They stood before the Angel at the gate;
The Angel asked:‘ Why should you enter in?’
One said:‘ On earth my place was high and great;’
And one:‘ I warned my fellow-men from sin;’
Another:‘ I was teacher of the faith;
I scorned my life and lived in love with death.’
And one stood silent.‘ Speak!’ the Angel said;
‘ What earthly deed has sent you here to-day?’
‘ Alas! I did but follow where they led,’
He answered sadly:‘ I had lost my way -
So new the country, and so strange my flight;
I only sought for guidance and for light.’
‘ You have no passport?’‘ None,’ the answer came.
‘ I loved the earth, tho’ lowly was my lot.
I strove to keep my record free from blame,
And make a heaven about my humble spot.
A narrow life; I see it now, too late;
So, Angel, drive me from the heavenly gate.’
The Angel swung the portal wide and free,
And took the sorrowing stranger by the hand.
‘ Nay, you alone,’ he said,‘ shall come with me,
Of all this waiting and insistent band.
Of what God gave, you built your paradise;
Behold your mansion waiting in the skies.’