I O Christ, in mercy then,

Ode from the Penitential Office at Matins

The time is drawing nigh,

Even now the day is near,

When Christ from heaven high

To judgement shall appear;

Keep watch, my soul, in fear,

The Judge of men is near.

Then kings and princes great,

The rich and poor shall meet;

And high and low estate

Shall gather round His feet;

Keep watch, my soul, in fear,

The Judge of men is near.

No crafty words shall mar,

Nor sophistry distract;

No parrying counsel jar

With the eternal fact;

Keep watch, my soul, in fear,

The Judge of men is near.

O Christ, in mercy then,

Forbid my soul should go

With lost and ruined men,

Down to the place of woe;

Keep watch, my soul, in fear,

The Judge of men is near.