Shapes of Clay - читать онлайн бесплатно полную версию книги . Страница 225

THE DAY OF WRATH.

Day of Satan's painful duty! Earth shall vanish, hot and sooty; So says Virtue, so says Beauty. Ah! what terror shall be shaping When the Judge the truth's undraping! Cats from every bag escaping! Now the trumpet's invocation Calls the dead to condemnation; All receive an invitation. Death and Nature now are quaking, And the late lamented, waking, In their breezy shrouds are shaking. Lo! the Ledger's leaves are stirring, And the Clerk, to them referring, Makes it awkward for the erring. When the Judge appears in session, We shall all attend confession, Loudly preaching non-suppression. How shall I then make romances Mitigating circumstances? Even the just must take their chances. King whose majesty amazes. Save thou him who sings thy praises; Fountain, quench my private blazes. Pray remember, sacred Savior, Mine the playful hand that gave your Death-blow. Pardon such behavior. Seeking me fatigue assailed thee, Calvary's outlook naught availed thee: Now 't were cruel if I failed thee. Righteous judge and learned brother, Pray thy prejudices smother Ere we meet to try each other. Sighs of guilt my conscience gushes, And my face vermilion flushes; Spare me for my pretty blushes. Thief and harlot, when repenting, Thou forgav'st—be complimenting Me with sign of like relenting. If too bold is my petition I'll receive with due submission My dismissal—from perdition. When thy sheep thou hast selected From the goats, may I, respected, Stand amongst them undetected. When offenders are indicted, And with trial-flames ignited, Elsewhere I'll attend if cited. Ashen-hearted, prone, and prayerful, When of death I see the air full, Lest I perish, too, be careful. On that day of lamentation, When, to enjoy the conflagration. Men come forth, O, be not cruel. Spare me, Lord—make them thy fuel.