John Keble (1792-1866). Angels and Children. Henry Charles Beeching, ed. 1903. Lyra Sacra: A Book of Religious Verse

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Henry Charles Beeching, ed. (1859–1919). Lyra Sacra: A Book of Religious Verse. 1903.

Angels and Children

By John Keble (1792–1866)


HEAVEN in the depth and height is seen,
On high among the stars, and low
In deep, clear waters; all between
Is earth and tastes of earth: even so
The Almighty One draws near	5
To strongest seraphs there, to weakest infants here.

And both are robed in white, and both
On evil look unharmed, and wear
A ray so pure, ill powers are loth
To linger in the keen bright air.	10
As angels wait in joy
On saints, so on the old the duteous-hearted boy.

God’s angels keep the eternal round
Of praise on high, and never tire;
His lambs are in His temple found	15
Early, with all their heart’s desire.
They boast not to be free,
They grudge not to their Lord meek ear and bended knee.

O well and wisely wrought of old,
Nor without guide, be sure, who first	20
Did cherub forms as infants mould,
And lift them where the full deep burst
Of awful harmony
Might need them most, to waft it onward to the sky.