UC-NRLF -&&& steF&> m*JL&&t DR. BOOKER'S TOBIAS. IF another Edition of this Poem should be called for it is the author's intention to publish at the same time, a sufficient number of additional Pieces to form a handsome Volume. In which case, the present Purchasers of the Poem shall be accommodated with such additional Pieces at half-a-crown each copy, and so paged as to bind up with the present AVork. To prevent Trouble, and to ascertain what number of detached Impressions may be w r anted those, names which have been, or (in the course of six months) which may be left at the Printer's or Publishers, will be gratefully preserved : and, unless intimation be received to the contrary, Copies will be printed and delivered accordingly. flANN, PRINTER, DUDLEY, T 1 JL I A A POEM. LINES TO WHICH THE PLATE REFERS. It was a gavdf.-n, where commingling sweets, lireath'd from iiumm'rous flo\v'rs r fill'd all the air, And shadowy trees with luscious fruits were hung. -There, ere he spake, auuiz'd, with radiant light They saw his brow encircled, and his form Assume surpassing grace. On either check Sate mure than mortal beauty,-- bloom more soft Than tint of dewy rose. Lenignant Love Bearu'd from his piercing eye ; and lustrous wings, Whiter than cygnet's down, expanding grrw On his fair snou'der*. Hound him \ya.s a robe Cerulean wreath'd, of gossamerinstinct With stars of living light anddropt with gold. While through the ambient air such sweetness stole, That earth scem'd heav'n. #***#*#'***#****#* Andlo! while, reverfcit, the astonish'd pair Adoring i)o\\-'d, far-heaming glories shone Around theif ange;-g';c>t : when, upward borne, tic, in a flood of amber light He vauish'd ! SEE PART iil. LINE 298, TOBIAS: IN THREE PARTS, BY THE REV? LUKE BOOKER, LL. D. LONDON: PRINTED FOR J. BOOKER, No. 56, BOND-STREET, BY JOHN RANN, DUDLEY. 1805. DEDICATION. TO THE RIGHT REVEREND , LORD BISHOP OF WORCESTER, THE FOLLOWING POEM, AS A CHARACTERISTIC TRIBUTE TO TTTV A HTinn* 1PTH7TTV H, A AJL 1 H.JLJ) ir IlL 1. JL , IS MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY HIS LORDSHIP'S DUTIFUL, AND MUCH OBLIGED HUMBLE SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. following Poem is conftrufted upon JL the {lory mf Tobit. Such flory being apocryphal, the author conceived himfelf at liberty to treat it in the manner he has done, L e. to do what every dramatic and every epic writer fcruples riot to do ; namely, clothe the tale or hiftory fclefted by their Mufe ia their own language. Neither did he deem himfelf bound to obferve that drift adherence to Order and to Faft which the canonical parts of Scripture abfolutely require. Had he been employed upon that hallowed ground, he moft certainly would not have prefumed to " add thereto or diminifh" a fingle iota; nor fcarcely to have " ufed his own words." Whereas, in the prefent inftance it will be feen that he has added efpecially in the department of Similes and Illuftrations very considerably : and in fome cafes, where poeti- cal necetlity feemed to require it, he has diminifhed. It will alib be feen that, from Vlll. "begimfcng to end, he has almoft entirely ufed his own language. In (hort, the Incidents alone, with fome few exceptions, are what he has kept in view : and thefe are as ftriking and as beautiful, as natural and pathetic, as any that were ever comprized in one ftory. In the original they are detailed in fimple narrative, without any defcriptive colouring, and utterly devoid of comparifon or adorn- ment. That charming Simplicity he has all along endeavoured to retain,, while weaving the Narrative into a Poem. ---In a word, he has aimed to convert an open champaign Country, of uncommon mtereft, yet deftitute of tree or flower, into a paradife, interfperf- ing throughout it only fuch objefts as are confiftent with the fcene, and which, like in- digenous productions, may be faid to have fprung fpontaneoufly from the foil. To drop the metaphor he has attempted to render the hiftory of a pious, perfecuted, yet not heaven-forfaken Family, more inviting to ge- neral readers ; hoping, at the fame time, that it will not prove lefs inftru6Hve. Thus much he conceived it neceffary to fay refpefting the Poem. It is alfo neceffary, perhaps, to lay fomething refpefting the Title he has given it. He chofe to denominate it TOBIAS, becaufe that Title was not preoccu- pied by any other Writer, And when is con- IX. fidercd the great fhare of Intereft Tobias af- fords to the fubjeft ; who may be termed the fius JEneas of the piece ; it will be allowed not improperly to bear his Name, rather than that of his venerable Father. If, however, the author, in this or any other conclufion, be wrong, he trufts he mall be correfted in his error by difcerning and candid criticifm ; whofe Strictures, for the future improvement of his poem, he will receive with Thankful- nefs, and whofe Approbation he will deem an Honour. ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST PART^ unc and Memory of a good man imperijhalle- evinced in tht Example of Tobit, the father of Tobias. His diftinguijhed piety am'uljl an idolatrous kindred. He marries, and is blejjed with a Son,. Tobias // carried away captive from his native place to Nineveh -his virtuous behaviour in captivity conciliates the favour of the reigning prince, vjho appoints him to an office of truji and power in the province. f/:s beneficence to the diftrej/ed companions of his captivity ---incurs by this *.onducl the difplcafure of the tyrant Sen- nacheribj and Jlics to Jave his life. *7 he fcenes of his concealment defer ibed. ^he tyrant being jlain, he returns from his wanderings to Nineveh --calibrates there an annual feaft, and finds hi: Jon Tobias tofeek and bring thereto bis poor fello-tv-friUs. 4n incident, that turns the bcufc of feafting into a houfe of mourning. The father of Tobias is /truck with blindnefs becomes " TiC *" A brief defcription of the country through which the young travellers pafs on the firft day of their journey, when they reach the river Tigris ; on whofe banks they repofe. In the morning, before they renew their journey, Tobias bathes in the Tigris, and is attacked by a river-monger, which is conquered and dragged to Jhwe. Im- portant ufes for which certain portions of the monjler are referred. The two travellers purf ue their journey ; during which Azarias tells his young friend that the evening will bring them to the refedenc e .rf Raguel, a coujin of Tobias, who has an only daughter of uncommon worth and beauty, whom he promifes to gain for him in marriage. Tobias* fears on this fubj eft, the dam/el having already had f even hufbands, who were fuccejjively Jlain by a demon, on the fir Jl night of their nuptials. Thefe fears combated and removed by Azarias, in a converfation that chiefly occupies their attention till they conn within view of Ecbatane, the rejldence of Raguel. A defcription of that celebrated city, and of Raguel' s abode. His cordial reception of the young travellers- is }}ruck with the refemblance of Tobias to his father. Interrogatories and their anfwers. The travellers* vijh czhbrated by a feaft. The mutual ajfe^ion of Tobias and Sara. The firmzr requefts Azarias to prefer his fuit to Raguel who ajfcnts to, but jirongly dffuades from, their nuptials, on the fame grounds which had previoujly awakened the fears of Tobias. The determination of Tobias, and the condutl of Sara on the occajton. Their nuptials. The precautionary means of Tobias to defeat the deadly purpofsofthe Demon, who makes his attack, and is difcomjited. The Demon described. A hymn of thankfgiving by the wedded pair. The dreadful apprehcnjions of Raguel and Edna removed. Their thank-offerings on the occafion, wbi order the nuptials to be cehbrattd\ for thzfpace of fourteen days. A SACRED POEM. PART THE SECOND. SWEET are the wanderings of the Good, where rife Around them, numberlefs, Creation's charms, Declaring His beneficence and power Who fpake them into being, hills and dales, With verdure and umbrageous trees adorn'd,- 5 Foreft, or letter wood, or lonely wild ; Scenes rudely-grand, untrick'd by mimic art, Where Nature's chartered tribes roam unconfin'd : Along fuch fcenes, delighted, pafs'd the fwains Whofe path we trace. Unwearied hied they on IQ Till Evening's filver Star the front of heaven 2* TOBIAS, PART II. He faid, and vaulted from the verdant brink, Breaking the watery mirrors whofe light fpray Fled far and wide in fhinmg drops around. Scarce to the rippled furface had uprofe His buoyant filvery form, when, lo ! that form 50 A huge and fcaly monfter fierce afTail'd. Ejecting from his noftrils fiery foam, With jaws unfolded wide, he onward roll'd Tremendous. Him Tobias' watchful dog Efpied, and, faithful, to his matter fwam, 55 Keeping courageous the dire foe at bay ; While Azarias bade him guard his life, Yet fcorn bafe fear. The monfter then he feiz'd, And dragg'd him captive to the fandy (here. 60 This done, his trufty dog with ready zeal Aflifting, " Now," th' angelic Friend exclaim'd, e< His liver, bitter gall, and panting heart, Pluck from his fteamy breaft. In fafety thefe, CHAP. VI. A SACRED POEM* 39 For after-purpofe, fedulous difpofe : 65 And what is needful for our morn's repast From his vaft carcafe fever. Lo ! a fire Awaits the viand. Due refrefhment ours, The onward path invites us ; and what time Yon orb, jutl rifing, giant-like, to run 70 His daily courfe, (hall reach his weftern goal, Our way-worn feet a grateful paufe fhall find From travel, in the abode of Rague'l. Thy kinfman he, for wealth and worth far-fam'd : Whofe daughter offspring fole of Wedded Love, 75 As thou of thy fond parents for bright charms Boafts equal fame. Thine lhall the damfel be : And, her beholding, thou wilt none more fair E'er wifh to view. Yet not for charms alone, The tranfient charms of Beauty, blooming foon 80 And foon declining, like the fhort-liv'd fiow'r, Is Sara the fweet theme of many a tongue : Virtue, more lovely in fo fair a form,* * Gratior et pulchro veniens in corpora Virtus. Vi R c . 3, r OB IAS, ?ART It. Shines in her ev'ry deed, as mildly fhines With living luftre ev'ry ftar that gems 85 Th' unclouded face of heav'n. By law divine, A law that points to kindred rights, her Sire Muft: willing yield her unreluftant hand To thee, foliciting the lovely Prize." To whom Tobias" Tho' ten thoufand tongues 90 Grew wanton in the praife of Sara's form, Her mental charms, and excellencies bright How ra(h were I to wifh the Fair One mine ! Since Death muft pay the purchafe. For if Fame Truly report, to fev'n young fuitor-fwains 95 Have her toft vows been plighted. But, dread tale ! Ere gain'd, with trembling hade, the nuptial couch One of thofe fwains, fome Demon foul that burns With flame unhallow'd for the lovely maid, And vents in hellifh hate his jealous ire, IOQ Lifelefs has laid each rival. Say, Oh say, Wherefore Ihou'd I his horrid vengeance ihare, And, by my death untimely, hurry down My being's aged authors to the grave ?" CHAP. YI. A SACRED POEM. j i Then Azarias thus : "Like idle wind, 105 3ave thy fage Father's counfels pafs'd away, ounfels, to me unbofom'd by thy tongue, hen yeflernoon, while in the breezy fhade, rom fultry heat retir'd, we prefs'd a bank roider'd with flow'rs, which the tranflucid dream 1 10 tifs'd as moft mufically fweet it flow'd ? Then, with a brother's franknefs, didft thou fay, Thus fpake my Father : Female Lovelinefs, y Mo defy' s retiring grace adorn d> ourteous admire : and one fucb pleafing Form 115 ecure thine own, by Wedlock's holy bond ; ne of thy tribe, and whofe resembling Faitb lefembling Sentiment of heart and will ay in each breaft infpire.* Of every harm recklefs, then, from demon or from man. 120 ith winning fpeech yet true addrcfs the maid, hofe voice is mufic, and whofe fmiie is love -, unaverted to thy tender fuin *See page 15. 3* TOBIAS, PART II. Shall be her ear. Nor acquiefcence kind, From lips parental fhall thy purpofe need. 125 Thus, thine, the lovely damfel Tobit, lift To thefe inftruftious for thy tendered weal : Soon as foft twilight fleals o'er ev'ry plain, And the pale vefper-ftar fhall rife to light Thee to the bridal chamber, perfumes take, 130 Nard, and Sebe'an gum in cenfer meet, Which (hall, when touch'd with living fire, diffufe A vapoury cloud of odours. Inftant add The liver and the heart thou haft in ftore, Late pluck'd from thy afiailant in the ftream 135 Of rapid Tigris, and from fcent of thefe, Aloof the Spirit-Fiend will wing his way, Malign and dire, but pow'rlefs thee to harm. And oh withhold not at that awful hour, The f\veeter incenfc (orient from the foul i 40) To Him whofe mercy faves) of pray'r and praife. By thee and thy fair bride be duly paid This mutual offering, and propitious Heav'n CHAP. VII. A SACRED POEM. 33 Shall blefs your union with full tides of joy, And blooming progeny, the fruits of love. " 145 Such converie cheer'd them on their lengthened way, Till, to their view, Ecbatane's proud walls Rofe (lately ; walls preeminently grand. High on a hill, majeftic and fublime, They towering flood, -Dejoces' royal work, 150 Encircling temples, palaces, and domes With fev'n-fold ftrength, ftupendous ; fev'n the hues Which crown'd their lofty battlements. The firft Was white as Parian ftone -, the fecond black As raven's plume ; the third empurpled rich 155 As throne imperial ; azure beam'd the fourth, Bright as the cloudbfs Ikies - 3 the fifth afar Glow'd like an orange grove with mellow fruit Thickly inftincl: ; the fixth all-glorious fhonc With burnifh'd {liver, gliftering in the rays 160 Of day's declining orb; the feventh, of gold, Blaz'd with refulgent glory. This enflirin'd 34 TOBIAS, PART II. The monarch's gorgeous manfion, ftretching wide Sev'n furlongs, rear'd with art fuperlative. Of molten filver were its tranfverfe beams, i6j Or cedar wrought with gold.* Wonder, awhile, Tobias held ecftatic : nor refrain'd From rapturous namings his angelic guide, * According to Herodotus, the city of Ecbatane was built by Dejoces, the firft king of the Medes : but that author is not accu- rate in afcribing the honour of its total erection to him. His fon Phraortes finimed and adorned it with fuch exquifite grandeur, as to excite the wonder and admiration of all who faw it. It was iituated on a fpacious eminence ; and into it Dejoces convened the whole nation of the Medes, who, aforetime dwelt in caves and rniferable huts, What a contraft muft fuch a people have expe- rienced ! once difperfed over the face of the whole country, almoft in a ftatc of wild uncultivated nature : then brought to inhabit one of the grandeil cities in the world '.Polybius informs us (lib.x.) that it was encompafled with feven walls at equi-diftances from each other. Theoutermoft was on the lovveft ground, and equal in circumference to that of Athens, i. e. one hundred and feven- ty-eight furlongs. The reft rofe gradually, overtopping each other. Their battlements were of different colours. The firil white; the fecond black; the third red; the fourth blue; the fifth orange ; the fixth filver; and the feventh gold. For which reafon, Bochart obferves, this city was called by the ancients, Agbata, fignifying, in the Arabian language, fomething of different Colours. The Royal Palace and Treaiury, (the former of which was feven furlongs round) flood within the feventh wall. In the Royal abode were difplaycd all the fkill of the architect, and .ill the magnificence of the Monarch. Some of its beams are faid to have been of maflive filver, and fome of finely-wrought cedar, inlaid with gold See Polybius, lib. x. Calmet's Com. and Did. Wells's Geography of the Old Telhment, v. iii. Stackhoufe v. ii. CHAP. VII. A SACRED POEM. 35 Who human feem'd, and ne'er on earth beheld Aught more exciting marvel. What in heav'n, 170 Or grand or fair remember'd, our dull fenfe, While clogg'd with mortal clay, cou'd not conceive, Had he thofe fcenes pourtray'd.-- Onward they paced, Still gazing ; nor had admiration ceas'd When Raguel's modeft manfion met their view. 175 Embofom'd in a dell, ferene it rofe, Cloth'd with a mantling vine, whofe purple fruit Hung cluttering ; and, high o'er the fimple roof, Wav'd with the playful breeze a (lately palm. Vagrant, amid od'riferous flirubs and flow'rs, 1 80 Flow'd waters clear as cryftal, gufhing forth From fount of marble, and a filvery courfe Stole down the vallies. On the margin ftray'd, Attir'd in neatnefs, Sara, and the pair Who gave her beauties to ,th' admiring eye. 185 Slowly, as fuiting Age, that pair mov'd on, Surveying, happy, the delightfome fcene Where God had placed them,- (lor 'd with ev'ry good E 2 3 6 TOBIAS, PART 1L The roving eye to pleafe, or warm the heart : Flow'rs of all fcent and hje, and pendent fruits 190 Nedtareous, open la'wns, and bovvering fhades. Thefe praife awaken'd and complacent thought In Sara's parents, as they onward walk'd, Regarding her the lovelieft flow'r that graced Their rural garden ; whom they, bleffing, paiVd: 195 While, all-conternplative, the purfled fky, Rich with the fplendours of day's fetting orb, She flood admiring, Him admiring mod, Who form'd what was fo glorious. On her cheek The blufli of evening flione a needlefs charm: 200 For Nature there its fofteft rofes ftrew'd Mid virgin lilies, delicately itreak'd With violets' living purple. O'er her brow, Placid as fummer-lake, when fleeps the breeze, Locks, bright as gold, in wavy lightnefs play'd, 205 Shading her eyes' mild luftre, and adown Shoulders more white than fnow, in fpiral wreaths Flo\v'd lovely. Rang'din even rows, her teeth, CHAP. VII. A SACRED POEM. 37 Like flocks frefh fhorn, difparted were in praife ; And, ever and anon, while, whifpering low, 210 She converfe held with heav'n, as pearls they Ihone, Encas'd in lips of ruby, where fate fweet An angel's fmile, befpeaking inward peace. Now, all-delighted with the fober charms Of even- tide, the ftranger-guefts drew nigh. 215 Them firft, with blandeft greeting, Sara hail'd, Gracious ; next cordial welcome Raguel gave. Then foftly to his gentle mate, whofe arm Was lock'd in his, faid On fearful errand bent, the damfel fought The bridal chamber. Silence* wakeful ear Her treadings heard not; which, as flaky fnow 455 Noifelefs defcends, light touch'd the velvet floor. - Awe-fliook fhe enter'd : when how fwift the flight Of fpeftrous Fear ! -rejoiced, fhe inftant faw, In cither's arms enfolded, the blefs'd Pair In balmy deep repofing. Her return 460 .The expectant Parents hail'd : but, oh what tongue Their rapture e'er can paint, when on her face Joy's dimpling fmile they faw, ere fpeech declar'd Their children happy ? Forth from Raguel's lips (And Edna's heart accordant join'd the ftrain) 465 Thus Praife fpontaneous burft -" Almighty Sire ! From faints and feraphim, in choirs above, Worthy art Thou of pure and holy praife, And from all earthly creatures. Meet from me., CHAP-. VIII. A SACRED POEM, 51 Moft meet, as from an altar high furcharg'd 470 With coftlieft gifts, fhou'd hallowed incenfe rife. For, from thy fervant's dwelling, lo- ! thine arm Has ill averted, and my troubled foul To gladnefs tun'd. A virtuous youth that arm Has hither guided one who Thee adores 475 And mated to our daughter, offspring fole, As he of his fond parents. Mercy, Lord ! Show'r on them ! health, and joy abundant fhow'r ! Till their Age-honour'd forms are clufter'd round With blooming pledges of their children's love, 480 Them making blefs'd, tho' hoary." Solemn paufe Here feemly followed. Then, with afpeft bright, The mock'd abyfs of Death, the yawning grave a Delv'd recent by his hand, he joyous bade His willing fervants fill, and mirth prepare^ 483 Lading as half the term of Night's pale queen, Which now, full-orb'd, in filvery fplendour reign'd,. END OF PART THE SECOND. ARGUMENT OF THE THIRD PART. Filial Piety- exemplified in the conduft of Tobias, who, though in full fruition of connubial blifs, feels the liveliejl folicitude left bis long ab- fence Jhould prove a fource of grief to his parents. He therefore requejls Azarias to proceed to Rages, who cheerfully complies,-"- fxecutes his'comn:ijjicn---and brings Gabael 'with him to celebrate the nuptials of Tobias and Sara at Ecbatane . In the mean while Tobit find Anna are alarmed refpeding thefafety of their Jon. The ma- ternal grief 'of Anna defer ibed. Raguel endeavours in wain to pre- vail on Tobias to prolong his flay his parting addrefs to his daugh- ter Edna's to Tobias. The departure of the newly -married pair, *with their train of attendants their journey towards Nineveh. When at no great dijlance from that city, Azarias propojes that he and Tobias jh all precede Sara, &c. to prepare her father and mother- in-law for her arrival. Jin evening view of their swelling . jinna,Jeated at its door, anxioujly looks for the Return of her Jen- -he approaches, and is recognized at Jome dijlance. A tenaer interview. Tobit is rcjlored to fight, and gives glory to God goes to meet his daughter-in-law to the gate of the city his falutation. A Jeafon tf fejlivity again objerved on the happy occajion. A conference be- tween the father and Jon re [peeling the remuneration of Azarias. Tobias? generous propojal acceded to by his father, and communicated to Azarias, who, reajjuming his angelic characltr, appears in uncom- mon beauty informs them that he is Raphael, a cotnmijjioned mef- fenver of heaven to do what he has done J or their wclfai e gives them various injlrutiions, and vanijhes from their Jight, thejwetteft tnujic attending him in his a/cent to the J eats cf celefiial gloiy. An hymn ofpraife, predictive oj the future projperity of judak and gran- deur of Jerufalem* Tcbit's decline laji counjel to his f on and death. His aged partner foon follows him to ibe grave their refpeftive interment. Tobias and Sara depart, with their children, from Nineveh---live in honour and happinefs with Raguel at Ec- batane where, after attaining a gccd old age t they c/o/e their A SACRED POEM, PART THE THIRD, 1 O duteous deeds no refpite Filial-Love Knows or defires. A Parent's bidding 'wakes Thought, Energy, and Will; which all impel To aftion, coveting no other meed Than fond approval, and the fmile of Heav'n. 5 What will not Filial-Piety forego, A Father's bread to cheer ? whofe hand has toil'd, Nor yet e'er deem'd it toil, his children's days To blefs. What will not Filial-Love forego, fi. Mother's tender bofom to requite 10 For all the throbbing pangs it keenly felt. 54 TOBIAS, PART HI* What time the embryo- man fhe forrowing bare ? Is aught enjoyment that imparts diftrefs To thofe who gave us being ? Paufe, Q Youth ! Who wring'ft their heart with anguilh, and who plant'ft Untimely wrinkles in their tear-wafh'd cheek $ 15 Who, ere the winter of Old Age arrive, Doft (lied around their aching temples fnow: Oh ! paufe, and duly think of them and thee ; . Of Them thou'rt hurrying, like a monfter, down, Relentlefs to the grave j of Thee, for whom 2C* Thou'rt treafuring Deftru&ion. What 1 at once A Self-Deftroyer and a Parricide ? Enormous Guilt! Awake, awake from Sin: It is a lethargy that 'numbs the foul, And robs it of fenfation. Quit the path 25 Fictitious flow'rs beftrew, where, cowering, lies A ferpent that will fting thee, and whofe wound Is death. To Virtue's confecrated walk Inftant betake thee, where her votaries, tHAP. IX, A SACRED POEM. }$ Onward proceed, in pleafantnefs and peace, 30 From earth to heav'n. In that far better path Journied th' ingenuous Youth whofe bridal hour And wondrous refcue from the Pow'rs of Hell, So late we fung. In happinefs fupreme, Lo ! now his wedded moments fweetly glide ; 35 While Female-Lovelinefs, and feftal fcenes Preclude all care. And yet, devoid of care, Say, lives Tobias for a Father's weal ? Ah, no. His kind aflbciate, friend, and guide Addrefs'd he courteous thus : " The pafiing days, 40 Good Azarias ! well, full well, I know My Parents count in forrow, while my feet Here fondly linger, and my Sara's fire Has, with an oath, my further movement barr'd, Till twice fev'n funs have faded. What can I ? 45 His generous purpofe thwart ? The deed were bafe, But then my own lov'd Father's gentle heart, And her's who bare me, do I rudely wrong, 5 6 TOBIAS, PART 111. * Thy Kindnefswill befriend me; and the thorn,- The only thorn that, in the rofy wreath 50 Which twines about me, tender pain inflicts, Out-pluck, and leave me all-embower'd in blifs. To Gabael hence, my more than Brother ! go. Nor be the debt thy objedl fole to gain ; But hither, too, the worthy debtor bring : 55 Bring Gabael's felf; that he with us may fhare Our nuptial joy." As hies the flock, at morn, To vernant pafture from the hurdled fold, Inftant, to Rages, Azarias fteer'd His willing way. Arrived, the written pledge, 69 With quick difpatch was cancel'd by the fum Told duly to a doit. For when pervades Integrity the breaft, no plea is heard Fraught with deceptive guile to baffle Right, The plea alone of knaves. An honed man 6^ Unlocks his coffers to difcharge a debt, With heart as much confenting, as he heaps CHAP. IX. A SACRED POEM. J7 More to his growing thoufands. Gabael thus : And cordial welcome to the youth he gave ; Happy to greet him, as if he the fum 70 Had brought, not ta'en away. Ere ileep's foft hours Invited them their wearied eyes to clofe, Of his long-abfent Brother much his tongue Affectionate enquired ; and kind refolve Speedy declar'd Tobias' nuptial days 75 To gladden with his prefence, foon as Reft, Sweet to the way-worn traveller, fhou'd refrelh His pleafing Vifitant ; whofe ardent zeal Wifh'd quick departure. Scarce had morn's fhrill bird Summoned the peafant to his rural tafk, So When Sleep forfook their eye-lids. Firft to Heav'n Their orifons they pour'd ; then fhort repaft Partaken blithe purfued their deftin'd way. Now, thro' the Median plains, to where the hours With feathery foot, in circling dance, (lid by 85 The wedded pair, thick featuring rofeate flow'rs, H 5* TOBIAS, PART Illi Repaired the focial friends; and with them ftray'd Soul-cheering Pleafantnefs, companion meet Of Virtue. Yet not always on the Good Is Pleafantnefs attendant. From the roof 90 Of pious Tobit fhe had tarried long. Each day brought flattering hope, that, ere its clofe> His aged arms would clafp his dear-lov'd fon. Still came he not ; and fickening dark miftruft Sate heavy on his heart. The tender fears 95 Of Anna, fcorning Reafon's fage controul, Thus gave to Woe a tongue : " Alas ! my Son, Childlefs is now thy mother. Naught of charm Has Life for me, fince Thou, whofe prefence pour'd Around me Joy, art dead !" In vain, to foothe 100 Her anguilh'd bofom, {trove her calmer mate. Day after day, fhe folitary ftray'd Along the highway path her fon's laft fleps Had mark'd, departing. Homeward then {he turn'd Difconfolate, with unavailing tears 105 Watering the ground. In vain did dainticft food CHAP. X. A SACRED POEM. 59 Court her reception. O'er the untafted meal Silent flie hung ; or only Silence* reign Invaded with an oft-repeated figh. In vain did Night oblivious fhadows bring : no Sweet Sleep its poppy fceptre fail'd to wave Around her aching head.* Longer had rul'd * The impatience of a fond Parent towards a long abfent child, as no where, perhaps, fo beautifully defcribed, as in the inimitable Parable of the Prodigal Son. The words " When be was yet a great way off, bis father faw him, and ran, and fell OH his neck, and kiJJ'ed him, 1 are, in tendernefs, without a parallel. Horace alfo thus finely defcribes the inquietude of a mother refuking from the fame caufe ; Ut mater juvenem, quern notus invido Flatu Carpathii trans maris a;quora Cunftantem fpatio longius annuo Dulci dillinet a domo, Votis omnibus hunc et precibus vocat, Curvo nee faciem Httore demovet. Carm. lib. iv. od. 5. A free Tranflaticn. As fome fond mother, near the winding fhore. Which ocean's billows la(h with deaf 'ning roar, From the wide world of waters ne'er removes Her tearful eye, that afks the ion- me loves ; That fon, whom envious hyperborean gales Keep from his happy home. Each Pow'r flie hails With fervent eloquence, in pious pray'r, While her fofc boibm throbs with agonizing Care. L. u, H Z 63 TOBIAS, PART III. Sorrow's defpotic queen, had not the term Twice fev'n revolving funs from Raguel's oath Her darling fon fct free. Each foft conftraint, 115 The ftnifti'd term to lengthen Raguel tried, To (lay his eager feet, frefh fandal'd now For home-bound journey. " Let me go," he cried, Might he enfued by Joy." Then, happy heard The wondering father what high blifs kind Heav'n Had to his fon cfifpens'dj and, gladfome, went 260 To greet the coming bride. The city's gate "Scarce had he pafs'd, when, tended by her train, "Approach'd the lovely Stranger. Her he hail'd With fofc falutc then thus : "Welcome thou com'ft, I 3 ^ TOBIAS, PART lit; My child ! and blefs'd be Virtue's favouring God, 265 Who hither brought thee ! Blefs'd, too, be the Pair, Thy Father and thy Mother ! who upreard Such Worth and Beauty for my darling Son." Fdlivity again the nuptial deed Recorded, and, while fev'n revolving funs 270 The day tnliven'd, reign'd. Rejoicing friends Flock'd round and marvel'd much at fight reftor'd To aged Tobit. Thefe he told 'twas GOD Who from his eyes had Darknefs chas'd away, And Sorrow from his foul. The feftal term 275 Now ended, to his fon, thus fpake the fire ! cc See that thy faithful Friend and Guide his meed Lib'ral receive." Prompt anfwer made the fon : Cf O father ! Azarias' matchlcfs Worth Too feeble is my tongue in pow'r, to tell. 280 Me guided he in fafety ; kept unharm'd My life from that dread monfcer of the deep, tHAP. XII. A SACRED POEM. 63 Whofe gallwith heav'n's own blefling gave thee fight : And, from a monfter far more dread, he fav'd Thy fon ; from Demon the mod dire that Hell 285 Difgorges from its adamantine gates. Had Azarias more than Brother kind Prefcrib'd no means prefervative, the fiend, Flaming with ire, a blafted corfe had ftretch'd Thy only child. Then fay, if half the dow'r 290 I boaft with my lov'd Sara, be unmeet For fuch diftinguifh'd fcrvice ?".-" Good, my fon ! The worthy fwain bring hither, and perform Thy grateful wifh." He came, and heard, well pleas'd, Their gen 'rous purpofe ; then apart he led 295 Them to a fcene fequefter'd, which no foot Might tread intrufive, no rude eye profane. It was a garden where commingling fweets, Breath'd from innum'rous flpw'rs, fill'd all the air, And fhadowy trees with lufcious fruits were hung, 300 fd TOBIAS, PART Il. -There, ere he fpake, amaz'd, with radiant light They faw his brow encircled, and his form Afluine furpafling grace. On either cheek Sate more than mortal beauty, -bloom more fofc Than tint of dewy rofe. Benignant Love 305 Beam'dfrom his piercing eye; and luftrous wings, Whiter than cygnet's down, expanding grew On his fair fhoulders. Round him was a robe Cerulean wreath'd, of goflamer -inftinc~t With ftars of living light and dropt with gold. 313 While through the ambient air fuch fweetnefs ftolej That earth feem'd heav'n. Prone on their faces, fell The wondering fire and fon : when, mild as blows The whifpering zephyr at the vernal morn, Thefe accents met their ear; " Arife, my Friends ! 31 5 The friends of God and man! and fear no ill, Raphael am I, the MeiTenger of Heav'n ; One of its holy Angels which prefent The pray'rs of faints before the glorious throne CHAP. XII. A SACRED POEM. 7 1 Of the Moft High. Thine, Tobit ! when Diftrefs 323 And Blindnefs wrung thy heart, I pitying bore To yonder feat of Mercy. Frequent ftill Intreat the Sov'rejgn Ear of Boundlefs Love. Pray'r has afcending wings which foar to heav'n. Like that vaft ladder, by the Patriarch kenn'd 325 In vifionary dream, with angels throng'd, Pray'r opes communion free, from needy man To Bounty's God, and brings his Bleffings down* But mindful be ye, that from bofoms pure, Or throbbing with Compunction's chaftening pang, The facred incenfe rife : and let bright Faith [330 With fervid flame enkindle it or, void Of vital fpirit, lifelefs, down to earth Will fink the unhallow'd offering.-- -Alms give wings To Supplication. Better 'tis to blefs 335 The famifh'd Poor, than bury dormant gold In fordid coffer, cankering with difufe; tike a putrefcent ftercoracious mafs, TOBIAS, PART Naught, fave rank weeds, producing. But impart That mafs putrefcent to the hungry fields,- 340 fhere fee it fcatter'd by the ruftic Twain, While tepid fliow'rs defcend and lo ! foon fmiles Fertility in mantle green* around. An emblem this of gold diffused : and hence Its moral worth let hoarding mifers learn. 345 Well dealt, it blefies : to the poor man's heart, With Sorrow chill'd, and clouded with Defpair, Imparting gladnefs. - Tobit ! when thy board Was crown'd with Plenty, thou this duteous youth Didft fend to feek the hungry, and them bring 350 To (hare Heav'n's Goodnefs. And the gen'rous deed Heav'n markM approving. So, when unappall'd By cruel menace or vindictive Hate, The mangled Dead to decent iepulture Thou bor'ft humanely Heav'n, whofc eye ne'er fleeps, 355 Beheld thee, and on its eternal roll The pious aft recorded. Deeds like thefe CtfAP. XIK A SACRED POEM. 73 Have made thy Friend the Almighty ; \vhofebeheft To guard thy fon from clanger, and to lead Him on to nuptial blifs glad I obey'd. 360 That Friend, regarding thee, too, in diftrefs, Bade me on thy long-darken'd eye-bails pour The bright effulgence of ddigluibme day, And give thee to behold with raptur'd gaze The lovely face of Nature, lovelier ftill 365 The roll of Infpiration, teaching man His origin and end. The term now clos'd Of my fojourn in this tcrreftrial fphere x I go to Him who fent me,- in His courts To minifter j where Pleafures reign too vaft 370 For man's conception, till his cumbrous mould He lay afide, and through yon golden gates, Which now invite my entrance, wing his way To live in blifs for ever." Here he ceas'd, Andlo! while, reverent, the aflonilh'd pair 375 Adoring bow'd, far-bcarriing glories {hone AfQimd their angel-gueil : when, upward borne, K 74 TOBIAS, PART III. Majeftic, in a flood of amber light He vanifh'd ! fhen, harmonious thro' the air Was heard celeftial minftrelfy, more fweet 380 Than aught that charms the ear in wood or grove, Or mortal choir fymphonious, finely tun'd And fwelling to the organ's choral found- Lifting the foul to Heav'n. Awe-ftruck, uprofe The human pair, fole auditors, and wide 385 Proclaim'd aloud the marvel, praifing God. Nor pour'd was evanefcent praife alone By grateful Tobit. In abiding lines, To after ages left he lofty hymn, With energy thus fraught, and warmth divine: 390 " Blefs'd be the Eternal, and His kingdom blefs'd ! AY ho ne'er afHicts his children but in love, And to the borders of Death's dark domain Them frequent leads in mercy, that to health Again, obedient, he may them reftore : 395 in their hallow'd dwellings, Joy's glad voice CHAP. XII. A SACRED POSM. Tuneful fhall rife. O Ifrael I Him confds Before the nations, ignorant of His Name: Amid vvhofe idol-altars we are doom'd To ftray forfaken, fcatter'd by His arm 400 or coundefs fins. Thofe fins if ye bemoan, And, penitent, to Him who fmites ytm turn > As His bright emblem, yon meridian Sun, From dark clouds, oft, with renovated beams Burfts on a dreary world his gladdening face 435 Again will fhine upon you. As pure gold The furnace feparates from unvalued drofs, He will colled our lorn and fever'd tribes Out of the fcoffing nations, which opprefs Our abjecl: race, and brighter bid return 410 Fal'n Salem's glory. His prophetic page, In cheering promife, thus fublimely fpeaks : What tho' from Z ion's and my people's woes Long time I turn'd, abhorrent of their crimes, Yet profp'rous days, behold, again I bring,--,- 415 Peace, peace abundant, and unfailing joy, K. 2 ;-. TOBIAS, PART 111, Judah's captivity fevere fliall ceafe, And Ifrael's greatnefs once again return. Pardon'd of fin, in purity and blifs> The voice of gratulation they fhall raife 42. In Salem's ftreets, thofe ftrccts which, now fo drear, Fell Defolation fcours of man and beaft, Midheapy fpoils of palaces and domes, Where trembling Dread uninterrupted reigns, Or whofe dull reign, all-illent as the tomb, 415 Is interrupted only by the biaft That wings the ftorm, or by the horrid fhriek Of Night's lone bird, e'en there the choral fong Of Gladnefs fhall rcfound. Where ftretches wide Confufion her long line o'er maffive ftoncs 4^ The fculptur'd fragments of once gorgeous piles Now mo&'d by Time, and with each noifome weed Rudely o'ergrown j where hideous fatyrs dance, While the queen-owl by moonlight holds her court, &nd bitterns huge and cormorants mope around; 455 Where the gaunt vulture, hovering, fcreams for fooci PART III. A SACRED POEM. f 7 While defert-monfters, in tremendous ire, Growl o'er the mangled carcafe ; there, e'en there Again, fo grand, (hall beauteous Order rife, That what was glorious once, from MemVy's roll* 44 As undeferving note, like fome faint dream Shall fleeting fade away.- -With Plenty crown'd, Sion, imperial feat of Heav'n's own King ! Wide o'er the teeming earth thy fair domain Shall fpread, illimitable, -baftion'd walls, 445 And ilrong munitions, fruit of human toil, Needed no more : for round thee Might divine Shall raife, impregnable, a wall of Fire ! Terrific Spectacle to ev'ry eye That views thy weal with hoftile aim malign ! 450 But to thy children, whom its t circling flame Enclofes, all-protective, (hall it fecm A Miracle of Glory ! fhedding light Soft and benign as Evening's folar beam, That blends its ludre with the vernal (how'r. 435 7 8 TOBIAS, PART 111; So, to th' affailant's fpear, in Parthian wilds, The cavern'd lionefs ftern defiance bids, And from her eye-balls Fury's reddening flame Flafhes ! while on her young (he fondly turns Affe&ion's tender glance. Decrepid Age, 460 The tottering Ruin of what once was Man, Within thee, happy City ! (hall no more E'er fhock the fight : yet in thine ev'ry haunt So full of years ihall hoary Age be feen, That, bending with the venerable load, 46^5 A feemly ftaff (hall grace its (Inewy hand : * But, vigorous in each mental faculty, t It fhall exhibit to the charmed eye A Monument for Wonder ! on its brow Tho' Time (hed fnow, and furrows deep indent, 470 That brow (hall wear its fmile,' arnus'd to fee Gay troops of blooming youths* bright nymphs and fwains, In fportive revelry or mazy dance Crown with felicity the clofing day.. PART III. A SACRED POEM. 79 Norfhall the verdant hills which round thee rife 475 As flickering guardians by th* Almighty placed, Want their peculiar charms , but the rapt ear Shall they fakue with fhepherds' ruftic lays While flocks unnuruber'd whiten all the plain. The nuptial carol, too, (hall oft proclaim 480 Tidings of love fuccefsful, love fincere, And in each dwelling lively-hearted Joy Lift her infpiring notes in dulcet fong. Divined harmony (hall Judah blefs, Divineft praifes fill the founding courts 485 Of Him who bade Captivity expire, And fmiling Freedom hail the happy land.* * It is unneceflary to inform the biblical reader that all be- tween line 410 and line 487 is matter to which there is nothing correfpondent in the Book of Tobit; but that the imagery is chiefly derived from the divine pages of ancient prophecy ; with which the pious father of Tobias mull have been well acquainted. The manner in which that imagery is introduced, making him the medium through which it is given, thp author prefumes will fhield it from the charge of inconfiftency. Were he uninfluenced by a defire that no part of his poem fhould merit fuch a charge, he $ TOBIAS, PART II Ii Then, O my exil'd fellows ! fcorn defpair, And tune your voices to the Eternal's praife. Him, tho' far-fever'd from my native plains, 496 An alien fcoff'd in thraldom fearlefs, Him Does my tongue celebrate, His boundlefs Love, His Majefty and Might to ears unus'd To fuch high themes ; to finners, all-eftrang'd Prom God and Goodnefs, at an idol's fnrine 49^5 Who bow infatuate. Oh, admonifh'd, turn, Ye erring mortals ! turn to Nature's LORD : And, His behefts obeying, who can fay He will .not on you with benignant eye Look down, and in his wide-encircling arms 50$ Embrace you gracious ? O paternal King ! Whatever my lot, Thee my unfettered foul, hn would gladly hax'e rnriched the paffage, defcriptive of the future glory of Jerufalena, from the inspired writings of St. John, in tlie Apocalypfe ; particularly by certain grand images contained in the two lall chapters of that fublime and darkly-myik'rious production : images which are diilinguiihed perhaps, for greater magnificence than any thing ellc in the Sacred Volume, and to which there is nothing comparable in th'j fined works of human genius. CHAP. XIII. A SACRED POEM, Sj In afpirations jubilant, fhall hail. Nor Salem ! holy city ! ofc redeem'd From hoftile rage by his Almighty Arm, 505 Do thou his praife to celebrate refufe. What tho' he fcourge thee for thy foul mifdeeds; It is in mercy : yet his lifted rod Inftant thy penitential' tears will ftay ; And, as a father's heart in pity melts 510 For his repentant child, with tendered Jove He will embrace thee, changing grief to joy. Thy ruin'd temple, where, effulgent, dwelt His faving Prefenee, in thee (hall arife With added glory ; and fro nr far fhall come, 515 Bearing for Judah's Monarch coftlieft gifts, The. thronging nations. High thy palaces Again (hall tow'r, beaming with pureft gold Sapphires, and emeralds, and every gem. Thy peopled (treets widi beryl iliall be pav'd, 520 With jafper> and pyropus' fiery (lone, $5 *T O BI AS* PART life And all thy crouded ways fhaJl fliouting fing " Salvation ! Solyma, redeem'd, thus lifts To her Eternal King eternal praife !'* And blefs'd be they who in thy weal rejoice: 525, Who mourn'd thy woes; and, when thou wot chaf, tis'd, Felt the keen chaftifement's afflictive pangs Throb in their foul: for ever blefs'd with Shall thele rejoice,, and all thy glory fhare. He ceas'd ; yet oft refum'd the lofty fong, While fublunary fcenes his aged feet Trod trembling. When with fellow-faints above, Sublimer drains, amid cherubic hofts, To their high harpings, he enraptured fang. But ere tranQated to the blifsful feats Of Light unfading, he a blooming race Beheld around his venerable form, His children's children, an obedient train ; 'CHAP. XIII. A SACRED POEM. I 3 Renewing, emulous, his various Worth, Their parents' virtues and corporeal charms. 543 Year after )near roll'd on, and each more fit Made him for glory j till the filver cord, Loofen'd by Time's difiblving hand, forgot Its wonted office; till the golden bowl, That holds the treafures of the reafoning brain, 545 Was well-nigh broken, and the wond'rous wheel That winds the life-blood from the copious heart, Slowly revolv'd : then, then the pious fage Read, in thefe folemn monitory figns, The coming hour of death's all-clofmg fleep. 550 Nature fad ebb'd : but yet the pow'r of fpeech Forfook not his pale lips. Thefe parting words, Seated amid his kindred, he addrefs'd With tendered accent to his heedful fon, What time old reverend Age's honours grey 555 Shook on his palfied head : "I feel, my fon, L 2 4 TOBIAS, PART III. The hand of death prefs on me. While remains Enough of tremulous fpeech, oh let me warn Thee far from this devoted land to fly : And bear with thee to Media's happy plains . 560 Each dear-lov'd Relative. For foon I ween Shall Nineveh's vaft city be no more. Where now her idol-temples proudly tow'r, Shall Vengeance fmoke, and Ruin's mighty hand With namelefs horrors ftrew the frightful fcene. 565 Fly, then, my fon ! the coming judgments fly, Soon as the grave demands my old remains, Now render'd worthlefs, from a century's wear, And more : a period long, when backward looks Remembrance o'er unnumber'd forrows. Long, 570 If thro* the chequer'd journey Goodnefs paced Befide the woe-worn pilgrim. But, alas ! Of that attendant, cloth 'd in heav'n's own robe, I little boaft ; and, at this dark'ning hour, Leave all to Mercy ; whole approving fmile, 575 CHAP. XJV. A SACRED POEM. I My Ton ! by juft, humane, and holy deeds, Strive to fecure j and on thee reft, and thine, God's Bleffing !" Here articulation fail'd; And foft as falls the pearly tears of eve On opening rofes, his lad tender words 580 Defcended on each fondly- liftening ear, And thence into the heart. No more he fpake : For Death fat lovely on his pallid cheek, Clofing with lenient hand his heav'n- ward eyes; Eyes bright with vifions of celeflial blifs. 5^5 < Mute all around the kindred- mourners flood, And mark'd the dying faint ; while from each bread That heav'd with grief, arofe the holy wifh Like him to die. Ere long, again was prefs'd The bier funereal with the wreck of death, 590 The pale remains of Tobit's widow'd mate. As when two citrons of coeval birth, Together ripen on one bending bough, Oft will young Zephyr with its balmy breath 8fr TOBIAS, FART ilk Them, mellow'd by the feafons, jointly fhake 595 On earth's green lap : fo far'd it with the Pair,- The venerable Pair whofe nuptial lot Erewhile we fang* Soon where her Tobit lay, The faithful Anna flept ',---ow grave their bed,~- One verdant Jod their mingling wedded duft 600 Soft covering.*- Such the folemn fond requeft Of Tobit, utter'd in Affliftion's hour, What time Adverlity and Blindnefs leagued To plunge him in defpair. That grave their fon With Filial Duty's tender tear beclew'd : 605 Then journied flow, with oft-reverted eye, Tow'rds Raguel's diftant home, his partner fair, And prattling little ones beguiling fweet His forrows by the way. Arriv'd, new fcenes, New friends and hopes the penfive mourner cheer'd: And ere twelve moons had mark'd his nightly tears, Seepage 13. CHAP, XIV. A SACRED POEM.- is bleeding bread was heal'd. Then fleetly pafs'd he circling hours. Then Happinefs around pread ever-fmiling fweets, till hoary Age Sow'd him and his lov'd helpmate to the duft, 615 t n unperceiv'd decay, without a pang ; n earth lamented by the Good, and blefs'd ith fecret foretafte of the jays of heaven. Printed by J. RANN, Dudley. A 'List of the author s other Publications I. Sermons, in i vol. large 8vo. - 6 2- Single Sermon, on the Propriety of having a settled Faith. - i 3,. Ditto, on the blefsed Remembrance of righteous persons. - I 4. Ditto, on the General Fast; with an Addrefs to the common people on the subjeft of Riots. - I 5.. Ditto, on a similar Occasion ; with an Addrefs to British Soldiers. - I 6. Ditto, on a similar occafion, entituled Christian Intre- pidity, or a Difsuasive from the Fear of Death in the discharge of Duty. - 1 7 Ditto, on the Duty and Advantages of inoculating Children with the Cow-Pock; addrefsed chiefly to Parents. - I & An* Addrefs, &c. to the Dudley Loyal Afsociation^ .- delivered at the consecration of their Colours. o "9, A plain Form of Christian Worship, for the use of Parish Workhouses and Infirmaries, 2d. ea. .or per doz. - I 10. Select Psalms and Hymns for the use of Churches, with a supplement. - - i 11. Juvenile Poems, in 3 small vols. - 6 12. The Highlanders, a poem, 4*0. - 2 13. Malvern, a descriptive poem. - 3 14. The Hop Garden, a didactic Poem. - 3 15. Calista ; or a Piclure of modern Life. - 2 i .'-. Poems, having a reference to Lord Viscount Dudley and Ward's beautiful Seat at Himley. 2 a *ij* Such of these as ard not out of print may be had at the Printer's and Publishers of the present work.