Maid of Persia

MAID of Persia, Myrtle named,

For thy graces rightly famed,

Esther, ours for evermore,

Queen to-day from oldest yore—

Ere we leave thee let thy grace

Linger with us for a space.

Israel’s maidens be like thee,

Holding fast fidelity

To the cause of Israel,

That they yield not to the spell

Of the glitter and the gold

Shining in another fold.

Oh, our hearts are thine to-day

For the dread thou didst allay,

For the plot of Haman foiled

That our race was not despoiled,

For the worth of Mordecai

Who the plotters did defy.

Let thy spirit be our share

Through whatever lands we fare;

Mordecai and Esther be

Lord and queen eternally

In the heart of man and maid,

Making Israel unafraid.

Of “the foe that stalks by night,

Of the fowlers luring might,”

Of the envy and the hate

Which all centuries relate.

Maid of Juda, daughter dear,

Be thy spirit ever near.