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It was terrible there in the darkness,
But we dared not complain nor moan,
For the silence of Heaven enthralled us in peace,
And we waited for things unknown.

Then One came with a countenance wondrous,
With the mark of a wound in His side ;
And we fell at His feet in an ecstasy sweet,
For we knew Him for one that had died.

" Little children," He said, " little children,
Is it well that ye entered alone,
With no angel to guide you, no spirit beside you,
With your coming unwatched for, unknown?"

Then we fell at His feet, in an agony sweet,
And we wept in a passion of shame ;
" We were weary, O Lord, we were pierced with thy sword, —
On the wings of our longing we came."

Then He shewed us a mansion unfinished,
With our name on the topmost stone ;
And He said, "It doth wait till your souls are full grown :
Ye reap not until ye have sown.