IF David knew not of a future life, How understood he Bathsheba, his wife?— Who, when he lay upon his death-bed, came To plead for Solomon's succeeding claim; And, having prosper'd in her own endeavour, Said—@3Let my Lord, King David, Live for ever!@1 What real wish was Bathsheba's intent, If @3life hereafter@1 was not what she meant? Say that—@3for ever@1—to a king in health, Meant "a long life, prosperity, and wealth;" To one that lay a dying, you must own, 'Twould be a mere burlesque upon his throne. If she had pray'd for David's mild release, Or—"Let my Lord, the King, depart in peace!" (Tho', even then, 'twere difficult to stint Her utmost thought to so minute a hint,) The short-liv'd comment might have some pretence, But—@3Live for ever!@1—has no sort of sense, Unless we grant her meaning to extend To @3future life@1 that never has an end: Piety will, and reason must, confess, That her intention could be nothing less: @3King, live for ever!@1—and—@3God save the King!—@1 Old or new phrase, @3salvation@1 is the thing. No poor salvation to be quickly past, And with a deadly @3exit@1 at the last; To which, when David was so near, what share Could he enjoy of @3Live for ever's pray'r@1, Had he not known what Bathsheba design'd, A life to come, of everlasting kind? Tho' num'rous proofs might, readily, be brought That this was always holy David's thought; Yet since by learned and long-winded ways, Men seek to break the force of ancient phrase, I single out this plain, familiar one— Now give as plain an answer thereupon. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PLEASURE MIXED WITH PAIN by THOMAS WYATT THE KING OF SPAIN by MAXWELL BODENHEIM THE FACTORY; 'TIS AN ACCURSED THING! by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON A CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER SONNET: 29 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE SIR GALAHAD by ALFRED TENNYSON |