The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-10-21
POETRY OF TIE BLBLE..

POETRY OF THE BIBLE.
The poetry Of the Bible is unique, and of
such a simple, pure and elevated character,
that in every translation which has reached
us, there is still much Of its original lowell
ness vet there is, certainly, a choice among
the translations, from diversity of tastes,
talents and information among those who
have attempted the labors Of translation.
We have never believed there was any di-
vinity on inspiration among this tribe OF the
litcrati, with which the world abounds-for
we have believed and still believe, that the
word of the Lord comes to the prophet in
the language his mother taught him, and in
accents familiar to his infant car. The
| DIRGE over SAUL and JoHATHhN, which has
| for ages been admired by every reader OF
the Scriptures, never, we think, appeared in
better English dress than the ono i'll which
it had been clothed by DR.. Gcddes. The
whole LAMENT is a master touch of Poetry,
Hathos and policy. SAUL, the bitter enemy
of David, is culogized in the same sweet and, |,
heartfelt strains with Jonathan, the friend
of his youth-onc who never deserted him
in poverty, misfortune, or the worst OF per-
sccutions-No; not even the wrath OF the
king had any effect on this noble and chiyal-
rous prince, who died in the midst of the ra-
ging fight BY the side Of his fat c.. The
psalmist of Israel was bound by every 50 red
tic to give Immortality to the virtues OF his
friend, and this he did in the sweetest strains
which ever come from his harp--a harp
whose divine tones had charmed away the
ficnds" that preycd upon monarlh's heart.
But it was magnanimous to join in the same
poem the fame of SAUL, whose death was so
beneficial to his safety and interests. he
tribes of Israel, who were much like other
No. Io1iobtpI with This
generosity of their great PoEr Mut then zvds,
laud King that zuas to bc--and there can be
no doubt that it assisted to destroy whatever
cnnitv might still be existing in Sanl's party
against David. This splendid clegy was
probably repeated by the Israelitcs as often,
and certainly for as many centuries and TO
as great number of people, as any OF the
sweet and unlying epitaphs OF Homer upon
his loved heroes. Doctor Geddcs was one
of the profoundcst among the splendid train
of oriental scholars of the last century. HE
began the translation of the Old Testament
with great ardour, but did not finish it, nor
did what he lived to perform, please his
friends and the public as much as was ex-
pectcd. They complained of the boldncss
and freedom of thought which his writings
discover. His genius was fettercd by no set
tied interpretations, nor received opinions
llS CstlC uPOil tlOuotiul l'ho'ttESo "teA .
stores of learning and daring hand. The
Catholic Church, of which he was men,
Der, was startled, and at once prescribed him
and his works-1'hc Protcstants joined the
i. CIV, and hunted him down. Perhaps all he
. said cannot be justified, but the dispassion-
" ate and candid critic will, in future, do JUS
ticc to his deep researches, and his acute
rcasonings and those who dare not name
him, will often look into hrs work for intor-
nation upon dark texts and doubtful con-
structons.
80, ANTELOPE of Israel!
Pierced on thine own mountains!
All! how have fallen the brave!
TELL it not in GATH:
Publish it not in the streets of Ashlsclon:
Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice
Lest the daughters of the uncircumclscd
exult
Yc mountains of Gilboa!
On YOU be neither dew nor rain;
Nor fields ahording oblations:
Since, there, hath been vilely cast away
The shield of the brave! tho shield OF Saul
The armour of the anointed with oil
From the blood of the bold,
From the havock of the brave;
The bow of Jonathan was never held back,
The sword of Saul never returned i'll vain.
SAUL and Jonathan!
I.inkcd in their life time, by mutual love,
At their death they were not disunited;
They were swifter than eagles:
They were stronger than lions.
Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
Who clothed you in delightful scarlet;
Who put ornaments of gold on your apparel
All how fallen the brave,
In the midst of the battle!
o, JONATHAN! pierced on thine owl
mountains
l am in distress for thee, my brother Jona
than,
Very dear to me vast thou.
To me thy love was wonderful:
Surprising the love Of women
All how have fallen the brave
How perished the weapons Of war
MODERN SPANISH INQUISITION.
Sor,a ,ccountS remain to he piycn of tn