Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.
By Emil G. HirschThe Maccabean Call
O
Flashes a star conquering night;
Visions of seers, path guide of sages,
Portent of dawn’s purpled glad light.
Leaders of hosts, battling for right:—
Quenches their glory’s flickering ember
Glow of that star’s intenser might.
Banner with God’s lettered signs,
Priest and true soldier sends he aflying,
Chaff like the king’s cowardly lines.
David of old wielded with skill—
Harpstring as sweetly toning glad dances
Woke he to echo silv’ry rill.
Sword and the harp equally knew,
Psalming his faith’s music and letter,
Joying light’s birth song, melody new.
Wilt thou not rout this weak day’s doubt?
Israel, martyr, newly aspiring,
Raise thou again Maccabee’s shout.
Unsheaths the sword Syrians once drew,
Wave not the flag, God’s sign unfurling,
Judah the Hammer’s purpose still true?
Tyrants’ and bigots’ hoarse battle-cry,
Singing this one song, surely relying
Mi Kamokha Baelim Adhonay?
Must rally round thee, livers of right!
Cleanse thou thy temple, All men be bidden
Join thee, God’s Priest, at thy altared light!