THE LITTLE ROOM.
1As on my bed with grief oppressed
I laid me down to take my rest,
Into a dream most strange I fell,
Which to the world in brief I'll tell.
2Methought an angel all in white
Did come to me, when late at night,
And said: Prepare to go with me!
I'll show strange wonders unto thee.
3The angel forc-ed me to go—
Indeed, whether I would or no—
And, in a very little space,
He brought me to a glorious place.
4Upon a throne there sat a King;
Many melodiously did sing
All clothed in fine white array,
Which shined brighter than the day.
5It was so beautiful and fair
I fain would have continued there;
With that the angel said to me:
Poor soul this is no place for thee.
6A little further you must go
For something else I will show.
Then from this place I did depart,
Fullsore it grieved me to the heart.
7Into a little room we went
Where was a noisome stinking scent;
For want of sweeping many years
It like a dung-hill did appear.
8One came to clear the dirt away;
But it was grown to such decay
He could by no means clean the same;
It did the King's wrath much inflame.
9He said: It shall no longer stand;
I will destroy it out of hand;
There is no other hope I see—
This little room shall burned be.
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