On David and Jonathan

Are learned Pens solicitous to express Idle Chimeraes in Romantick Dress? And shall the Fame of these Heroick Friends, Be thought a Theme unworthy of such Pens? Where a more Princely Pattern can we find Of Loyal Friendship, and a Nobler Mind, Than shines in Jonathan, Saul's famous Son? Whose Heart to David, since the Conquest won From Great Goliah, was so firmly knit, That no Self-Interest could e'er alter it: Such potent Love sprang in his Royal Breast, That he disrob'd himself, to cloath his Guest; And gave his Garments, Girdle, Sword, and Bow, Whether he did, by sacred Instinct know He should his Father in the Throne succeed: (Can Man divert what Heaven hath decreed?) And tho' the Kishite politickly told, Whilst Jesse's Son surviv'd, He never should Establish his Dominion, or advance His Royal Scepter: Yet since Providence Had so dispos'd it, He with Pious Mind, Serene from Envy, had in Heart resign'd His Kingly Pow'r to David: For had he Been false in Heart, some Trick of Treachery Had broken forth, his Honour to obscure; Yet David otherways been kept secure. But O his brave Heroick Soul disdain'd Ignoble Projects; yea, a Crown so stain'd With Breach of Friendship! Ah, how did he plead With furious Saul, and nobly interceed For absent David, till he did provoke To (had it hit) a sad and fatal Stroke Against himself? then meekly he withdrew, And at the appointed Season went to shew This unto him, whose Life seem'd to depend On the Fidelity of such a Friend; Who (pre-advis'd) did privately attend The Prince's coming; where, with mutual Grief, Leave to depart, was then the sole Relief Time did afford; with Tears, and great Increase Of Sorrow, David is dismiss'd in Peace. But David, truly worthy such a Friend, Rememb'red this, when Heav'n had put an End To Rivalty of Rule, and call'd away The noble Prince; lest here his longer Stay Might seem t' eclipse his great renowned Name, Had he surviv'd to see another Reign: David yet grateful (when with watry Eyes, He had bewail'd his dear Friend's Exequies, And griev'd that he was by Philistines slain, 'Gainst whom his Sword was never drawn in vain, Vntil that dismal Day, that Heaven's Decree On wretched Saul must executed be) Sought out Occasion how to manifest The Effects of Friendship in his Kingly Breast; And to the Off-spring, gently did extend The Favours due to his deceased Friend; Mephibosheth, tho' Saul's Posterity, (Saul's, that was of such noted Enmity To David) being Son to Jonathan Must dwell at Court, the King will entertain Him at his Royal Table, gives Command For the Surrender of Saul's State and Land. Was David valiant? Did he, void of Fear, Assail and slay a Lion and a Bear, And with undaunted Courage overcome The Warlike Gathite with a little Stone? But, which preferr'd him more than all the rest, An upright Heart he bore within his Breast. Was not his Friendly Rival, Jonathan, Renown'd sor Valour too? The only Man, That, with his Armour-Bearer, overthrew The proud Philistines, ere his Father knew With whom he left the Host of Israel, Whilst the proud Garrison before him fell, With Dread and Trembling; Israel, mean while Amaz'd, made Haste but to pursue and spoil: Yet did he not out-brave his Loyal Friend, But by Majestick Meekness recommend That true Nobility of Mind, that brings A greater Honour than the Name of Kings. For tho' his Sword many Philistines slew, And Israel's Foes he bravely did subdue; Yet did that Love and Friendship in his Breast, Embalm his honour'd Name above the rest Of his renowned Vertues, and engage Immortal Fame in each succeeding Age.