Classic Poem

Trumpets sound. Enter J OAB , A HIMAAS , C USAY ; A MASA , with all the rest.

Joab. Soldiers of Israel, and ye sons of Judah,
That have contended in these irksome broils,
And ript old Israel's bowels with your swords;
The godless general of your stubborn arms
Is brought by Israel's helper to the grave,
A grave of shame, and scorn of all the tribes:
Now, then, to save your honours from the dust,
And keep your bloods in temper by your bones,
Let Joab's ensign shroud your manly heads,
Direct your eyes, your weapons, and your hearts,
To guard the life of David from his foes.
Error hath masked your much-too-forward minds,
And you have sinned against the chosen state,
Against his life, for whom your lives are blessed,
And followed an usurper to the field;
In whose just death your deaths are threatened;
But Joab pities your disordered souls,
And therefore offers pardon, peace, and love,
To all that will be friendly reconciled
To Israel's weal, to David, and to heaven.
Amasa, thou art leader of the host
That under Absalon have raised their arms;
Then be a captain wise and politic,
Careful and loving for thy soldiers' lives,
And lead them to this honourable league.
Ama. I will; [I will;] at least, I'll do my best:
And for the gracious offer thou hast made
I give thee thanks, as much as for my head. —
Then, you deceived poor souls of Israel,
Since now ye see the errors you incurred,
With thanks and due submission be appeased;
And as ye see your captain's precedent,
Here cast we, then, our swords at Joab's feet,
Submitting with all zeal and reverence
Our goods and bodies to his gracious hands.
Joab. Stand up, and take ye all your swords again:
David and Joab shall be blessed herein.
Ahi. Now let me go inform my lord the king
How God hath freed him from his enemies
Joab. Another time, Ahimaas, not now —
But, Cusay, go thyself, and tell the king
The happy message of our good success.
Cu. I will, my lord, and thank thee for thy grace.
Ahi. What if thy servant should go too, my lord?
Joab. What news hast thou to bring since he is gone?
Ahi. Yet do Ahimaas so much content,
That he may run about so sweet a charge.
Joab. Run, if thou wilt; and peace be with thy steps.
Now follow, that you may salute the king
With humble hearts and reconciled souls.
Ama. We follow, Joab, to our gracious king;
And him our swords shall honour to our deaths.