Classic Poem

A New Hebrew Melody

The camels are leaving Jerusalem,
Swarthy Arabs are driving them,
And the tinkle of camel bells.

Rings in my dreams though the world's between
Myself and the City I've never seen,
But O, where my whole heart dwells!

The camels come softly stepping down
The road that leaves the holy town,
Moving in single file.

And my thoughts keep pace with the caravan,
That's bound for Dimaschk or Hindustan,
Or Cairo on the Nile;

Till the bells of the camels are heard no more,
And the fall of their feet on the desert floor
Is lost with the sight of them.

Then back to the hill-throned City I ride,
With a song on my lips for my holy bride,
My beloved, Jerusalem.