The children’s chorus begs Jesus to grant the dead rest. Emily Dickinson’s poem Ample make this bed – details preparing a coffin in which the dead can sleep in comfort. Only the noon of Judgment Day, not the false yellow light of sunrise, will disturb those who slumber.
Treble Chorus:
Pie Jesu Domine, Merciful Lord Jesus,
dona eis requiem. grant them rest.
Soprano:
Ample make this Bed –
Make this Bed with Awe –
In it wait till Judgment break
Excellent and Fair.
Be its Mattress straight –
Be its Pillow round –
Let no Sunrise’ yellow noise
Interrupt this Ground – (829)
Treble chorus:
Pie Jesu Domine, Merciful Lord Jesus,
dona eis requiem. grant them rest.
Here is a link to a recording.
Here is the next movement, Responsory.