Classic Poem

Nor would his friends proceed in their replies,
Since he appear'd so pure in his own eyes.
When Elihu, Barachel's son, who drew
His birth from Aram, much incensed grew,
Not only against Job, that durst defend
His innocency, and with God contend,
But with his three austere companions, since
They would condemn before they could convince.
When he perceiv'd the rest no answer made,
But like dumb statues sat, the Buzite said:
" Till now I durst not venture to unfold
My labouring thoughts to you that are so old.
For grey experience is with wisdom fraught,
And sacred knowledge by the aged taught.
Yet O, how dark is man's presuming sense,
Not lighten'd with celestial influence!
The great in honour are not always wise,
Nor judgment under silver tresses lies.
Since so, at length vouchsafe to hear a youth,
And his opinion, in the search of truth.
For I your words have weigh'd, your reasons heard,
The instances by each of you inferr'd,
And yet in all the heat of your dispute,
Not one could answer Job, much less confute.
Know therefore, lest too rashly you conclude,
It is not man, but God that hath subdu'd.
Against me Job did not his speech direct;
No more will I your arguments object.
You all were at his confidence amaz'd,
And silently upon each other gaz'd;
When I your answers had expected long,
Nor could discern the motion of a tongue,
I said: " Behold, I now will act my part,
And utter the conceptions of my heart.
My soul is rapt with fury, and my breast
Contains a flame that will not be supprest.
My bowels boil like wine that hath no vent,
Ready to break the swelling continent.
Words therefore must my toiling thoughts relieve,
And to restrained truth enlargement give.
No personal respects my thoughts shall move,
Nor will I man with flatt'ring titles smooth.
Should I so prostitute my servile breath
My Maker soon would cut me off by death." "