Midnight.
157
I went up to the gates of God.
The angel waiting there,
Who keeps the blood-red keys of Heaven,
Stooped down to hear my prayer.
The angel waiting there,
Who keeps the blood-red keys of Heaven,
Stooped down to hear my prayer.
"Dear keeper of the keys of Heaven,
A thousand souls to-night
Are torn from life on land and sea,
While life was yet delight.
A thousand souls to-night
Are torn from life on land and sea,
While life was yet delight.
"But I am tired of storms and pain;
Sweet angel, let me in!
And send some strong heart back again,
To suffer and to sin."
Sweet angel, let me in!
And send some strong heart back again,
To suffer and to sin."
The angel answered—stern and slow—
"How darest thou be dead,
While God seeks dust to make the street
Where happier men may tread?
"How darest thou be dead,
While God seeks dust to make the street
Where happier men may tread?
"Go back, and eat earth's bitter herbs,
Go, hear its dead-bells toll;
Lie speechless underneath their feet,
Who tread across thy soul.
Go, hear its dead-bells toll;
Lie speechless underneath their feet,
Who tread across thy soul.
"Go, learn the patience of the Lord
Whose righteous judgments wait;
Whose righteous judgments wait;
