Holy-Cross Day by Robert Browning
A bishop's secretary celebrates supposed conversions at a compulsory sermon for Jews in Rome; the verse counters his account with the listeners' mockery and recollections of persecution. They quietly recite Ben Ezra's deathbed song, affirming Israel's promised restoration and conditionally addressing Christ as judge while denouncing Christians who betray their professed faith.
By Robert Browning · Genre: Dramatic Poetry, Satirical Poetry, Religious Poetry · 1,736 words
First lines
On Which the Jews Were Forced to Attend an Annual Christian Sermon in Rome
Genres
- Dramatic Poetry — Rhymed stanzas present the coerced listeners speaking among themselves, followed by their recitation of Ben Ezra's deathbed address.
- Satirical Poetry — The listeners' insults, staged groans and references to repeated conversions undermine the secretary's account of the bishop's spiritual success.
- Religious Poetry — Ben Ezra's song invokes Israel's promised restoration, considers whether Christ was rejected and condemns persecution committed in his name.
Tags
religious persecution · forced sermons · Jewish faith · Christian hypocrisy · Rome · religious satire
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Holy-Cross Day is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Browning, dated Date unknown.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Browning
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Dramatic Poetry, Satirical Poetry, Religious Poetry
- Length: 1,736 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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