Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/70

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AN EPISTLE.
68

xxi.

Truly I know no more convincing way
To read so wise an author, than was thine.
When burning Synagogues changed night to day,
And red swords underscored each word and line.
That was a light to read by ! Who ’d gainsay
Authority so clearly stamped divine ?
On this side, death and torture, flame and slaughter,
On that, a harmless wafer and clean water.

xxii.

Thou couldst not fear extinction for our race ;
Though Christian sword and fire from town to town
Flash double bladed lightning to efface
Israel’s image—though we bleed, bum, drown
Through Christendom—'t is but a scanty space.
Still are the Asian hills and plains our own,
Still are we lords in Syria, still are free.
Nor doomed to be abolished utterly.

xxiii.

One sole conclusion hence at last I find.
Thou whom ambition, doubt, nor fear could swerve.
Perforce hast been persuaded through the mind.
Proved, tested the new dogmas, found them serve