Words: Unknown author, possibly 12th Century (Finita jam sunt praelia); translated from Latin to English by , Hymns Fitted to the Order of Common Prayer, 1861. Music: Victory (Palestrina), , Magnificat Tertii Toni, 1591; arranged by , 1861. |
The strife is o’er, the battle done;
The victory of life is won;
The song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!
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Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The powers of death have done their worst;
But Christ their legions hath dispersed;
Let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia!
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The three sad days are quickly sped;
He rises glorious from the dead;
All glory to our risen Head! Alleluia!
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He closed the yawning gates of hell;
The bars from heaven’s high portals fell;
Let hymns of praise His triumphs tell! Alleluia!
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Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee,
From death’s dread sting Thy servants free,
That we may live, and sing to Thee: Alleluia!
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