JEREMIAH AND ISRAEL
23
Where, fathers! doth your merit slumber now,
That sanctified of old the covenant?"
"What crave ye, sons, from Me? The doom is fixed.
This is My judgment; this is My decree.
The shrine is desolate, bereft of men;
None cometh in upon the solemn day;
Behold, the steps of My belovèd fail."—
"But Thou wilt yet restore them as of old,
O Thou Sustainer! Thou that givest strength!
And pity Zion; for the time is come."
