A Narrative of the Late Massacres – 16
We turn’d to Flight; the gathering Vengeance spread
On all Parts round, and Heaps on Heaps lie dead.
—The radiant Helmet from my Brows unlac’d.
And lo on Earth my Shield, and Jav’lin cast,
I meet the Monarch with a Suppliant’s Face,
Approach his Chariot, and his Knees embrace.
He heard, he sav’d, he plac’d me at his Side;
My State he pity’d, and mv Tears he dry’d;
Restrain’d the Rage the Vengeful Foe express’d.
And turn’d the deadly Weapons from mv Breast.
Pious to guard the Hospitable Rite,
And fearing Jove, whom Mercy’s Works delight.
The Suitors of Penelope are by the same ancient Poet described as a Sett of lawless Men, who were regardless of the sacred Rites of Hospitality. And therefore when the Queen was informed they were slain, and that by Ulysses, she, not believing that Ulysses was returned, says,
Ah no!—some God the Suitors Deaths decreed,
Some God descends, and by his Hand they bleed:
Blind, to contemn the Stranger’s righteous Cause,
And violate all hospitable Laws!
—The Powers they defy’d;
But heav’n is just, and by a God they dy’d.
Thus much for the Sentiments of the ancient Heathens.—As for the Turks, it is recorded in the Life of Mahomet, the Founder of their Religion, that Khaled, one of his Captains, having
