And until Shiloah’s coming the sceptre rests with thee!”
And thus, as round their prophet sire, the awe-struck brethren wait,
To each of all the listening twelve, he speaks, unfolding fate.
The brawny breast of Issacher, heaves heavily and high,
As years of cruel servitude arise before his eye;
Luxurious Asher’s curving lip, half wreaths into a smile,
As visions of voluptuousness, flit o’er his brain the while;
And Benjamin, exulting hears of his successful toil —
“At morn thou shalt pursue the prey, at eve devour the spoil.”
But Joseph, of the steadfast soul, triumphant over wrong,