Romans and Goths; children and old people; very many women. Boys with torches walked first; behind came priests with crucifix and banners.
Through the growling of the thunder and the roaring of the wind sounded the ancient and solemn chorus:
"Dulce mihi cruciari,
Parva vis doloris est;
Malo mori quam fœdari;
Major vis amoris est."
And the choir answered:
"Parce, judex, contristatis
Parce pecatoribus,
Qui descendis perflammatis