Chapter 13

When that day comes, clansmen of David and citizens of Jerusalem shall have a fountain flowing openly, of guilt to rid them, and of defilement.

A time shall come, says the Lord of hosts, when I will efface the memory of the false gods; the very names of them shall be forgotten; banish, too, the false prophets, and the unclean spirit they echo.

Dares one of them prophesy again, all men will turn against him, even the parents that begot him; Still at thy lying, and in the Lord’s name? Thou shalt die for it! And with a javelin’s thrust father and mother will take the life they gave.

When that day comes, never a prophet but shall rue the false vision he trusted in. Deceitful garb of sackcloth each one shall throw aside;

No prophet am I, but a simple peasant, that grew up to follow Adam’s trade!

Ask they, What wounds be these in thy clasped hands?2 Thus wounded was I, he shall answer, in the house of my friends.

Up, sword, and attack this shepherd of mine, neighbour of mine, says the Lord of hosts.4 Smite shepherd, and his flock shall scatter; so upon the common folk my vengeance shall fall.

All over this land, the Lord says, two thirds of them are forfeit to destruction, only a third shall be left to dwell there;

and this third part, through fire I will lead them; purged they shall be as silver is purged, tried as gold is tried. Theirs on my name to call, their plea mine to grant; My own people, so I greet them, and they answer, The Lord is my own God.