Page:Poems of Emma Lazarus vol 2.djvu/41

24 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