THE FLIGHT

"Joseph, arise!—take the young child, and flee,
Flee unto Egypt." Joseph woke, and saw
The angel of the Lord beside him—so
He stayed not, but arose and wakened them—
Dearer than all the world to him become,
The babe and Mary. For he dimly saw
They two held in their thoughts, more, more than he
Could compass; but he knew, that what they held
He must defend with life itself; his life
Must be one constant vigilance, that they
Might grow and learn the knowledge of the Lord,
For the world's sake. ... So, patient Joseph, 't was
To thee, the guardian, that the angel came;
The guardian of the Saviour of the world.
But when he called to them it seemed as if
The room was full of angels; and their song,
Unheard yet felt, was louder than the cry
Of all the world's sad noises; while the babe
Smiled as he turned to see his mother rise
And gather him to her; strong without fear,
As if, indeed, she held within her arms
More treasure than the ancient world could buy;
The gold of David's song, the jewels bright
Of vision-eyed Isaiah, and the sword
Of Moses and Elias—all were there—
As the babe turned his eyes upon her face
And pressed again his head upon her breast.
Michael and Gabriel stood aside to let
The king and priest pass by. But overhead
The desert stars shone with a luster not
Their own, so pure, so bright it seemed;
While far below, the tiny cavalcade
Moved slowly on to Egypt through the night.