Fifth PART

They tempted still, and God Most-high Provok'd; nor did his Laws obey. They, like their Fathers, falsly dealt; Like a false Bow, they turn'd away. His Anger their high Places stir'd; Their Idols mov'd his Jealousy. When God heard this, then he was wroth, And loathed Isr'el vehemently. Then Shiloh's Tent he quite forsook; Where he was wont with Men to dwell: Th' Ark of his Strength he captive sold; In Hands of Foes his Glory fell. He gave his People to the Sword; Against his Heritage he slam'd. Their young Men were with Fire consum'd; The Nuptial Songs were rarely nam'd. Their guilty Priests fell by the Sword; Nor did their Widows scarce repine. Iehovah rous'd, as one from Sleep; As strong Men shout, enflam'd with Wine. Then, in the hinder Parts, he smote, And put to endless Shame, their Foes. Yet did he Ioseph's Tent refuse; Nor more the Tribe of Ephraim chose. But he selected Iudah's Tribe; The Mountain Sion, which he lov'd. There rais'd his Temple up on high; And fix'd it, like the Earth, unmov'd. He chose his Servant David, whom He from the Sheepfold did advance; From tending Ewes, Iacob to feed, And Isr'el, his Inheritance. So he the Tribes of Isr'el led, With great Integrity of Heart; And guided all their State-Affairs, With skilfull Hands, and prudent Art.