Selected Poems (Engelse vertaling)

99 JEHUDAH HALEVI

49

REDEMPTION

Ex. 19.4. The dove Thou hast borne on eagles' wings,
That hath nested in Thy bosom in the inner-

most chambers—
Why hast Thou left her flying about the forest
isa. 19,8. While on every side are spreaders of nets?

Strangers entice her with other gods,
jer. 13.17. But she in secret weepeth for the lord of her
youth.

And Dishan and Dishon¹ speak smoothly
to her,

Hos. 2,9. But she lifteth her eyes to her first husband:—

Ps. 16,10. Why hast Thou abandoned my soul to the

grave—

Ruth 4,4. While I know there is none beside Thee

to redeem?

cant. 5,2:6,9. Shall she that was undefiled go ever with
isa.47,2. uncovered locks,

A contempt and appalment to Mizzah and

Shammah?²
Lo, the bondwoman's son3 hath spread terror
for me,

Ps. 78,9. For with hand upraised he shot with the bow.

¹ Horites, inhabitants of Edom. (Gen.36,21).

² Edomites, grandsons of Esau. (Gen.36,13).

3 Ishmael. (Gen.21,10). Note the play with the
names of the nations mentioned.