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22 TRANSLATION OF THE HYMN DIES IRE."
What shall wretched I then plead? Who for me shall intercede,
When the righteous scarce is freed?
King of dreadful majesty, Saving souls in mercy free, Fount of pity, save Thou me!
Bear me, Lord, in heart, I pray, Object of thy saving way, Lest thou lose me on that day.
Weary seeking me wast thou, And for me in death didst bowBe thy toils availing now!
Judge of justice thee I pray, Grant me pardon while I may, Ere that awful reckoning day.
O'er my crimes I guilty groan, Blush to think what I have done; Spare thy suppliant, Holy One.
Thou didst set th' adult'rous freeHeard'st the thief upon the treeHope vouchsafing e'en to me.


