The Arch of Titus
Done into English by H. M. K. from the Hebrew of H. A. W.[A]
| Crumbling, age-worn, in Rome the eternal |
| Stands the arch of Titus' triumph, |
| With its carven Jewish captives |
| Stooped before the holy Menorah. |
| And each nightfall, when the turmoil |
| Of the Petrine clangor ceaseth, |
| Seven flames the arch illumine, |
| Mystic burnings, glowing strangely. |
| Then cast off their graven shackles |
| Judah's sons of beaten marble; |
| Living step they from the ruin |
| Living stride they to the Jordan. |
| They are healèd in its waters, |
| Till the freshness of each dawning; |
| Then resume their ancient sorrow, |
| Perfect marble, whole and holy. |
| Dust of dust the wheeling seasons, |
| Grind that mighty archèd splendor, |
| Raze the Gaul and raze the Roman, |
| Grind away their fame and glory, |
| The shackled Jews alone withstand them, |
| Stooped before the holy Menorah. |
THE SPOILS OF JERUSALEM, FROM THE ARCH OF TITUS
