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Hymns and Homilies

St Ephrem the Syrian, tr. Burgess, 1853

23. Hymn 23: A Prayer in Prospect of Judgment

Before my offences
Are brought against me
At the tribunal of justice;
And cause me to stand
In the presence of the Judge
With confusion of face:—
Have mercy on me, oh Lord, for Thou art abundant in mercy!

Before Thou shalt close
Thy door against me
Thou Son of God;
And I shall become
Food for the fire
Which dieth not in Hell:—
Have mercy on me, &c.

Before the wheel of time
Shall run its course
Above the well;
And the pitcher
Of all tribes of men
Be broken at the fountain:—
Have mercy on me, &c.

Before those who have made
A vain profession
Shall cry, “Lord! Lord!”
And Thou answerest them
“I know you not
Who ye are:”—
Have mercy on me, &c.

Before the mighty hosts
Shall go forth in the presence
Of the Son of the King;
And shall gather together
Our unhappy race
Before the judgment-seat:—
Have mercy on me, &c.

Before the dust
Shall return to the earth
And we become but clay;
And the forms of men
Now so beautiful
Are turned to corruption:—
Have mercy on us, &c.

Before the withering blast
Of Death shall smite thee
As if thou wert a tree;
And thy body shall put forth
Diseases which presage
The season of death:—
Have mercy on me, &c.

Before the brilliant sun
Shall become darkened
In the expanse on high;
Let Thy light appear,
And chase away the gloom
Which obscures my intellect:—
Have mercy on me, &c.

Before the voice of the trumpet
Shall shout aloud
To announce Thy coming;
O Lord Jesus,
Have pity on Thy servants
Who pray earnestly to Thee:—
Have mercy on me, &c.