<h2><SPAN name="page14"></SPAN><span class="pagenum"></span>The Chosen.</h2>
<p class="poetry">THEY stood before the Angel at the gate;<br/>
The Angel asked: “Why should you enter
in?”<br/>
One said: “On earth my place was high and great;”<br/>
And one: “I warned my fellow-men from
sin;”<br/>
Another: “I was teacher of the faith;<br/>
I scorned my life and lived in love with death.”</p>
<p class="poetry">And one stood silent.
“Speak!” the Angel said;<br/>
“What earthly deed has sent you here
today?”<br/>
“Alas! I did but follow where they led,”<br/>
He answered sadly: “I had lost my
way—<br/>
So new the country, and so strange my flight;<br/>
I only sought for guidance and for light.”</p>
<p class="poetry"><SPAN name="page15"></SPAN><span class="pagenum">p.
15</span>“You have no passport?”
“None,” the answer came.<br/>
“I loved the earth, tho’ lowly was my
lot.<br/>
I strove to keep my record free from blame,<br/>
And make a heaven about my humble spot.<br/>
A narrow life; I see it now, too late;<br/>
So, Angel, drive me from the heavenly gate.”</p>
<p class="poetry">The Angel swung the portal wide and free,<br/>
And took the sorrowing stranger by the hand.<br/>
“Nay, you alone,” he said, “shall come with
me,<br/>
Of all this waiting and insistent band.<br/>
Of what God gave, you built your paradise;<br/>
Behold your mansion waiting in the skies.”</p>
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