The White Robed

I saw in wonder-dreams of slumber
A mighty, mingled multitude
Of every region, tongue and brood,
Too infinite for man to number.

With waving palms, arrayed in brightness,
And sounding golden harps, they choired
Round One, in jasper bloom attired,
Who sate a throne of blinding whiteness.

Then spake an elder clothed in glory:
"What men are these in robes of snow?"
I answered: "How may sinner know?
Thou knowest, Lord, their hallowed story."

He said: "Behold the sons of noyance
Who kept the faith in weary stress,
Nor ever trusted God the less
Because they found no earthly joyance;

"Wherefore the gracious One, the tender
Redeemer, wiped away their tears,
And lifted them to astral spheres
To share His perfect love and splendor."