Their torches flashed like dancing flames, their trumpets loudly blew;

Strange warfare! but the Lord can save by many or by few.

[Pg 36]

Once more I saw when Israel quailed before Philistia's pride;

While great Goliath, day by day, Jehovah's power defied.

The weak and timid fled away, the valiant shrank with fear;—

'Twas threatened death or dire defeat, and life and fame are dear.

Even Saul, their chosen king, forgot (admiring Israel's boast!)

That he stood head and shoulders high above his martial host.

"And are there none," he cried, "who dare to meet this vaunting foe?

And must the banner of our God trail in dishonor low?"

Then forth there came a ruddy youth: "That banner I'll defend;

Be it not said our God hath none on whom He may depend.

"Let no heart fail to-day because of this Philistine's boast;

The battle is the Lord's and He will vanquish this proud host."

Then spake he to the giant foe: "A loyal servant I

Of Israel's God, whose holy name thou darest to defy.

"In that dread name I charge thee stand, and shield thee as thou may;

[Pg 37]

The fowls of air, the beasts of earth shall feast on thee to-day."

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