26 JEPHTHAH.
Thee and thy host from off the earth. Say thus;
Ride for thy life, and bring me speedy word.
[Exit Herald.
CHORUS.
Not wingéd forms, nor powers of air,
Nor sundered spirits pale and fair,
Nor glittering sides and scales, did bring
The knowledge of this happy thing
That is befallen us unaware.
In likeness to the lips that sing
Ring out your frosty peal, and smite
Loud fingers on the harp, and touch
Lutes, and clear psalteries musical,
And all stringed instruments, to indite
A noble song of triumph, such
As men may go to fight withal.
For freedom on her fiery wings
Flies over camps and tented kings,
And bears a sword avenging us,
And turns her face to Israel thus.
For now a captain brave and strong
Shall break the fury of the thong
Wherewith the sons of Ammon scourge
Our country; and his war shall urge
Long columns of victorious men
To blackest wood and dimmest den,
Wherever fugitive and slave
Shall seek a refuge, find a grave;
And so pursue the shattered legions