2.
“O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine
help. I will be thy King.”
But clothe Him first!—no more those garments mean,—
Bring forth the purple for the kingly gown,
Such as may best become the imperial crown
And well be suited to the royal mien;
The mirror wherein best His state is seen.
Zion, go forth thy promised King to own!
Thou hast for Him prepared this regal throne;
For thee He now is scourged; for thee this scene,
This day of His espousals is for thee—
The Bride which He hath cherished now so long.
“Thy Maker is thy Husband,” and to plead
More powerfully with thee He bears this wrong,—
The diadem that burns around His Head,
And robe that speaks, but mocks at, majesty.
