Part 95 (2/2)

VI

See, fore and aft, life's craft undone!

Crank plank, split spritsail--mark, sea's lark!

That gray cold sea's old sprees, begun When men lay dark i' the ark, no spark, All water--just G.o.d's fun!

VII

Not bright, at best, his jest to these Seemed--screamed, shrieked, wreaked on kin for sin!

When for mirth's yell earth's knell seemed please Some dumb new grim great whim in him Made Jews take chalk for cheese.

VIII

Could G.o.d's rods bruise G.o.d's Jews? Their jowls Bobbed, sobbed, gaped, aped, the plaice in face!

None heard, 'tis odds, his--G.o.d's--folk's howls.

Now, how must I apply, to try This hookiest-beaked of owls?

Well, I suppose G.o.d knows--I don't.

Time's crimes mark dark men's types, in stripes Broad as fen's lands men's hands were wont Leave grieve unploughed, though proud and loud With birds' words--No! he won't!

X

One never should think good impossible.

Eh? say I'd hide this Jew's oil's cruse-- His shop might hold bright gold, engrossible By spy--spring's air takes there no care To wave the heath-flower's glossy bell!

XI

But gold bells chime in time there, coined-- Gold! Old Sphinx winks there--”Read my screed!”

Doctrine Jews learn, use, burn for, joined (Through new craft's stealth) with health and wealth-- At once all three purloined!

XII

I rose with dawn, to p.a.w.n, no doubt, (Miss this chance, glance untried aside?) John's s.h.i.+rt, my--no! Ay, so--the lout!

Let yet the door gape, store on floor And not a soul about?

XIII

Such men lay traps, perhaps--and I'm Weak--meek--mild--child of woe, you know!

But theft, I doubt, my lout calls crime.

Shrink? Think! Love's dawn in p.a.w.n--you sp.a.w.n Of Jewry! Just in time!

_Algernon Charles Swinburne._

IN IMMEMORIAM

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