A SONG for Israel's God! Spear, crest, and helm Lay by the billows of the old Red Sea, When Miriam's voice o'er that sepulchral realm Sent on the blast a hymn of jubilee. With her lit eye, and long hair floating free, Queen-like she stood, and glorious was the strain, E'en as instinct with the tempestuous glee Of the dark waters, tossing o'er the slain, A song for God's own victory! Oh, thy lays, Bright poesy! were holy in their birth: How hath it died, thy seraph-note of praise, In the bewildering melodies of earth! Return from troubling, bitter founts -- return, Back to the life-springs of thy native urn! |