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Home  »  The Standard Book of Jewish Verse  »  The Jews of England (1290–1902)

Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.

By Israel Zangwill

The Jews of England (1290–1902)

AN Edward’s England spat us out—a band

Foredoomed to redden Vistula or Rhine,

And leaf-like toss with every wind malign,

All mocked the faith they could not understand.

Six centuries have passed. The yellow brand

On shoulder nor on soul has left a sign

And on our brows must Edward’s England twine

Her civic laurels with an equal hand.

Thick-clustered stars of fierce supremacy

Upon the martial breast of England glance!

She seems of War the very Deity.

Could aught remain her glory to enhance?

Yea, for I count her noblest victory

Her triumph o’er her own intolerance.