Oh! Weep for Those
Oh! Weep for Those - fact Summary
From Hebrew Melodies
This short lyric appears in Byron’s Hebrew Melodies and reflects his sustained interest in Jewish history and suffering. It mourns exile and religious desolation—images of Babel, Zion, and a "harp of Judah" emphasize loss and interrupted worship. The poem frames Israel as a wandering, bereft people longing for restoration, using biblical place-names and lamenting the contrast between other creatures’ homes and Israel’s dispossession.
Read Complete AnalysesI. Oh! Weep for those that wept by Babel’s stream, Whose shrines are desolate, whose land a dream, Weep for the harp of Judah’s broken shell– Mourn–where their God that dwelt-the Godless dwell! II. And where shall Israel lave her bleeding feet? And when shall Zion’s songs agains seem sweet? And Judah’s melody once more rejoice The hearts that leap’d before its heavenly voice? III. Tribes of the wandering foot and weary breast! How shall ye flee away and be at rest! The wild-dove hath her nest–the fox his cave– Mankind their Country–Israel but the grave.
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