University of Virginia Library

24
ST. GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL

Many an angel stands around Mary Queen in glory crowned;
Mary Queen loves them well; but most she loveth Gabriel.
Of all angels round the Throne, Gabriel is Mary's own.
Evermore with sweetest breath Hail Mary! Gabriel saith.
When Lucifer down fell from Love's heaven to Pride's hell,
Gabriel fair, strong, tried, stood with Michael on God's side,
When he smote the serried host warring with the Holy Ghost.
Gabriel's heart a message heard of the Everlasting Word.
Gabriel's face new splendour took from the splendour of God's look.
Gabriel's swift love-shod feet to the rhythm of travel beat;
Gabriel's luminous wings spread wide—dropt when God said Abide.
Other work is to do ere that message time be due.
Gabriel's feet went many roads in the will at one with God's.
Gabriel saw chaos stirred by the voice of God's word.
Gabriel saw the void fill with the beauty of His will.
And Gabriel saw the birth of time from heaven for earth:
Saw too God's purpose fair in man and woman there.
His voice in joy's chorus rang when the stars of morning sang.
Gabriel who saw man made saw man's Maker disobeyed;
Saw the shut, guarded gate; heard the word bidding Wait.
Gabriel's day went on and on, seeing many an errand done.
To the captive in strange land Gabriel's voice said Understand.
And his tongue set wide ope God's golden gate of hope.
Time goes, time flies; ever see Gabriel's eyes
Even as God bids them see who possess eternity.
Gabriel's feet tread again where Lucifer wrought pain.
Gabriel's message falls free on the ear of Zachary.
Gabriel waits a little space in the light of God's face.
Then God bids him know His dear will sayeth Go.
Go with greatest message e'er great angelhood might bear.
Swifter than light can run down to earth from her sun,
Gabriel flashes forth, a ray from the heart of God's day;
Looks on Mary Virgin's face; kneels, hails her Full of Grace.
God's sweetest name of all from his lips first doth fall.
Of all angels round the Throne Gabriel is Mary's own.
Evermore with sweetest breath Hail Mary! Gabriel saith.