That long they will live in this life that is fleeting. A blessed earl earns by his virtue A home in heaven with the highest King, And comfort forever,-- this he earns ere the close 485 Of his days in the world, when Death, the warrior, Greedy for warfare, girded with weapons, Seeketh each life and sendeth quickly Into the bosom of the earth those deserted bodies Lorn of their souls, where long they shall bide 490 Covered with clay till the coming of the fire. Many of the sons of men into the assembly Are led by the leaders; the Lord of angels, The Father Almighty, the Master of hosts, Will judge with justice the joyful and the sad. 495 Then mortal men in a mass shall arise As the righteous King, the Ruler of angels, The Savior of souls said it must be, Gave command by the trumpet to the tribes of the world. Then ends darkest death for those dear to the Lord; 500 Through the grace of God the good shall depart In clamoring crowds when this cruel world Shall burst into flames, into baleful fire; The earth shall end. Then all shall have Most frightful fear, when the fire crashes over 505 Earth's fleeting fortunes, when the flame eats up Its olden treasures, eagerly graspeth On goodly gold and greedily consumes The land's adornments. Then dawns in light In that awesome hour for all of men, 510 The fair and sacred symbol of the fowl, When the mighty Ruler shall arouse all men, Shall gather together from the grave the bones, The limbs of the body, those left from the flame, Before the knee of Christ: the King in splendor 515 From his lofty seat shall give light to the holy, The gem of glory. It will be joyous and gladsome To the servers of Truth in that sad time. VIII