The Old Jew

No 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.