Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/165

Rh Of marvellous promise, eome are old and sick, Amongst them there be mothers, inEa,nts, brides, Just like yonr Chriatian people, for aU the world. Know ye what burning is ? Hath one of you Scorched ever his soft flesh, or singed his beard, His hair, bia eyebrows — felt the keen, fierce nip Of the pungent flame — and raises not his voice To stop this holocanst ? God I 't is too horrible ! Wake me, my friends, from this terriflc dream.

Courage, my brother. On our firmness hangs The dignity of Israel. Sir Governor, I have a secret word to speak with you. Ye shall enjoy with me the jest. These knaves Are apt to quick invention as in crime. Speak out — I have no secrets from my peers.

My lord, what answer would you give your Christ If peradventure, in this general doom You sacrifice a Christian? Some strayed dove Lost from your cote, among our vultures caged ? Beware, for midst our virgins there is one Owes kinship nor allegiance to our tribe. For her dear sake be pitiful, my lords. Have mercy on our women ! Spare at least