Hosea's Curse

Ephraim forgetteth Sinai's El,
And buildeth fanes to calves of gold;
His Baalim-stones are manifold,
His altars burden hill and dell.

Yet shall he tremble with affright
Because of the shame of Beth Avert,
Where batten the vulture and raven,
And smoke of offering dims the sight.

Beth Aven, sin of Israel, cry!
Thy shafts of Ashteroth shall fall,
And thorn and thistle cover all
The altars where thy Baalim lie.

Behold, thy glory disappears!.
The idols of Jacob are shattered,
The hosts of Samaria scattered,
And none shall dry the captive's tears.

The Ninerite shall tread your land
Your palaces shall hear his mirth,
And you shall bring your children forth,
And give them to the slayer's hand.