Longing for Jerusalem

O CITY of the world, with sacred splendor blest,

My spirit yearns to thee from out the far-off West,

A stream of love wells forth when I recall thy day,

Now is thy temple waste, thy glory passed away.

Had I an eagle’s wings, straight would I fly to thee,

Moisten thy holy dust with wet cheeks streaming free.

Oh, how I long for thee! albeit thy King has gone,

Albeit where balm once flowed, the serpent dwells alone.

Could I but kiss thy dust, so would I fain expire,

As sweet as honey then, my passion, my desire!