Douglas Charles W. Dvořák Antonín

Dvorak’s “Requiem”

Like storm-winds hushed by sudden mountain height

Our rush of living paused awhile with thee

To learn anew the splendours that will be

Whirled cloud-wise round us, when our spirits’ flight

Hath won the glory of the perfect light

Perpetual, so clear that we can see

What ghastly horror yawns eternally

What blackness of the lake of burning night.

Thou chorister of God, whose prophet art

Hath painted Heaven and Hell for us to hear,

Thou must await the Healing Angel’s kiss

To still the fervent beating of thine heart

Beneath the purple of thy silent bier

Before thou hearest music like to this.