And ever o'er the trade he bent,35
And ever lived on earth content.
(He did God's will; to him, all one
If on the earth or in the sun.)
God said, "A praise is in mine ear;
There is no doubt in it, no fear:40
"So sing old worlds, and so
New worlds that from my footstool go.
"Clearer loves sound other ways;
I miss my little human praise."
Then forth sprang Gabriel's wings, off fell45
The flesh disguise, remained the cell.
'Twas Easter Day; he flew to Rome,
And paused above Saint Peter's dome.
In the tiring-room close by
The great outer gallery,50
With his holy vestments dight,
Stood the new Pope, Theocrite;
And all his past career
Came back upon him clear,