But oh, that yet he would repent and live ! up to all the height his frame could bear! of government; And mine as requisite as their consent: Without my leave a future king to chuse, Infers a right the present to depose. True, they petition me to approve their choice: But Esau's hands suit ill with Jacob's voice. My pious subjects for my safety pray; my friends remove, Nor crowds have power to punish ere they prove ; For Gods and god-like kings their care express, Still to defend their servants in distress. Oh, that my power to saving were confin'd! Why am I fore’d, like heaven, against my mind, To make examples of another kind ? Must I at length the sword of justice draw ? Oh curft effects of necessary law ! How ill my fear they by my mercy scan! Beware the fury of a patient man. Law they require, let law then shew her face ; They could not be content to look on grace, Her hinder parts, but with a daring eye power is still superior found; When long driv’n back at length it stands the ground. He said : Th’Almighty nodding gave consent; And peals of thunder shook the firmament. Henceforth a series of new time began, The mighty years in long procession ran: Once more the god-like David was restor’d, And willing nations knew their lawful lord. * R E A D E R. IN N the year 1680 Mr. Dryden undertook the poem of Abfalom and Achitophel, upon the desire of king Charles the second. The performance was applauded by every one ; and several persons pressing him to write a second part, he, upon declining it himself, spoke to Mr. Tate to write gave him his advice in the direction of it; and that part beginning with one, and “ Next these, a troop of busy spirits press,” and ending with “ To talk like Doeg, and to write like thee." containing near two hundred verses, were intirely Mr. Dryden's compositions, besides fome touches in cther places. |