Chapter LXXXVII

Yes,—the Easter-bells are ringing!
Yes,—it is the Easter-day!
Hark,—their merry chimes are singing,
In their sweet old fashioned way!
Listen,—for they seem to say,
In their ivied turret swinging,
Hear oh Earth, ’tis Easter-day!

1.

Christ is arisen,
Joy to thee, mortal!
Out of his prison,
Forth from its portal!
Christ is not sleeping,
Seek him no longer;
Strong was his keeping;
Jesus was stronger!

2.

Christ is arisen,
Seek him not here,
Lonely his prison,
Empty his bier;
Vain his entombing,
Spices, and lawn;
Vain the perfuming:
Jesus is gone!

3.

Christ is arisen,
Joy to thee, mortal!
Empty his prison,
Broken its portal:
Rising, he giveth
His shroud to the sod;
Risen,—he liveth,
And liveth to God!

LXXXVIII.

Yes,—and all the world around,
So those Easter chimings sound:
All the Earth is gay and bright,
Risen with the Lord to light;
Yes,—and yonder sun doth see
Many a Christian on his knee,
Singing, as he bends to pray,
Christ, our Lord, is risen to-day!