Six Years Were Decreed

Six years were decreed for a slave to wait When his freedom he sought at his master's hand, But the years of my bondage lack term or date, It is hard, O my Master, to understand. Why, Sire, should a hand-maid's son bear sway, And me with affliction and anguish task? There cometh no answer, howe'er I pray, In despite that each day for reply I ask. What word at the last wilt Thou say, my King? An Thou findest no ransom, O Lord, take me! Take me for Thy people as offering, I will serve Thee for ever and ne'er go free. Translated by Israel Zangwill