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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE JUDGMENT by KATHARINE LEE BATES

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN BEFORE THE CLOUD-WHITE THRONE
Last Line: OF THE WORLD, IS ZION BUILT.
When before the cloud-white throne
We are kneeling to be known
In self's utter nakedness,
Mercy shall be arbitress.

Love shall quench the very shame
That is our tormenting flame;
Love, the one theology,
Set the souls in prison free—

Free as sunbeams forth to fare
Into outer darkness, where
It shall be our doom to make
Glory from each earth-mistake.

Not archangels God elects
For celestial architects;
On the stones of hell, the guilt
Of the world, is Zion built.



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