Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/158

140 But are we not free burghers ? Shall we not Debate and act in freedom ? If Lord Schnetzen Will force our council with the sword — enough ! We are not frightened schoolboys crouched beneath The master's rod, but men who bear the sword As brave as he. By this grim messenger, Send back this devilish missive. Say to Frederick Nordhausen never was enfeoffed to him. Prithee, Lord President, bid Henry Schnetzen Withdraw awhile, that we may all take counsel, According to the hour's necessity. As free men, whom nor fear nor favor swerves.

Bold youth, you err. True, Nordhausen is free, And God be witness, we for fear or favor, Would never shed the blood of innocence. But here the Prince condemns the Jews to death For capital crime. Who sees a snake must kill, Ere it spit fatal venom. I, too, say Death to the Jews ! Death to the Jews I God wills it ! Give me your voices in the urn. (The votes are taken,) One voice