UNDER the changing sky, Under the clouded moon, The earth gapes, white and dry, But the rain cometh soon; Yes! down from yon low skies Rushes, at length, the rain; Woman forlorn, arise! Thou hast not crouched in vain, Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. Brave men have told the king, How, scared away by thee, Each ravenous fowl takes wing, And wolves and panthers flee: How thou hast wrestled here, Despising ease and sleep, Without a thought of fear, Because thy love is deep, Rizpah, daughter of Aiah Therefore, in sight of all, A proud tomb is begun, To hold the bones of Saul, And Jonathan, his son; There too, in calm repose, From insult safe, shall dwell The stately forms of those Whom thou hast watched so well, Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. And whilst the ages roll Through time's unsounded deep, Thy true and tender soul A magic life shall keep; Maidens shall muse alone, And mothers' hearts be stirred, Where'er thy deeds are known, Where'er thy name is heard, Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET TO GEORGE SAND: 1. A RECOGNITION by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING DEAD IN THE SIERRAS by CINCINNATUS HEINE MILLER ARIEL'S SONG (1) [OR, DIRGE] [OR, A SEA DIRGE]. FR. THE TEMPEST by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THE PRETENCE by JOSEPH BEAUMONT ORNAMENTATIONS by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN QUEEN MARY'S LETTER TO BOTHWELL by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT |