This is not a very high manifestation of the intellect in its application to political questions, but it bespeaks the class of persons who provide ballast for the vessel of the state in tempestuous times; and, on the whole, _Absalom and Achitophel_ is a poem which the patriot as well as the admirer of genius may read with complacency. The royal side of the question could not be better put than in these lines placed in the mouth of David: 'Thus long have I, by native mercy sway'd, My wrongs dissembled, my revenge delay'd; So willing to forgive the offending age, So much the father did the king assuage. But now so far my clemency they slight, The offenders question my forgiving right. That one was made for many, they contend; But 'tis to rule; for that's a monarch's end. They call my tenderness of blood, my fear; Though manly tempers can the longest bear. Yet since they will divert my native course, 'Tis time to shew I am not good by force. Those heap'd affronts, that haughty subjects bring, Are burdens for a camel, not a king. Kings are the public pillars of the state, Born to sustain and prop the nation's weight: If my young Sampson will pretend a call To shake the column, let him share the fall. But oh, that he yet would repent and live! How easy 'tis for parents to forgive! With how few tears a pardon might be won From nature pleading for a darling son! Poor, pitied youth, by my paternal care Raised up to all the height his frame could bear! Had God ordain'd his fate for empire born, He would have given his soul another turn: Gull'd with a patriot's name, whose modern sense Is one that would by law supplant his prince; The people's brave, the politician's tool; Never was patriot yet, but was a fool. Whence comes it, that religion and the laws Should more be Absolom's than David's cause? His old instructor, ere he lost his place, Was never thought endued with so much grace. Good heavens, how faction can a patriot paint! My rebel ever proves my people's saint. Would they impose an heir upon the throne? Let Sanhedrims be taught to give their own. A king's at least a part of government; And mine as requisite as their consent. Without my leave a future king to choose, 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; Which to secure, they take my power away. From plots and treasons heaven preserve my years, And save me most from my petitioners!'