On Jordan’s Banks

On Jordan’s banks the Arab’s camels stray,
On Sion’s hill the False One’s votaries pray,
The Baal-adorer bows on Sinai’s steep –
Yet there – even there – Oh God! thy thunders sleep:

There – where thy finger scorch’d the tablet stone!
There – where thy shadow to thy people shone!
Thy glory shrouded in its garb of fire:
Thyself – none living see and not expire!

Oh! in the lightning let thy glance appear;
Sweep from his shiver’d hand the oppressor’s spear!
How long by tyrants shall thy land be trod?
How long thy temple worshipless, Oh God?

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