Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/49

Bishop of Olmütz, who had visited
The Holy Sepulchre, whose long, full life
Was one clean record of pure piety—
The Duke, I say, by these persuasive tongues.
Coaxed to his darling aim, forbade his guards
To hinder the just anger of his town.
And ordered to be led in chains to him
The pilgrim and his host.

At noontide meal
Baschi sat, full of peace, with Jochanan,
And the sole daughter of the house, Rebekah,
Young, beautiful as her namesake when she brought
Her firm, frail pitcher balanced on her neck
Unto the well, and gave the stranger drink.
And gave his camels drink. The servant set
The sparkling jar's refreshment from his lips,
And saw the virgin's face, bright as the moon,
Beam from the curled luxuriance of black locks,
And cast-back linen veil's soft-folded cloud.
Then put the golden ear-ring by her cheek,
The bracelets on her hands, his master's pledge,
Isaac's betrothal gift, whom she should wed.
And be the mother of millions—one whose seed
Dwells in the gates of those which hate them.

So
Teamed Raschi to adorn the radiant girl
Who sat at board before him, nor dared lift
Shy, heavy lids from pupils black as grapes