Death's Chosen Ally

The shadowy Monarch frown'd upon his throne,O'erwearied and displeased.—"Behold, my task,Since him of Eden felt a brother's hate,Down to the brow that blanches as I speak,Hath known no respite. Would that there were oneWith whom to trust my cares awhile, and snatchOne moment of repose. Ho! ye who wait!Give notice, that with him most worthy foundBy previous deeds to waste the race of man,The King of Terrors will delight to shareThe glory of his kingdom."Mighty windsSwollen up to earthquake violence, and tonesOf many waters, like wild, warring seas,Clamor'd the edict, while the lightning's spearWrote it in flame on every winged cloud:Yea, with such zeal the elements conspir'dTo publish the decree, methought there lurk'dIn each, some latent, lingering hope, to winThe promis'd regency.The Passions came,Thron'd on their storm-clouds, and with varied voice,Thundering or eloquent, as best beseem'dTheir several natures, boasted how to staunchLife's countless springs. But to their claims pale DeathGave credence cold.Next, fleshless Famine roseUp like a charnel-ghost, while PestilenceCame stalking on, with quiver ever full;

And ever in her ears a mournful sound,—The weeping of the nations.Loudly shriek'dA martial trump, and on his banner'd carWar like a sovereign came. Unnumber'd spoilsWere strew'd around him, and the blood of menFlow'd as a river, 'neath his chariot wheels.His eagle eye the promis'd honor scann'd,As an undoubted right. But still stern DeathPonder'd, and spake not, till, with haughty pride,The candidate withdrew, and trembling EarthShrank at his kindled rage.There was a pause,As if none dare in that foil'd champion's stepsEssay to tread. At length, a bloated formMov'd slowly on, with mix'd and maddening bowl;But ere the footstool of the throne he press'd,Death, with a father's fondness, hasting down,Embraced, and in the seat of empire plac'd.Great was the wonder, but none dare gainsay;And with a fearful shout all Nature's foes,Diseases, passions, wars and sins, pronouncedIntemperance their king; and at his feetTheir boasted, time-cemented trophies cast.