Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By Adapted by Joel BlauGods Chosen People
I
I see the grief of ages;
Your voices throb
With the sob
Of hearts forever still.
Yet yours the soul of sages—
You are alive,
Tho’ nations strive
Your cup of pain to fill:
Yet you humbly bow to God’s Great Will.
In dread of gloomy morrow;
In fear of fire,
Tyrant’s ire,
And sword of those who spill
Your blood, and bring you sorrow!
A hunted race,
Fell fate you face,
When foes are out to kill:
Yet you humbly bow to God’s Great Will.
I would not have your riches!
Your pomp and pride,
None can bide.
Your wives in flounce and frill,
Their Eastern charm bewitches…
And yet my breast,
Remains at rest,
Nor does with envy thrill:
Teach me to humbly bow to God’s Great Will.