The Nation's Teachers

I SAW in dream an Empire on its knees; There on the mount of God, linked hand in hand, Behold, two mighty angels seemed to stand Whose trumpet voices drowned the litanies; I cried, 'Oh, Heavenly Father, what are these?' And He made answer, 'These at my command Are sent to be the teachers of your land. They bear to men my judgment's stern decrees.' 'What are their names?' E'en as I spake, a voice Came clear from Heaven, 'One Angel is called Pain And one Adversity or Tribulation; Hark to their words, so strength shall ye regain, Hear them aright, and lo! a humbler nation Shall rise to heights of greatness and rejoice.'