Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Eugene Lee-Hamilton b. 1845

A Flight from Glory

ONCE, from the parapet of gems and glow,

An Angel said, “O God, the heart grows cold

On these eternal battlements of gold,

Where all is pure, but cold as virgin snow.

Here sobs are never heard; no salt tears flow;

Here there are none to help—nor sick nor old;

No wrong to fight, no justice to uphold:

Grant me Thy leave to live man’s life below.”

“And then annihilation?” God replied.

“Yes,” said the Angel, “even that dread price;

For earthly tears are worth eternal night.”

“Then go,” said God.—The Angel opened wide

His dazzling wings, gazed back on Heaven thrice,

And plunged for ever from the walls of Light.