Page:Songs of Russia.djvu/47

 ’Twas a good angel that gave birth to us,
 * A mother dear, with heart of tenderest mould.

“A mother fondled us, a loving breast
 * Nurtured us, warm as any breast could be.

A happy father also every day
 * Gazed in our eyes and kissed us tenderly.

“We had a house, but it has been destroyed;
 * Our holy things were burned by murderous bands,

Our best and dearest slain—dead bones are they;
 * Those left were driven forth with fettered hands.

“Known is our country—oh! ’tis recognized
 * With ease, alas! by ceaseless bloody news

Of baitings, beatings, burnings, riots wild,
 * Death and destruction dealt to wretched Jews.

“Jews, hapless Jews are we, without a friend,
 * A joy, or hope of happiness, alack!

Ask us no more, no more! Leave us in peace.
 * America to Russia drives us back—

“To Russia, whence we fled; to Russia back,
 * Because we have no money. Journeying thus,

What have we left to look for or to hope?
 * What good is life or this dark world to us?