Lo, the divine idea of making man
Had spread abroad among the heavenly hosts ;
And all at once before the immortal throne
Pressed troops of angels and of seraphim,
With minds opposed, and contradicting cries :
"Fulfill, great Father, thine exalted thought!
Create and give unto the earth her king ! "
"Cease, cease. Almighty God ! create no more ! "
And suddenly upon the heavenly sphere
Deep silence fell ; before the immortal throne
The angel Mercy knelt, and thus he spoke :
"Fulfill, great Father, thine exalted thought !
Create the likeness of thyself on earth.
In this new creature I will breathe the spirit
Of a divine compassion ; he shall be
Thy fairest image in the universe."
But to his words the angel Peace replied.
With heavy sobs: "My spirit was outspread.
Oh God, on thy creation, and all things
Were sweetly bound in gracious harmony.
But man, this strange new being, everywhere
Shall bring confusion, trouble, discord, war."
" Avenger of injustice and of crime,"
Exclaimed the angel Justice, ^^ he shall be
Subject to me, and peace shall bloom again.
Create, oh Lord, create!" "Father of truth,"
Implored with tears the angel Truth, " Thou bring'st