University of Virginia Library

AN EASTER CAROL

(First semi-chorus)
Wherefore make ye this ado,
With high pomp and revelry,
Wreathing daffodils for rue?
Who is it ye worship?—who?

(Second semi-chorus)
Let the flowers of earth reply.

(Flowers)
'Tis to greet the immortal Vine
Our fresh coronals we twine.

(Chorus)
Every bud bid April bring,
Let the field her incense wave;
All the lilies of the spring,
Let them cry aloud and sing,
‘Risen, risen
With the Lord of life from winter and the grave.’

(First semi-chorus)
Wherefore lift ye, clear and strong,
Your triumphant melody,
As the lark into a song
Melts amid the starry throng?

(Second semi-chorus)
Let the birds of heaven reply.

(Birds)
To the eternal Dayspring we
Mount on wings of ecstasy.

(Chorus)
In the blue air bid them float,
All their plumes in sunshine lave,
Pipe and tune each feathered throat
To the sweet and solemn note,
‘Risen, risen
With the Lord of all from silence and the grave.’

(First semi-chorus)
What is this your carol saith?
Shall they rise in dust who lie?
Are not all things that have breath
Serfs and vassals to King Death?

(Second semi-chorus)
Let the sons of men reply.

(Sons of Men)
Raised by Him who rose again,
The dead live, and Death is slain.

(Chorus)
Fruit in us shall all men see,
Pure to taste and quick to save,
Of bright immortality
If indeed with Christ we be
Risen, risen,
If our heart with Him be risen from the grave.