I trod an arduous way, but came at last To where the city walls rose fair and white Above the darkening plain,--a goodly sight. And eagerly, while yet a great way off, My eyes did seek the Gates--the Great White Gates That close not ever, day or night, but stand Wide as the love of Christ that opened them. But nought could I discern of gate or breach, The wall stood flawless far as eye could reach. "But when I drew in closer to the wall, I saw a lowly portal, strait and small; So small, a man might hardly enter there, Low-browed and shadowed, and close-pressed to earth-- A very needle's eye--scarce visible. I looked and wondered. Could this trivial way Be the sole entrance to the light of day? And as I stood perplext, a clear voice cried,-- _Come! Enter in! The Gate is open wide_." And while I stood in doubt, there came along One of earth's mighty ones--a conqueror Of Kings. He looked for gates that should swing wide To meet his high estate and welcome him. He stood and gazed, then raised his voice and cried, "My work on earth is done. I would within," And from the City wall the voice replied,-- "_Come! Enter in! The Gate is open wide_." He stood perplext, then set himself to wait, Till Might should help him to discern the Gate. Another came,--a man of mind so rare, He scarce had breathed the common earthly air. Knowledge was his, and wisdom so profound, All things he knew in heaven and earth. No bound To his accomplishment, until he sought The great wide-opened Gate,--and found it not. He stood perplext, and then cried wearily, "Pray give me entrance. I am done with earth." And from the City wall the clear voice cried,-- "_Come! Enter in! The Gate is open wide_." He looked in vain, then set himself to wait, Till Wisdom should direct him to the gate. I saw a woman come, noble and fair, And pure of heart, and in her goodly deeds More richly robed than Fashion's fairest queen. And to myself I said,--"Surely for her A way will open that she may go in!" She said no word, but stood and looked upon The shining walls, with eyes that answering shone. And from the City wall the clear voice cried,-- "_Come! Enter in! The Gate is open wide_." She looked in vain, then set herself to wait, Till Love should help her to discern the Gate. And one there came, with clear keen face--a Judge Of men on earth, and famed for fearless truth. His robes were stainless and his heart was clean. "Entrance I crave," he cried, "to well-earned rest,-- And mercy-tempered justice and no more." And from the City wall the clear voice cried,-- "_Come! Enter in! The Gate is open wide_." He looked in vain, then set himself to wait Till Judgment should direct him to the Gate.