The Maccabean Call

OUT of dense darkness, stress of the ages,

Flashes a star conquering night;

Visions of seers, path guide of sages,

Portent of dawn’s purpled glad light.

Names one all heroes men would remember

Leaders of hosts, battling for right:—

Quenches their glory’s flickering ember

Glow of that star’s intenser might.

Hammer of prophet, despot defying,

Banner with God’s lettered signs,

Priest and true soldier sends he aflying,

Chaff like the king’s cowardly lines.

Slingshot and bowstring, buckler and lances

David of old wielded with skill—

Harpstring as sweetly toning glad dances

Woke he to echo silv’ry rill.

Judah’s last lion, David’s sole better,

Sword and the harp equally knew,

Psalming his faith’s music and letter,

Joying light’s birth song, melody new.

Judah, thou hero, song still inspiring,

Wilt thou not rout this weak day’s doubt?

Israel, martyr, newly aspiring,

Raise thou again Maccabee’s shout.

What if barbed arrows black hatred hurling,

Unsheaths the sword Syrians once drew,

Wave not the flag, God’s sign unfurling,

Judah the Hammer’s purpose still true?

Choir not the ages, boldly defying

Tyrants’ and bigots’ hoarse battle-cry,

Singing this one song, surely relying

Mi Kamokha Baelim Adhonay?

Up Thou and shine forth, thy light unhidden

Must rally round thee, livers of right!

Cleanse thou thy temple, All men be bidden

Join thee, God’s Priest, at thy altared light!