Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE TWO FRIENDS; A RABBINICAL TALE, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poet's Biography First Line: Good rabbi nathan had rejoiced to spend Last Line: "in wisdom, strength, and goodness, like to thee!" Subject(s): Clergy; Jews; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Judaism | ||||||||
GOOD Rabbi Nathan had rejoiced to spend A social se'nnight with his ancient friend, The Rabbi Isaac. In devout accord They read the Sacred Books, and praised the Lord For all his mercies unto them and theirs; Until, one day, remembering some affairs That asked his instant presence, Nathan said, "Too long, my friend (so close my soul is wed To thy soul), has the silent lapse of days Kept me thy guest; although with prayer and praise The hours were fragrant. Now the time has come When, all-reluctant, I must hasten home To other duties than the dear delights To which thy gracious friendship still invites." "Well, be it so, if so it needs must be," The host made answer; "be it far from me To hinder thee in aught that Duty lays Upon thy pious conscience. Go thy ways; And take my blessing! -- but, O friend of mine, In His name whom thou servest, give me thine!" "Already," Nathan answered, "had I sought Some fitting words to bless thee; and I thought About the palm-tree, giving fruit and shade; And in my grateful heart, O friend, I prayed That Heaven be pleased to make thee even so! Oh, idle benediction! -- Well I know Thou lackest nothing of all perfect fruit Of generous souls; or pious deeds that suit With pious worship. Well I know thine alms In hospitable shade exceed the palm's; And, for rich fruitage, can that noble tree, With all her opulence, compare with thee? Since, then, O friend, I cannot wish thee more, In thine own person, than thy present store Of Heaven's best bounty, I will even pray That -- as the palm-tree, though it pass away, By others, of its seed, is still replaced -- So thine own stock may evermore be graced With happy sons and daughters, who shall be, In wisdom, strength, and goodness, like to thee!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE RABBI'S SON-IN-LAW by SABINE BARING-GOULD A LITTLE HISTORY by DAVID LEHMAN FOR I WILL CONSIDER YOUR DOG MOLLY by DAVID LEHMAN JEWISH GRAVEYARDS, ITALY by PHILIP LEVINE NATIONAL THOUGHTS by YEHUDA AMICHAI SOUNDS OF THE RESURRECTED DEAD MAN'S FOOTSTEPS (#3): 2. ANGEL ... by MARVIN BELL DEATH AND CUPID; AN ALLEGORY by JOHN GODFREY SAXE |
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