Study Desk

Then chanted David this dirge, - over Saul and over Jonathan his son;

and he thought to teach the sons of Judah the song of the Bow, - lo! it is written in the Book of the Upright: -

The beauty of Israel! on thy high plumes - slain! How have fallen - the mighty!

Do not tell it in Gath, Do not publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, - lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the Uncircumcised triumph.

Ye mountains in Gilboa! Be there neither dew nor rain upon you, nor fields of offerings, - for, there, were cast away, the shields of the mighty, The shield of Saul, unanointed with oil.

From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan ne'er drew back, - and, the sword of Saul, ne'er returned, empty.

Saul and Jonathan, delightfully loving in their lives, even, in their death, were not divided, - Beyond eagles, were they swift, beyond lions, were they strong!

Ye daughters of Israel! For Saul, weep ye, - who clothed you in crimson, decked with lovely things, who hung ornaments of gold on your apparel!

How have fallen the mighty, in the midst of the battle! Jonathan, on thy high places, slain!

I am distressed for thee, my brother, Jonathan! Delightful to me, exceedingly, - Wonderful, was thy love to me, passing the love of women.

How have fallen the mighty, and perished the weapons of war!