Classic Poem

There was silence in the heavens
When the Son of Man was led
From the Garden to the Judgement;
Sudden silence, strange and dread!
All along the empyreal coasts,
On their knees the immortal hosts
Watched with sad and wondering eyes
That tremendous sacrifice.

There was silence in the heavens
When the priest his garment tore;
Silence when that twain accursed
Their false witness faintly bore.
Silence — though a tremor crept
O'er their ranks — the angels kept
While that Judge, dismayed though proud,
Washed his hands before the crowd.

But when Christ His Cross was bearing,
Fainting oft, by slow degrees,
Then went forth the angelic thunder
Of legions rising from their knees.
Each bright spirit grasped a brand;
And lightning flashed from band to band:
An instant more had launched them forth
Avenging terrors to the earth.

Then from God there fell a glory
Round and o'er that multitude;
And by every fervent angel
With hushing hand another stood;
Another, never seen before,
Stood one moment and no more!
Peace, brethren, peace! to us is given
Suffering; vengeance is for heaven.