Classic Poem

I saw the archangels in my apple-tree last night,
I saw them like great birds in the starlight —
Purple and burning blue, crimson and shining white.

And each to each they tossed an apple to and fro,
And once I heard their laughter gay and low;
And yet I felt no wonder that it should be so.

But when the apple came one time to Michael's lap
I heard him say: " The mysteries that enwrap
The earth and fill the heavens can be read here, mayhap. "

Then Gabriel spoke: " I praise the deed, the hidden thing. "
" The beauty of the blossom of the spring
I praise, " cried Raphael. Uriel: " The wise leaves I sing. "

And Michael: " I will praise the fruit, perfected, round,
Full of the love of God, herein being bound
His mercies gathered from the sun and rain and ground. "

So sang they till a small wind through the branches stirred,
And spoke of coming dawn; and at its word
Each fled away to heaven, winged like a bird.