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. 980 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, But save me most from my petitioners! Insatiate as the barren womb or grave, God cannot grant so much as they can crave. What then is left, but with a jealous eye To guard the small remains of royalty? 990 The law shall still direct my peaceful sway, And the same law teach rebels to obey: Votes shall no more establish'd power control, Such votes as make a part exceed the whole. No groundless clamours shall my friends remove, Nor crowds have power to punish ere they prove; For gods and god-like kings their care express, Still to defend their servants in distress. O that my power to saving were confined! Why am I forced, like Heaven, against my mind; 1000 To make examples of another kind? Must I at length the sword of justice draw? Oh, cursed effects of necessary law! How ill my fear they by my mercy scan! Beware the fury of a patient man! Law they require, let law then show her face; They could not be content to look on grace, Her hinder parts, but with a daring eye To tempt the terror of her front and die. By their own arts 'tis righteously decreed, 1010 Those dire artificers of death shall bleed. Against themselves their witnesses will swear, Till, viper-like, their mother-plot they tear; And suck for nutriment that bloody gore, Which was their principle of life before. Their Belial with their Beelzebub will fight: Thus on my foes, my foes shall do me right. Nor doubt the event: for factious crowds engage, In their first onset, all their brutal rage. Then let them take an unresisted course; 1020 Retire, and traverse, and delude their force; But when they stand all breathless, urge the fight, And rise upon them with redoubled might-- For lawful power is still superior found; When long driven back, at length it stands the ground. He said: The Almighty, nodding, gave consent; And peals of thunder shook the firmament. Henceforth a series of new time began, The mighty years in long procession ran: Once more the god-like David was restored, 1030 And willing nations knew their lawful lord. * * * * * PART II.