Why do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations Muse a vain thing, the kings of th' earth upstand With power, and princes in their congregations Lay deep their plots together through each land, Against the Lord and his Messiah dear? Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear, Their twisted cords: he who in Heaven doth dwell Shall laugh, the Lord shall scoff them, then severe Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell And fierce ire trouble them; but I, saith he Anointed have my king (though ye rebel) On Sion my holy hill. A firm decree I will declare; the Lord to me hath said Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee This day; ask of me, and the grant is made; As thy possession I on thee bestow The heathen, and as thy conquest to be swayed Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full low With iron sceptre bruised, and them disperse Like to a potter's vessel shivered so. And now be wise at length ye kings averse, Be taught ye judges of the earth; with fear Jehovah serve, and let your joy converse With trembling; kiss the Son lest he appear In anger and ye perish in the way, If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere. Happy all those who have in him their stay. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE HEART OF THE BRUCE by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN SONGS OF INNOCENCE: INTRODUCTION by WILLIAM BLAKE ON THE RHINE by WILLIAM LISLE BOWLES UPON THE NIPPLES OF JULIA'S BREAST by ROBERT HERRICK MY MISTRESS'S BOOTS by FREDERICK LOCKER-LAMPSON THE LORDS OF THE MAIN by JOSEPH STANSBURY |