My times are in Thy hand, Thou knowest what is best, And where I fear to stand Thy strength brings succor blest. Thy loving-kindness, as within A mantle, hides my sin. Thy mercies are my sure defence, And for Thy bounteous providence Thou dost demand no recompense. For all the sons of men Thou hast a book prepared, Where, without hand or pen, Their deeds are all declared: Yet for the pure in heart shall be A pardon found with Thee. The life and soul Thou didst create Thou hast redeemed from evil strait, Thou hast not left me desolate. The heavens Thou badest be, Thy bright, celestial throne, Are witnesses to Thee, O Thou the Lord alone. One, indivisible, Thy name Upholds creation’s frame. Thou madest all—the depth, the height, Thou rulest all in power and might, Supreme, eternal, infinite! ABRAHAM IBN EZRA. Passover Hymn When as a wall the sea In heaps uplifted lay, A new song unto Thee Sang the redeemed that day. Thou didst in his deceit O’erwhelm the Egyptian’s feet, While Israel’s footsteps fleet How beautiful were they! Jeshurun! all who see Thy glory cry to thee: “Who like thy God can be?” Thus even our foes did say. Oh! let thy banner soar The scattered remnant o’er, And gather them once more Like corn on harvest-day. Who bear through all their line Thy covenant’s holy sign, And to Thy name divine Are sanctified alway. Let all the world behold Their token, prized of old, Who on their garment’s fold The thread of blue display. Be then the truth made known For whom, and whom alone, The twisted fringe is shown, The covenant kept this day. Oh! let them, sanctified, Once more with Thee abide, Their sun shine far and wide, And chase the clouds away. The well-beloved declare Thy praise in song and prayer: “Who can with Thee compare, O Lord of Hosts?” they say. When as a wall the sea In heaps uplifted lay, A new song unto Thee Sang the redeemed that day. JEHUDA HALEVI. Morning Prayer O Lord! my life was known to Thee Ere Thou hadst caused me yet to be, Thy Spirit ever dwells in me. Could I, cast down by Thee, have gained A standing place, or, if restrained By Thee, go forth with feet unchained? Hear me, Almighty, while I pray, My thoughts are in Thy hand alway, Be to my helplessness a stay! Oh! may this hour Thy favor yield, And may I tread life’s battle-field Encompassed by Thy mercy’s shield. Wake me at dawn Thy name to bless, And in Thy sanctuary’s recess To praise and laud Thy holiness. JEHUDA HALEVI. Judgment And Mercy