The mighty Eglon was dethroned Elimelech-the life and light Their all was lost, their vast estates Passed into stranger hands, Their lands, their jewels, and their wealth, A prey to ruffian bands. Mahlon, of all their house, was left The females to maintain, And well his noble nature strove His duties to sustain. At length the fatal summons came, And Mahlon too must die! Oh! where in this extremity Shall poor Naomi fly? For him the palace walls were hung For him ascends the funeral wail, And Ruth, the lovely, suffering Ruth! Cold is that bosom, still that heart; Naomi's lofty spirit rose As high the billows roll, The Rock of Ages stayed her feet, Poor Ruth! with face and lip as pale "Arise, my sweet, my gentle Ruth," The fond Naomi cried, "Arise, my fair, my widow'd love, My Mahlon's faithful bride! "I cannot bear to see thee thus, Feebly she raised her drooping head, To hear the fond appeal Of the dear mother of her lord, Then at her feet did kneel; "Mother of Mahlon! hear my vow, In this sad presence made To thee I'll cling through weal and woe, Till by his side I'm laid! "With every mem'ry of the past Thy image is replete, And all the happy hours I've spent In our once loved retreat: "Oh! never will those days return, For, sealed in cheerless night Are the familiar forms I loved, And banished from my sight; "With thee I've wept in cold despair, Over his silent bier; My life to thee I now devote Thy future days to cheer!" Fair Orpah marked with wondering eyes And marvelled what Almighty power This high-soul'd woman stood erect Like some tall tree she firmly stands, The honours of their ancient name Their lineage now became extinct, Their house without a name: In Judah, Ruth again might wed, And thus revive their fame. She sat beside the silent bier The images of other days Came rushing on her brain, In fancy then she view'd each form, "And when the last sad rites are paid I'll set my face tow'rd Bethlehem; The dust to the cold earth consigned, How felt the damsels as they pass'd That noble palace gate? That palace, where the Princess Ruth Once sat in all her state? And Orpah's charms unconscious shone 'Mid countless damsels fair, A host of nobles in her train Contend her smiles to share. Around a hillock's grassy side The mournful cavalcade drew up Beneath a friendly shade, While they prepared their simple meal The scene was desolate and grand! All sternly dark, and motionless The weeping sisters on the scene "My daughters-lo! observe yon sea Now stretched before your eye; Far, far beyond, the distant hills Of my loved Judah lie: "My home! my own, my dear loved home Do I behold once more! Again descry her distant hills And view old Jordan's shore? "Lord, thou hast heard my fervent prayer, I thank thee, oh my God! Though smarting still beneath the stroke |