THE MESSIAH OF IZMIR,
                     TURKEY (1665-1666)

                                      I

Bring out the myrtle branch, bring out the palm,
Play instruments of music joyously,
Dance in the streets, sing the thanksgiving psalm
To greet the Lord's anointed, Shabbtai Tzvi.

How, at this time, can anyone stay calm?
The hour's arrived when Israel shall be free!
For Jacob's wounds there is a healing balm:
Behold the Lord's anointed, Shabbtai Tzvi!

                                      II

As once the soul descended into matter,
Exchanged the house of light for that of clay,
Exiled from the Divine Radiance that begat her,
So Shabbtai has turned Muslim, gone astray.

A diamond is a diamond still, though flawed
(My lord and king, I'd follow him to Tophet),
Therefore I say with him: "There is no god
But Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet."

 

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