Dies Irae

Day of wrath, day that
will dissolve the world into burning coals,
as David bore witness with the Sibyl.

How great a tremor is to be,
when the judge is to come
briskly shattering every (grave).

A trumpet sounding an astonishing sound
through the tombs of the region
drives all (men) before the throne.

Death will be stunned and (so) will Nature,
when arises (man) the creature
responding to the One judging.

The written book will be brought forth,
in which the whole (record of evidence) is contained
whence the world is to be judged.

Therefore when the Judge shall sit,
whatever lay hidden will appear;
nothing unavenged will remain.

O Thou, God of Majesty,
nourishing brilliance of the Trinity,
join us with the Blessed.

What am I the wretch then to say?
what patron I to beseech?
when scarcely the just (man) be secure.

King of tremendous Majesty,
who saves those-to-be-saved free,
save me, Fount of piety.

Remember, faithful Jesus,
because I am the cause of your journey:
do not lose me on that day.

Thou has sat down as one wearied seeking me,
Thou has redeemed (me) having suffered the Cross:
so much labor let it not be lost.

Just judge of the avenging-punishment,
work the gift of the remission (of sins)
before the Day of the Reckoning.

I groan, as the accused:
my face grows red from (my) fault:
spare (this) supplicant, O God.

O Thou, God of Majesty,
nourishing brilliance of the Trinity,
join us with the Blessed.

Thou who forgave Mary [the sinful woman],
and favorably heard the (good) thief,
hast also given me hope.

My prayers are not worthy,
but do Thou, Good (God), deal kindly
lest I burn in perennial fire.

Among the sheep offer (me) a place
and from the goats sequester me,
placing (me) at (Thy) right hand.

After the accursed have been silenced,
given up to the bitter flames,
call me with the blest.

Kneeling and bowed down I pray,
My heart contrite as ashes:
Do Thou {, my End,} care for my end.

That sorrowful day,
on which will arise from the burning coals
Man accused to be judged:
therefore, O God, do Thou spare him.

Faithful Lord Jesus,
grant them rest. Amen.