Moses and Jesus

METHOUGHT on two Jews meeting I did chance—

One old, stern-eyed, deep-browed; yet garlanded

With living light of love around his head;

The other young, with sweet, seraphic glance.

Round them went on the Town’s Satanic dance,

Hunger a-piping while at heart he bled.

Salom Aleikem mournfully each said,

Nor eyed the other straight, but looked askance.

Sudden from Church outrolled an organ hymn,

From Synagog a loudly chanted air,

Each with its prophet’s high acclaim instinct,

Then for the first time met their eyes swift-linked

In one strange, silent, piteous gaze, and dim

With bitter tears of agonized despair.