Classic Poem

I.

O Israel! how does all thy beauty fade!
How are the mighty fall'n! the strong betray'd!
Ne'er may this woe, in Gath 's full streets, be told;
Never let Ascalon our fate unfold.

II.

Mountains of Gilboa ! may ye drink no dew!
Let rain's mourn'd want turn red the verdant hue!
Let your vines wither, and your olives die.
And your parch 'd fields no grainy wealth supply.
For, there , abandon'd Saul , brave monarch, bled,
As if no aweful oil had hemm'd his head.

III.

Never, in vain, drew Jonathan his bow ;
Never, Saul 's sword fell, frustrate, on a foe
Lovely, and loving! one dear life they led,
Nor parted, dying , but together , bled.
Swifter, than eagles , to the fight they flew,
Stronger, than lions , they could foes pursue.

IV.

Daughters of Israel! weep the loss of Saul:
In scarlet , and in gold , he cloath'd you, all:
Peaceful , beneath his warlike shade, you smil'd;
And triumph'd, by their toil, whose hosts he spoil'd .

V.

Thee, Jonathan , my brother! thee, I mourn,
With grief , still growing , must thy loss be borne:
Soft, and delightful partner of my soul!
Two halfs, divided , made us one dear whole.
Vast was thy love, and wonderful, to me;
And never woman lov'd , as I lov'd thee.