_ Gabriel, O
Gabriel!
Elizabeth Browning
No more reply than from a breaking string,
Breaking when touched. Or is she _not_ my star?
Where _is_ my Star--my Star? Have ye cast down
Her glory like my glory? Has she waxed
Mortal, like Adam? Has she learnt to hate
Like any angel?
_Second Voice. _ She is sad for thee.
All things grow sadder to thee, one by one.
_Angel Chorus. _
Live, work on, O Earthy!
By the Actual's tension,
Speed the arrow worthy
Of a pure ascension!
From the low earth round you,
Reach the heights above you:
From the stripes that wound you,
Seek the loves that love you!
God's divinest burneth plain
Through the crystal diaphane
Of our loves that love you.
_First Voice.
_ Gabriel, O Gabriel!
_Second Voice. _ What wouldst _thou_ with me?
_First Voice. _ Is it true, O thou Gabriel, that the crown
Of sorrow which I claimed, another claims?
That HE claims THAT too?
_Second Voice. _ Lost one, it is true.
_First Voice. _ That HE will be an exile from his heaven,
To lead those exiles homeward?
_Second Voice. _ It is true.
_First Voice. _ That HE will be an exile by his will,
As I by mine election?
_Second Voice. _ It is true.
