The father of the multitude[[57]] cried in their behalf, and implored the Most High God: ‘In vain was I tried ten times for their sake, since I now behold their destruction. Where is Thy promise: “Fear not, Abram”?’[[58]]
‘Ah, they have erred and gone astray from Me, and consecrated themselves to strange gods; they counselled to hew out cisterns for them—but broken cisterns are theirs. How shall I refrain Me, when they break the ten commandments?’
And thus cried Isaac wofully unto the Dweller of the skies: ‘In vain was I appointed to be slain, since my seed is crushed and ruined. Where is Thy pledge: “But I will establish My covenant with Isaac”?’[[59]]
‘They rebelled against the prophet Jeremiah, and defiled mount Moriah; I am weary of hearing the complaint which rises to Me from the earth. And how shall I refrain Me since Zechariah is slain?’
And then spoke he who was born for study,[[60]] like jackals shedding tears: ‘My little ones whom I reared with care, why did they fly away so soon? Why was I punished a thousandfold for my blood-guilt?’
Then spoke the faithful shepherd,[[61]] covered with ashes, wallowing in dust: ‘The flocks that were entrusted to my care, why were they cut off before their time? Where is Thy pledge: “They shall not be widowed”?’[[62]]
The wailing voice of Leah, tabering upon her breasts, was then heard; her sister Rachel, too, bemoaned her sons; Zilpah struck her face; Bilhah lamented, lifting up her hands.
‘Return, O perfect ones, unto your rest; I will fulfil all your desires. For your sakes was I sent to Babylon;—I will return your children’s captivity.’
VII. ELDAD HA-DANI.
[A traveller who flourished in the ninth century. According to his narrative, he was a native of East Africa. He seems to have travelled in Spain and Babylon.]