THERE was a glory once in Israel, Lo! how hath it departed from its shore; Jerusalem the mighty is no more; Gone are the Romans from the citadel, The king's court hath no need of sentinel; Silence enshrouds the ancient fisher's oar, The Chosen People from afar deplore Strange destiny, without a parallel: But though its cities, razed by fire and sword, Lift not their turrets by blue Galilee, And all the land lies captive to a horde Which long had been its watchful enemy, Yet hath the house of David through its Lord The heritage of immortality. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON LORD HOLLAND'S SEAT NEAR MARGATE, KENT by THOMAS GRAY SAILING BEYOND SEAS (OLD STYLE) by JEAN INGELOW THE LAST MAN: CONCEALED JOY by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES A PASSSGE TO ITALY by WILLIAM ROSE BENET |