Classic Poem

As writeth John, yet saw I more,—
three gates had each side of that place,
yea, twelve in compass I espied,
the portals deck'd with plates full rich;
each gate was of one margery pearl,—
a perfect pearl that fadeth ne'er.
Each bore thereon a name inscribed
of Israel's children, in order of time,
that is to say, as their fortunes of birth;
ever the elder first was writ.
Such light there gleam'd in all the streets;
they needed neither sun nor moon.