Songs of Exile/Israel's Duration

Israel's Duration

By Jehudah Halevi


LO! sun and moon, these minister for aye;
The laws of day and night cease nevermore:
Given for signs to Jacob's seed that they
Shall ever be a nation—till these be o'er.
If with His left hand He should thrust away,
Lo! with His right hand He shall draw them nigh.
Let them not cry: 'Tis desperate; nor say:
Hope faileth, yea, and strength is near to die:—
Let them believe that they shall be alway,
Nor cease until there be no night nor day.