During the Crusades (“Behold, O Lord, Thy faithful people!”)

BEHOLD, O Lord, Thy faithful people!

The father slays his child, the dear one;

The mother has her task accomplished,

And sends to Thee her hallowed offspring.

Across their knees the parents brandish

The keen-edged knives for work of slaughter;

The mother ties the child,

The father makes the gash;

They say a sacrificial blessing,

For they are met to die together,

And to make known Thy holy Oneness

And one announces to the other,

“This day we keep a feast of union!”

Their children all they immolate,

As free-will gifts, as bonds of love.