"Thy father made a solemn vow,--
He sees, he feels his error now,
Yes, made a vow to God;
And he will claim my darling now,
He bids me pay that awful vow,
And pay it with thy blood."

"But how can I thy life destroy?
Thou art my solace, hope, and joy,
My cherished only child."
The lustre beaming from her eye,
Seemed caught from radiant orbs on high,
So brilliant, yet so mild.

"Pay to the Lord thy vow," she said,
"God's altar is a pleasant bed,
From thence to heaven I'll rise.
The Lord has answered thy request,
Israel is free, our land at rest,
I'll be thy sacrifice."

* * * * *

"Like a lost sheep I have gone astray."--_Psalms_.

Like sheep that wander far astray,
Nor ask the shepherd's care,
Did I forsake the narrow way,
Nor seek my God in prayer.