[Footnote 66: See 'Life' for explanation for circumstances; and the key at the close of the poem, for the real names of this satire.] * * * * * PART I. --Si propiùs stes Te capiet magis-- In pious times, ere priestcraft did begin, Before polygamy was made a sin; When man on many multiplied his kind, Ere one to one was cursedly confined; When nature prompted, and no law denied Promiscuous use of concubine and bride; Then Israel's monarch after Heaven's own heart, His vigorous warmth did variously impart To wives and slaves; and wide as his command, Scatter'd his Maker's image through the land. 10 Michal, of royal blood, the crown did wear; A soil ungrateful to the tiller's care: Not so the rest; for several mothers bore To god-like David several sons before. But since like slaves his bed they did ascend, No true succession could their seed attend. Of all the numerous progeny was none So beautiful, so brave, as Absalom: Whether inspired by some diviner lust, His father got him with a greater gust; 20 Or that his conscious destiny made way, By manly beauty to imperial sway. Early in foreign fields he won renown, With kings and states allied to Israel's crown: In peace the thoughts of war he could remove, And seem'd as he were only born for love. Whate'er he did, was done with so much ease, In him alone 'twas natural to please: His motions all accompanied with grace; And Paradise was open'd in his face. 30 With secret joy indulgent David view'd His youthful image in his son renew'd: To all his wishes nothing he denied; And made the charming Annabell[67] his bride. What faults he had (for who from faults is free?) His father could not, or he would not see. Some warm excesses which the law forbore, Were construed youth that purged by boiling o'er; And Amnon's murder by a specious name, Was call'd a just revenge for injured fame. 40 Thus praised and loved, the noble youth remain'd, While David undisturb'd in Sion reign'd. But life can never be sincerely blest: Heaven punishes the bad, and proves the best. The Jews, a headstrong, moody, murmuring race, As ever tried the extent and stretch of grace; God's pamper'd people, whom, debauch'd with ease, No king could govern, nor no god could please; (Gods they had tried of every shape and size, That god-smiths could produce, or priests devise): 50 These Adam-wits,[68] too fortunately free, Began to dream they wanted liberty; And when no rule, no precedent was found, Of men by laws less circumscribed and bound; They led their wild desires to woods and caves, And thought that all but savages were slaves. They who, when Saul was dead, without a blow, Made foolish Ishbosheth the crown forego; Who banish'd David did from Hebron bring,