A Poetical Version

Of a Portion of the Second Chapter of Joel.

BY LADD SPENCER.

In Zion blow the trumpet,

Let it sound through every land;

And let the wicked tremble,

For the Lord is nigh at hand.

Alas! a day of darkness—

A day of clouds and gloom—

Approaches fast, when all shall be

As silent as the tomb!

As the morn upon the mountains,

There comes a mighty train,

The like of which hath never been.

And ne'er shall be again.

A burning fire before them,

And behind a raging flame—

Alas, that beauty so should be

Enwrapt in sin and shame!

The earth doth quake before them,

The sun withdraws its light;

The heavens and earth are shrouded

In darkest, deepest night.

Then weep, ye evil doers,

Let tears of anguish flow;

Your evil deeds have brought you

A load of endless woe!