Page:Songs of exile (IA songsofexile00daviiala).pdf/24

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Yea, and behold me of the seventy-one!

O Prophet! know: the 'one' is Abraham;

'Three' be the fathers; verily in me

Behold the third, God's messenger of peace;

The 'twelve' I show thee be the tribes of God,

Six hundred thousand of redeemèd men;

And their Sanhedrin wrought of seventy-one."

"List to my counsel: O return! repent!

Since thou art thus endowed, so proud in state,

'Tis fitting that thou shouldst exultant rise,

To glory in the good awaiting thee;

'!' cast that brand of shame!"

"Can I rejoice, or lift my voice in song?

Behold my children given to the foe!

My prophets martyred, yea, their life-blood spilt!

My kings, my princes, and my holy priests

Borne into distant exile, fetter-bound.