Eliab[398] our next labour does invite
And hard the task to do Eliab right.
Long with the royal wanderer he roved,
And firm in all the turns of fortune proved.
Such ancient service, and desert so large,
Well claimed the royal household for his charge.
His age with only one mild heiress blessed,
In all the bloom of smiling nature dressed;
And blessed again, to see his flower allied
To David's stock, and made young Othriel's[399] bride.