C. David Matt. Purim. Friedlander, Joseph, comp. 1917. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse

Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917.

Purim

By C. David Matt


COME, quaff the brimming festal glass!
Bring forth the good old cheer!
For Esther’s Feast has come at last,—
Most gladsome in the year.

And now, when hearts beat glad and free,	5
Come gather all about,
And tell once more how, long since, He
Did put our foe to rout.

Full oft has beauty ruled a land
And held its sceptred sway;	10
Full often foiled th’ avenging hand,
And bade oppression stay.

But ne’er did beauty so avail,
As when fair Esther’s charm
’Gainst vengeful Haman did prevail	15
To ’fend the Jews from harm.

So all the dire impending woe
That hovered o’er their head,
Did light upon their ruthless foe
And ruined him, instead.	20

And thus, throughout the ages long,
In every land and clime,
They chant an old thanksgiving song
E’er mindful of that time.

Yea, Israel’s Guardian never sleeps,—	25
No slumber to His eye!—
But loving watch He ever keeps
Upon his flock from high.