truth so, since it is so old that even 'the sluggard' knows it." His voice was soft and so depreciatory of himself that Rachel was forced to answer.
“If you will say good of me at least speak not so of yourself. Why believe what you need not believe of yourself?”
"Ah, me," he shook himself, "you know our saying, 'a good name is worth many pots of honey.' I have not the honey not having the good name. And why? No one is interested in me."
“Who knows who is interested in one?” rejoined the girl artlessly.
"I am not interested even in myself," he rejoined inconsequentially.
"But other people are."
“Are you sure of that?” It was a pointed question.
Something in the tone warned the girl that there was necessity for caution in the answer. She hesitated a moment and then replied: "We are all interested in you, you know that well."
Abraham turned aside with a hasty gesture and walked over to a bookshelf; then he turned back to her.
Ode to Zion
Words of Love and Honor to the Holy Land.
ZION, wilt thou not ask if peace's wingShadows the captives that ensue thy peace,Left lonely from thine ancient shepherding?
Lo. West and east and north and south—world-wide— All those from far and near, without surcease, Salute thee: Peace and peace from every side;
And Peace from him that in captivity Longeth, and giveth tears like Hermon's dew, Yearning to shed them on the hills of thee.