The Angel at the Ford

I sought to hold her, but within her eyes
I read a new strange meaning; faint they prayed,
"Oh, let me pass and taste the great surprise;
Behold me not reluctant nor afraid!"

"Nay, I will strive with God for this!" I cried,
"As man with man, like Jacob at the brook,
Only be thou, dear heart, upon my side!"
"Be still," she answered, "very still, and look!"

And straightway I discerned with inward dread
The multitudinous passing of white souls,
Who paused, each one with sad averted head,
And flashing of indignant aureoles.