Davids Lamentation For Saul And Jonathan

by Anne Bradstreet — a poem card from Justes Mots

Bradstreet's poetic paraphrase of David's lament for Saul and Jonathan from 2 Samuel, rendered in elevated diction befitting a biblical subject. The poem honors fallen warriors and their valor while mourning their untimely deaths, employing classical comparisons and formal elegiac structure. It demonstrates Bradstreet's engagement with biblical narrative and her capacity for patriotic and martial themes.

2. Sam. I. 19.

Alas slain is the Head of Israel,
Illustrious Saul whose beauty did excell,
Upon thy places mountainous and high,
How did the Mighty fall, and falling dye?
In Gath let not this things be spoken on,
Nor published in streets of Askalon,…

Themes: sympathy · grief · reflection