THE CHOSEN

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.’