Jewish Captives Parting

Must I leave thee broken-hearted,
All our hopes for ever thwarted ?
Early met, and early parted, —
Yet while love was new !
Just when the bud had fondly spread
Its breast to heaven, with blushes red,
The fruit, within its bosom hid,
Shrunk from its fostering dew !

There's a pang (I may not name it !
Heart of alien cannot frame it,
Tongue of angel cannot blame it)
Wrings this bosom still : —
Oh ! thou art all with softness blent,
Mild as the lamb, and innocent ;
But thou art in the stranger's tent,
And subject to his will !

Bitterer term was never spoken !
Take this last, this farewell token, —
All my hopes with it are broken,
Save in one sole deed :
On that pure breast and form so fair,
Should eye or hand of violence dare —
I say no more ; but to thy care
I trust this sure remede.

How is the gold become so dim?
How hushed the virgin's coral hymn ?
Our cup of misery wets the brim —
'Tis slavery or the grave.
Was ever sorrow like to mine ?
The daughters young of Judah's line
Are led in bonds and shame to pine,
And none to help or save !