Classic Poem

How blest the seat where Jacob 's offspring dwell!
How beauteous are thy tents, O Israel!
Fair as the spreading valley's flow'ry pride,
Or gardens rang'd along the river's side.
Like aloes, op'ning to the vernal air,
Rais'd by God's hand, and cherish'd by his care:
Like tow'ring cedars, plant of plants supreme,
Whose roots are moisten'd by the living stream.
The dews of Heav'n shall on his boughs be shed,
And waters nourish his increasing seed.
Ev'n mightiest Kings shall his dominion own,
And Agag bow to his superior throne.
From Egypt erst he came: through paths untrod
Secure he walk'd, conducted by his God.
Strong as the Beast that, on the mountain's height,
Lifts the proud horn, and triumphs in his might,
Though thronging Nations join their adverse pow'rs,
Their bones he crushes, and their flesh devours;
He meets the winged shaft without a fear,
And shivers in his rage the darted spear.
He couch'd, and couching as a Lion frown'd;
Like the gaunt Lioness he press'd the ground:
Who dares approach him of the sons of Men,
Or rouse the lordly Savage from his den?
Thy name who blesseth, blest for ever He!
But curses rest on him who curseth Thee.