Classic Poem

I SAMUEL, XV .

" Surely the bitterness of death is past, "
Cried he whose safety Saul the sovereign willed
When all the blood of Amalek else was spilled
And at his nation's grave he stood, the last.
But Samuel came with countenance overcast,
With wrath aroused and charity all chilled,
And there before the Lord was Agag killed,
Hewed into pieces by the Enthusiast.
Prophet of Love! whose covenant hath reversed
The tyranny that bruised the broken reed,
Be Priest of Love and bless where all have cursed;
Spread Thy mild rule till Hate itself be freed,
And be the King of Love whose wisdom first
Is pure, then peaceable, and saves indeed.