Classic Poem

Within the place where patient souls abide
In hopeful suffering, — dead among the dead
Methought I stood, and pray'd with bended head,
When sudden shone an angel at my side,
Who to my startled questioning glance replied —
" Because thou hast lov'd well, the Lord hath said
It is His will that thou be comforted.
Ask what thou wilt; it shall not be denied."
" Show me my saint — one moment, only one!"
And lo! an image, on cloud-canvas cast,
Of a great company in robes of white,
And 'mongst them she , with face divinely bright
Upturn'd, adoring. Soon the vision pass'd;
But long I stood and gaz'd, though it was gone.