Of pamper'd Corah when advanced to court. No less than wonders now they will impose, And projects void of grace or sense disclose. 50 Such was the charge on pious Michal brought,-- Michal that ne'er was cruel, even in thought,-- The best of queens, and most obedient wife, Impeach'd of cursed designs on David's life! His life, the theme of her eternal prayer, 'Tis scarce so much his guardian angel's care. Not summer morns such mildness can disclose, The Hermon lily, nor the Sharon rose. Neglecting each vain pomp of majesty, Transported Michal feeds her thoughts on high. 60 She lives with angels, and, as angels do, Quits heaven sometimes to bless the world below; Where, cherish'd by her bounties' plenteous spring, Reviving widows smile, and orphans sing. Oh! when rebellious Israel's crimes at height, Are threaten'd with her Lord's approaching fate, The piety of Michal then remain In Heaven's remembrance, and prolong his reign! Less desolation did the pest pursue, That from Dan's limits to Beersheba flew; 70 Less fatal the repeated wars of Tyre, And less Jerusalem's avenging fire. With gentler terror these our state o'erran, Than since our evidencing days began! On every cheek a pale confusion sate, Continued fear beyond the worst of fate! Trust was no more; art, science useless made; All occupations lost but Corah's trade. Meanwhile a guard on modest Corah wait, If not for safety, needful yet for state. 80 Well might he deem each peer and prince his slave, And lord it o'er the tribes which he could save: Even vice in him was virtue--what sad fate, But for his honesty had seized our state! And with what tyranny had we been cursed, Had Corah never proved a villain first! To have told his knowledge of the intrigue in gross, Had been, alas! to our deponent's loss: The travell'd Levite had the experience got, To husband well, and make the best of's Plot; 90 And therefore, like an evidence of skill, With wise reserves secured his pension still; Nor quite of future power himself bereft, But limbos large for unbelievers left. And now his writ such reverence had got, 'Twas worse than plotting to suspect his Plot. Some were so well convinced, they made no doubt Themselves to help the founder'd swearers out. Some had their sense imposed on by their fear, But more for interest sake believe and swear: 100 Even to that height with some the frenzy grew, They raged to find their danger not prove true.