Page:Shelley, a poem, with other writings (Thomson, Debell).djvu/22

4 Throughout the whole sphere-throbbing vastitude Deep silence followed when that great voice ended; Even the music of the multitude Of all their rhythmic revolutions blended, The ever-rolling music, seemed suspended: And I then dared to lift my awe-shut eyes And search for him who spoke throughout the skies.

Search for the moon of night, the sun of day!— In centre of the universal round A broad and steadfast disc of splendour lay; Fit field for him who stood upon its ground, The solemn angel with pure glory crowned,— His right hand raised, his countenance divine Intently listening through the hyaline.

From far, far, far, far even in that vast, A voice came trembling ravishingly sweet— "O Raphael beloved of God! the last  And meanest of the spirits who repeat   Eternal praises round the Judgment-Seat Implores that he, if none of greater worth, May sing the self-same praises on that earth."

A pure joy lighted up great Raphael's face As then he gestured "Hither!"; and there came A star-like speck from out the bounds of space With swift and swerveless flight to reach its aim; Developing into a tongue of flame, Until it stood upon that field of light A fervent Seraph beautiful and bright.