| |
| IN his chamber sat the Rabbi | |
| Poring o’er the book of learning, | |
| When a knight with clanking armor | |
| Sudden stood upon the threshold. | |
| |
| Gleamed the cross upon his shoulder, | 5 |
| And his countenance was warlike. | |
| For the tall commanding figure | |
| Was from Palestine returning. | |
| |
| As he gazed at the Crusader | |
| Ceased the rabbi’s heart its beating, | 10 |
| But—upon his lips warm praises | |
| And a sturdy hand did clasp him. | |
| |
| Spoke the Knight, “We both are striving | |
| Toward the same end, good and holy; | |
| My strong arm I must confide in, | 15 |
| But thy help’s thy stronger spirit. | |
| |
| “Seekers of the truth, O Rabbi, | |
| Comrades are we with one purpose. | |
| Pledge and promise your friendship, | |
| Take this rose from soil of Zion.” | 20 |
| |
| Said the Rabbi: “Dost thou know not | |
| Wondrous miracle that clusters | |
| In the withered Rose of Sharon, | |
| How it blossoms in the love-glance? | |
| |
| “Ah, how like the rose, my people! | 25 |
| Parched and drooping in its exile; | |
| But when love-gleam rests upon it, | |
| Dwelling safe in happy freedom, | |
| |
| “Swells its soul, then, in sweet rapture, | |
| Fragrant too, its spirit blossoms | 30 |
| While it wakens to the new life | |
| And forgets its olden sorrows.” | |
| |
