Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/210

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Long in the lap of childhood didst thou sleep, Think how thy youth like chaff did disappear ; Shall life's sweet Spring forever last ? Look up, Old age approaches ominously near. Oh shake thou off the world, even as the bird Shakes off the midnight dew that clogged his wings. Soar upward, seek redemption from thy guilt And from the earthly dross that round thee clings. Draw near to Grod, His holy angels know, For whom His bounteous streams of mercy flow.

"See'st thou o'er my shoulders falling. Snake-like ringlets waving free ? Have no fear, for they are twisted To allure thee unto me." Thus she spake, the gentle dove. Listen to thy plighted love : — " Ah, how long I wait, until Sweetheart cometh back (she said) Laying his caressing hand Underneath my burning head."