ARGUMENT. EPISODE of the unfaithful wife. Her ancient glory before her fall. The temptation to which she was exposed, for the trial of her fidelity. Her failure, and the consequences. Divorced from her dignity, she beheld a bondslave, cxalted to the throne, in her stead. Her misery and despair. The love of her royal husband towards her, undiminished, notwithstanding her unworthiness. After the death of her rival, the new-made queen, he determines to deliver her from the bondage of her Betrayer. The success of his expedition. Her restoration, and happiness. Epithalamium. THE CITY OF REFUGE. Book the Third. . I. THE voice of one, whom God inspir'd of old; 66 Sing, O thou barren, and thy joy behold! See, from thy womb, the long-descended hosts, "More numerous, than thy married rival boasts! “Break forth in singing, thou, that didst deplore! "Henceforth thy sorrow shall return no more. "And be the subject of thy future song, "So great a glory, after shame so long." II. Far from the courts of Zion she had fram'd Her darksome mansion, where she sat asham'd, Disconsolate, and painfully distress'd With guilt, that knew nor remedy nor rest. Fair in her youth, and dearly cherish'd wife; But now a widow, in her husband's life, She could but view, with anguish and remorse, Happy as heav'n, and beautiful as day. With not a cloud to intercept her heat, And left her choice and honours in her hand. That, with increasing glory, she might prove Her spotless faith, and unrestricted love, And conscious worlds confirm, with just amaze, The royal voice, that first announc'd her praise. III. So was the grandeur, which her worth acquir'd And while on equal wings th' applauses flew, The rumour, which resounded thro' the spheres |