Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE PASSING OF RABBI ASSI, by EDWIN POND PARKER First Line: Outworn by studious toil and age Last Line: To hear his counsel, let him hear! Subject(s): Clergy; Jews; Legends; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Judaism | ||||||||
OUTWORN by studious toil and age, The Rabbi Assi, saintly sage, Upon his humble pallet lay, Awaiting death, at close of day. Silent and sad amid the gloom Of that poor, pathetic room, Some fond disciple hovered near, Intent his parting words to hear. The mellow light of sunset spread A glory round his snow-white head, And as, amazed, they saw the trace Of tears upon his pallid face, One came and knelt beside the bed, Caressed the thin, white hand, and said: "Dear Rabbi, wherefore weepest thou? Let no sad thoughts disquiet now The peace of thy departure hence To heavenly rest and recompense. Thou hast been pure in heart and mind, Meek, modest, patient, gentle, kind, Recall with gratitude and joy Thy consecrated life's employ. Devoted to the sacred law, Thou didst unselfishly withdraw From all publicities; and when With one accord thy fellow-men Chose thee their judge, thou didst refuse All worldly service, and didst choose To live sequestered from all care, For God, in study and in prayer." "Cease," cried the Rabbi in distress, "Make not my cup of bitterness More bitter with the shame and pain Of praise as ignorant as vain. My soul is sorrowful, my son, For public duties left undone. I mourn the quest of truth pursued In disregard of brotherhood; The narrow, blind, scholastic zeal That heeded not the common weal; The subtle selfishness and pride In which I put the world aside And sought an individual good In self-complacent solitude, Withheld my aid and stayed my hand From truth and justice in the land, And weakly failed to exercise The law in which I would be wise. "Wherefore with tears, I plead with you, Dear friends, a nobler course pursue, Beware the self-indulgent mood Of unconcern for public good. Think not in cloistered, studious ease Wisdom to win or God to please. For wisdom moulders in the mind That shuts itself from human kind, And piety, with self-content, Becomes a barren sentiment, The bread of life is turned to stone For him who hoards it as his own. O see betimeswhat late I saw That only love fulfills the law, In loving kindness hear and heed The plaintive cries of human need, Protect the weak against the strong, Uphold the right and right the wrong. Assuage life's miseries and pains, Console its sorrows, cleanse its stains; Count worthy of all toil and strife These common interests of life More precious than the richest store Of secular or sacred lore Your mission and ambition be God's service in humanity." He paused, and, rapt in silent prayer, His spirit seemed awhile elsewhere, And at his prayer the peace was given For which his sorrowing soul had striven; At eventide the light had come To guide him through the darkness home, Then with a smile of sweet surprise He woke and lifted up his eyes And praised the Lord with trembling voice, He bade his weeping friends rejoice, And said, "Beloved, let me hear Once more the Shepherd-psalm of cheer." And they repeated, soft and low, That sweetest song that mortals know; And then in accents calm and grave His benison to them he gave. "May God who comforts my sad heart And bids me now in peace depart, Bless, guide and keep you evermore! Abundantly on you outpour The riches of his truth and grace, Show you the favor of His face, Your minds and hearts with ardor fill To know and do His holy will. With heavenly wisdom make you wise In service and self-sacrifice, Give you rich fruits of toil and tears, Andafter long and useful years The blessedness of those who come With sheaves and songs, rejoicing, home." The Rabbi's failing strength was spent. In silent sorrow o'er him bent With bated breath the faithful few, And heard him faintly say, "Adieu! The night grows dark! the hour is late! We now, dear friends, must separate. A thousand-fold may God requite Your love and care. Good-by; Good-night! And peaceful rest till break of day!" So Rabbi Assi passed away. Fact, legend, parable of old? What mattersso the truth be told Historic or fictitious frame? The Rabbi's likeness is the same. And whosoever hath an ear To hear his counsel, let him hear! | 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 |
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