The Pillars of the Nave: Jeremiah

" Come, see, was ever sorrow like to mine ? "
What more than human woe, dread Voice, is thine,
While armed shapes of terror throng the crowd,
Which over Judah brings destruction's shroud ?
Carrying our griefs, and supplicating still,
It is the Man of sorrows climbs the hill
Of Calvary : o'er Salem shedding tears,
In Anathoth's sad Seer He witness bears.

" Come, see, was ever sorrow like to mine ? "
From age to age still sounds that voice divine,
Still Sion's virgin daughter heaves the sigh,

" Say, is it nought to you, ye that pass by ? "
Ye Heavens, be hung with sackcloth, and thou earth
Shorn of thy beauty ! let the robe of dearth
Clothe the green mountains ! they their Maker own,
But of mine Israel I am not known.
"Seek ye the ancient paths, and ye shall live ; "
But they cry out, " We will not." I would strive,
But strong-arm'd vengeance, as it grows more deep,
Holds them in her embrace and lays asleep,
While I o'er your destruction watch and pine, —
" Come, see, was ever sorrow like to mine?"