Easter dawned, but I was weary
With the fever and the pain,
And my soul within seemed sinking,
Never to revive again.

This affliction pressed me sorely,
“Oh, if Fate would just be kind
And relieve my tortured being,
That my soul might be resigned.”

“O, that peace would follow conflict,
O, that grief would turn to joy,
O, that suffering might conquer
Where it threatens to destroy.”

“Ah! if I could catch a vision
Of the risen Christ today,
I am sure my faith would strengthen,
And all doubt would pass away.”

Thus with self I lay communing,
Tossing, restless, in my pain,
When, within my room came stealing
Softly breathing, this sweet strain—

Sung by little children's voices,
Heralding our Easter day;
Ringing through my open window
From God's Temple o'er the way.

“He is Risen! He is Risen!
Wipe away your falling tear,
Pain and grief and doubt are vanquished,
For the Lord Christ draweth near.”

Hushed at once was my complaining,
And my earthly sight grew dim,
For my soul had caught a vision,
And rejoicing, cried to Him,—

Who today arose in triumph,
“O, Thou Conqueror of strife,
I accept Thy heaven-sent message,
Let it echo through my life,—

Till it overrules all weakness,
Till it crushes doubt and fear,
Till I say in Death, victorious,
He, the Lord Christ draweth near.

Years have passed and still the echo
Lingers with assuring ring,
E'en in pain or sore affliction,
Children's voices seem to sing:

“He is risen! He is risen!
Wipe away your falling tear,
Pain and grief and doubt are vanquished,
For the Lord Christ draweth near.”