"Is it such a fast that I have chosen?"
1 "Is this a fast for me?"--
Thus saith the Lord our God;--
"A day for man to vex his soul,
And feel affliction's rod?--
2 "Like bulrush low to bow
His sorrow-stricken head,
With sackcloth for his inner vest,
And ashes round him spread?
3 "Shall day like this have power
To stay th' avenging hand,
Efface transgression, or avert
My judgments from the land?
4 "No; is not this alone
The sacred fast I choose,--
Oppression's yoke be burst in twain,
The bands of guilt unloose?--
5 "To nakedness and want
Your food and raiment deal,
To dwell your kindred race among,
And all their sufferings heal?
6 "Then, like the morning ray,
Shall spring your health and light;
Before you, righteousness shall shine,
Behind, my glory bright!"