The Poems of Emma Lazarus, Volume 2 - Jewish poems: Translations by Emma Lazarus
page 28 of 311 (09%)
page 28 of 311 (09%)
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"The misers! they will take their gems and gold
Down to the grave!" "Let us rejoice" sing the Jewish youths in chorus; and the maidens:-- "Our feet stand within thy gates, O Zion! Within thy portals, O Jerusalem!" The flames rise and dart among them; their garments wave, their jewels flash, as they dance and sing in the crimson blaze. The music ceases, a sound of crashing boards is heard and a great cry,--"Hallelujah!" What a glory and consecration of the martyrdom! Where shall we find a more triumphant vindication and supreme victory of spirit over matter? "I see, I see, How Israel's ever-crescent glory makes These flames that would eclipse it dark as blots Of candle-light against the blazing sun. We die a thousand deaths,--drown, bleed, and burn. Our ashes are dispersed unto the winds. Yet the wild winds cherish the sacred seed, The fire refuseth to consume. |
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