Page:Thalaba the Destroyer 1809 Vol 1 - Southey.djvu/36

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I. 18

“Would hear their prayers abroad,
“Who made no prayers at home!

“Meantime the work of pride went on,
“And still before our Idols, wood and stone,
“We bow’d the impious knee.
“Turn men of Ad, and call upon the Lord,”
The Prophet Houd exclaim’d.
“Turn, men of Ad, and look to Heaven,
“And fly the wrath to come.”—
“We mock’d the Prophet’s words;..
“Now dost thou dream, old man,
“Or art thou drunk with wine?
“Future woe and wrath to come,
“Still thy prudent voice forebodes;
“When it comes will we believe,
“Till it comes will we go on
“In the way our fathers went.
“Now are thy words from God?
“Or dost thou dream, old man,
“Or art thou drunk with wine?”

So spake the stubborn race,