The Poems of Emma Lazarus Volume II Part 42

I forget the want and trouble, Buried deep within my heart.

Where is he who lingered here, But a little while agone?

From my homestead he has flown, From the city sped alone, Dwelling in the forest drear.

Oh come again, to those who wait thee long, And who will greet thee with a choral song!

Beloved, kindle bright Once more thine everlasting light.

Through thee, oh cherub with protecting wings, My glory out of darkness springs.

II.

Crocus and spikenard blossom on my lawn, The brier fades, the thistle is withdrawn.

Behold, where gla.s.s-clear brooks are flowing, The splendor of the myrtle blowing!

The garden-tree has doffed her widow's veil, And s.h.i.+nes in festal garb, in verdure pale.

The turtle-dove is cooing, hark!

Is that the warble of the lark!

Unto their perches they return again.

Oh brothers, carol forth your joyous strain, Pour out full-throated ecstasy of mirth, Proclaiming the Lord's glory to the earth.

One with a low, sweet song, One echoing loud and long, Chanting the music of a spirit strong.

In varied tints the landscape glows.

In rich array appears the rose.

While the pomegranate's wreath of green, The gauzy red and snow-white blossoms screen.

Who loves it, now rejoices for its sake, And those are glad who sleep, and those who wake.

When cool-breathed evening visiteth the world, In flower and leaf the beaded dew is pearled, Reviving all that droops at length, And to the languid giving strength.

Now in the east the s.h.i.+ning light behold!

The sun has oped a l.u.s.trous path of gold.

Within my narrow garden's greenery, Shot forth a branch, sprang to a splendid tree, Then in mine ear the joyous words did ring, "From Jesse's root a verdant branch shall spring."

My Friend has cast His eyes upon my grief, According to His mercy, sends relief.

Hark! the redemption hour's resounding stroke, For him who bore with patient heart the yoke!

A TRANSLATION AND TWO IMITATIONS.

I.

DONNA CLARA.

(From the German of Heine)

In the evening through her garden Wanders the Alcalde's daughter, Festal sounds of drum and trumpet Ring out hither from the Castle.

"I am weary of the dances, Honeyed words of adulation From the knights who still compare me To the sun with dainty phrases.

"Yes, of all things I am weary, Since I first beheld by moonlight Him, my cavalier, whose zither Nightly draws me to my cas.e.m.e.nt.

"As he stands so slim and daring, With his flaming eyes that sparkle, And with n.o.bly pallid features, Truly, he St. George resembles."

Thus went Donna Clara dreaming, On the ground her eyes were fastened.

When she raised them, lo! before her Stood the handsome knightly stranger.

Pressing hands and whispering pa.s.sion, These twain wander in the moonlight, Gently doth the breeze caress them, The enchanted roses greet them.

The enchanted roses greet them, And they glow like Love's own heralds.

"Tell me, tell me, my beloved, Wherefore all at once thou blushest?"

"Gnats were stinging me, my darling, And I hate these gnats in summer E'en as though they were a rabble Of vile Jews with long, hooked noses."

"Heed not gnats nor Jews, beloved,"

Spake the knight with fond endearments.

From the almond-trees dropped downward Myriad snowy flakes of blossoms.

Myriad snowy flakes of blossoms Shed around them fragrant odors.

"Tell me, tell me, my beloved, Looks thy heart on me with favor?"

"Yes, I love thee, O my darling, And I swear it by our Saviour, Whom the accursed Jews did murder, Long ago with wicked malice."

"Heed thou neither Jews nor Saviour,"

Spake the knight with fond endearments.

Far off waved, as in a vision, Gleaming lilies bathed in moonlight.

Gleaming lilies bathed in moonlight Seemed to watch the stars above them.

"Tell me, tell me, my beloved, Didst thou not erewhile swear falsely?"