502:09,000[' ]| 502:09,000[' ]| 502:09,001[A ]| Fly hence those siren charms of Wealth and Power, 502:09,002[A ]| Strong to$9$ undo, unable to$9$ restore; 502:09,003[A ]| At first they tickle, but at last they smart, 502:09,004[A ]| They please the palate, and corrode the heart. 502:09,005[A ]| To$4$ those gay idols, which$6#1$ fond men adore, 502:09,006[A ]| Our Christian Muse all incense does abhor: 502:09,007[A ]| Idols! (like$4$ hungry Moloch) whose dire food 502:09,008[A ]| Too often is supplied by$4$ human blood! 502:09,009[A ]| That$6#2$ precious juice which$6#1$ can, with sovereign balm, 502:09,010[A ]| The war and ferment of our nature calm; 502:09,011[A ]| That$6#1$ can the anguish of our minds allay, 502:09,012[A ]| Heal wounds of grief and storms of passion sway; 502:09,013[A ]| That$6#2$ generous offspring of the healing vine 502:09,014[A ]| In$4$ the Muses' temple may deserve a shrine. 502:09,015[A ]| But, hold! it is not the wine of common draught, 502:09,016[A ]| Which$6#1$ Palma sends or greedy merchants waft 502:09,017[A ]| From Rhenish banks or from the Gascon shore 502:09,018[A ]| To$9$ enrich themselves and make the drinkers poor; 502:09,019[A ]| Poor in$4$ their wasted estates, poor in$4$ their mind, 502:09,020[A ]| Who$6#1$ in$4$ a brutish club with swine are joined, 502:09,021[A ]| And greatest joy in$4$ stupefaction find: 502:09,022[A ]| No$7$, our exalted taste disdains to$9$ feast 502:09,023[A ]| On$4$ that$6#2$ dull liquor which$6#1$ turns man to$4$ beast, 502:09,024[A ]| It must be nourished with some spritely juice 502:09,025[A ]| Which$6#1$ does our mortal frame immortalize; 502:09,026[A ]| Defies the arrows of malicious fate, 502:09,027[A ]| The people's fury, and the tricks of state. 502:09,028[A ]| Quickly, ah! quickly then, my Muse, disclose 502:09,029[A ]| The happy place where this true nectar grows. 502:09,030[A ]| Is it not Naboth's vineyard? Fame speaks loud 502:09,031[A ]| Of thee but louder of thy master's blood; 502:09,032[A ]| That$6#2$ hero's blood, fed by$4$ thy vital juice, 502:09,033[A ]| Which$6#1$ did, when flowing in$4$ his veins, despise 502:09,034[A ]| The woman's craft, the tyrant's avarice; 502:09,035[A ]| The bloody oaths of perjured assassins; 502:09,036[A ]| The frowns of biased justice, which$6#1$ inclines 502:09,037[A ]| The giddy rabble to$4$ their natural bent, 502:09,038[A ]| With tongues and hands to$9$ tear the innocent. 502:09,039[A ]| Ahab had conquered Aram, but, alas! 502:09,040[A ]| His very conquest his undoing was: 502:09,041[A ]| He soon forgot the Hand which$6#1$ did bestow 502:09,042[A ]| Edge on$4$ his sword, and laurel on$4$ his brow 502:09,043[A ]| Proud with the spoils of the slain Aramites, 502:09,044[A ]| The Power which$6#1$ gave him victory he slights. 502:09,045[A ]| He treats, and bargains with his enemies, 502:09,046[A ]| And all the covenants of his Lord defies. 502:09,047[A ]| Ahab, distressed, bowed to$4$ his Lord, and prayed; 502:09,048[A ]| Ahab, victorious, proudly disobeyed. 502:09,049[A ]| Ungrateful mortals! whose corrupted will$0$ 502:09,050[A ]| Turns grace to$4$ poison and makes blessings kill. 502:09,051[A ]| In$4$ vain poor subjects in$4$ the justice trust 502:09,052[A ]| Of kings that$6#1$ to$4$ their Maker are unjust; 502:09,053[A ]| The heart once tainted with a master sin 502:09,054[A ]| All lesser crimes does easily let in$5$. 502:09,055[A ]| Poor Naboth's vineyard next lies in$4$ his way. 502:09,056[A ]| His cov'tous eye had marked it for$4$ his prey; 502:09,057[A ]| He parleyed first ~~ but what he could not worm 502:09,058[A ]| By$4$ treaty from him, he resolved to$9$ storm. 502:09,059@c | "How, Sir! can you think worthy your large soul 502:09,060@c | To$9$ crave my spot of land, my sleeping-hole?" 502:09,061[A ]| (Says Naboth) 502:09,061@b | "I myself should prize it not, 502:09,062@b | Were it not sacred made by$4$ age and lot; 502:09,063@b | By$4$ lot consigned to$4$ my forefather's hand 502:09,064@b | Who$6#1$ first with Joshua seized this holy land. 502:09,065@b | It were sacrilege in$4$ me to$9$ give or sell 502:09,066@b | What to$4$ my name by$4$ Heaven's appointment fell. 502:09,067@b | May Ahab his large kingdoms long possess; 502:09,068@b | Let Naboth his small vineyard hold in$4$ peace." 502:09,069[A ]| Ahab was silent, but not satisfied; 502:09,070[A ]| The covetous poison through his veins did glide, 502:09,071[A ]| And what his greedy eye and heart devour 502:09,072[A ]| He will$1$ extort by$4$ an usurping power. 502:09,073[A ]| So$5#2$ have I seen the towering falcon rise, 502:09,074[A ]| And next to$4$ nothing lessen to$4$ our eyes, 502:09,075[A ]| Beyond the call of any game or lure; 502:09,076[A ]| The timorous fowl such distance can endure, 502:09,077[A ]| But ill they measure by$4$ their own the sight 502:09,078[A ]| And sharpness of their tyrant's appetite; 502:09,079[A ]| She sports and plies her wings in$4$ the liquid air 502:09,080[A ]| As if she minded pleasure and not war. 502:09,081[A ]| But when the fowl, betrayed by$4$ flattering hopes, 502:09,082[A ]| Takes wing, the watchful foe as lightning stoops; 502:09,083[A ]| What her eye marked her talons make her own., 502:09,084[A ]| As thunderstruck the quarry tumbles down. 502:09,085[A ]| But ill did Ahab's eyes, with all their art, 502:09,086[A ]| Cover the secret rancour of his heart; 502:09,087[A ]| The wound did fester that$6#1$ his passion made, 502:09,088[A ]| Which$6#1$ soon his face unwillingly betrayed. 502:09,089[A ]| First Jezebel descried his secret pain: 502:09,090@d | "My Lord 502:09,090[A ]| (she said) 502:09,090@d | can your breast entertain 502:09,091@d | A grief or joy but what I must partake? 502:09,092@d | O, do not this unkind distinction make." 502:09,093[A ]| Shame to$9$ reveal, and greater shame to$9$ hide 502:09,094[A ]| His soul from her, his troubled thoughts divide. 502:09,095[A ]| At last he poured his grief into the ear 502:09,096[A ]| Of his too kind and fatal counsellor: 502:09,097@c | "In$4$ vain, my dear, our sceptre does command 502:09,098@c | From the North*Sea, to$4$ the Arabian sand; 502:09,099@c | In$4$ vain the kings of Aram are my slaves; 502:09,100@c | In$4$ vain my justice kills, my mercy saves, 502:09,101@c | If stubborn Naboth must his vineyard hold 502:09,102@c | In$4$ spite of all entreaty, power, and gold; 502:09,103@c | If a poor worm of Israel proudly dares 502:09,104@c | Resist, not my commands, my very prayers." 502:09,105@d | "Tread on$4$ that$6#2$ rebel worm," 502:09,105[A ]| says Jezebel, 502:09,106@d | "The weight of a king's anger let him fell; 502:09,107@d | Crush him to$4$ nothing that$3$ your subjects may 502:09,108@d | Be taught by$4$ his example to$9$ obey." 502:09,109[A ]| Then Ahab sighed, and said, 502:09,109@c | "That$6#2$ must not be ~~ 502:09,110@c | People and priests would rise in$4$ mutiny. 502:09,111@c | Too much we hazard for$4$ a thing so$5#1$ small; 502:09,112@c | The Tyrant Law, which$6#1$ monarchs does enthral, 502:09,113@c | Controls the execution of my will$0$ 502:09,114@c | And makes the slave bold to$9$ resist me still." 502:09,115[A ]| At this unmoveable stood Jezebel, 502:09,116[A ]| Like$4$ one fast bound by$4$ an enchanter's spell; 502:09,117[A ]| Her flaming cheeks had choler's deepest dye, 502:09,118[A ]| And like$4$ struck flints sparkled her furious eye; 502:09,119[A ]| Such heaving and such panting shook her breast, 502:09,120[A ]| As if some spirit had the place possessed. 502:09,121[A ]| Then suddenly she starts with a loud cry: 502:09,122@d | "If law must do the work, Naboth shall die. 502:09,123@d | Let not the Sanhedrim a monarch awe; 502:09,124@d | He that$6#1$ commands the judge commands the law. 502:09,125@d | Law is a poor dumb thing, which$6#1$ none can hear, 502:09,126@d | But by$4$ the mouth of an interpreter; 502:09,127@d | And in$4$ the people's mouth it is the old plea 502:09,128@d | For$4$ rebels, when their prince they disobey. 502:09,129@d | Fear not the law, but by$4$ the judge be feared; 502:09,130@d | Else as the pedants gravely wag their beard, 502:09,131@d | Kings must of their prerogatives be stripped 502:09,132@d | As children are for$4$ breach of grammar whipped. 502:09,133@d | Then trust my skill ~~ I will$1$ bring you quick relief 502:09,134@d | To$9$ heal the wounds of your unseemly grief; 502:09,135@d | Both you and Naboth your just rights shall have: 502:09,136@d | You shall possess his vineyard, he his grave." 502:09,137[A ]| Thus with her oily words she skins his sore, 502:09,138[A ]| But adds new poison to$4$ the ulcerous core; 502:09,139[A ]| And that$6#2$ false comfort leaves in$4$ Ahab's mind 502:09,140[A ]| Which$6#1$ villains in$4$ their thriving mischiefs find. 502:09,141[A ]| She summons then her chosen instruments, 502:09,142[A ]| Always prepared to$9$ serve her black intents. 502:09,143[A ]| The chief was Arod, whose corrupted youth 502:09,144[A ]| Had made his soul an enemy to$4$ truth; 502:09,145[A ]| But nature furnished him with parts and wit, 502:09,146[A ]| For$4$ bold attempts and deep intriguing fit. 502:09,147[A ]| Small was his learning, and his eloquence 502:09,148[A ]| Did please the rabble, nauseate men of sense. 502:09,149[A ]| Bold was his spirit, nimble and loud his tongue, 502:09,150[A ]| Which$6#1$ more than law, or reason, takes the throng. 502:09,151[A ]| Him, part by$4$ money, partly by$4$ her grace, 502:09,152[A ]| The covetous Queen raised to$4$ a judge's place; 502:09,153[A ]| And, as he bought his place, he justice sold, 502:09,154[A ]| Weighing his causes not by$4$ law, but gold. 502:09,155[A ]| He made the justice seat a common mart; 502:09,156[A ]| Well skilled he was in$4$ the mysterious art 502:09,157[A ]| Of finding varnish for$4$ an unsound cause, 502:09,158[A ]| And for$4$ the sound, imaginary flaws. 502:09,159[A ]| With him fierce Jezebel consults the way 502:09,160[A ]| How she for$4$ harmless Naboth snares may lay. 502:09,161@e | "Madam," 502:09,161[A ]| says he, 502:09,161@e | "you rightly judge the course 502:09,162@e | Unsafe, to$9$ run him down by$4$ open force. 502:09,163@e | In$4$ great designs it is the greatest art 502:09,164@e | To$9$ make the common people take your part. 502:09,165@e | Some words there are which$6#1$ have a special charm 502:09,166@e | To$9$ wind their fancies up$5$ to$4$ an alarm: 502:09,167@e | Treason, Religion, Liberty are such; 502:09,168@e | Like$4$ clocks they strike when on$4$ those points you touch. 502:09,169@e | If some of these unto his charge you lay, 502:09,170@e | You hit the vein of their tarantula. 502:09,171@e | For$3$, to$9$ say truth, the trick did never fail; 502:09,172@e | Loud calumny with them does still prevail. 502:09,173@e | I, Madam, of these means no$2$ scruple make; 502:09,174@e | Means for$4$ their end their good or badness take. 502:09,175@e | Naboth, a rebel to$4$ his sovereign's will$0$, 502:09,176@e | By$4$ any ways we lawfully may kill." 502:09,177[A ]| Whilst thus he poured his venom in$4$ her ear, 502:09,178[A ]| A spiteful joy did in$4$ her face appear: 502:09,179[A ]| She said, 502:09,179@d | "Your faithful counsel I approve ~~ 502:09,180@d | You have chalked out the way we are to$9$ move; 502:09,181@d | But still you leave untouched the hardest part, 502:09,182@d | Which$6#1$ most requires your industry and art: 502:09,183@d | Where is the crime? where are the witnesses?" 502:09,184@e | "It is my province, Madam, to$9$ find these 502:09,185[A ]| (Replied the Judge) 502:09,185@e | and that$3$ our project may 502:09,186@e | Take faster hold, let there a solemn day 502:09,187@e | To$9$ seek the Lord by$4$ fasting and by$4$ prayer 502:09,188@e | Be set apart. This will$1$ exactly square 502:09,189@e | With the whole model of our work designed. 502:09,190@e | This will$1$ the people draw body and mind 502:09,191@e | To$9$ act their parts in$4$ Naboth's tragedy. 502:09,192@e | This builds the stage on$4$ which$6#1$ the wretch shall die. 502:09,193@e | As glasses, by$4$ the sun's reflected ray, 502:09,194@e | The silly lark into the net betray, 502:09,195@e | So$3$ will$1$ the people, by$4$ the dazzling thought 502:09,196@e | Of godliness, religiously be caught." 502:09,197[A ]| When the Queen saw that$3$ her design would take, 502:09,198[A ]| She with impatient haste the conference brake; 502:09,199[A ]| Of avarice and revenge such is the thirst 502:09,200[A ]| That$3$ with the least delay the patient's burst. 502:09,201@d | "Lose no$2$ more time 502:09,201[A ]| (she cried) ~~ 502:09,201@d | with speedy care 502:09,202@d | Letters and orders for$4$ our seal prepare, 502:09,203@d | Such as the work requires. For$3$ till I gain 502:09,204@d | This point, each moment is an age of pain." 502:09,205[A ]| Since first for$4$ acting God proud angels fell, 502:09,206[A ]| Still to$9$ ape Heaven has been the pride of Hell. 502:09,207[A ]| As the bright spirits always attend His throne, 502:09,208[A ]| And what He wills they execute as soon, 502:09,209[A ]| Our fury so$5#2$ could not conceive the fact 502:09,210[A ]| More nimbly than her agent-fiend did act. 502:09,211[A ]| Stay, hell hounds, stay! why with such ravenous speed 502:09,212[A ]| Must the dear blood of innocence be shed? 502:09,213[A ]| Blind is your haste, and blinder is your rage; 502:09,214[A ]| Hell no$2$ successful war against Heaven can wage. 502:09,215[A ]| You shoot at Naboth, but yourselves you wound 502:09,216[A ]| With poisoned darts, for$4$ which$6#1$ no$2$ cure is found; 502:09,217[A ]| The poison drawn from a remorseless heart 502:09,218[A ]| Baffles divine, much more all human art. 502:09,219[A ]| What will$1$ your rage effect, but lasting shame 502:09,220[A ]| In$4$ this, in$4$ the next world eternal flame? 502:09,221[A ]| With all your subtle arts of perjury, 502:09,222[A ]| And all the varnish of your bloody lie 502:09,223[A ]| To$9$ make him guilty, and you rightful seem, 502:09,224[A ]| Hell for$4$ yourselves you build, and Heaven for$4$ him. 502:09,225[A ]| Arod had always tools at his command 502:09,226[A ]| Of a fit temper for$4$ his work in$4$ hand; 502:09,227[A ]| But here no$2$ villains of a common size 502:09,228[A ]| In$4$ wickedness, or cunning would suffice. 502:09,229[A ]| Yet two he found, which$6#1$ did as much exceed 502:09,230[A ]| All common rogues as common facts this deed: 502:09,231[A ]| Malchus, a puny Levite, void of sense 502:09,232[A ]| And grace, but stuffed with noise and impudence, 502:09,233[A ]| Was his prime tool ~~ so$5#1$ venomous a brute 502:09,234[A ]| That$3$ every place he lived in$4$ spewed him out. 502:09,235[A ]| Lies in$4$ his mouth and malice in$4$ his heart 502:09,236[A ]| By$4$ nature grew, and were improved by$4$ art. 502:09,237[A ]| Mischief his pleasure was, and all his joy 502:09,238[A ]| To$9$ see his thriving calumny destroy 502:09,239[A ]| Those whom his double heart and forked tongue, 502:09,240[A ]| Surer than viper's teeth, to$4$ death had stung. 502:09,241[A ]| Python his second was, and his alone; 502:09,242[A ]| For$3$ he in$4$ ills no$2$ other first would own. 502:09,243[A ]| A braver impudence did arm this wight ~~ 502:09,244[A ]| He was a ruffian, and no$2$ hypocrite; 502:09,245[A ]| And with audacious and loud villainy 502:09,246[A ]| He did at once virtue and fame defy. 502:09,247[A ]| These two, though Malchus wore the longer cloak, 502:09,248[A ]| Were evenly paired, and drew the same yoke. 502:09,249[A ]| No$2$ foresters with keener appetite 502:09,250[A ]| In$4$ running down their hunted game delight 502:09,251[A ]| Than these the slaughter of the guiltless view, 502:09,252[A ]| Whom their malicious calumny pursue. 502:09,253[A ]| This goodly pair were, by$4$ their teacher's art, 502:09,254[A ]| Fully prepared and tuned to$9$ play their part. 502:09,255[A ]| A fast is then proclaimed ~~ this serves as leaven 502:09,256[A ]| To$9$ raise the people's lump with news from Heaven. 502:09,257[A ]| They in$4$ the dark, when bid to$9$ seek the Lord, 502:09,258[A ]| Are sure for$4$ His to$9$ take the preacher's word; 502:09,259[A ]| These, when they toll their great Diana bell, 502:09,260[A ]| Look up$5$ to$4$ Heaven and do the works of Hell. 502:09,261[A ]| Always state-fasts some strange events portend, 502:09,262[A ]| And often in$4$ a godly mischief end. 502:09,263[A ]| The fair pretence is that$3$ the Lord may weed 502:09,264[A ]| Treason and blasphemy from Abraham's seed. 502:09,265[A ]| Great and just God! will$1$ it be always so$5#2$? 502:09,266[A ]| When thy rebellious creatures here below 502:09,267[A ]| Their black designs of deepest mischief frame, 502:09,268[A ]| Shall they still stamp on$4$ them Thy holy name? 502:09,269[A ]| Make Thee, all good, a party in$4$ their ill? 502:09,270[A ]| Thy very Word abuse to$9$ break Thy will$0$? 502:09,271[A ]| By$4$ which$6#1$ their leaders draw the vulgar in$5$, 502:09,272[A ]| With harmless minds, to$9$ perpetrate their sin; 502:09,273[A ]| By$4$ which$6#1$ the just are by$4$ the impious slain, 502:09,274[A ]| And Abel still is sacrificed by$4$ Cain. 502:09,275[A ]| How can Thy justice and Thy thunder sleep, 502:09,276[A ]| When such affronts on$4$ Thee and Thine they heap? 502:09,277[A ]| How can the earth forbear with open jaws 502:09,278[A ]| To$9$ swallow these contemners of Thy laws? 502:09,279[A ]| Hold Muse! thy zeal now grows to$4$ mutiny; 502:09,280[A ]| Thou dost ignobly from thy colours fly. 502:09,281[A ]| Under the standard of the Cross we serve, 502:09,282[A ]| And from our Leader's ways we must not swerve. 502:09,283[A ]| By$4$ form of law He did submit to$9$ die, 502:09,284[A ]| Accused of treason and of blasphemy; 502:09,285[A ]| All-powerful He, without revenge or strife, 502:09,286[A ]| Endured the loss of honour and of life. 502:09,287[A ]| This is the way which$6#1$ He his followers taught, 502:09,288[A ]| Which$6#1$ Him to$4$ triumph, us to$4$ safety brought. 502:09,289[A ]| Then in$4$ this way let us march bravely on$5$, 502:09,290[A ]| Which$6#1$ will$1$ our innocence with glory crown; 502:09,291[A ]| And let us pity those whom prosperous sin 502:09,292[A ]| Hardens, and does on$4$ earth their Hell begin. 502:09,293[A ]| Now comes the solemn and the bloody day 502:09,294[A ]| In$4$ which$6#1$ all Israel meets to$9$ fast and pray; 502:09,295[A ]| But impious is that$6#2$ fast and prayer which$6#1$ parts 502:09,296[A ]| From lips polluted and from hardened hearts. 502:09,297[A ]| In$4$ the first rank of Levites Arod stood, 502:09,298[A ]| Court favour placed him there, not worth or blood. 502:09,299[A ]| Naboth amongst the tribes the foremost place 502:09,300[A ]| Did with his riches, birth, and virtue grace: 502:09,301[A ]| A man whose wealth was the poor's common stock; 502:09,302[A ]| The hungry found their market in$4$ his flock; 502:09,303[A ]| His justice made all law contentions cease; 502:09,304[A ]| He was his neighbours' safeguard and their peace. 502:09,305[A ]| The rich by$4$ him were in$4$ due bounds contained; 502:09,306[A ]| The poor, if strong, employed; if weak, maintained. 502:09,307[A ]| Well had he served his country and his king, 502:09,308[A ]| And the best troops in$4$ all their wars did bring; 502:09,309[A ]| Nor with less bravery did he lead them on$5$, 502:09,310[A ]| Warding his country's danger with his own. 502:09,311[A ]| Scarce were the rites and ceremonies past 502:09,312[A ]| Which$6#1$ by$4$ the law attend their public fast, 502:09,313[A ]| When Malchus, raising up$5$ his hands and eyes, 502:09,314[A ]| With bended knees, thus to$4$ the judges cries: 502:09,315@f | "Hear me, great seed of Levi, hear me all, 502:09,316@f | Israel's ten tribes I for$4$ your mercy call. 502:09,317@f | Seal me a pardon who$6#1$ too long have been 502:09,318@f | A dark concealer of a crying sin! 502:09,319@f | Heaven does this day my wounded conscience heal, 502:09,320@f | And bids me the hid blasphemy reveal. 502:09,321@f | Naboth, stand forth! It is thee of impious breach 502:09,322@f | Of God's and the King's laws whom I impeach." 502:09,323[A ]| At this the tribes a various murmur raise; 502:09,324[A ]| His boldness some abhorred, and some did praise. 502:09,325[A ]| Some would have Naboth by$4$ a public vote, 502:09,326[A ]| Without more form, found guilty of the Plot. 502:09,327[A ]| Others the law allege that$3$ no$2$ offence 502:09,328[A ]| Can be judged so$5#2$ on$4$ single evidence. 502:09,329[A ]| While thus they waver, Arod takes his cue: 502:09,330@e | "Our thanks to$4$ Heaven in$4$ the first place are due 502:09,331[A ]| (He said) 502:09,331@e | which$6#1$ will$1$ such gracious speed prevents 502:09,332@e | Our prayers, and all false traitors cursed intents. 502:09,333@e | Speak, Malchus, then, and this assembly give 502:09,334@e | Of the whole Plot a perfect narrative; 502:09,335@e | And whilst this service you do Israel do, 502:09,336@e | Know that$3$ we hear you, and believe you too." 502:09,337[A ]| Malchus, applauded thus in$4$ public view, 502:09,338[A ]| Did now almost believe that$3$ he spoke true. 502:09,339[A ]| This armed his face with brass, his heart with steel, 502:09,340[A ]| That$3$ he no$2$ shame and no$2$ remorse could feel. 502:09,341[A ]| Then he the story of his Plot at large 502:09,342[A ]| Unfolds, and lays to$4$ guiltless Naboth's charge. 502:09,343[A ]| How with the Aramites he did conspire 502:09,344[A ]| His country to$9$ invade, the City fire, 502:09,345[A ]| The temple to$9$ destroy, the Kings to$9$ kill, 502:09,346[A ]| And the whole realm with desolation fill. 502:09,347[A ]| He told how he himself the agent was 502:09,348[A ]| In$4$ close consults to$9$ bring these things to$9$ pass; 502:09,349[A ]| Nor did he fail with proper circumstance 502:09,350[A ]| Of time and place to$9$ garnish his romance. 502:09,351[A ]| The priests astonished are, the people gaze, 502:09,352[A ]| And the dumb judges horror does amaze. 502:09,353[A ]| Then out steps Python, and with dextrous art 502:09,354[A ]| Weaving his story, seals a counterpart 502:09,355[A ]| To$4$ all that$6#1$ Malchus had before deposed; 502:09,356[A ]| And with deep oaths the accusation closed. 502:09,357[A ]| Now on$4$ poor Naboth all their eyes were set, 502:09,358[A ]| Some red with anger, some with pity wet; 502:09,359[A ]| But the fierce rabble gladly would prevent 502:09,360[A ]| His trial by$4$ an instant punishment. 502:09,361[A ]| Whence this unnatural pleasure to$9$ destroy? 502:09,362[A ]| From what ill root grows this malignant joy? 502:09,363[A ]| Beasts worry beasts but when their hunger calls, 502:09,364[A ]| But man on$4$ man with a full stomach falls. 502:09,365[A ]| It is not our wants of nature to$9$ redress 502:09,366[A ]| That$3$ we this rage to$4$ our own kind express, 502:09,367[A ]| But for$4$ the mischief's sake we pleasure find; 502:09,368[A ]| It lies not in$4$ our body, but our mind. 502:09,369[A ]| Our seed receives a double taint and stain: 502:09,370[A ]| From rebel Adam, and from murdering Cain. 502:09,371[A ]| Naboth, thus charged, had need for$4$ his defence 502:09,372[A ]| Of all his courage and his innocence. 502:09,373[A ]| It was a trial of no$2$ vulgar kind 502:09,374[A ]| To$9$ show the heroic temper of his mind. 502:09,375[A ]| But the transparent brightness of his soul, 502:09,376[A ]| Even through his eyes, their malice did control. 502:09,377[A ]| For$3$ his accusers, when he sternly viewed, 502:09,378[A ]| Their tortured looks their rack of conscience showed. 502:09,379[A ]| But to$4$ his judges with a manly grace 502:09,380[A ]| He lowly bowed, and pleaded thus his case: 502:09,381@b | "My lords, by$4$ these false oaths, this bloody lie, 502:09,382@b | God and the King are more abused than I; 502:09,383@b | For$3$ I, poor worm, weigh nothing in$4$ the scale 502:09,384@b | When their high wrongs for$4$ reparation call. 502:09,385@b | When God's dread Name, when His and the King's laws 502:09,386@b | Are thus blasphemed, it is their, and not my cause. 502:09,387@b | Pharaoh, Goliath, and that$6#2$ heathen brood 502:09,388@b | Less impiously blasphemed our Sovereign Good; 502:09,389@b | They believed not His Being nor His might, 502:09,390@b | And blindly what they nothing thought did slight. 502:09,391@b | These know Him, and Him knowingly defy, 502:09,392@b | And signing with His awful Name their lie, 502:09,393@b | Make him a party to$4$ their perjury. 502:09,394@b | Nay, in$4$ this horrid enterprise they do 502:09,395@b | Their cursed endeavour to$9$ destroy Him too; 502:09,396@b | For$3$ Truth and He in$4$ essence so$5#2$ partake 502:09,397@b | That$3$ when you make Him false, you Him unmake. 502:09,398@b | These vipers in$4$ the bosom of our law 502:09,399@b | Will$1$ eat it through, its very heartstrings gnaw; 502:09,400@b | For$3$ when with artificial perjury 502:09,401@b | They make God's sacred Name espouse their lie, 502:09,402@b | Forthwith that$6#2$ lie omnipotent becomes 502:09,403@b | And governs all below ~~ it saves or dooms; 502:09,404@b | Disposes of our honour, life, and state, 502:09,405@b | Gives rule to$4$ law, and arbitrates our fate. 502:09,406@b | No$2$ rage of famine, pestilence, or war 502:09,407@b | Can with this legal massacre compare. 502:09,408@b | If perjured villains may a shelter find 502:09,409@b | To$9$ make their inroads thus on$4$ human kind, 502:09,410@b | Laws, for$4$ chastisement of the guilty meant, 502:09,411@b | Will$1$ turn their points against the innocent 502:09,412[A ]| (As cannons of a newly entered town 502:09,000[' ]| 502:09,413[A ]| From their own walls the houses batter down). 502:09,414@b | My lords, if you this villainy endure, 502:09,415@b | Judges themselves will$1$ not be long secure. 502:09,416@b | And so$3$ I leave my cause in$4$ your wise breast, 502:09,417@b | The temple where Truth's oracle should rest." 502:09,418[A ]| Thus Naboth spoke, with that$6#2$ undaunted mien 502:09,419[A ]| Which$6#1$ only in$4$ bold innocence is seen; 502:09,420[A ]| But lest the people's fury should relent, 502:09,421[A ]| Arod their calmer thoughts did thus prevent: 502:09,422@e | "Naboth, what you have said in$4$ your defense 502:09,423@e | Adds to$4$ your guilt, clears not your innocence; 502:09,424@e | When the King's evidence you perjured call, 502:09,425@e | Know that$3$ your very plea is criminal. 502:09,426@e | Shall malefactors with reproaches tear 502:09,427@e | Their fame who$6#1$ for$4$ their King and country swear? 502:09,428@e | What thief, what felon may not do the same, 502:09,429@e | To$9$ purge themselves the witnesses defame? 502:09,430@e | Against two oaths, so$5#1$ positive and plain, 502:09,431@e | All your haranguing rhetoric is vain. 502:09,432@e | Should stout denying pass for$4$ innocence, 502:09,433@e | The court must be as weak as your defence. 502:09,434@e | Less confidence your bloody crimes behoved, 502:09,435@e | So$3$ weakly answered and so$3$ strongly proved. 502:09,436@e | Is it not doubly sworn that$3$ you conspired 502:09,437@e | With Aram's King this city to$9$ have fired, 502:09,438@e | And in$4$ that$6#2$ hurry to$9$ destroy the King, 502:09,439@e | And into Israel bondage and idols bring?" 502:09,440[A ]| Stung with these dire reproaches, Naboth again 502:09,441[A ]| Offered to$9$ speak, but offered still in$4$ vain; 502:09,442[A ]| For$3$ when the bench did thus his guilt proclaim, 502:09,443[A ]| Their words, like$4$ oil, enraged the people's flame; 502:09,444[A ]| Who$6#1$ hardly staying till the sentence passed, 502:09,445[A ]| Like$4$ hungry wolves they rush with furious haste, 502:09,446[A ]| Hurrying poor Naboth to$4$ a planted stake, 502:09,447[A ]| Where in$4$ his death their cruel joy they take. 502:09,448[A ]| Their hands and tongues they equally employ, 502:09,449[A ]| And him with stones and calumnies destroy. 502:09,450[A ]| Some gather flints, and some the victim tied 502:09,451[A ]| Ready for$4$ sacrifice. He loudly cried, 502:09,452@b | "Heaven bless the King! And I forgive ye all. 502:09,453@b | O! may this innocent blood no$2$ vengeance call 502:09,454@b | On$4$ you my brethren" ~~ 502:09,454[A ]| offering more to$9$ say, 502:09,455[A ]| A murdering shower of stones took voice and life away. 502:09,456[A ]| Thus Naboth fell ~~ Kind Heaven! so$5#2$ may I fall 502:09,457[A ]| Rather than stand so$5#1$ high, and criminal, 502:09,458[A ]| As covetous Ahab and his bloody Queen; 502:09,459[A ]| Or serve the malice of such lust and spleen; 502:09,460[A ]| Or judge with Arod, or with Malchus swear; 502:09,461[A ]| Or with the rabble oppressed virtue tear. 502:09,462[A ]| Naboth! though cast thou art by$4$ human laws, 502:09,463[A ]| Heaven's writ of error has removed thy cause 502:09,464[A ]| And judged it so$5#2$ that$3$ it shall stand from hence 502:09,465[A ]| A lasting record of wronged innocence. 502:09,466[A ]| All to$4$ thy ashes shall their duty pay; 502:09,467[A ]| Friends shall their tears, foes weep their blood away. 502:09,468[A ]| For$3$ lo! the great Elijah, Heaven's envoy, 502:09,469[A ]| Has now surprised them in$4$ their guilty joy, 502:09,470[A ]| Caught in$4$ the very fact and place where they 502:09,471[A ]| Rejoice, pluming and hovering over the prey: 502:09,472@g | "What? have I found you in$4$ this field of blood 502:09,473@g | (For$3$ so$5#2$ thy title to$4$ it shall be made good 502:09,474@g | More by$4$ thine own than Naboth's) graceless King! 502:09,475@g | I from thy dreadful Judge thy sentence bring" 502:09,476[A ]| (Says Heaven's bold herald). Ahab heartless grew, 502:09,477[A ]| And the Queen's fears did all her pride subdue 502:09,478[A ]| At this loud thunderstroke. 502:09,478@g | "Know, wretched pair," 502:09,479[A ]| Continues he, 502:09,479@g | "the vultures in$4$ the air, 502:09,480@g | Wolves in$4$ the field shall be the living tomb 502:09,481@g | Of all that$6#1$ is born from Jezebel's cursed womb; 502:09,482@g | And Ahab's seed shall be the worthy food 502:09,483@g | Of birds and beasts that$6#1$ live by$4$ prey and blood. 502:09,484@g | Thy race no$2$ more shall mix with human kind, 502:09,485@g | But nourish beasts, and so$3$ with them be joined. 502:09,486@g | Thou, Ahab, here in$4$ this ill-purchased ground, 502:09,487@g | Shalt bleed thy last from a fresh mortal wound; 502:09,488@g | Mastiffs shall lick thy blood, and it shall be 502:09,489@g | As sweet to$4$ them as Naboth's blood to$4$ thee. 502:09,490@g | And thou, cursed woman, Eve and serpent too, 502:09,491@g | Cause of thine own, and of thy husband's woe, 502:09,492@g | Thy broken limbs, and into pieces rent, 502:09,493@g | Shall be of dogs the food and excrement. 502:09,494@g | Low falls thy body, lower thy soul will$1$ sink; 502:09,495@g | Thy memory ever shall remain and stink." 502:09,496[A ]| And so$3$ he left them thunderstruck and dumb, 502:09,497[A ]| Stung with their present guilt, and fate to$9$ come.