King David’s limbs were weary. He had fled From far Jerusalem, and now he stood With his faint people for a little rest Upon the shore of Jordan. The light wind Of morn was stirring, and he bared his brow To its refreshing breath; for he had worn The mourner’s covering, and he had not felt That he could see his people until now. They gathered round him on the fresh green bank, And spoke their kindly words; and as the sun Rose up in heaven, he knelt among them there, And bowed his head upon his hands to pray. Oh! when the heart is full, when bitter thoughts Come crowding thickly up for utterance, And the poor common words of courtesy Are such a very mockery, how much The bursting heart may pour itself in prayer! He prayed for Israel; and his voice went up Strongly and fervently; he prayed for those Whose love had been his shield; and his deep tones Grew tremulous; but oh! for Absalom! For his estranged, misguided Absalom-- The proud, bright being who had burst away, In all his princely beauty, to defy The heart that cherished him--for him he poured, In agony that would not be controlled, Strong supplication, and forgave him there Before his God, for his deep sinfulness. The hosts were numbered. At Mahanaim’s gate Sat David, as the glittering thousands passed Forth to the battle. With a troubled eye He looked upon their pomp, and as the helms Bent low before him, and the banners swayed Like burnished wings to do him reverence, His look grew restless, and he did not wear The lofty sternness of a monarch’s brow. The leader of the host came by. His form Was like a son of Anak, and he strode Majestically on, and bore his crest As men were waters, and his frame a rock. The king rose up to Joab, and came near, As his tall helm was bowed; and by the love He bore his master, he besought him there That he would spare him Absalom alive. He passed with his stern warriors on; the trump And the loud cymbal died upon the ear; And as the king turned off his weary gaze, The last faint gleam had vanished, and the wood Of Ephraim had received a thousand men, To whom its pleasant shadows were a grave.