Selected Poems (Engelse vertaling)

90 JEHUDAH HALEVI

44

A SERVANT OF GOD

Ah, would that I might be a servant of God,
my Maker!

Though every friend were far from me, yet He
would draw me near.

My Maker, my Shepherd,
Thou possessest my soul and my body;
Thou discernest mine aim,
Thou seest my thoughts,
My path and my couch;
Ps. 139,2,3. And Thou siftest all my ways.

If Thou help me, who shall make me stumble?
If Thou restrain me, who else can set me free?

Mine inmost parts do yearn
To be in communion with Thee,
While yet my cares
Set them afar from Thee,
And my paths incline
From the path of Thy steps.

Lord, teach me! let me tread along Thy
truth,

And gently lead me on in judgment and
condemn me not.