The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine on them.
‘Order of Mass for the Dead’
Dies irae, dies illa,
Solvet saeclum in favilla,
Teste David cum Sibylla.
That day, the day of wrath, will turn the universe to ashes, as David foretells (and the Sibyl
too).
‘Order of Mass for the Dead’ ‘Sequentia’ (commonly known as ‘Dies Irae’); attributed to Thomas of Celano
(c.1190-1260) l. 1
Tuba mirum spargens sonum
Per sepulcra regionum,
Coget omnes ante thronum.
Mors stupebit et nat ura,
Cum resurget creatura
Iudicanti responsura.
Liber scriptus proferetur,
In quo totum continetur
Unde mundus iudicetur.
The trumpet will fling out a wonderful sound through the tombs of all regions, it will drive
everyone before the throne. Death will be aghast and so will nature, when creation rises again to
make answer to the judge. The written book will be brought forth, in which everything is
included whereby the world will be judged.
‘Order of Mass for the Dead’ ‘Sequentia’ (commonly known as ‘Dies Irae’); attributed to Thomas of Celano
(c.1190-1260) l. 7
Rex tremendae maiestatis,
Qui salvandos salvas gratis,
Salva me, fons pietatis!
O King of tremendous majesty, who freely saves those who should be saved, save me, O
source of pity!
‘Order of Mass for the Dead’ ‘Sequentia’ (commonly known as ‘Dies Irae’); attributed to Thomas of Celano
(c.1190-1260) l. 22
Inter oves locum praesta
Et ab haedis me sequestra
Statuens in parte dextra.
Among the sheep set me a place and separate me from the goats, standing me on the right-hand
side.
‘Order of Mass for the Dead’ ‘Sequentia’ (commonly known as ‘Dies Irae’); attributed to Thomas of Celano
(c.1190-1260) l. 43
Requiescant in pace.