REDEMPTION. 23
And enter'd their abode. More he delay' d Not; but, gently join'd their hands. "Joachim," He said, " thy prayer is heard, a daughter thou Shalt have, who, full of grace, shall firmly stand, Where Eve, the first of women fail'd. Mary, Her name shall be, exalted ; for her name Shall glorious be in heav'n and all the earth, Chief, 'midst ten thousands, loveliest of the fair."
Anne, incredulous, revolved his words ; But Joachim replied : " Or mockest thou Thy servant, or some mystery lies hid Beneath thy words. Deign graciously t' explain ; Else verify thy speech. Give me a sign."
" More words here need not;" Abdiel return'd; Enough for thee to know, if thou art wise. The sign thou askest I may give ; behold."
He spake, and instant vanish'd from their sight. Celestial odors wide diffused the place,
Ambrosial fragrance, sweetest of perfumes,
The hyacinthine atmosphere of heav'n ;
Through which the seraph on ethereal wing,
Swift took his heav'nward way. With sacred awe
Inspired, they own the angel of the Lord ;
Prostrate towards him bow, and humbly' adore
The unseen Power, who him had gracious sent ;
Adore, and all his heav'nly words believe.
Hail ! thou auspicious night, on which is hung
Th' eternal destiny of erring man ;
May I record thy august rites unblamed ?
Sacred the theme I sing; the marriage bed,
Pure, undefiled. Away, away, ye prudes ;
Away impure, and ye profane; no place
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