328 REDEMPTION.
I
(Not unaccomplish'd, but obscured with doubt,
Doubt, on their part, who should the first believe,)
The resurrection of the Son of God.
Let one brief word so far this point disclose,
Till dawns that hour, when doubt shall yield to faith,
And faith, with full fruition, turn to sight.
Messias, when he comes, 'tis seen, must die ;
Shall Death, dominion o'er him, always hold ?
Let Israel's minstrel in his person tell
' My heart is glad, rejoicing in the Lord ;
My flesh doth rest in hope, because my soul,
Thou wilt not leave in hell, nor yet wilt give
Thy Holy One, corruption's worm to see.'
This promise, not less faithful than the rest,
Its complement must in Messias find ;
On which the words of Osee equal bear
'0 Death, thy death I'll be; hell, thy bite.'
Death swallowed up in vict'ry then must be,
And hell be broken 'neath Messias' power.
But other words defer; our journey ends;
And me, this way, my further steps demand."
He said, and onward press'd; but they, concern'd : "Rest thee, good Master, leave us not we pray; The day declines, and evening courts repose ; Stay with us through the night, and at the dawn, If so it please thee, go thy way refresh'd. This place hospitable, though rugged, is, And patriarchal customs still prefers, Where all are welcome, mindful that, the while, Some, angels entertain'd have, unawares."
Smiling, the Crucified, with answ'ring will, Retraced his steps, and enter'd their abode ;
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