Saul vividly saw Stephen as that day He shone Shekinah in the temple court Effulgent with a milder light like this; 'And this was that which Stephen prophesied! How madly had he kicked against the pricks!' Next, Stephen martyr stood before his eyes Uplifting holy hands to heaven in prayer, On poise for that translation to his Lord Wherein his, Saul's, the murderer's part had been! And Rachel flashed in vision on his mind, Pathetically beautiful, once more, As on that moonlit eve at Bethany! The sisters there, and Lazarus--with Ruth Exalted in her mother-majesty! Hirani, then, in his simplicity Perplexed before the Sanhedrim, but borne In ecstasy above them far away, Thence looking down upon them all, a light Fair on his forehead like the light of stars; All these things in his past, with many more-- Instant, at sudden summons of his mind, To swear against him his own blasphemy-- Shot through Saul's spirit, as the lightning leaps, Rapid, one leap, from end to end of heaven. 'This dreadful splendor was not vengeance all, It had not slain him, he was thinking still! A grace was in the glory, oh, how fair!' The features of a Face began to dawn Upon him in the darkness of that light; As the sun shineth in his strength, it shone, An awful Meekness mild with Majesty! The outward light light to his soul became-- A light of knowledge of the glory of God To Saul, seen in the face of Jesus Christ! 'It would be freedom to serve such a Lord!' The passion of rebellion all was gone, A passion of obedience in its place; The will that hated had dissolved away, And will no more was left, but only love. This love which was obedience spoke and asked, "Lord Jesus, what wilt thou have me to do?" The Brightness of the Father's Glory said: "Rise thou, and stand upon thy feet, for I Have to this end appeared to thee, to make Thee minister and witness both of what This day thou hast beheld and of those things Wherein I after will appear to thee, Delivering thee from Jewish enemies And from the Gentiles unto whom I now Send thee, their eyes to unseal and them to turn From darkness unto light, and from the power Of Satan unto God, that they of sins Forgiveness may receive, and heirs become Among those sanctified through faith in Me." Saul heard, and in his heart of hearts obeyed; And his whole life thenceforth obedience was-- Whereof the greater song remains to sing, If so be God vouchsafe such grace to me. But Jesus to His servant further said, "Hence now into Damascus city go; There fully shall be shown thee all thy way." A way indeed stain-traced in blood and tears, As Saul foresaw to Rachel; but in tears And blood his own thereafter to the end, Even to the end of that apostleship.