(ll. 597-607) Now hath the Great Prince, the Almighty Lord, made
intercession for us. On the day of doom God biddeth the
archangels, with a mighty blast, to sound the trumpet over the
city-dwellings, through all the borders of the world. Then shall
men wake from the earth; the dead shall arise from the dust,
through the might of God. Longest of days shall that be,
greatest of tumults, heard afar, when the Saviour cometh, the
Lord, with clouds surrounded, descending upon earth.
(ll. 608-615) Then will He separate the fair and foul, the good
and evil, into two companies. And the righteous shall mount to
their rest at the right hand of God, they shall be blithe as they
enter the city, the kingdom of God. With His right hand the Lord
of creation shall bless them, and say before all:
(ll. 615-618) "Ye are welcome! Enter now the heavenly kingdom,
into the light of glory. There shall ye rest for ever without
end."
(ll. 619-625) But the guilty souls that have sinned shall stand
and tremble when the Son of God shall judge them by His wondrous
might; they shall hope they may ascend to that fair city with the
angels, as the others did. But the Eternal Lord shall speak to
them, and say before them all:
(ll. 626-627) "Descend now quickly, ye accursed, into the house
of pain. I know you not."
(ll. 628-646) And straightway at these words hell's captives,
cursed spirits, shall drag them down by thousands, leading them
thither to the home of fiends, and thrust them deep down in the
narrow pit. Never may they return, but there they needs must
suffer torturing pain, imprisonment, and bonds, and the cold
ground, endure the depths of hell and devils' discourse, black
fiends with hate reviling them for sin, because they often have
forgot the Lord, Eternal God, who should have been their hope.
Wherefore let us resolve while in the world to serve the Saviour
gladly by God's grace, be mindful of the spirit's joy, and how
the blessed sons of God abide on high in radiant glory.
(ll. 647-655) There is a golden gate adorned with gems,
enwreathed with joy, for those who enter in God's kingdom, and
win the light of glory. About the walls stand radiant angel
spirits and blessed souls who pass from earth to heaven. There
are martyrs pleasing unto God, and patriarchs with holy voices
praising God, the King within His city, saying:
(ll. 656-658) "Thou art the Lord of men, the Heavenly Judge and
Prince of angels! Thou hast led the sons of earth unto this
blessed home!"
(ll 659-662) So the thanes about their Prince shall praise the
Lord of glory. There shall be song and splendour round His
throne. For He is King indeed, and Lord of all things in the
eternal creation!