The Old Jew

Not fawn-tinged hospital pajamas could cheat him of his

austerity,

Which tamed even the doctors with its pure fire.

They examined him; made him bow to them:

Massive altars were they, at whose swollen feet grovelled a

worshiper.

Then they laughed, half in scorn of him; and there came a

miracle.

The little man was above them at a bound.

His austerity, like an irresistible sledge-hammer, drove them

lower and lower:

They dwindled while he soared.