4.
“The precious sons of Zion, compared to fine gold, how are
they esteemed as earthen pitchers.”
Like some frail reed, which in the pale moonlight
Bows down, then broken hangs upon the ground;
Like some ice-scene with golden sunbeams crown'd,
Which vanishes before mid-day grows bright;
Or like the sea, so beautiful to sight,
Basking in sunlight, till a cloud profound
Doth all the glittering scene with gloom surround;
Or when the autumnal frost of one brief night
Strips some fair tree, and leaves it bleak and bare,
Robb'd of a whole year's pride and leafy state;
Or when upon a full-orb'd summer noon
Comes in eclipse the intervening moon;—
So our best feelings cherish'd long and fair
One hour of darkness may lay desolate.
