Externals take from _Majesty_, the rest Is but--a thing at which we laugh--_a jest!_ Let us to Scripture History appeal, And see what truths its ancient rolls reveal:-- That great authority which Tyrants boast, As most confirming, will confound them most! When Israel with unheard of murmurs first, Pray'd to indulgent Heaven they might be curst, Rejected God, scorn'd his Almighty rule, And made themselves their children's ridicule, A standing banter, future ages' jest, As damn'd to slavery at their own request-- With what just arguments did Samuel plead, Give them the Tyrant's character to read; Explain the lust of an ungovern'd man, Show them the danger, preach to them in vain; Tell them the wretched things they'd quickly find, Within the pleasing name of King combined; Deign with their'wilder'd crowds t' expostulate, And open all the dangers of their fate!-- Yet they sought ruin with unwearied pains, And begg'd for fetters, slavery, and chains! But, it's replied, heaven heard its suppliant's prayer, Itself chose out the King, and plac'd him there; Disown'd the People's right, and fix'd their choice In providence, and not the people's voice; From whence the claim of right by regal line, Made Israel's Kings be Kings by Right Divine. Yes, Saul was King by God's immediate hand-- But' _twas in judgment to afflict the land!_ In granting He corrected the request, A king He gave them, but _withheld the rest;_ {154} Gave all that they pretended to require, But in the gift he punish'd the desire; He gave a plague, the very selfsame thing They ask'd, when they petition'd for a King! For 'tis remarkable when Samuel saw, They'd have a King in spite of sense or law, He told the consequences to the land, And all the mischiefs that the Word contain'd; Told them, that Kings were instruments design'd, Not to improve, but to correct mankind! Told them the Tyrant would insult their peace, And plunder them of all their happiness! Told them, that Kings were but exalted thieves, Would rob men first, and then would make them slaves! Then drew the picture of a monster crown'd, Ask'd them, if such a villain could be found, * Whether they'd like him, and their tribute bring? They answer, Yes:--let such a man be King!