Office Hymns: Evensong: Easter

Easter

8

Ye choirs of new Jerusalem - Chorus novae Jerusalem - Neale

Ye choirs of new Jerusalem,
to sweet new strains attune your theme;
the while we keep, from care released,
with sober joy our Paschal feast:

When Christ, unconquer'd lion, first
the dragon's chains by rising burst:
and while with living voice he cries,
the dead of other ages rise.

Engorged in former years, their prey
must death and hell restore to-day:
and many a captive soul, set free,
with Jesus leaves captivity.

Right gloriously he triumphs now,
worthy to whom should all things bow;
and joining heaven and earth again
links to one commonweal the twain.

And we, as these his deeds we sing,
his suppliant soldiers, pray our King,
that in his palace, bright and vast,
we may keep watch and ward at last.

Long as unending ages run,
to God the Father, laud be done:
to God the Son, our equal praise,
and God the Holy Ghost, we raise.

9

The Lamb's high banquet called to share - Ad cenam Agni provide - Neale

The Lamb's high banquet called to share,
arrayed in garments white and fair,
the Red Sea past, we now would sing
to Jesus our triumphant King.

Upon the altar of the cross
his Body hath redeemed our loss;
and, tasting of his precious Blood,
our life is hid with him in God.

Protected in the paschal night
from the destroying angel's might,
in triumph went the ransomed free
from Pharoah's cruel tyranny.

Now Christ our Passover is slain,
the Lamb of God without a stain;
his flesh, the true unleavened bread,
is freely offered in our stead.

O all-sufficient Sacrifice,
beneath thee hell defeated lies;
thy captive people are set free,
and endless life restored in thee.

We hymn thee rising from the grave,
from death returning, strong to save;
thine own right hand the tyrant chains,
and paradise for man regains.

All praise is thine, O risen Lord,
from death to endless life restored;
all praise to God the Father be
and Holy Ghost eternally.