[Illustration: "Each sits apart, enwrapped in voiceless gloom."]
What, then, doth move God's Stadtholder thus to oppose himself Against God, as the impious head and chief Of mad conspirators?
The Heavens know How loth I am to make in such a way Defence of God's most righteous cause. But oh! How terrible the wrath laid up for him! For we can find no means by which to lead 40 This erring race of blind unfortunates Along the road, the high-road of their faith. Myself saw there the radiant joy of God Itself o'ershadow with a gathering cloud Of mournfulness, until, at last. His wrath A flame enkindled in His eyes of light, Ere He, to ward the threatened blow, gave charge Unto this expedition. I then heard Awhile the plea, how there in equipoise God's Mercy stood against His Righteousness, 50 By weight of reason held. I saw, too, how The Cherubim, upon their faces fallen. Cried with one voice, "Oh! mercy, mercy. Lord; Not justice give." This dire dispute had thus Been expiated, yea, almost atoned.-- So much seemed God to mercy then inclined. And reconciliation; but as up The smell of incense rose, the smoke beneath To Lucifer, from countless censers swung. Amid the sounds of trump and choral praise, 60 The Heavens their eyes averted from such sight And such idolatry, accursed of God And Spirit and all the Hierarchies above: Then Mercy took its flight. Awake to arms! The Godhead summons thee, ere the tumult us Surprise, to tame by thine own arm these fierce Behemoths and Leviathans, who thus Most wickedly conspire.
Come, Uriel, squire! Haste speedily and bring the lightnings here; Also my armor, helm, and shield. Then bring 70 God's banner on, and blow the trumpet bold. To arms! at once, to arms! ye Thrones and Powers, Who, true and faithful, are with us arrayed. Ye legions, on! each in his place. The Heavens Have given command. Now blow the trumpet bold And beat the hollow drum, and summon here, In haste, the countless cohorts of the armed, Blow, then! My armor, I put on; for here God's honor is concerned. There's no retreat.
This armor fits thy form as if 'twere made 80 With thee. Behold! our glorious banner comes, From which God's name and ensign grandly beam, While yon high sun doth promise thee success. Here come the chiefs, to greet thee as the head Of the celestial legions that have sworn God's standard to uphold. Take courage, then, Prince Michael, thou shalt battle for thy God.