John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892). The Poetical Works in Four Volumes. 1892.
Religious PoemsThe Two Angels
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The tenderest one was Pity, the dearest one was Love.
Steals through the gates of heaven, and saddens all within.
The smoke of torment clouds the light and blights the asphodels.
Let Love drop smiles like sunshine, and Pity tears like rain!”
Four white wings lessened swiftly down the dark abyss of air.
Where swung the lost and nether world, red-wrapped in rayless flame.
Took heart from God’s almightiness and smiled a smile of cheer.
And, with the sunshine of that smile, hope entered into hell!
Four white wings folded at the feet of Him who sat thereon!
Amidst the hush of wing and song the Voice Eternal spake:
Henceforth its sweetest song shall be the song of sin forgiven!”