JEPHTHAH. 15
ELEAZAR.
Get thee to horse and carry me this message:
The Elders unto Jephthah, greeting : Help!
No single cry beyond that Help! Be gone!
Exit Messenger.
CHORUS.
I fear me our necessity is sure.
But they come hither. Shall we rather flee ?
ELEAZAR.
I stand here manly, and will die a man.
CHORUS.
For cowardice not pleases God, nor fear.
Shall we not take up weapons? Or shall He
Rather defend us with His Holy Arm,
We not presuming in our arrogance
To come with cunning, and defend ourselves ?
ELEAZAR.
Nay, but God smites with sharpness of our swords,
CHORUS.
The sword is made sharp in our hands, but the point
He shall guide;
We grasp the tough ash of the spear, but His hand is
beside ;
We drive in a cloud at the foe, but His chariots ride
Before us to sunder the spears.