Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/105

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THE DANCE TO DEATH.

LIEBHAID.

Yea, father.
She prays and weeps within : she had no heart
For Sabbath meal, but charged me with her
thanks —

SÜSSKIND.

Thou shalt be mother and sister in one to her.
Speak to her comfortably.

REUBEN.

She has begged
A grace of me I happily can grant.
After oar evening-prayer, to lead her back
Unto the Synagogue, where sleeps her father,
A light at head and foot, o'erwatched by strangers;
She would hold vigiL

SÜSSKIND.

'T is a pious wish,
Not to be crossed, befitting Israel's daughter.
Go, Reuben ; heavily the moments hang.
While her heart yearns to break beside his corpse.
Beceive my blessing.
He places his hands upon his son's head in benediction, Exit Reuben,
Henceforth her home is here.
In the event to-night, God's finger points