Selected Poems (Engelse vertaling)

106 JEHUDAH HALEVI

56

WAKE ME TO BLESS THY NAME

Thou didst know me before Thou hadst formed
me,

And so long as Thy spirit is within me, Thou
keepest me.

Have I any standing ground if Thou drive
me out?

Is there any going forth for me if Thou re-
strain me?

And what can I say, since my thought is in
Thine hand?

And what can I do until Thou help me?

I have sought Thee: in a time of favour
answer me,

And as with a shield, gird me round with Thy
grace.

Raise me up to seek early Thy shrine;

Wake me to bless Thy name.