Part 26 (2/2)

Never did I gaze upon the sun, because it shone brightly, Nor upon the moon floating in glory, So that my heart was secretly enticed, And I wafted kisses to them, putting my hand to my mouth.[249]

CCLXXIII

Never did I rejoice at the ruin of my hater, Nor exult when misery found him out; Neither have I suffered my throat to sin, By wreaking a curse upon his soul.

CCLXXIV

Never had the guests of my tent to say: ”Oh, that we had our fill of his meat!”

I suffered not the stranger to lodge out of doors, But I opened my gates to the traveller.

CCLXXV

I covered not my failings after the manner of men, By locking mine iniquity in my bosom, As if I feared the vast mult.i.tude, Or because the scorn of families[250] appalled me.

CCLXXVI

And I, forsooth, should keep silence, should not come forward!

Oh, that one would hear me!

Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me, And hear the indictment which my adversary hath written![251]

CCLXXVII

Surely I would hoist it upon my shoulder, And weave it as a crown unto myself; I would account to him for the number of my steps; As a prince would I draw near unto him.

CCLXXVIII

JAHVEH:

Who is this that darkeneth my counsel, With words devoid of knowledge?

Now gird up thy loins like a man, For I shall ask of thee, and do thou teach me!

CCLXXIX

When I laid the earth's foundation where wast thou?

Declare, if thou hast understanding!

Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest, Or who hath stretched the line upon it?

CCLx.x.x

Where are its sockets sunk down, Or who laid the corner-stone thereof?

When the morning stars exulted together, And all the sons of G.o.d shouted for joy.

CCLx.x.xI

Who shut in the sea with doors, When it brake forth as issuing from the womb?

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