Elgar Softly and Gently (The Angel's Farewell)

for John Thomas Gill 1932-2023 'I will come and wake thee on the morrow' Jess Dandy, contralto James Orford, piano Bobby Williams, sound & video recorded 11th August 2025 at St John the Divine, Kennington, London Softly and gently (The Angel’s Farewell) from The Dream of Gerontius by Edward Elgar Text by Cardinal John Newman Angel Softly and gently, dearly ransomed soul, In my most loving arms I now enfold thee, And o’er the penal waters, as they roll, I poise thee, and I lower thee, and hold thee. And carefully I dip thee in the lake, And thou, without a sob or a resistance, Dost through the flood thy rapid passage take, Sinking deep, deeper, into the dim distance. Angels, to whom the willing task is given, Shall tend, and nurse, and lull thee, as thou liest; And Masses on the earth, and prayers in heaven, Shall aid thee at the Throne of the Most Highest. Farewell, but not for ever brother dear, Be brave and patient on thy bed of sorrow; Swiftly shall pass thy night of trial here, And I will come and wake thee on the morrow.