No sound among the crowd, only the growl of the fire, and the solemn strain of the hymn:—
Lo, the Book, exactly worded,
Wherein all hath been recorded;
Thence shall judgment be awarded.
When the Judge his seat attaineth,
And each hidden deed arraigneth,
Nothing unavenged remaineth.
What shall I, frail man, be pleading?
Who for me be interceding?
When the just are mercy needing.
King of Majesty tremendous,
Who dost free salvation send us,
Fount of pity! then befriend us.
****
Low I kneel], with heart-submission;
See, like ashes, my contrition—
Help me in my last condition!
Ah! that day of tears and mourning!
From the dust of earth returning,
Man for judgment must prepare him!
Spare, O God, in mercy spare him!
Lord, who didst our souls redeem,
Grant a blessed requiem!
Six women, veiled, and robed in white, and six Carmelites advanced bearing a coffin.
It was whispered that one of the veiled women was
