Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/182

164 These flames that would eclipse it, dark as blots Of candle-light against the blazing sun. We die a thousand deaths, — drown, bleed, and hum ; Our ashes are dispersed unto the winds. Yet the wild winds cherish the sacred seed, The waters guard it in their crystal heart, The fire refuseth to consume. It springs, A tree inmiortal, shadowing many lands, Unvisited, unnamed, undreamed as yet. Rather a vine, full-flowered, golden-branched, Ambrosial-fruited, creeping on the earth, Trod by the passer's foot, yet chosen to deck Tables of princes. Israel now has fallen Into the depths, he shall be great in time. Even as we die in honor, hoxa our death Shall bloom a myriad heroic lives. Brave through our bright example, virtuous Lest our great memory fall in disrepute. Is one among us brothers, would exchange His doom against our tyrants, — lot for lot ? Let him go forth and live — he is no Jew. Is one who would not die in Israel Rather than live in Christ, — their Christ who smiles On such a deed as this ? Let him go forth —