Selected Poems (Engelse vertaling)

73 JEHUDAH HALEVI

And the myrtle boughs rise proudly aloft and
bend low,

And the palm branches clap their hands at
the singing of the birds,

Waving and bowing before the face

Of Isaac, and the whole world laughing with
his name,

Gen. 21,6. For she said, "Hath not God made me to
laugh

Since I take fast hold of the cords of Isaac?"

I speak, and none denieth my words, in praise

Of his honour; and every ear that hearkeneth
consenteth.

The fame of all princes is divided between
good and evil,

Yet surely is his name only good without
dissent.

How sweet to mine ear to hear of him

While my soul is busied in remembering him;

Aye, beholding his likeness, it addeth the more—
Prov. 25,1. Even twofold praise, re-echoing the song.

Of thee, O lordly Isaac, my tongue shall sing
isa. 32,4. Glowing words, flowing songs without pause;

For I make a covenant with thee, for the days
of my life,

That my tongue shall not be silent from thy
praise.

Which shall I set first of thy praises,

Since thy soul is joined to every honour?

With thee do noble thoughts pitch their
tents;