B. I.]
DAVIDEIS.
193
Too long the Muses' land hath heathen been;
Their gods too long were Devils, and virtues Sin;
But thou, Eternal Word! hast call'd forth me,
Th' apostle to convert that world to thee; 40
T' unbind the charms that in slight fables lie,
And teach, that Truth is truest poesy.
The malice now of jealous Saul grew less,
O'ercome by constant virtue and success;
He grew at last more weary to command 45
New dangers, than young David to withstand
Or conquer them; he fear'd his mastering fate.
And envy'd him a king's unpowerful hate.
Well did he know how palms by' oppression speed,
Victorious, and the victor's sacred meed! 50
The burthen lifts them higher. Well did he know
How a tame stream does wild and dangerous grow
By unjust force; he now with wanton play
Kisses the smiling banks, and glides away;
But, his known channel stopp'd, begins to roar, 55
And swell with rage, and buffet the dull shore;
His mutinous waters hurry to the war.
And troops of waves come rolling from afar:
Then scorns he such weak stops to his free source,
And overruns the neighbouring fields with violent course. 60
This knew the tyrant, and this useful thought
His wounded mind to health and temper brought.
He old kind vows to David did renew,
Swore constancy, and meant his oath for true.
Their gods too long were Devils, and virtues Sin;
But thou, Eternal Word! hast call'd forth me,
Th' apostle to convert that world to thee; 40
T' unbind the charms that in slight fables lie,
And teach, that Truth is truest poesy.
The malice now of jealous Saul grew less,
O'ercome by constant virtue and success;
He grew at last more weary to command 45
New dangers, than young David to withstand
Or conquer them; he fear'd his mastering fate.
And envy'd him a king's unpowerful hate.
Well did he know how palms by' oppression speed,
Victorious, and the victor's sacred meed! 50
The burthen lifts them higher. Well did he know
How a tame stream does wild and dangerous grow
By unjust force; he now with wanton play
Kisses the smiling banks, and glides away;
But, his known channel stopp'd, begins to roar, 55
And swell with rage, and buffet the dull shore;
His mutinous waters hurry to the war.
And troops of waves come rolling from afar:
Then scorns he such weak stops to his free source,
And overruns the neighbouring fields with violent course. 60
This knew the tyrant, and this useful thought
His wounded mind to health and temper brought.
He old kind vows to David did renew,
Swore constancy, and meant his oath for true.
