Not only once or long ago

O these Goliaths! swaggering and bragging as they issue from their fastnesses. The insolence of them. The hullaballoo created. With all that brassy dazzle on the air -- of breastplate, helmet, and drawn sword brandished to defy high heaven -- cowing even the hardiest of hosts: even kings and priests above the valley of Elah. The boast booms out.The blade glitters. How slight (whatever his name) the shepherd. And fragile the sling.And tiny the pebble. As again and again -- here in this world at unmarked hours and on secret fields never to be preached about or sung -- a timeless contest is re-enacted.