Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By Myrtilla E. MitchellPurim
F
“Exterminate God’s chosen race, crush out life’s vital spark.”
This heard the youth and trembled, and the hoary head was bowed,
And in sackcloth and in ashes the faithful mourned aloud.
Though on her youthful brow a crown—’tis sadness, fills her breast;
The King upon his royal throne beholds that maiden fair,
The golden sceptre holdeth forth, and calls Queen Esther there.
Though e’en ’twere half my kingdom, it should be at thy request.”
Then gently spake the maiden, as she stands in beauty there:
“Let the King and Haman come to-day to the banquet I prepare.”
Again the King on Esther urged to tell her thoughts and why?
Upon her brow a shadow dark had cast its gloom this day,
But with a smile, then, Esther spake, and courage found to say:
I beg that he will not refuse, or my request despise;
And that once more to-morrow, when a banquet I prepare,
The King and Haman shall again, with wine and song be there,
And then shall my petition before the King be laid,
And if ’tis granted, not in vain, hath Esther, fasting, prayed.”
He vainly woos the god of sleep to close his weary eyes.
“Bring in the chronicled events,” the King now gives command,
“And thus amuse my waking thoughts with actions, as they stand.”
“What honor has been done for this?” “Yet nothing,” they declared.
Then asked the King of Haman, “What shall in reward be done
To him who hath my royal grace and honor justly won?”
And all the honors thou hast planned, make haste thee, quick to do.”
Now at the second banquet, Queen Esther makes request:
“I ask my life from out thy hand, My people at bequest.
But utterly to be destroyed, cast out, and slain, ’tis planned.”
Then rose the King in fury: “Whose bold plan this?” he cried,
“Behold him!” whispers Esther, “for ’tis Haman, at thy side.”
’Tis done; and messengers off speed, the Jews’ release is nigh.
Their sorrow now to joy is turned, and long shall Esther’s name
Illumined shine in Israel’s heart with faith’s undying fame.