XXVIII
You asked me why I love you. This is why,
Told in the Hebrew lore: The Mischna tells
How Abraham, a boy, his idols sells,
Then, tiring, searched for God both far and nigh.
Night came. He saw the stars strew thick the sky,
“Surely that’s God!” The moon rose with her spells.
“No, no, that’s God!” Awe from his spirit wells:
But moon and stars fade fast and night passed by.
Rich with the fervor of its sun rose day.
“I know now none has found God and none may!
The force is He behind the day and night!”
Cried Abraham in rapture at the light.
Thus I love not for outward shows nor gold,
But for the silent love your heart does hold.