Classic Poem

Job paus'd: forthwith these words his sighs pursue:
" O that those happy days would now renew,
When God beneath His shield my safety plac'd!
When His clear lamp a sacred splendour cast
About my brows, by whose directing light
I trod securely through the shades of night!
That now I had what I in youth possess'd,
When He my mansion with His presence bless'd!
When those who from my veins deriv'd their blood,
Like springing laurels round about me stood!
When butter wash'd my steps, when streams of oil
Gush'd from the rocks, and plenty free from toil!
When through the gazing streets I pass'd in state
To my tribunal in the city's gate!
The blushing youth their virtuous awe disclose,
And from their seats the rev'rend elders rose.
Attentive princes such a silence kept,
As if their souls had in their bodies slept.
Th' astonish'd nobles stood like men that were
Depriv'd of all their senses but the ear.
All ears that heard, my equal justice prais'd;
All eyes that saw, their lids with wonder rais'd.
I from oppressors did the poor defend,
The fatherless, and such as had no friend.
Those sav'd, whom wicked pow'r sought to destroy,
And made the widow's heart to spring with joy.
I put on truth, she cloth'd me with renown;
My justice was to me a precious crown;
Eyes lent I to the blind; feet to the lame;
A father to the comfortless became.
I search'd what from my knowledge was conceal'd,
And clouded truth by her own light reveal'd.
Oft with my sceptre brake the lion's jaws,
And snatch'd the prey out of his armed paws.
Then said, " My days shall as the sand increase,
And I in my own nest shall die in peace."
My root was by the living water spread,
And night her dew upon my branches shed.
My glory's crescent to a circle grew,
And I my bow with doubled vigour drew.
When I but spake, they hung upon my look,
And as an oracle my counsel took.
None spake but I; each his own judgment fears;
My words like honey dropp'd into their ears,
Which readily with joy they entertain,
As yawning earth devours the latter rain.
Although I smil'd, none would my thoughts suspect,
Nor on my mirth a frowning look reflect,
But trod the path which I their chief propos'd.
I king-like sate, with armed troops enclos'd,
Gave timely comforts to the soul that mourn'd,
Rais'd from the dust, and tears to laughter turn'd. "