As when first form’d in majesty.

Gabriel.

And swift and swift, in wondrous guise,

Revolves the earth in splendour bright,
The radiant hues of Paradise

Alternating with deepest night. 
From out the gulf against the rock,

In spreading billows foams the ocean,—­
And cliff and sea with mighty shock,

The spheres whirl round in endless motion.

Michael.

And storms in emulation growl

From land to sea, from sea to land,
And fashion, as they wildly howl,

A circling, wonder-working band. 
Destructive flames in mad career

Precede Thy thunders on their way;
Yet, Lord, Thy messengers revere

The soft mutations of Thy day.

The three.

Strength find the angels in Thy sight,

Though none may hope to fathom Thee;
Still glorious are Thy works of might,

As when first form’d in majesty.

III. 
Chorus of angels.

Christ is arisen!

Mortal, all hail! 
Thou, of Earth’s prison

Dreary and frail,
Bursting the veil,

Proudly hast risen!

Chorus of women.

Rich spices and myrrh,

To embalm Him we brought;
His corpse to inter

His true followers sought. 
In pure cerements shrin’d,

’Twas placed in the bier
But, alas! we now find

That Christ is not here.

Chorus of angels.

Christ is arisen!

Speechless His love. 
Who to Earth’s prison

Came from above,
Trials to prove.

Now is He risen!

Chorus of youths.

Death’s gloomy portal

Now hath He rended,—­
Living, immortal,

Heavenward ascended;
Freed from His anguish,

Sees He God’s throne;
We still must languish,

Earthbound, alone. 
Now that He’s reft us,

Heart-sad we pine;
Why hast Thou left us,

Master divine?

Chorus of angels.

Christ is arisen,

  Death hath He slain;

Burst ye your prison,

  Rend ye each chain!

Songs of praise lead ye,—­

Love to show, heed ye,—­

Hungry ones feed ye,—­

Preaching, on speed ye,—­

Coming joys plead ye,—­
Then is the Master near,
Then is He here!

IV. 
Chorus of spirits.

Vanish, dark clouds on high,

Offspring of night! 
Let a more radiant beam
Through the blue ether gleam,

Charming the sight! 
Would the dark clouds on high

Melt into air! 
Stars glimmer tenderly,

Planets more fair

Shed their soft light. 
Spirits of heav’nly birth,
Fairer than sons of earth,
Quivering emotions true