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DAVIDEIS.
BOOK I.
the argument.
The Proposition—The Invocation—The entrance into the history from a new agreement betwixt Saul and David—A description of hell—The Devil's speech—Envy's reply to him—Her appearing to Saul in the shape of Benjamin—Her speech, and Saul's to himself after she was vanished—A description of heaven—God's speech: he sends an Angel to David: the Angel's message to him—David sent for, to play before Saul—A Digression concerning musick—David's psalm-Saul attempts to kill him—His escape to his own house, from whence being pursued by the king's guard, by the artifice of his wife Michal he escapes and flies to Naioth, the Prophets' college at Ramah—Saul's speech, and rage at his escape—A long digression describing the Prophets' college, and their manner of life there, and the ordinary subjects of their Poetry.—Saul's guards pursue David thither, and prophesy Saul among the prophets—He is compared to Balaam, whose song concludes the book.
I SING the man who Judah's sceptre bore
In that right-hand which held the crook before;
Who from best poet, best of kings did grow;
The two chief gifts Heaven could on man bestow.
Much danger first, much toil did he sustain, 5
Whilst Saul and Hell cross'd his strong fate in vain.
Nor did his crown less painful work afford.
Less exercise his patience, or his sword;
In that right-hand which held the crook before;
Who from best poet, best of kings did grow;
The two chief gifts Heaven could on man bestow.
Much danger first, much toil did he sustain, 5
Whilst Saul and Hell cross'd his strong fate in vain.
Nor did his crown less painful work afford.
Less exercise his patience, or his sword;
