SONG OF THE ARCHANGELS
Reading edition
(FROM GOETHE'S FAUST.)
BY GEORGE P. MARSH.
RAPHAEL.
E'en as at first, in rival song Of brother orbs, still chimes the Sun, And his appointed path along Rolls with harmonious thundertone; With strength the sight doth Angels fill, Though none can solve its law divine; Creation's wonders glorious still, As erst they shone, eternal shine.
Gabriel.
The gorgeous Earth doth whirl for aye In swift, sublime, mysterious flight, And alternates elysian day With deep, chaotic, shuddering night; With swelling billows foams the sea. Chafing the cliff's deep-rooted base, While sea and cliff both hurrying flee In swift, eternal, circling race.
Michael.
And howling tempests scour amain From sea to land, from land to sea, And, raging, weave around a chain Of deepest, wildest energy; The scathing bolt with flashing glare Precedes the pealing thunder's way; And yet Thine Angels, Lord, revere The gentle movement of Thy day.
Trio.
With strength the sight doth Angels fill, For power to fathom thee hath none. The works of Thy supernal will Still glorious shine, as erst they shone.