Jephthah

46 JEPHTHAH. | AHINOAM. They verily think I speak, not mocking them. | CHORUS. Who shall uncover such a tongue for wiles, And pluck his meaning from his subtle words ? AHINOAM. Who shall speak plain enough for such as these To understand? Or so debase his thought As meet their minds, and seem as wisdom’s self? CHORUS. Leave now thy gibing in the hour of joy, And lend sweet wisdom to awaiting ears. Thy voice shall carry it, thy words shall bear Full fruit to-day. Speak only, it is done. AHINOAM. I am grown old, and go not out to wars. But in the lusty days of youth my face Turned from the battle and pursuit and spoil Only to one face dearer than my soul, And my wife’s eyes were welcome more desired Than chains of roses, and the song of children, And swinging palm branches, and milk-white—elders. CHORUS. Fie on thy railing! But his wife is sick, And cannot leave the borders of her house.