Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By Ida Goldsmith MorrisAbove the grief of Israel soars a voice
A
Rebuking him who weeps;
Bidding the righteous for his sake rejoice,
Who, clothed with honor, sleeps.
The leader, whom God led,
Sleeps ’neath the laurels of completed toil,
That crowns his hoary head.
His people led aright,
So he, from worn-out creeds and forms grown cold,
Led on to warmth and light.
And broader visions rose,
He rested not, until life’s task complete
Had earned Death’s sweet repose.
The noble heart is stilled!
Yet think not that God’s promise shall be lost
Which he so long fulfilled.
Unto some worthy one
Who portions Israel heritage sublime
From sire to son.
Shall live uncramped and free;
While angels wrote his name upon the page
Of immortality!