Miracle, and Other Poems

<h2 id="id00153" style="margin-top: 4em">THE ANGEL</h2> <p id="id00154">Down the white ward with slow, unswerving tread<br/> He came ere break of day—<br/> A cowl was drawn about his down-bent head,<br/> His misty robes were grey.<br/></p> <p id="id00155">And no man even knew that he went by,<br/> None saw or heard him pass;<br/> Softly he moved as clouds drift down the sky,<br/> Or shadows cross the grass.<br/></p> <p id="id00156">Close to a little bed where one lay low,<br/> At last he took his stand,<br/> And touched the head that tossed in restless woe<br/> With gentle, outstretched hand.<br/></p> <p id="id00157">"When bitterness," he said, "is at an end,<br/> And joy grows far and dim,<br/> I am the angel whom the Lord doth send<br/> To lead men on to Him.<br/></p> <p id="id00158">"Past the innumerable stars, my friend,<br/> Past all the winds that blow,<br/> We, too, must travel to our journey's end.<br/> Arise! And let us go!"<br/></p> <p id="id00159">"Stay! Stay!" the other cried. "I know thy face!<br/> Death is thy dreaded name!"<br/> "Nay—I am known as 'Love' in that far place,"<br/> He said, "from whence I came."<br/></p> <p id="id00160">But still the other cried, with moan and tear,<br/> "I fear the dark—and thee!"<br/> "There is no dark," the angel said, "nor fear,<br/> For those who go with me.<br/></p> <p id="id00161">"There is no loneliness, and nevermore<br/> The shadow-haunted night,<br/> When we pass out beyond Life's swinging door<br/> The road," he said, "is bright."<br/></p> <p id="id00162">Then backward slipped the cowl from off his head,<br/> Downward the robe of grey;<br/> A radiant presence by the lowly bed<br/> Greeted the breaking day.<br/></p> <p id="id00163">* * * * *</p> <p id="id00164">Within the long white ward one lay alone,<br/> None watched by him awhile,<br/> But some who passed him said, in whispered tone,<br/> "See—on his lips—the smile!"<br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />