312 REDEMPTION.
With murmurs soft, soothing the wearied sense. Thither, at noon, Cleophas walk'd, with Luke, Discoursing pensively, as on their way To Emrnaus, they journey'd, thoughtful, sad, And each to each, his doubting mind unveil'd :
"How vain the hope of Israel's Saviour come ! Whose rising expectation, sudden dash'd, No motion gives of wish'd deliv'rance near. And yet, who this Man's works beheld, his pow'r Who saw, his manly port, beneficence, His condescension, and persuasive air, Could dawning hope repel, or faith refrain ? Through Jewry how he godlike walk'd, what zeal Display'd, what gifts, what graces, free bestow'd ! How all the people, following in his train, Spontaneous his imperial triumph graced, Till Salem open'd wide her gates to greet, And Israel's Benefactor sought to place, On David's ancient throne. Not Maccabees Such promise gave, or plausible pretext, To win the people, round his standard drawn, When Epiphanes tyrannous the tribes Oppress'd, in bacchic revels forced to lead, Till idolists defiled their sacred fane. Yet this, like those, has fall'n, and we the fate Of Israel deplore ; her priests in league With death, dread Edom reigns, the Gentiles rage, And hand in hand oppress the chosen seed. How long, Lord, shall our Deliv'rer stay ? How long shall Israel groan beneath her load ? So he with tears ; th' Evangelist replied : "Tho' rack'd with doubts conflicting, sore distress'd,
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