On Jordan's Banks
On Jordan's Banks
I.
On Jordan's banks the Arab's camels stray,
On Sion's hill the false one's votaries pray,
The Baal-adorer bows on Sinai's steep --
Yet there -- even there -- Oh G-d! thy thunders sleep.
II.
There -- where thy finger scorch'd the tablet stone.
There -- where thy Shadow to thy people shone!
Thy Glory shrouded in its garb of fire:--
Thyself -- none living see and not expire!--
III.
Oh! in the lightning--let thy glance appear!
Sweep from his shiver'd hand the oppressor's spear:
How long by tyrants shall thy land be trod!
How long thy temple worshipless! Oh G-d?