So great a cloud of Witnesses

I think of the saints I have known, and
lift up mine eyes
To the far-away home of beautiful Paradise,
Where the song of saints gives voice to an undividing
sea
On whose plain their feet stand firm while they
keep their jubilee.

As the sound of waters their voice, as the sound
of thunderings,
While they all at once rejoice, while all sing and
while each one sings;
Where more saints flock in, and more, and yet
more, and again yet more,
And not one turns back to depart thro’ the open
entrance-door.

O sights of our lovely earth, O sound of our
earthly sea,
Speak to me of Paradise, of all blessed saints to me:
Or keep silence touching them, and speak to my
heart alone
Of the Saint of saints, the King of kings, the
Lamb on the Throne.