Classic Poem

I HEARD two soldiers talking
As they came down the hill —
The sombre hill of Calvary,
Bleak and black and still.
And one said, " The night is late;
These thieves take long to die. "
And one said, " I am sore afraid,
And yet I know not why. "

I heard two women weeping
As down the hill they came.
And one was like a broken rose,
One was like a flame.
And one said, " Now men shall rue
This deed their hands have done. "
And one said only through her tears,
" My Son! My Son! My Son! "

I heard two angels singing
Ere yet the dawn was bright,
And they were clad in shining robes,
Robes and crowns of light.
And one sang, " Death is vanquished, "
And one in golden voice
Sang, " Love hath conquered, conquered all;
O Heaven and Earth, rejoice! "