Classic Poem

Alleluia let the nations
Sing to-day from West to East;
As they solemnize with praises
And with prayers the Paschal feast.

And ye little ones be joyful,
Whom the Holy Font hath made
White as snow: the lake that burneth
Shall not make your ranks afraid.

We, with you, to measured music
Fain would tune the slackened string;
And in subtly-cadenced anthems
Bid our voices rise and ring.

Since for us, a mute meek Victim,
Christ endured the cross and shame:
He, the Living Life, a captive
Unto death for us became:

For our sakes He deigned to carry
To His lip the cup of gall:
Nail and spear, and pain and wounding,
In our cause He braved them all:

So through suffering He descended,
Laden with our sins, to hell;
Whence He comes with many a trophy,
Telling that He triumphed well:

Death o'erthrown, He brake the weapons
Of His ancient foe in twain;
And the third day lo! He riseth,
In His flesh, to life again.

Sing we then to Him glad anthems,
Who spread wide the heavenly door,
And to man gave life eternal:
His be praise for evermore.