VERSE: LISTENING ANGELS

Blue against the bluer Heavens Stood the mountain, calm and still, Two white Angels, bending earthward, Leant upon the hill.

Listening leant those silent Angels, And I also longed to hear What sweet strain of earthly music Thus could charm their ear.

I heard the sound of many trumpets In a warlike march draw nigh; Solemnly a mighty army Passed in order by.

But the clang had ceased; the echoes Soon had faded from the hill; While the Angels, calm and earnest, Leant and listened still.

Then I heard a fainter clamour, Forge and wheel were clashing near And the Reapers in the meadow Singing loud and clear.

When the sunset came in glory, And the toil of day was o'er, Still the Angels leant in silence, Listening as before.

Then, as daylight slowly vanished, And the evening mists grew dim, Solemnly from distant voices Rose a vesper hymn.

When the chant was done, and lingering Died upon the evening air, From the hill the radiant Angels Still were listening there.

Silent came the gathering darkness, Bringing with it sleep and rest; Save a little bird was singing Near her leafy nest.

Through the sounds of war and labour She had warbled all day long, While the Angels leant and listened Only to her song.

But the starry night was coming; When she ceased her little lay From the mountain top the Angels Slowly passed away.