Carols for Easter-Tide Set to Ancient Melodies by the Rev. T. Helmore ... the words Principally in imitation of the original, by the Rev. J. M. Neale |
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 | Carols for Easter-Tide |  |
59
XXIII. 'Twas about the dead of night.
1
'Twas about the dead of night,And Athens lay in slumber;
Moonlight on the temples slept
And touch'd the rocks with umber;
And the Court of Mars were met
In grave and rev'rend number.
Evermore and evermore,
Christians, sing Alleluia.
2
Met were they to hear and judgeThe teaching of a stranger;
O'er the ocean he had come
Through want, and toil, and danger;
And he worshipp'd for his God
One cradled in a manger.
Evermore and evermore,
Christians, sing Alleluia.
60
3
While he spake against their gods,And temples' vain erection,
Patiently they gave him ear,
And granted him protection;
'Till with bolder voice and mien
He preach'd the Resurrection.
Evermore and evermore,
Christians, sing Alleluia.
4
Some they scoff'd, and some they spakeOf blasphemy and treason;
Some replied with laughter loud,
And some replied with reason;
Others put it off until
A more convenient season.
Evermore and evermore,
Christians, sing Alleluia.
5
Athens heard and scorn'd it then,Now Europe hath received it:
Wise men mock'd and jeer'd it once,
Now children have believed it;
This, good Christians, was the day
That gloriously achieved it.
Evermore and evermore,
Christians, sing Alleluia.
| Carols for Easter-Tide | |