C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
Author Unknown
Dies Iræ
D
Earth in flames shall pass away,
Heathen seers with prophets say.
When descends the Judge of all,
Every action to recall.
Wakes the graves of nations gone,
Forcing all before the Throne.
When the creature, risen anew,
Answers to his God’s review.
Writ with all things done or said,
Thence to judge th’ awakened dead.
All that’s dark shall leap to sight,
Guilt, the sword of vengeance smite.
Who will mediate in my need,
When the just shall scarce succeed?
Saving all for whom He bled,
Save thou me, Salvation’s head!
Think! for me thy bleeding way!
Lose me not, upon that day.
By the cross, my crown hast bought:
Can such anguish be for naught?
Grant remission, full and clear,
Ere th’ accounting day appear.
Flushed my cheek, my sins I own:
Hear, O God, thy suppliant’s groan.
So the thief upon the tree;
Hope too thou hast breathed in me.
Yet, dear Lord, thy mercy show,
Lest I sink in endless woe.
With thy lambs a place provide,
On thy right and near thy side.
Given to tormenting flame,
With thy blessed write my name.
Heart like cinders, see, I bear,—
Its last throbbing be thy care!
When from ashes reappears
Man all guilt, his doom to bear—
Spare him, God! in mercy spare!