Roman Mass Ordinary: Requiem Mass: Sequence "Dies Irae"

Dreaded day, that day of ire,
When the world shall melt in fire,
Told by Sibyl and David's lyre.

Fright mens hearts shall rudely shift,
As the Judge through gleaming rift,
Comes each soul to closely shift.

Then, the trumpet's shrill refrain,
Piercing tombs by hill and plain,
Souls to judgment shall arraign.

Death and nature stand aghast,
As the bodies rising fast,
Hie to hear the sentence passed.

Then, before Him shall be placed,
That whereon the verdict's based,
Book wherein each deed is traced.

When the Judge His seat shall gain,
All that's hidden shall be plain,
Nothing shall unjudged remain.

Wretched man, what can I plead?
Whom to ask to intercede.
When the just much mercy need?

Thou, O awe-inspiring Lord,
Saving e'en when unimplored,
Save me, mercy's fount adored.

Ah! Sweet Jesu, mindful be.
That Thou cam'st on earth for me:
Cast me not this day from Thee.

Seeking me Thy strength was spent,
Ransoming Thy limbs were rent:
Is this toil to no intent?

Thou, awarding pains condign,
Mercy's ear to me incline,
Ere the reckoning Thou assign.

I, felon-like, my lot bewail,
Suffused cheeks my shame unveil:
God! O let my prayer prevail.

Mary's soul Thou madest white,
Didst to heaven the thief invite;
Hope in me these now excite.

Prayers of mine in vain ascend:
Thou art good and wilt forfend,
In quenchless fire my life to end.

Place amid Thy sheep accord,
Keep me from the tainted horde,
Set me in Thy sight, O Lord.

Then the cursed by shame opprest,
Enter flames at Thy behest,
Call me then to join the blest.

Prostrate, suppliant, now no more,
Unrepenting, as of yore,
Save me dying, I implore.

Mournful day that day of sighs,
When from the dust shall man arise,
Stained with guilt his doom to know.

Mercy, Lord, on him bestow.
Jesu, kind, Thy souls release,
Lead them thence to realms of peace. Amen.