First, David there appears in kingly state, Whilst the Twelve Tribes his dread commands await: Straight to the wars with his joined strength he goes, Settles new friends, and frights his ancient foes. To Solima, Canaan's old head, they came, (Since high in note, then not unknown to Fame,) The blind and lame the undoubted wall defend, And no new wounds or dangers apprehend. The busy image of great Joab there Disdains the mock, and teaches them to fear: He climbs the airy walls, leaps raging down, New-minted shapes of slaughter fill the town. They curse the guards their mirth and bravery chose, All of them now are slain, or made like those. Far through an inward scene an army lay, Which with full banners a fair Fish display. From Sidon plains to happy Egypt's coast They seem all met, a vast and warlike host. Thither hastes David to his destined prey, Honour and noble danger lead the way. The conscious trees shook with a reverent fear Their unblown tops: God walked before him there. Slaughter the wearied Rephaims' bosom fills, Dead corpse emboss the vale with little hills. On the other side, Sophenes' mighty king Numberless troops of the bless'd East does bring: Twice are his men cut off, and chariots ta'en; Damascus and rich Adad help in vain; Here Nabathaean troops in battle stand, With all the lusty youth of Syrian land; Undaunted Joab rushes on with speed, Gallantly mounted on his fiery steed; He hews down all, and deals his deaths around; The Syrians leave, or possess, dead, the ground. On the other wing does brave Abishai ride, Reeking in blood and dust: on every side The perjured sons of Ammon quit the field; Some basely die, and some more basely yield. Through a thick wood the wretched Hanun flies, And far more justly then fears Hebrew spies. Moloch, their bloody god, thrusts out his head, Grinning through a black cloud: him they'd long fed In his seven chambers, and he still did eat New-roasted babes, his dear delicious meat. Again they rise, more angered and dismayed; Euphrates and swift Tigris sends them aid: In vain they send it, for again they're slain, And feast the greedy birds on Healy plain. Here Rabba with proud towers affronts the sky, And round about great Joab's trenches lie: They force the walls, and sack the helpless town; On David's head shines Ammon's massy crown. 'Midst various torments the cursed race expires; David himself his severe wrath admires.