THE FAST OF TEBETH
65
The Fast of Tebeth
By Joseph bar Samuel Tob Elem
LO! I recall the siege which fell on me:
Within this month He struck me; He destroyed
With three blows;—cut me down and left me void;—
Now He hath made me weary utterly.
He silenced on the eighth day all my throng:
(Have I not for three things a fast proclaimed?)
The king bade: write the law in Greek; they maimed,
They ploughed on me; they made their furrows long.
