 | The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere |  |
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PERSECUTION.
AN ODE.
I
There was silence in the heavensWhen the Son of Man was led
From the Garden to the Judgment;
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.
II
There was silence in the heavensWhen 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.
III
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.
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IV
Then from God there fell a gloryRound 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.
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | |