Jephthah and Other Mysteries

20 JEPHTHAH. Wherefore our tribute to thy feet we bring ; Conquer our foes, and reign our king! JEPHTHAH. | . Ye have no king but God: see ye to that! ELEAZAR. — _ Behold, these people are as children, hiding Thoughts beautiful and true in profuse words, Not meaning all the lofty flight that fancy And the strong urgement of a tune discover. Be thou our judge, as Joshua long ago. JEPHTHAH. Swear by the Name unspoken that the truth Flashes between the lips that tremble thus! Ye love me not; ye fear me; ye might thrust Some petty obstacle before my hands When I would grasp your promise, and betray Your faith for fear of me. I read thy thoughts, Old man; I trust no word of thine, but these Full-hearted mourners, them will I believe Upon their oath most solemn and secure. _ But take thou warning now, I shall not spare Grey hairs or faltering limbs for treachery. ELEAZAR. Lift up your hands, all people of this land, And swear with me this oath my lips pronounce: By Wisdom, father of the world, we swear;