352 REDEMPTION.
And songs immortal on their tuneful tongues. On that side Olivet next heaven they stand, Tow'rds where the golden gates of bliss unfold, Whence heav'n's eternal citizens outpour, Crowding the sapphire pathway of the sky, And now with matchless speed, past measure swift, With jubilations, mirth, and sacred songs, Descend as light' ning, through th' ethereal way. On either hand their flying squadrons move : Two radiant columns, right and left dispart, Wide space between, to let the conqueror pass, With heaven's new habitants, redeem' d, in train; Whilst hov'ring near him, now t' angelic raised, The holy Innocents, who shed their blood, When first the wrath of Herod sought His life, Their piteous cries to notes cherubic change ; Beside whom Joseph, Mary's sacred spouse, The patron of their innocence, close stands, And Joachim and Anne, much revered, As source whence the Immaculate drew life. Hard by stands John, forerunner of the Lord, The first to see Him, and first to proclaim; Nor far, who bore him comes, and who begot, From ripe old age, to blooming youth restored; Whilst Simeon, who the infant Saviour bless'd, Departing peaceful, soon in peace t' arise, Concludes the congregated throng, which round Him press, to deck his triumph to the skies. Interm'nable their lines, with heaven's glad hosts, More bright, more densely fill'd, than milky way With stars, celestial fires, whose beams broadcast, The azure vault, unfath'mable, o'erspread.
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