The Great Assize

​That day, the day of anger, must
Prove old prophetic warning just
And burn away the world to dust.
 
A quaking ground, a reeling sky
Will wait the certain scrutiny
Of him who comes our cause to try
 
When the trump’s unearthly tone
Wakes within the grave the bone
And gathers all before the throne.
 
Though Death recoils and Nature cries,
Yet the creature shall arise
To answer at the last assize.
 
The book, once opened, will rehearse
Deeds that merits bliss or curse
In all the summoned universe.

So the hidden will be plain
When judgement shall our souls arraign,
And no unrighted wrong remain.
 
Alas, then, how am I to speak,
What shielding advocate to seek
Where innocence herself is weak?
 
O King of fear and majesty,
Saving whom thou savest free,
Fount of pity, pity me.

​Remember all thy arduous way
In quest of me, and hear me pray:
Lose not the found on judgement-day.

Thou soughtest me with toil and pain,
Thou hungest on the tree to gain
My pardon, surely not in vain.

Remit, my creditor and King,
Before the day of reckoning
The dues I owe, and cannot bring.

I know my guilt, I mourn my case,
Shame is burning in my face.
Lord, let thy suppliant find grace.

For thou in sinful Mary shriven
And the dying thief forgiven
Showest me a hope of heaven.

Weigh not the worthless prayer I frame.
Have mercy - Mercy is thy name -
And spare me everlasting flame.

When sheep and goats to either hand
Separate at thy command,
Bid me on the right to stand.

When sin, her malice manifest,
Flees to fire that never rest,
Fold me, Shepherd, with the blest.

​In ashes and in penitence
I sue, before the summons hence:
Undertake my last defence.

a version of the Dies Irae
from Said or Sung, 1960
Austin Farrer FBA, 1904-1968