University of Virginia Library

III.

A lone place by the Garden of Gethsemane.
First Christian.
A voice from the East!

Prophets,
(unseen.)
Arm of the Lord, awake!

Second Christian.
A voice from the West!

Martyrs,
(unseen.)
Sword of the Lord, come forth!

First Chris.
Seven nights, as I beneath the starry skies
Wandered, in heavenly contemplation-wrapt,
Have those drear sounds been uttered on mine ear.

Second Chris.
Seven nights, in flashes through the dusky air,
Mysterious visitants have come and gone;
And all Mount Zion, and Moriah's hill,
Twinkle with sudden gleams of spear and shield.

First Chris.
To-day at sunrise were we breaking bread;
And when the hymn, “Thrice Holy,” passed away,
Sweet voices in the air took up the strain,—
“Glory to Thee, O Lord most high,” they sung,
Majestic angel voices jubilant:
And then, like mighty forests heard from far,
Responsive breathed unnumbered hosts around.

Second Chris.
Hear yet. 'Tis said that some have seen the Lord:
How on yon Mount of Olives yesternight
He stood, and sternly o'er the city towers
Lifted His piercèd hand. Certain it is
The cup of wrath is full—the doom is near;
The day of vengeance of the Elect is come!

Gabriel
(unseen.)
Arise—depart!