Page:A New Zealand verse (1906).pdf/272

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236
Jael.
But a pale shape that surely might appal, Seraph or demon, in a garment gray,Sate there to judge: ’Twas my own soul, and allThe Heaven resounded with the Judgment Day.

D. M. Ross

CLXVIII.

Jael.

Bitter in spirit was I, that I stood afar off from my nation,Counted as one with no portion or lot in her triumphs and sorrows,Joined to an alien in blood, who stooped to the rule of the stranger.
All day long had I heard the distant uproar of battle.Israel was striking for freedom; long time had she suffered in bondage,Waiting a sign from the Lord, at last came the hour of requital.Lonely I waited for tidings—no Israelite maiden or motherBrought her rejoicings and fears to share with the wife of the Kenite.Silence fell as the sun drew nigh to the end of his journey.Low he shone in the west, and dusk in the glare of the sunsetStretched like a shadowy finger the long dark shade of the palm-tree.
Then as I watched, expectant, I saw where, escaping from battle,
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