Abhorring kings, estrange their alter'd hearts 290 From David's rule: and 'tis their general cry-- Religion, commonwealth, and liberty. If you, as champion of the public good, Add to their arms a chief of royal blood, What may not Israel hope, and what applause Might such a general gain by such a cause? Not barren praise alone--that gaudy flower, Fair only to the sight--but solid power: And nobler is a limited command, Given by the love of all your native land, 300 Than a successive title, long and dark, Drawn from the mouldy rolls of Noah's ark. What cannot praise effect in mighty minds, When flattery soothes, and when ambition blinds? Desire of power, on earth a vicious weed, Yet sprung from high, is of celestial seed: In God 'tis glory; and when men aspire, 'Tis but a spark too much of heavenly fire. The ambitious youth, too covetous of fame, Too full of angels' metal in his frame, 310 Unwarily was led from virtue's ways, Made drunk with honour, and debauch'd with praise. Half loath, and half consenting to the ill, For royal blood within him struggled still, He thus replied:--And what pretence have I To take up arms for public liberty? My father governs with unquestion'd right, The faith's defender, and mankind's delight; Good, gracious, just, observant of the laws; And Heaven by wonders has espoused his cause. 320 Whom has he wrong'd, in all his peaceful reign? Who sues for justice to his throne in vain? What millions has he pardon'd of his foes, Whom just revenge did to his wrath expose! Mild, easy, humble, studious of our good; Inclined to mercy, and averse from blood. If mildness ill with stubborn Israel suit, His crime is God's beloved attribute. What could he gain his people to betray, Or change his right for arbitrary sway? 330 Let haughty Pharaoh curse with such a reign His fruitful Nile, and yoke a servile train. If David's rule Jerusalem displease, The dog-star heats their brains to this disease. Why then should I, encouraging the bad, Turn rebel and run popularly mad? Were he a tyrant, who by lawless might Oppress'd the Jews, and raised the Jebusite, Well might I mourn; but nature's holy bands Would curb my spirits, and restrain my hands: 340 The people might assert their liberty; But what was right in them were crime in me. His favour leaves me nothing to require, Prevents my wishes, and outruns desire. What more can I expect while David lives? All but his kingly diadem he gives: And that--But here he paused; then, sighing, said-- Is justly destined for a worthier head. For when my father from his toils shall rest, And late augment the number of the blest, 350 His lawful issue shall the throne ascend,