I Would Reply

IF one should say, “Thou art a Jew,

Of race for centuries downtrod!”

I would reply: “So was he, too,

Whom you’ve exalted to your God!

Is it a stigma kin to be

With him who preached in Galilee?”

If one should say, “What are the deeds

The Jew has done!” I would reply:—

“The corner-stone of modern creeds

Was laid by him in years gone by.

He broke the gyves of tyranny

And taught the world humanity!”

If one should say, “Thy cult is old!”

I would reply: “Why, so is Truth!

But like the brilliancy of gold

It still shines with untarnished youth.

Whatever truths your church may show,

The Jew professed them long ago.”