The Poems of Emma Lazarus Volume II Part 34

[Music of a march approaching.]

CITIZENS.

What mummery is this?

The sorcerers brew new mischief.

ANOTHER CITIZEN.

Why, they come Pranked for a holiday; not veiled for death.

ANOTHER CITIZEN.

Insolent braggarts! They defy the Christ!

Enter, in procession to music, the Jews. First, RABBI JACOB-- after him, sick people, carried on litters--then old men and women, followed promiscuously by men, women, and children of all ages. Some of the men carry gold and silver vessels, some the Rolls of the Law. One bears the Perpetual Lamp, another the Seven-branched silver Candlestick of the Synagogue. The mothers have their children by the hand or in their arms. All richly attired.

CITIZENS.

The misers! they will take their gems and gold Down to the grave!

CITIZEN'S WIFE.

So these be Jews! Christ save us!

To think the devils look like human folk!

CITIZENS.

Cursed be the poison-mixers! Let them burn!

CITIZENS.

Burn! burn!

Enter SUSSKIND VON ORB, LIEBHAID, REUBEN, and CLAIRE.

SCHNETZEN.

Good G.o.d! what maid is that?

TETTENBORN.

Liebhaid von Orb.

SCHNETZEN.

The devil's trick!

He has bewitched mine eyes.

SUSSKIND (as he pa.s.ses the platform).

Woe to the father Who murders his own child!

SCHNETZEN.

I am avenged, Susskind von Orb! Blood for blood, fire for fire, And death for death!

[Exeunt SUSSKIND, LIEBHAID, etc.]

Enter Jewish youths and maidens.

YOUTHS (in chorus).

Let us rejoice, for it is promised us That we shall enter in G.o.d's tabernacle!

MAIDENS.

Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Zion, Within thy portals, O Jerusalem!

[Exeunt.]

CITIZEN'S WIFE.

I can see naught from here. Let's follow, Hans.

CITIZEN.

Be satisfied. There is no inch of s.p.a.ce For foot to rest on yonder. Look! look there!

How the flames rise!

BOY.

O father, I can see!

They all are dancing in the crimson blaze.

Look how their garments wave, their jewels s.h.i.+ne, When the smoke parts a bit. The tall flames dart.

Is not the fire real fire? They fear it not.

VOICES WITHOUT.

Arise, oh house of Jacob. Let us walk Within the light of the Almighty Lord!

Enter in furious haste PRINCE WILLIAM and NORDMANN.

PRINCE WILLIAM.

Respite! You kill your daughter, Henry Schnetzen!

NORDMANN.

Liebhaid von Orb is your own flesh and blood.