[GOLIATH advances clad in complete armour. One bearing his shield precedes him. The opposing armies are seen at a distance, drawn up on each side of the valley. GOLIATH begins to speak before he comes on. DAVID stands in the same place with an air of indifference.] Gol. Where is the mighty man of war, who dares Accept the challenge of Philistia's chief? What victor king, what gen'ral drench'd in blood, Claims this high privilege? What are his rights? What proud credentials does the boaster bring To prove his claim? What cities laid in ashes? What ruin'd provinces? What slaughter'd realms? What heads of heroes, and what hearts of kings, In battle kill'd, or at his altars slain, Has he to boast? Is his bright armoury Thick set with spears and swords, and coats of mail To fall by this right hand. "Twill sweeten death, With the dread son of Anak. Latest time From blank oblivion shall retrieve his name Who dar'd to perish in unequal fight With Gath's triumphant champion. Come, advance. Philistia's gods to Israel's. Sound, my heraldSound for the battle straight. [Herald sounds the trumpet. Direct my sight. I do not war with boys. Dav. I stand prepar'd: thy single arm to mine. Gol. Why this is mockery, minion! it may chance To cost thee dear. Sport not with things above thee! But tell me who of all this num'rous host Expects his death from me? Which is the man But trifling's out of tune. And tempt me not too far. Dav. Begone, light boy! I do defy thee, Thou foul idolater! Hast thou not scorn'd The armies of the living God I serve? By me he will avenge upon thy head Thy nation's sins and thine. Arm'd with his name, Unshrinking, I dare meet the stoutest foe That ever bath'd his hostile spear in blood. The stripling plays the orator! Vain boy! Its notes lascivious, or the lulling lute With thy inglorious blood. Shall that fair cheek Dav. Peace, thou unhallow'd railer! Oh, tell it not in Gath, nor let the sound Reach Askelon, how once your slaughter'd lords By mighty Samson * found one common grave, When his broad shoulders the firm pillars heav'd, And to its base the tott'ring fabric shook. Gol. Insulting boy! perhaps thou hast not heard The infamy of that inglorious day, When your weak hosts at Eben-ezer † pitch'd And yet not tamely, since by me 'twas won. Judges, xvi. +1 Samuel, v. Commentators say, that the Chaldee Paraphrase makes Goliath boast that he had killed Hophni and Phineas, and taken the ark prisoner. Dav. I remember, too, Since thou provok'st th' unwelcome truth, how all To Israel's help, and all her smitten nobles Gol. By Ashdod's fane thou ly'st. Nor will I meet thee, Thou insect warrior, since thou dar'st me thus ! Dissever'd each from each, ere long to feed No: Dav. Gol. The curses of Philistia's gods be on thee! This fine-drawn speech is meant to lengthen out That little life thy words pretend to scorn. Dav. Ha! say'st thou so? Come on, then. Mark us well. Thou com'st to me with sword, and spear, and shield: In the dread name of Israel's God I come ; I dare thee to the trial. In this good spear I trust. Dav. Follow me I trust in Heav'n! The God of battle stimulates my arm, And fires my soul with ardour not its own. |