University of Virginia Library

1.

“Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.”

How beautiful to watch the rising sun,
Afar upon the horizon's radiant brim
Appearing, 'mid the gathering shadows dim,
With all which ere his course hath yet begun
His rising bright are wont to wait upon;
With clouds like burning robes of Seraphim
Around him, and Creation's varied hymn
Greeting his coming with her benison!
Daily memorial of that glorious morn,
When the foundations of the world were laid,
And sons of God in multitudinous chime
Were heard,—prelusive of this better time,
Whereon the new creation first is born,
Arising from a night of darker shade.