Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By ArloBates

1054 In Paradise

“O PITYING angel, pause, and say

To me, new come to Paradise,

How I may drive one pain away

By penitence or sacrifice.

From deeps below of nether Hell

I hear a lost soul’s bitter cry:

Alas! It was through me she fell,—

What price forgetfulness may buy?”

The passing angel paused in flight,

Poised like fair stars which first arise,

And looked on that pale suppliant white,

With piercing pity in his eyes.

“Ah, woe!” he said. “Thy joy and peace

Cannot be bought with prayer or price.

For thee that wail will never cease,

Though thou hast won to Paradise!”