Words: Unknown author, possibly 4th Century (Aurora lucis rutilat); translated from Latin to English by in The Hymnal Noted, 1851. Music: Tristes Erant, , in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861. Alternate tune:
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Light’s glittering morn bedecks the sky;
Heav’n thunders forth its victor cry;
The glad earth shouts her triumph high,
And groaning hell makes wild reply.
While He, the King, the mighty King,
Despoiling death of all its sting,
And, trampling down the powers of night,
Brings forth His ransomed saints to light.
His tomb of late the threefold guard
Of watch and stone and seal had barred;
But now, in pomp and triumph high,
He comes from death to victory.
The pains of hell are loosed at last;
The days of mourning now are past;
An angel robed in light hath said,
“The Lord is risen from the dead.”
Th’Apostles’ hearts were full of pain
For their dear Lord so lately slain,
By rebel servants doomed to die
A death of cruel agony.
With gentle voice the angel gave
The women tidings at the grave;
“Fear not, your Master shall ye see;
He goes before to Galilee.”
Then, hastening on their eager way
The joyful tidings to convey,
Their Lord they met, their living Lord,
And falling at His feet adored.
Th’Eleven, when they hear, with speed
To Galilee forthwith proceed,
That there once more they may behold
The Lord’s dear face, as He foretold.
Note: There are additional stanzas, which are commonly sung as a separate hymn (That Eastertide with Joy Was Bright).