Classic Poem

It is growing dark.
At such a sunset I have been with Saul —
But saw it not. I only saw his eyes
And the wild beauty of his roaming locks,
And — oh! there never was a man like Saul!
Strong arm, and gentle heart and tender ways
To win a woman's very soul, were his.
When he would take my hand and look on me,
And whisper " Rizpah " — ah! those days are gone!
Why should I weep? was I not loved by Saul?
And Saul was king of all the Land of God.
" God save the king! " But, hush! what noise was that?
Oh heaven! to think a mother's eyes should look
On such a sight! Away! vile carrion-beast!
Those are the sons of Saul, — poor Rizpah's sons.
O my dead darlings! O my only joy!
O sweet twin treasure of my lonely life,
Since that most mournful day upon Gilboa,
Torn from me thus!
I have no tears to shed.
O God! my heart is broken! Let me die!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gilboa! David wrote a song on it,
And had it put in Jasher — " Weep for Saul. "
Armoni used to sing it to his harp.
Poor blackened lips!...
I wonder if they dream,
My pretty children. ...
Come, Mephibosheth,
Here is your father; say " God save the king! "
The Gibeonites! Ah! that was long ago.
Why should they die for what they never did?
No; David never would consent to that?
. . . . . . . . . . . .

Whose son is he, this youth? Dost know him, Abner?
Ha, ha! they shout again " God save the king! "
. . . . . . . . . . . .

Was I asleep? I came not here to sleep.
O poor old eyes, sorrow has made you weak.
My sons! No, nought has touched them. O, how cold!
Cold, cold! O stars of God, have pity on me,
Poor lonely woman! O my sons, Saul's sons!
Kind stars, watch with me; let no evil beast
Rend that dear flesh. O God of Israel,
Pardon my sins! My heart is broken!