Dies Illa
How shall it be with them that day When God demands of Earth His pay? With them who make a god of clay And gold and put all truth away. Shall not they see the lightning-ray Of wrath? and hear the trumpet-bray Of black destruction? while dismay O'erwhelms them and God's hosts delay? Shall not they, clothed in rich array, Pray God for mercy? and, a-sway, Heap on their hearts the ashes gray Of old repentance? Nay! oh, nay! They shall not know till He shall lay An earthquake hand upon their way; And Doomsday, clad in Death's decay, Sweep down, and they've no time to pray.
AI analysis available. Enable JavaScript to interact.
About this line
"How shall it be with them that day..."
Exploring the themes of classic, Madison Julius Cawein delivers a powerful performance in "Dies Illa"... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...