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9

Apparebit repentina magna Dies Domini

This rugged, but grand Judgment Hymn,[1] is at least as early as the 7th century, because quoted by V. Bede. It manifestly contains the germ of the Dies Iræ, to which, however inferior in lyric fervour and effect, it scarcely yields in devotion and simple realisation of its subject. In the original it is acrostic.

That great Day of wrath and terror,
That last Day of woe and doom,
Like a thief that comes at midnight,
On the sons of men shall come;
When the pride and pomp of ages
All shall utterly have pass'd,
And they stand in anguish, owning
That the end is here at last;
And the trumpet's pealing clangour,
Through the earth's four quarters spread,
Waxing loud and ever louder,
Shall convoke the quick and dead:
And the King of heavenly glory

Shall assume His throne on high,