Page:Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.djvu/42

Struck with the sound, and trembling at the view,
Affrighted Israel from its post withdrew.

"Observe ye this tremendous foe, they cry'd,

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"Who in proud vaunts our armies hath defy'd:
"Whoever lays him prostrate on the plain,
"Freedom in Israel for his house shall gain;
"And on him wealth unknown the king will pour,

"And give his royal daughter for his dow'r."

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Then Jesse's youngest hope: "My brethren say,
"What shall be done for him who takes away
"Reproach from Jacob, who destroys the chief,
"And puts a period to his country's grief.

"He vaunts the honours of his arms abroad,

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"And scorns the armies of the living God."

Thus spoke the youth, th' attentive people ey'd
The wond'rous hero, and again reply'd:
"Such the rewards our monarch will bestow,

"On him who conquers, and destroys his foe."

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Eliab