Seated in companies they sit, with radiance all their own:

The hum of multitudes was there, but multitudes of lambs,

Thousands of little boys and girls, raising their innocent hands.

Now like a mighty wind they raise to heaven the voice of song, 9

Or like harmonious thunderings the seats of heaven among:

Beneath them sit the agèd men, wise guardians of the poor.

Then cherish pity, lest you drive an angel from your door.

William Blake.

CLXXXIV
ON AN ANTIQUE GEM BEARING THE HEADS OF PERICLES AND ASPASIA.

This was the ruler of the land,