So over violent, or over civil, In squandering wealth was his peculiar art: He had his jest, and they had his estate. He laughed himself from Court; then sought relief By forming parties, but could ne'er be chief: For spite of him, the weight of business fell On Absalom and wise Achitophel: 566 Thus wicked but in will, of means bereft, He left not faction, but of that was left. Shimei, whose youth did early promise bring Of zeal to God, and hatred to his King, 586 Did wisely from expensive sins refrain, And never broke the Sabbath but for gain; Nor ever was he known an oath to vent, Or curse, unless against the government. Cool was his kitchen, though his brains Did ever men forsake their present ease, were hot. Such frugal virtue malice may accuse, As dare not tempt God's providence by fire. 625 Surrounded thus with friends of every sort, Deluded Absalom forsakes the court; 1 wand. In midst of health imagine a disease, 756 Take pains contingent mischiefs to foresee, Make heirs for monarchs, and for God decree? What shall we think? Can people give away Both for themselves and sons their native sway? 760 Then they are left defenceless to the sword Of each unbounded, arbitrary lord; And laws are vain by which we right enjoy, If kings unquestioned can those laws destroy. Thus from his royal throne, by Heaven inspired, The godlike David spoke; with awful fear His train their Maker in their master hear. "Thus long have I, by native mercy swayed, My wrongs dissembled, my revenge delayed; 940 So willing to forgive the offending age, So much the father did the king assuage. But now so far my clemency they slight, The offenders question my forgiving right. That one was made for many, they contend; 945 But 'tis to rule, for that's a monarch's end. They call my tenderness of blood my fear, Though manly tempers can the longest bear. Yet since they will divert my native course, 'Tis time to show I am not good by force. Those heaped affronts that haughty sub jects bring Are burdens for a camel, not a king. 951 Kings are the public pillars of the State, Born to sustain and prop the nation's weight: If my young Samson will pretend a call 955 To shake the column, let him share the fall. But oh that yet he would repent and live! How easy 'tis for parents to forgive! And suck for nutriment that bloody gore Which was their principle of life before. Their Belial with their Beelzebub will fight; 1016 Thus on my foes my foes shall do me right. Nor doubt the event; for factious crowds engage In their first onset all their brutal rage. Then let them take an unresisted course; Retire and traverse, and delude their force: But when they stand all breathless, urge the fight, 1022 And rise upon them with redoubled might: For lawful power is still superior found, When long driven back at length it stands the ground." 1025 He said. The Almighty, nodding, gave consent; And peals of thunder shook the firmament. Henceforth a series of new time began; The mighty years in long procession ran; Once more the godlike David was restored, And willing nations knew their lawful lord. |