With mute amaze,

And earnest gaze,

Seated round his cot

Entranced, and to the spot

Enchained, we listen to the story,

Catching glimpses of the glory;

As though the echoing roll

From the Eternal Hill,

In soft vibrations broke,

Upon our senses while he spoke,

Sending through every soul,

A deep unutterable thrill!

“Oh! I have been in Heaven!”

To me it has been given

To see the Throne of Light,

And Hosts of Angels bright,

And Ransomed Spirits robed in white;

They knew my name,

And who I am,

And whence I came;

I heard them loud through heaven proclaim:

“Make room! make room!

John Paul has come! John Paul has come!”

Bear the glad tidings far

As the remotest star!

Let every tongue

The shout prolong!

Sound the Redeemer’s praise,

In loudest, loftiest lays!

Your noblest Anthems raise

To everlasting days,

To Him who bought him

With His precious blood;

To Him who brought him

To this bright Abode

Of perfect blessedness,

And everlasting peace,

“The Bosom of his Father and his God.”