perpetual lamp and the seven-branched silver candle-stick of the synagogue. The crowd hoot and jeer at them.
" The misers! they will take their gems and gold
Down to the grave!
"Let us rejoice"
sing the Jewish youths in chorus; and the maidens:
"Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Zion!
Within thy portals, O Jerusalem! "
The flames rise and dart among them ; their garments wave, their jewels flash, as they dance and sing in the crimson blaze. The music ceases, a sound of crashing boards is heard and a great cry,—" Hallelujah! " What a glory and consecration of martyrdom! Where shall we find a more triumphant vindication and supreme victory of spirit over matter?
" I see, I see,
How Israel s ever-crescent glory makes
These flames that would eclipse it dark as blots
Of candle-light against the blazing sun.
We die a thousand deaths, drown, bleed, and burn.
Our ashes are dispersed unto the winds.
Yet the wild winds cherish the sacred seed,
The waters guard it in their crystal heart,
The fire refuseth to consume.
********
Even as we die in honor, from our death
Shall bloom a myriad heroic lives,
