Classic Poem

He rose and turned a quick retreat to make,
When lo! that presence bright
Still barred his way,
And stood with hand stretched towards the rift's pale light--
A sign which Eric felt in words would say--
"What God, in mercy sends, dare you refuse to take?"

As Cherubim with flaming sword it kept
The gates of death. How could
He pass them now?
Enough, that she would know his will was good,
From, what he'd suffered for his loyal vow.
"Heaven's will be done!" he cried, and through the portal crept.

The sudden call to life from out the tomb;
Death's bands thus swiftly rent,
Life's tidal force
Undammed, had rushed with too impetuous vent,
Did not a tortuous cave arrest its course,
Ere he at length emerged beneath night's starless gloom.