THE DEATH OF AMNON. A POEM. Elizabeth Hands (née Herbert) Alexander Huber Editor Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
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Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive
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Oxford This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. T141063 Hands, Elizabeth, 1746-1815. The death of Amnon. A poem. With an appendix: containing pastorals, and other poetical pieces. By Elizabeth Hands. [Coventry] Printed for the author, by N. Rollason, Coventry, M,DCCLXXXIX. 1789 pp. []-43. [40],127,[1]p.; 8⁰.

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THE DEATH OF AMNON . A POEM .
THE DEATH OF AMNON . CANTO THE FIRST . The Royal youth I sing , whose sister's charms Inspir'd his heart with love ; a latent love That prey'd upon his health ; he droop'd ; so droops A beauteous flow'r , when in the stalk some vile Opprobrious insect ' bides . In conscious pain He pass'd the hapless hours , while in his breast Th' aspiring passion , yet by virtue sway'd , It's proper limits knew . I love , said he , Whom do I love ? my sister — ah ; my sister ; Can I my misplac'd passion gratify , And bring disgrace on her ? No , sweetest maid , I am thy brother ; 'tis a brother's part Thy honour to protect and not destroy . When Shechem burning with untam'd desire Dishonour'd Dinah , how her brethren rag'd ! Each took his sword , the princely ravisher , And every citizen a victim fell To their just fury . I'm an Isra'lite ; Shall I forego this high prerogative , And plunge myself and sister into ruin ? An act that ev'n an heathen would degrade . No ; sooner shall my passion unreveal'd Lie cank'ring in my bosom , till it taints My very blood , and stops my panting breath . Better my lov'd companions pass my grave , And shed a tear to think I died so young , Than shun me living as a vile reproach To nature , royalty , and Israel . Already I perceive my strength to fail , The ruddy bloom of health forsakes my cheeks ; Perhaps death's not far off . — O welcome guest , Hasten thy tardy steps , why linger'st thou , Or wait'st on those , who wish thee far away ? O thou , that hast the pow'rs of life and death , Take hence my life , and end my wretchedness . A spacious land I see on ev'ry side Bless'd with fertility ; the cultur'd vales Yield plenteous crops ; the rising hills are rich , With verdant pasture mantled , crown'd with trees ; My father's kingdom this . — What is't to me ? It fires not my ambition , all I ask Is one small spot of earth to lay me down Beneath the turf , forgetting and forgot , A small request , and yet though small , denied . Methinks I feel my strength renew'd ; 'tis so ; Struggling with life I sigh for death in vain . Again my passions rise , again rebel ; I still must live and live in misery . But I've a thought , that stings me yet more deep ; Doubtless some happy rival will be crown'd With Tamar's love ; O tort'ring thought , must I Behold her deck'd in bridal robes to bless A rival ; 'tis too much ; — I cannot bear E'en to suppose it , I'll from court retire ; My gay companions now are irksome grown , And all my pleasures are transform'd to pains . My sister's cheering smiles , that once convey'd Soft raptures to my heart , awake such pangs , As I can scarce endure . Again I feel My spirits sink ; Oh ! welcome fading sickness ! I'll cherish thee and aid thee with my sighs , To still this heart , that now rebellious beats Against my reason's strongest argument . Though Tamar's beauty prompts my warmest wish , Her fairer virtues keep me still in awe , Forbidding my aspir'ing love to soar . With sweet simplicity she smiles , secure In innocence , commanding my respect , And this command I must — I will obey ; But fly her presence , lest some hapless smile Inflame my soul , and I in passions phrensy Should act against my final resolution To bear my griefs untold , and secret pine Till sadd'ning sorrow sinks me to the grave . Thus , to himself complaining , he resolv'd , Nor sought a confidant to share his grief . A friend he had , the son of Shimeah , Nam'd Jonadab ; a man by nature subtle , Proud and ambitious ; yet would meanly stoop To the most base and most ignoble acts , To serve his private ends . The artless youth Oft to his plausibilities gave ear , Not e'en suspecting , that beneath the cloak Of formal flatt'ries self-int'rest hides It's serpent head . Yet still the youth from him His wayward passion labour'd to conceal , By forcing smiles to veil his grief ; nor knew , How little they resemble those , that spring From gentle impulses of hearts at ease . For Jonadab , with penetrating eye , Quickly discern'd the grief , he strove to hide . What cause , said he , can Amnon have to mourn ? A King's son now , — a King in time may be . Was it in probability , that I Should be a King , the very contemplation Would shut my soul to sorrow . Oh ! the thought Swells my imagination . Did but Amnon Aspire as much to greatness , I could plot Surprizing stratagems . But he poor Prince Has long imbib'd such close contracted notions , As bar his path to honour . Like a maid . He talks of virtue , weeps at others woes , Yet talks of greatness too ; 'tis in the soul , He says , all greatness dwells ; 'tis not the crown , That makes his father great , but 'tis his virtues ; And those alone he wishes to inherit , Thereby to gain dominion o'er himself , And reign unenvi'd ; but perchance there now Springs in his soul some change of sentiment ; And he his principles , so long retain'd , Loth to renounce , may want a friend to prompt , And urge him to the attainment of his will . Then who so fit for such a talk as I ? I'm great in his esteem , have free access To him at all times ; but , if now I'm slack , Perhaps I may be rivall'd in his favour By some more forward to promote his wish . I'll to him straight , in these cool ev'ning hours Into his private garden he retires , Sighs to the winds , and to the moon complains . But I must him approach with seeming awe , As fearful to disturb his solitude , And with a gentle flow of soothing words Insinuate myself into his soul , Then guide him as I please . The love-sick youth Beneath the thickest solitary shade Was wand'ring , lost in melancholy mood , So deep in thought , he ne'er perceiv'd th' approach Of Jonadab , till startled by his voice ; Then smil'd , as usual , as his friend drew near , Who thus the Royal youth address'd — Oh ! why Dost thou , a King's son , pine in discontent ? Can there be ought , that's unattainable To crown thy soul with peace ? Thy father's kind , Too fond and too indulgent to refuse A son's request , be what it will methinks . But why from me conceal thy griefs ? am I A friend , unworthy of thy confidence ? Have I e'er been unfaithful to my trust ? Or has some jealous whisperer impos'd Upon my Royal friend's credulity , To vilify his faithful Jonadab ? Half lost in thought , the Prince made no reply . And Jonadab a while suspended stood ; But , recollecting , took his hand and said ; Why weeps my Prince ? what sorrow wounds thy heart ? I love , says Amnon ; and his hand withdrew To wipe his tears , and turn'd from Jonadab : Then seems returning , then he onward goes In pensive sadness . Jonadab pursues , Resolv'd to urge his full confession , lest Some other should be made his confidant , And he discarded , lose the Prince's favour . Amnon return'd , as ready to confess As he to hear , and thus his speech began . O friend , I love — I love thee as my friend , And such thou art , the sharer of my joys ; All my delights were doubled , shar'd with thee . But now a strange dilemma has befall'n me ; I would not speak it to an ear but thine ; I love my sister Tamar ; tell it not , My reason almost fails to be my guide . This passion , Oh ! this wild rebellious passion , If cherish'd , fast it grows as noisome weeds , And , if suppress'd , still strengthens in the stalk . So let it strengthen , till , too strong for me , I sink beneath its weight . But Jonadab , Ne'er let the secret pass thy lips , for I So much respect and honour her I love , That for the richest diadem on earth I would not give her pain ; her heart's so prone To pity , it would burst in grief for me , Did she but know the half I feel for her . Then Jonadab , with seeming kind affection , And tears of sympathy reply'd ; kind Prince , Distrust me not , thy confidence I claim ; Thou know'st the feelings of my friendly heart Admit no rest , if Amnon is unhappy ; Shall David's meanest subjects smile secure Beneath his prudent equitable sway , Their least complaints regarded ? and his son Repine without redress ? It must not be . Amnon reply'd , I cannot thee distrust , And if thou know'st a way to ease my heart , Discover it my friend , for I despair . Dispel those useless tears , says Jonadab : Think not to drown it in those briny floods ; Love is a flame those waters cannot quench ; Nor is there any cure short of enjoyment . Then there's no hope for me , the Prince reply'd , Till the kind earth receive me ; for can I ? I cannot — Oh ! I cannot injure her . Droop not , my gentle friend , says Jonadab ; This tim'rous tenderness but ill becomes A Royal Prince , the hope of Israel , The son of David ; think but who thou art , The eldest son of Israel's mighty King ; Whose dreaded name thro' all the nations round Strikes terror to his enemies , and fills The grateful hearts of all his friends with joy ; Whose tongues with pleasure tell his mighty deeds , And virgins celebrate his fame in songs ; While Amnon thus effeminately weeps , Like some fair captive maid , snatch'd from the arms Of her fond lover . O my Royal friend , Better ten thousand injur'd virgins mourn , Than David's son thus live inglorious . There is a sort of viand she prepares , Unparallel'd , of which none other knows The just proportion of ingredients us'd . A sickness feign'd might veil the deep design , And put her in thy power ; by this excuse That thou canst take nought else ; nor fear but she Will keep the secret , to preserve her fame . After a little pause the youth reply'd , It shall be so ; — but yet I doubt — I fear — If I — I'll think no more of consequences , I am determin'd — yes , it shall be so . To-morrow be it done , said Jonadab . Amnon reply'd — to-morrow is the day . So parted they that night ; and Jonadab , In conscious pride of self-sufficiency , Thus to himself his Royal friend derides . Poor thing , how easily he's wrought upon ? In time the kingdom will be his , and I , In fact , shall reign , though he the title bears . That time might be anticipated , but Amnon wants courage for so bold a stroke . He's unambitious , nor has resolution To seize a tempting crown within his reach ; But should it gently fall upon his head , Perhaps he'll wear it , if some bolder hand Don't snatch it off . But this Amour may prove A clew to guide to greater enterprizes . When these precise ones once extend beyond The bounds their narrow minds have circumscrib'd , From step to step insensibly they go , Till so familiariz'd by custom , they With calmness will transact the very things , Which but to mention , ere they launch'd so far , They'd shudder at . But I must wait th' event . So saying , he retir'd to take repose , The common blessing graciously diffus'd Through Nature , to refresh her wearied sons ; That with new strength and vigour they may hail The rising day , rejoicing in the light .
CANTO II . From Ammon's wasted cities , with the crown Of Hanun , their proud contumacious King , Whose insolence had caus'd his overthrow , The conquering King of Israel return'd In glorious triumph to Jerusalem ; There from exhausting toils of bloody war In safety to repose his wearied soul , And taste the sweets of calm domestic bliss . But ere the tumults of triumphal joy Subsided , and the sacred rites perform'd Of general praises with the harp and song , The King's long-wish'd tranquility's disturb'd By the sad news , that Amnon , his dear son , A captive now to dang'rous sickness lies , While life and death dispute their doubtful right . The pious King laid down his harp , the song Unfinish'd , and with anxious haste repair'd To Amnon , whose dissimulation pass'd Quite unsuspected . How could he suspect A fraud of such sort in a virtuous son ? Full oft a partial parent overlooks An obvious fault , or by affection blind Discerns it not ; but here no cause appear'd T' awake suspicion , for his languid eyes And palid cheeks gave signals of disease . While thus the son in feeble tone complain'd , The tender father stooping low to hear , — I'm very sick , and whatsoever food My servants here prepare , gives me disgust . My sister Tamar , with superior skill , Prepares a cake delicious to my taste ; This I could eat methinks from her kind hand , Was she permitted to attend me here . The King with fond solicitude retir'd , And speedily dispatch'd a messenger To Tamar , saying , 'twas his royal will , That she should go direct to Amnon's house , And there administer , with friendly aid , Whate'er his sickly appetite demands . The hour had pass'd , at which the royal maid Came from her closet , splendidly attir'd ; Her hair with precious sparkling gems beset , Faint mimicks of her more illustrious eyes . About her neck a shining golden chain , And o'er her loosely thrown , in careless folds , A various colour'd robe , which , as she mov'd , Trail'd on the ground , or flutter'd in the wind . Thus all the virgin daughters of the King In splendid raiment shone ; but none so bright In beauty , as the daughter of Maacah . Soon as the sun had drank the morning dew , Into her garden walk'd the lovely fair ; Not like a proud imperious haughty Queen , With tossing head and scornful eyes , that glar'd Malignant , scattering discontent around , And vain in fancied greatness . Greater she In inoffensive modesty , and bright In virtue , as the rays that gild the morn , Warming the flow'rs to ripeness , and exhaling Their various sweets to fill the garden air . Pleas'd with the grateful smell , she skips about From flow'r to flow'r , and cautiously selects The sweetest in a wreath , to deck that breast , Which never yet inflam'd by vicious thought , Or by unreasonable rebukes depress'd , Had felt a secret pang , or learn'd to sigh . But oh ! how happy for the mortal race , That from their eyes the future is obscur'd ; Did we but know the secret ills that wait In darkness to surprize us , what would be Our life , but one sad scene of misery ? All present pleasures would be bitter made By aggravating thoughts of ills to come . But blind to future things the present bless . When peace and plenty smile auspiciously , The heart with sense of Providence impress'd O'erflows with gratitude , and conscious joy . Such joy now fill'd the royal fair one's breast , Intent on the formation of her wreath ; When lo ! her handmaid came to her in haste , With tidings , that a message had arriv'd Straight from the King , declaring his desire , That she to Amnon's house immediately Would go , and dress him cakes , for he is sick . The King's command she instantly obey'd ; Down dropt the unfinish'd wreath ; she skimm'dalong O'er the parterres , nor stay'd to find the path . Her sweeping garments gently brush'd the flow'rs ; The ripest shedding , strew'd the way she went With variegated fragments . So the breeze Whisks o'er the forest , and some shatt'ring leaves Fall gently rustling thro' the shrubs beneath . Then , gath'ring up her robe , she onward sprang , And sisterly affection urg'd her haste . Amnon in highest expectation lyes Counting the-slow-pac'd moments as they pass'd ; Now thinks his scheme's discover'd — he's betray'd — Or some curs'd intervening accident Delays , perhaps prevents her coming . Thus Doubts , fears , and wild impatience in his breast Tumultuously contended , till she came , With all the feelings of a tender sister ; But not a thought of vile licentious love Profan'd her breast ; to see him thus she wept , But turning , wip'd her tears , suppress'd her grief , And with officious haste the cakes prepar'd . Wisdom has pow'r , like the meridian fun , To hide all other brightness in its glare ; But virgin modesty , with winning smiles , Shines a perpetual morning . So she shone Serenely mild , nor knew her pow'r to please . But oh ! the graceful dignity of virtue Unthinking captivates the worthy soul , The feebly good with emulation fires , And strikes the very libertines with awe . So Amnon , aw'd to see her lovely form , Became irresolute ; and recantation Stagger'd his purpose . — First he paus'd ; then thus Expostulating with himself he lay ; Oh ! how can I despoil this lovely maid , This fairest of the fair ? I cannot — no — I'll let her go untouch'd . But then must I Still pine in languishment , as heretofore ; And Jonadab will at my weakness laugh . At last some wine he snatch'd , and eager drank To drown his scruples , and to fire his soul . Such aid the most abandoned oft require , When unsuspecting innocence at once Tempts and forbids , more pow'rfully forbids , Than the persuasive eloquence of speech . But the defence , which innocence can boast With tears and mild intreaties , is but weak , When love and wine unite their frantick pow'rs , And leaving virtue fainting in the rear , Rush on impetuous . — Hapless Tamar thus To lawless outrage falls th' unwilling prey .
CANTO III . Heav'n gave to man superior strength , that he The weaker sex might succour and defend ; But he that dares pervert this giv'n blessing , To ruin and destroy their innocence , Shall feel pursuing vengeance , nor escape Her rod uplifted , nor avert the stroke . Conviction's sword shall pierce him , and remorse With all the tortures of the mind assail , Till he a victim falls to grim despair ; Except repentance timely to his aid Come with her tears , to sooth , to mitigate ; While her attendant hope extends a ray , To point where mercy spreads her healing wings , Nor e'en with this is vengeance satisfied , She'll still pursue with some external ills , Exhausted health and spirits ; — drooping — drear , An outcast of society he roams , Alike discarded by his friends and foes ; Perhaps assassination proves his end . The hapless Amnon from his couch arose , Inflam'd with hatred more than once with love . Frantick with keen remorse and conscious guilt , He rav'd — he stamp'd — when to him Jonadab Came to congratulate him ; but the Prince Shot from his eyes a keen malignant glance , That spoke displeasure , and with threat'ning hand Upheld , thus in an angry tone began : Hence from my sight , thou basest , worst of fiends , Nor ever dare approach my presence more . Struck with this strange reception , Jonadab Step'd back , and bowing with respectful awe , Said , — O my Prince , why am I thus discarded ? I still remain thy well affected friend , Ready to — prompt me , ( interrupts the Prince ) To do some greater crime than I have done . Curse on thy instigations ; to my heart , My inexperienc'd heart thou drilld'st a way T' infuse licentiousness ; and thou a friend ? Ere thou presum'st to take that sacred name , Abandon thy base principles , and learn 'Tis virtue only constitutes a friend . He paus'd — th' astonish'd Jonadab approach'd Nearer to Amnon ; beg'd him to resume His wonted calmness , but to hear him speak . I'll hear no more of thee , reply'd the Prince ; I'm lost , I'm irrecoverably lost : What were the pains I felt to those I feel ? An hell within me burns , and deep remorse , That never dying worm , now gnaws my soul ; And thou , my instigator . Villain , flee , Lest this my crime I complicate with murder . Then Jonadab withdrew chagrin'd , and full Of ran'crous malice ; mutt'ring as he went , Shall murder crown thy crime young man ? — it shall ; But thou the murder'd , — not the murderer . I'll hence to Absalom , the brother kind Of this fair injur'd maid ; he doubtless will Avenge her wrongs , and shew himself a brother . He has a noble , calm , undaunted spirit ; Deliberately resolute , and fit For such an enterprize ; and Jonadab Shall not be slack to aggravate the crime , And urge him on , or aid him , if requir'd . But I must veil my real sentiments With counterfeited sorrow , and observe Each secret movement of his varying soul , And sympathise with him . Young Absalom Returning from the fields , where he had been To view his teeming flocks , jocund and gay , In all the sprightliness of youth and beauty , Upon his slow-pac'd mule rode gently on In careless attitude , and smil'd to see All nature smile around ; when Jonadab , With solitary gait , approach'd , then turn'd Aside , as if to shun the Royal youth ; Which Absalom perceiving , stopp'd his mule , And leaning on his neck , with courteous air Thus Jonadab in gentlest tone address'd : What mean those solemn looks , that down-cast eye ? Now peace and plenty bless our happy land : Joy should methinks extend its cheering ray To ev'ry individual ; but thou Look'st half dejected , wand'ring in the fields At this late hour ; the day is in decline ; The shepherds to their folds have led their flocks , And to their peaceful homes are hast'ning . Come , Return with me , my friend , nor farther go ; If ought distress thee , hide it not from me , I have an heart to feel for the distress'd ; An hand too ever ready to revenge The wrongs impos'd by violence and injustice Smile and be happy , said the Royal youth ; And rising from his leaning posture , look'd So gracefully endearing and so kind , That Jonadab thus ventur'd to begin : — 'Tis not for me to smile , most noble Prince , While inconsolable and unredress'd , Dishonour'd Tamar weeps in bitter woe , Dishonour'd , and by whom ? says Absalom , Name but the villain , vengeance on his head Shall instant fall ; this hand shall strike the blow . Earth , canst thou bear the wretch's feet to touch Thy surface , and not groan ? Whoe'er he be , The miscreant shall not see to-morrow ' sun . Too hasty , Prince , says Jonadab ; be calm ; Recall the fatal sentence ; tis too much To raise thine hand against a brother's life , Thine elder brother — Brother , said the Prince , And is it possible my brother thus Sould be deprav'd ? my brother Amnon too ? O virtue , where dost thou reside , if not In Amnon ? but if he's thus lost to shame , It cancels all the duty that I owe him ; Henceforth shall intercourse between us cease , Till I have form'd a scheme to be reveng'd ; Amnon shall die , and die by Absalom . Go Jonadab , go home , and secret keep This purpose of my soul ; — I'll be thy friend , Said Absalom . — Then , onward as he pass'd , Thus Jonadab congratulates himself : Oh ! happy I , no sooner have I lost The favour of one Prince , but I have gain'd Another ; Absalom is more aspiring ; Not cool and passive , like the silly Amnon , But pants to rule ; he has a kingly spirit . Once in his garden , as I lay conceal'd , I heard him in soliloquy , " Oh ! to reign — To wield a sceptre and establish laws ; Oh ! did the people seek to me for judgment , And Princes wait for my decisive voice , Ere they the cause determin'd ; could I hear The loud applauding multitude exclaim , Long live King Absalom . " — He's fit to rule . When Amnon is dispatch'd , perhaps he may Assume the kingdom — Be it so , and I Will be his ready agent , if he please , To aid his plots , or form them . Oh ! how sweet The counsel that is fram'd to please our wills , How readily adopted ; how despis'd That which is adverse , be it e'er so good . But dear , dear self stands first in the account Of friends , and that's the friend I'll ever serve : Whether to Amnon or to Absalom I pay external homage . If to me This Absalom proves too imperious , I'll aid the King , and keep myself secure . Ay — that's the centre to which I must point All schemes and plots ; then smiling as he went , With eager pace he hasten'd to his home . Grief and revenge now labour'd in the breast Of Absalom ; but artfully he hides The struggling passions ; a composure feign'd , Sits on his countenance with placid ease ; And he in seeming gaiety rode home . His servants there in readiness attend , Each anxious to receive the first command ; Nor fear unjust reproofs , nor angry frowns , Th' unwelcome greetings of imperious Lords . Too oft do masters , void of judgment , check , By froward peevishness and discontent , The many little assiduities , Which otherwise a servant's zeal would mark , Nor make distinction between good and bad ; But Absalom , with nicest judgment , scans Their merits and defects ; he in reproof Is slowly cautious , and exactly just ; No clam'rous oaths re-eccho thro' his hall , Nor mutt'ring servants whisper imprecations ; Tho' affable and courteous , yet he ne'er To low familiarity descends ; But with great dignity is nobly kind , Reigns in their hearts , and by enliv'ning smiles Encourag'd , they spontaneously attend , And love completes their servitude with joy , So now , as always at their lord's approach , A secret transport thrill'd thro' ev'ry heart . The gate one open'd , one receiv'd the mule , Whilst he dismounting with a sprightly bound , Tripp'd lightly o'er the pavement ; and those eyes Which ever spread serenity around , Sparkled with seeming pleasure till he came , Ent'ring his mansion , to where Tamar sat In the most striking attitude of woe ; Her head , bestrew'd with ashes and reclin'd , One trembling hand supported ; th' other hid Among the fragments of her robe , which she In the first agonies of her grief had torn . He stopp'd , turn'd pale ; then in his changing face Resentment flush'd , and sorrow swell'd his heart , Which lab'ring to suppress he trembling stood ; But like a torrent , which breaks down a bank New rais'd to stop its course , so burst his grief Thro' all his feign'd composure . In his arms He clasp'd the grieving fair , and mutual tears Proclaim'd the anguish of their burden'd hearts , But tho' his sorrow thus had burst its bounds , Revenge in ambush lurk'd , while thus the Prince With soothing words his sister thus address'd , — I know the sad occasion of thy woe ; But he's thy brother ; silent bear thy wrongs , Nor by immod'rate grief enhance the ill Which cannot be redress'd . No blame is thine ; My sister still in heart is undesil'd . Tamar attempts reply ; but from their springs In swifter currents flow'd the briny pearls ; At length the pow'r of speech return'd , the fair Heav'd a deep sigh , and thus her moan began , — O injury unparallel'd ! O deed More cruel than the murd'rers deadly blow ! He takes our life , 'twas lent but for a time ; Perhaps some years — perhaps a day — an hour : But he that robs a woman of her honour , Robs her of more than life ; — a brother too Still aggravates the guilt . — O purity , Thou first of female charms , to thee we owe Our dignity ; which , if in meekness clad , Gives us insuperable pow'r ; but , if Of this depriv'd , our most presumpt'ous claim Is cool compassion . O dejected state ! That humble homage we receive from men , In such proportion as our virtue fails , Diminishes . Th' inestimable gem , More precious than fine gold or rubies , — far Outvies the dazzling rays of beaut'ous forms , Which like gay meteors but excite our gaze , Then fade away . But this pre-eminence No more I boast ; now stamp'd with infamy , That due respect , that def'rence ever paid To my exalted state shall hence be chang'd To scorn : tho' by the dignity of birth Protected from low insult , can I 'scape The meaning leer , the vain contemptuous smile , Or , the more humbling pity of the proud ? Such moving strains in Absalom call'd forth All the fond raptures of fraternal love ; Who thus consol'd her grief , — thou ne'er shalt be Abandon'd to the scorn of taunting dames , Who triumph in the downfal of the fair . My home be ever thine ; in me behold Thy guardian , brother , friend , companion kind . 'T shall be my earliest and my latest care , With chearful converse to enliv'n thy hours ; All thou canst with , which I have pow'r to grant , Expect from me . His sister gave her hand , An earnest of conformity — he press'd The giv'n pledge ; her grateful heart reply'd , — O brother , always kind , now doubly so , To ope thy friendly arms in this distress , And take me to protection : I accept Thy offer'd boon . Farewell , ye courtly scenes ; No more shall Tamar shine in your resorts ; But here recluse and tranquil ever ' bide ; Regaling in that never-cloying feast , Th' internal calm of an untainted mind . This none can ravish from me ; this is life . That God which rais'd my father to the throne , And still protects him with his pow'rful arm , Shall be my all in all . To him I'll pray Incessant , and the great Jehovah's name Shall fire my theme , and fill my heav'nly song .
CANTO IV . Now solemn evening drew her silent veil O'er smiling nature , and the pious King In supplication spent the sacred hour With special fervour , making intercession To the great sole dispenser of all good To bless his son , and soon restore his health . He scarce had ended prayer , when tidings came That Jonadab beg'd audience . — The King Eager to learn , thus instantly reply'd , Go send him hither ; welcome to my soul Is Jonadab , my Amnon's social friend ; He doubtless comes to bring me news of him . He enters . — Thus the King , — O Jonadab , How does thy friend , my son , my Amnon now ? Amnon is well , O King , says Jonadab . Is well ! return'd the astonish'd King , is well ! 'Tis but few hours since I myself him saw , And saw him sick , — and say'st thou now he's well ; Thou know'st it not , which much I wonder at , Because I know he loves thee ; go now to him , Go act a friendly part , go comfort him , I tell thee he is sick . — Says Jonadab , I can inform thee of the whole device Of his pretended sickness . Then the King , — Say'st thou pretended sickness ? If there is Dissimulation in my son , declare it ; I'll hear thee ; — but take heed thou slander not , Nor censure him unjustly , on thy life . Amnon has not been sick , says Jonadab ; 'Twas but a feint to lure his sister there To his embraces , and he has succeeded . What do I hear ? reply'd the King ; my son Defil'd my daughter ! Rising as he spoke , With indignation flashing from his eyes ; Forth from his house he rush'd with hasty steps To Amnon , who was unprepar'd to see This unexpected visitant : The youth Already self-convicted , now abash'd , Ne'er ventur'd once to raise his down-cast eyes , But speechless and confounded stood to hear His sharp rebuke ; when thus the King began : — O son , thou shameful troubler of my house ; What hast thou done ? Where are thy princely virtues Inculcated so long ? Now blasted all . My elder-born , my first , my greatest joy , Thus to debase thyself , thou that should'st be The first in virtue , as the first in birth . How can a Prince , himself debas'd with crimes , Aspire to judge and punish wicked men ? In which of all my sons can I confide , Now Amnon fails , whom I have faultless deem'd ? Thou bitter herb , — thou blemish of my honour ; How can I brook this foul disgrace ? Must I For ever bear confusion in my face , And blush for thee , thou worse than enemy ? Amnon , no longer able to support Such just reproof , in silence turn'd away , And bursting into tears withdrew . — The King Return'd with anger burning in his breast , Mingled with sorrow for his daughter's wrongs ; My daugher ! Oh ! my daughter ! he exclaim'd , I would avenge thy wrongs ; but oh ! if I Avenge my daughter , I destroy my son . Then , all a father's tenderness prevail'd , He wept , — his wrath subsided and he paus'd , His own past failings rising in his mind ; His guilty love for Bathsheba — he sigh'd Her murder'd husband ; shudd'ring at the thought , He saw no way to sooth the present ills But suff'ring and forbearance . — Then the King , As if the stroke came from the hand of Heav'n , Fell prostrate to the earth , submitting thus : Righteous art thou , O Lord , and all thy judgments just , Amnon mean while , with piercing grief oppress'd , Doubled by th' fore displeasure of the King , Sat down and wept , while tears supply'd their streams . Then rising , walk'd about with restless steps , And thus in bitter agonies complain'd : What am I now , and where ? Of late I pin'd In hopeless love , yet then I had some stay , An heart-felt innocence , that could support And cheer the drooping spirits . But alas ! Virtue has left me now , and I'm expos'd ; Expos'd to what ? to what , alas ! I know not ; 'Tis Hell itself bursts in upon my soul , And pours forth all its torments . — Terrors ! Death ! O irrecoverable innocence ! Where art thou gone ? for ever banish'd hence . Arise ye thickest mists , ye darkest clouds O'er-cast those twinkling stars . O sable night , Wrap me in deepest shades , nor let a beam Of penetrating light expose me more ; Darkness is fitted to the guilty mind That shrinks and starts at ev'ry glimmering ray . But oh ! it is not in the pow'r of darkness To hide the hated self from self ; within A sacred light perpetually shines , Exposingev'ry failure to the sense , That vainly struggles to compose the mind , And hush her sad inquietudes to peace . But peace , the guest of innocence alone , Takes an eternal leave when guilt intrudes , And now has took eternal leave of me . Ah ! wretched me ! Oh ! curse on vicious friends ! Had Jonadab advis'd me virtuously , I'd still been innocent , and Tamar pure ; My father still had smil'd on me with joy , Nor had I trembled at his chiding frowns ; Absalom would have call'd me brother still , But now he'll own me not . — This slight is just , And this the least part of my punishment ; For inward guilt has yet severer pangs . So wander'd he , complaining half the night , Then sought for rest in sleep , but sought in vain : Terrific dreams invade his wish'd repose . He sleeps , starts , wakes ; — then sleeps and starts again ; And rises soon , but not to meet the morn With joy as heretofore ; but to bewail The loss of that sweet calm that ever dwells Within the guiltless breast ; and in the world Dwells no one more entitled to the bliss That waits on virtue , than was Amnon once : He therefore more severely feels the loss For having tasted in its first degree Its sov'reign blessedness . — Who'd then forsake The peaceful path of virtue to pursue Alluring vice through folly's labyrinth , Grasping at shadows of felicity , 'Till overtaken by her evil train Of shame , remorse , confusion , and despair ? Such evils now the hapless Amnon haunt , While in th' avenging hand of Absalom Death lurking lies . — Th' ambitious Prince , resolv'd At once t' avenge his sister , and remove An obstacle betwixt him and the crown , With unremitting vigilance attends The silent shades and unfrequented paths Where Amnon used to walk , and meditate , Hoping to meet defenceless and alone The destin'd youth , and steal away his life . But Amnon now as cautiously avoids His dreaded presence ; not with dread of death ; Such fear ne'er fill'd his unsuspicious breast ; But conscious guilt , that daunter of the soul , That few can brave , deter'd the timid youth . Two years within the breast of Absalom Revenge in ambush lurk'd , while in his face The mildest gentleness and sweetness play'd : Thus secrèt burns the subterraneous fire , While on earth's teeming surface gaily smiles The verdant herbage strew'd with various flowers , Till , bursting from beneath , the sulph'rous fumes O'erturn the mountains , and the crumbling mould Buries the blooming beauties that it bore : So he unable longer to contain The hidden rancour burning in his breast Determin'd by some bold and desp'rate stroke T' effect his purpose ; and with Jonadab Consulted , who thus readily advis'd : — Assume the friend , — entice him to thine house ; The cred'lous youth will ne'er suspect a fraud . Now is the time , now comes the yearly feast When shepherds fleece their flocks : make him thy guest With all thy brothers : when with mirth and wine His heart's elate , how easy will it be To give the final blow . With lowring brow Revengeful Absalom the rash advice Adopted , and a sullen gloom o'ercast His lively features . Stern as that grim Lord That through the forest takes his fearless way , With high deportment Absalom retir'd .
CANTO V. Returning summer now came smiling on , Exciting ev'ry peaceful breast to mirth ; But Amnon meets with tears the fatal season : This sad remembrancer of his past crime Awoke his grief , and from his couch he rose Ere yet th' approaching day began to dawn , While the full moon reign'd mistress of the night . Sleep on , ye sons of innocence and ease , ( The restless Amnon with a sigh exclaim'd , As from his window high he cast a look Over the silent streets , for not a voice Disturb'd the solemn hour ) sleep on — sleep on : So was I wont to sleep away the night , Rise with the morn , and in the day rejoice : But now in morn or night , or sleep or ' wake , I feel no joy . Oh that I could forget I once was happy ! Oh that this one step , One erring step , should kill my peace for ever . O moon , I blush beneath thy silver beams ; I've ost beheld thee with exulting heart , But now I shrink at ev'ry thing that's pure : A modest virgin , innocent and fair , Strikes terror to my soul : to me she seems Exalted high above my fallen state : If such an one I venture to approach , I instantly recoil , and justly pay A secret adoration to the breast Of innocence ; for Oh ! what parity Can there subsist 'twixt innocence and guilt ? The world's reproaches and censorious sneers Harrow the heart and aggravate the sense : But yet that aggravation poiz'd against The pangs of guilt , is of but little weight : The world offended may again be won , Or all its vain reproaches set at nought , When the heart , firmly steel'd with innocence , Shrinks not , but rises with true nobleness , Superior to the grov'ling sons of vice , And smiles at pow'rless envy . — But alas ! To me returns , whether of day or night , Aid sharp reflection and new point its spears . Now waking birds in chearful concert join . Their ev'ry note proclaims them innocent . The fun arises and the world awakes ; The Prince retires with melancholy steps Into his garden , where recluse and still Beneath the arching boughs of shady trees , With head declin'd and arms lock'd round his breast , He sigh'd the heavy slow-pac'd hours away ; 'Till interrupted by a messenger , Who , with due deference approaching near , Thus spake : O Prince , I come from Absalom , His sheep he shears to-morrow , and intreats Thee , with thy Royal brothers , to partake The feast , and spend with him the day in mirth . Surprize and pleasure rush'd into his heart At such an unexpected invitation , Which he accepted , nor did hesitate One moment to resolve ; for Amnon still Was unsuspicious as an infant child , That fearless trusts itself to ev'ry arm That opens to recieve it . With quick step He paces to and fro ; his bosom glows , And thus anticipates th' expected bliss . O joyful day when I again shall meet My dear offended brother , whom so long I've cautiously avoided : his good will Greatly exceeds my most advent'rous hope : Forgetful of my faults , he kindly now Invites me to his house , without reproach Or intimation of my late misdeeds . Yes , my good brother , I will be thy guest — My grateful heart o'erflows ; I now could fall Down at thy feet , and from thy hand receive The death I do deserve . Thus Amnon still , In humble strain and true repentant heart , Pour'd forth his soul in such foliloquies All day and night , till in the morning fair , The foremost of the princely cavalcade , He gladly hasted to the fatal feast . Now Absalom with secret pleasure sees The long wisth'd day arrive , and in the morn Assiduously in comely dress array'd His lovely person , lovely in extreme : Not in all Israel's num'rous tribes was found His peer in beauty ; for from head to foot No blemish , no deformity was seen , But well proportion'd limbs , and features fair , With ev'ry natural , ev'ry borrow'd grace That gives to beauty power . The conscious Prince Omitted no external ornament That might , if possible , such gifts improve : But looking at his spotless hands , he said , — Must these be dy'd in blood ? a brother's blood ? No , I have servants , they shall give the blow . Then to and fro he through his chamber stalk'd , Revolving in his mind the consequence Of op'ning his design . He paus'd , he thought His servants might refuse — or worse , betray . At length he says , — I'm wrong to censure them ; Great proofs I've had of their sidelity ; I'll trust them now . Then call'd he those he lov'd : They came . He says , You have done all things well According to my order for this feast , But on your cares I can so well depend , That whatsoever is given to your charge I think no more of , for I've always found You true and faithful ; therefore I make choice Of you for my accomplices this day : 'Tis not intended for a day of mirth , As it appears , and must as yet appear Till I've fulfill'd the purpose of my soul . Our guests must sumptuously be entertain'd : But when they have partook the rich repast , And wine exhilerates and mirth prevails , Be you prepar'd , and when I give the word , Pierce Amnon to the heart , for he must die . His servants tremble at the dire command . Why tremble ye ? said Absalom , fear not , 'Tis I command you — all the deed is mine ; Ye are but instruments within my grasp , And of his blood are spotless : if there's guilt In taking vengeance for the atrocious crime , Let all that guilt be mine : since justice sleeps In his fond father's hand , 'tis right that I Assume the pow'r , and on his impious head Hurl vengeance . But observe , it next behoves Us to evade the storm that will ensue : In Geshur we shall find a safe retreat : My fleetest horses for the flight prepare : Soon as the wound is given , we'll mount and flee ; Swift as the sweeping winds we'll o'er the hills , And leave the King to bury him , and mourn . His servants , more by love than duty bound , All bow'd obedient to his sov'reign will . Now came the Royal guests , and Amnon first Dismounting from his mule , with conscious blush And fault'ring voice thus ventur'd to address Th' offended brother : — O my Absalom , Forgive , he said — and interrupting tears Pleading more pow'rfully than eloquence , Stagger'd the purpose of Maacah's son , And in his feeling soul a conflict rais'd Betwixt his brother's life and sister's fame : He silent paus'd ; but in his breast revenge Was too deep rooted by a two year's growth For one soft moment to eradicate : He therefore wip'd away a piteous tear , And made to Amnon this compos'd reply : I did not send for thee to weep and mourn ; To-day I have a feast ; this prosp'rous year Increasing flocks increase the shepherds joy : Rejoice with me , my brother , and be glad . Then did he warmly press his hand , and point The chiefest place . The Prince shed tears of joy , Then fat him down , forgot his grief and smil'd . Wine in profusion sparkled in the bowls , Inspiring social mirth ; they freely quaff'd ; But Absalom th' emolient draught evades , Lest it relax his stern determination ; But quick replenishes the sinking bowls , Pressing on all the intoxicating cup , 'Till mirth predominates , and ev'ry heart Expands with social freedom ; Absalom Then gives the fatal word ; his servants plunge The destin'd dart , and from the Prince's side Gush'd forth life's reeking stream — he fell — uprose In consternation those whom vengeance spar'd , Each trembling for his life ; confus'd they fled : Mingling with gore , the wine in currents flow'd ; While , rolling in the flood , the murder'd Prince Alone , in all the agonies of woe , Groan'd out his soul , and clos'd his eyes in death .
FINIS .