes and hindes By all the fond endearments that ye prize "Wake not my Lord from this our sacred rest, Till He, (O, mournful hour!) himself \vit\i(ii % w . ****** Company of BELIEVERS. What glorious form is this, who, from the world's Waste-howling wilderness comes forth, enshrin'd Majestic, in his own transcendant grace, Like pillar'd clouds of incense ? Lo, his rest ^Yitll souls redeem'd, is as the peaceful reign Of SOLOMON.* Theirs is a trustful guard, frs vi. n. Encompassing the camp of his elect s i. 7. * SOLOMON. Peace. 13 Believers i:dl-plcasin Its hidious orgies, (scenes that might appal The waking sense, I'd fain explore,) and then Would brave the, presence (perilous withal !) Of its Aucii-FiEXD the Ward of each devoted thrall. K 2 42 IX. Close nelghb'ring our colloquial retreat, An ancient Abbey frown'd in Gothic gloom ; A ruin'd shaft now form'd our social seat, And here my courteous Mentor deign'd resume His lively-pictur'd lore, that did each theme illume, X, "In a once populous and ample plain, "By ancient History and in early Sung "Renown'd a Eden's primitive domain, "Curs'd BIGOTTCT by violence and wrong "Now reigns, and holds hia DEN. Not Hell's grim K [more strong. XI. " But oh ! how chang'd ! The lovely clime erewhile "Unvex'd by Storm, or ghastly Famine's blight, "No longer basks 'neath Heav'n's pr.rennial smile, "But fitful rage of Heat and Cold doth smite "The soil ; and sickly Day sinks to tempestuous Night. 43 XII. "And where luxuriant Harvest wont to spread "For ev'ry thankful wight his vital cheer, "Now, weedy tilth by noxious vapours fed, "The niggard waste besprinkling scant and sear, " Scarce living tiling supplies throughout the famish'd [year ! XIII. " Hard by the girding moat, a forest grim " Of blasted yew, in sable horror stands : " Sulphureous mountains all the air bedim : " Or, from their cavern'd gorge fierce flame expands "In torrent-fire, that whelms those curse-devoted lands. XIV. "And 'midst those deadly haunts, are frequent trace "Of penal flames, once fed with human prey ; " Which no redeeming culture might efface : "And still is held in merciless delay "Each fated thrall, that waits his surely doomed day ! XV "But oli ! the terror of those raokc- "A J!/arfyr-spirit thus from earth's loath'd bondain [broke. XVI. "The savage numntain-echoee mock'd their wail -. " The gloomy CSuffc-wallf each taunt prolong "With hideous yell: and oft the tainted gale "In gusty mirth raves a funereal song, "As fitfully it sports those gorged pyres among." XVII. So painful on my harrow 'd fancy press'd Each sanguinary picture, that, methought,. For ease to the keen tumult of my breast, Of my sage Chronicler brief pause I sought On social converse, less with graphic horrors fraught^ XVIII. Anon, we track'd the persecuting race From fratricidal GAIN, that primes! spawn Of Hell j whose taint no judgment could efface Not ev'n the penal DELUGE : nor, till dawn Of Universal LOVE, that curse shall be withdrawn ! XIX. Bewild'ring Controversy's endless field We shunn'd : Hotbed of bigotry and hate ! Nor Traditionary lore appeal'd But Revelation's marvels, with sedate And holy awe, our pow'rs we set to contemplate. XX. The wondrous grace that snatch'd the first frail man From everlasting ruin by his fall ! That in lost EDEN drew the Gospel plan, Ev'n while Heav'n's righteous sentence did npp; The rebel, as he stood, sin's miserable thrall ! 46 XXI. O, lovely pattern ! O, benignant ruU- Of charity, from erring man to man ! Thus early tutor'd in the Gospel school, Strange his delight each spai-k of strife to fan. And on his brother dare denounce the bigot-ban ! XXII. Nor shunn'd we that deep myst'ry to explore, Exterminated Canaan's godless brood By Israel's fated hand. The sword they bore Of GOD ALL-JUST : The INFINITELY GOOD : And woe to them, had they His dire command withstood ! XXIII. For, not to satiate a bigot rage Those heav'n-devoted victims they assail'd; That ruthless war reluctantly they wage : Oft, unbelieving fears their courage quail'd, And, but for aid Divine, eacli enterprize had fail'd I 47 XXIV. O, dreadful lesson to the rebel race Of Israel, Executioners thus made Of heav'n's fierce wrath for sin ! 'Tis hence we trace Their Sovreign's laws in anywise obey'd, Lest they to kindred sins, and wrath, should be betray'd. XXV. Yet, seeds of hateful prejudice, deep sown, Unfold anon, in Pharisaic pride : The loath'd Samaritan they shunn'd to own Brother or Neighbour ! Yea, would slink aside From the lorn wretch, though he from such neglect had [died ! XXVI. Thence trac'd we that demoniac hate they wreak Against their lowly KING, the' INCARNATE GOD : Though them, his Israel lost, He came to seek, And save ! But under foot they basely trod His proffer'd Grace, and thus drew down His vengeful [rod. 48 X X VII. Yet, not to' avenge Himself: At that dread hour When to the Cross nail'd by a savage crew, His very blood was Mercy's kindly shower ; Love from his dying lips this token drew ; " Father ! forgive them, for they know not what they do !" xxvni. And now, methought (my spirit thus reliev'd) My eager thirst return'd, to range again Where BIGOTRY around his victims weav'd His subtle snares, and whose tyrannic chain Held Britain long beneath his sanguinary reign. XXIX. " The region" quoth my ever-courteous Friend, "Where the vile Pest his STRONGHOLD hath [secur'd, "Faithful I pictur'd ere we did suspend " The dreary theme which thou hadst scarce endur'd : "Now, list his dolorom Den, and Abjects there immnr'd. 49 XXX. " That Castellated Lair, of range immense, " At various periodic times was rear'd : " Each elder barrier, 'spite of stern defence, "Time's ever-crumbling fingers have not spar'd, " Yet still those ruins stand, in hope to be repair'd ! XXXI. "The sounder bastions, fram'd in later days, " On their dark portals bear each noted name " Of sotted Zealots, whose degraded praise "Was, ' Wide and firm extent of bigot-fame " And rule ;' but, chief is blaz'd M ARI A's ruthless claim ! XXXII. "One jealous, solitary bridge, updrawn, "(Save for some prest occasion it expands " Thwart the wide moat) the KEEP which oft doth yawn "For prey, with frowning vigilance commands, "And there, an armed host each threaten'd seige with- [stands. 50 XX XII I. "'Twos long" (said my kind Mentor} "ere I bore " Warrant of entrance for my dread assay " The CASTLE'S rueful secrets to explore : "Till SHIBBOLETH, the watch-word of the day, "I learn'd, and, pilgrim-clad, pursu'd my easy way. XXXIV. "Instant, with thund'ring clang, and earthquake shock, "The pond'rous iron portals clos'd on me ; "Long, frightful echoes, the dank aisles did rock; " While through th' intricate wards, with savage glee "Rag'd the dire din of that infernal minstrelsy ! XXXV. "Heav'ns cheerful day ne'er pierc'd the quenching [gloom, "But dull, scant, flickering tapers, dimly sprent, " My steps did rather baffle than illume, "As through the wildering maze my course I bent, "And more intensely serv'd each horror to augment. ol XXXVI. " Thus blindly passing many a cloister'd cell, "Whence 'sighs and groans of miserable men' "Doled forth, oft mingled with fanatic yell; "A close-cowl'd Monk saluted me, and then "Unbarr'd a lordly Hall to my astonish'd ken. XXXVII. (" The Guide, by my fraternal garb deceiv'd, "Announc'd ( A Convocation' near at hand "Woe worth the day ! had he not thus believ'd "My false pretence to join that bigot band " My swift destruction, else, he had full surely plann'd.) XXXVIII. "First on my fix'd amaze, at farthest bound " Of that vast chamber tow'rd the magic East, "A gorgeous throne, fenc'd jealousy around, "(Fit ev'n to shrine the* APOCALYPTIC BEAST,) "My fervid gaze well nigh to shuddering awe increas'd ! 5J \\XIX. "On either side that heav'n-insulting pile, "Two huge, devoted tapers ever blaz'd, "Which no unhallow'd tendence might defile: " A BIBLE, seaFd, (whose truths too keenly daz'd, ) "Beneath the throne was spurn'd, and "HOLY," quite [eraz'd ! XL. "Around that spacious hall, in stern array, "Each statue, picture, bust, was densely throng'd "Of Zealots there inurn'd, who spread tin- sway " Of Bigot-tyranny, that foully wrong'd "Truth, Justice, Love, and thus each cursed fraud [prolong'd. XLI. "Here, Banner, 'blithe as shepherd at a wake,' "In stone still gloated on his victim's doom ; "While GarcTner, ling'ring at the fiery stake, "Seem'd fondly glozing, with malignant gloom, " The while each deep-loath'd saint, slow studied pangs [consume ! M XLII. "There, stood that ATHEIST Bigot, gay Voltaire "As 'gainst the CROSS his bitter sneer seem'd bent; "When erst with hellish rancour he would swear "Nought but the' uprooted Faith should him content: "And, 'Cnrsn TITK WRETCH !' those lips accurs'd still [seem'd to vent ! XLIII. "And now, a throng of eager Devotees, "Prompt at loud summons of a sullen bell, " To Convocation press'd, like clustering bees : "But oh ! what tongue of earthly pow'r, can spell "The motly groups convon'd that abject host to swell! XLIV. " Here the dark Papist, the malignant Jew ; " Mahomets 1 sanguinary dupes ; the base "Thick-veil'd Chinese; the soft, impure Hindoo; "Albion's High-Church Adorers-, the stern race "Of Nonconform'd, too prone to vent harsh zeal for [grace. 34 XLV. "Some, from each pagan region under heav'n ; " Some, from each land illum'd with Truth Divine ; " Though loathing each his neighbour's bitter leav'n ; "Though adamant bonds each pent up soul confine ; " Their mutual homage pay before that bigot-shrin*- ! XL VI. "And now came forth in sternly-bloated state, "The dread ARCH- ANARCH ; thei r tremendous Lord : "With self-inflated dignity elate, "His gorgeous throne he mounted, where, at word "Or silent signal giv'n, he sate to be ador'd ! XLVII. "His batter'd visage told of patriarch age, "Yet not one venerable trace was there! " His forehead, like a sea in tempest-rage, " Harsh, scowling wrinkles, never calm'd, did wear, "And halcyon Peace and Love from that storm'd front [did scare! 55 XLVIII. "Beneath his beetling brows, in fitful glance "Like flint-struck sparks, two microscopic eyes, "Now, darted fierce ; now, jealous leer'd askance, "Portentous as, with menacing surprize " Malignant meteors shoot athwart perturbed skies. XLIX. "His cheeks, the share of delving Time had wrought "In rigid furrows complicate and deep: "Which never with one kindly smile were fraught ; "But passion there, convuls'd and flush'd, did keep "Wild revel, sa^e when laps'd in momentary sleep ! L. "And oh ! those lips of cruelty and pride, "The very portals seem'd of Death and Hell! "A stunt, grim, grizly beard, (too scant to hide "The horrid gulph it fenc'd,) increas'd his fell " And loathsome mien beyond the Muse's art to tell. F LI. " His monster-bulk was wrapp'd in motley guise : "On his craz'd head a triple crown he wore: " His right hand grasp'd a book of frauds and lies "(His realm's sworn code,) and in his left, he bore " A death-wand, snake-entwin'd ; full gorg'd, as seem'd, [with gore. LI I. "On this tremendous Idol" (quoth my Friend) "The throng'd assemblage bent their ardent gaze ; "Which rous'd my prompt conjecture to portend "A stern harangue ; when, to my wild amaze, " A scene ensued, some imp of Hell alone could raise : LIII. "For, lo ! at signal of his hand high wav'd, "The medley-mingled concourse, frenzy-driv'n, " Press'd eager tow'rd the throne, and yell'd, and rav'd : "And happiest, who their fellows had outstriv'n. "As, nearest to that shrine, they decmM wnv 57 LIV. "Then, all at once their impious homage paid, " Erect, prone, kneeling as each mode did sway: "From this disgusting mummery (self-betray'd,) " Scornful I turn'd : All uproar, rage, dismay, " The throng now rush'd ; and me to torture dragg'd [away !" LV. [ At these appalling words, my fancy view'd On the strain'd rack each tenderest fibre broke : Whilst my rever'd Narrator firm withstood Each furious test ; whereat, from painful yoke Of wizard sleep releas'd, upstarting I awoke.] UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 315 . A 00006"