John Brownlie (trans.) · 43 of 55

Sticheron (From the Burial Office for a Layman)

(From the Burial Office for a Layman)

ὁρῶντές με ἄφωνον καὶ ἄπνουν προκείμενον

I Come friends behold me here, Speechless and breathless lying; Held in the arms of death;-- Come with your tears and sighing.

II But yesterday I lived, And walked, and spoke with you: Come friends, with the last kiss. Bid me a long adieu.

III For I shall walk no more The wonted paths we trod; My voice is stilled, I go To speak alone with God.

IV The Judge has called me hence,-- To Whom the wise and great, The warrior and the king, Are men of one estate.

V Ah! not the name I bore Shall final doom recall; The life of each lies bare, Before the Judge of all.

VI For all the good I've done, For all the ill and blame,-- Shall come to me in full, The honour or the shame.

VII Call ye on Christ our God That by His saving might, I may a dwelling find Among the sons of light.