They who laughed at good Elias Feel the cursing of the pious Struck by vengeance undeferred; While King David feigning madness, And the goat that bears our sadness Flee as does the sacred bird.
Samson with a jawbone merely Slays a thousand foes, and clearly Spurns alliance to their name. Samson breaking Gaza’s portal, Bears it off, as life immortal Bursts the gate of deathly shame.
Thus does Judah’s Lion ever Burst the bonds that none may sever, When the third day glimmers on; At his Father’s voice awaking, To the Church’s bosom taking Many a dear and ransomed son.
Jonah stayed when he was flying— This true Jonah signifying— Marks a day when safe, through dying, Christ from depth of earth arose. Now the cypress blossom brightens, Now the cluster spreads and heightens, Now the churchly lily whitens, Waving over Jewish foes.
Death and life together striving Hinder not the Christ reviving, And with him are saints deriving Resurrection through his blood. Morning new and full of gladness, How it cheers our every sadness; God hath conquered Satan’s madness In this time of joy and good!
Jesus, victor, who hast given Life; our Only Way to heaven; Who by death our death hast shriven, Bid us to thy feast, nay, even Grant us faith with which to come. Living bread, fount unabated, Vine of truth, with fruit unsated, Feed thou us thy new-created, That from death reanimated By thy grace we gain our home!
With abounding joy applauding, Now, the men our songs are lauding, Who rung out the gospel sound. Like the sun’s outstreaming glory Chasing night away, their story Carries life the world around.
For his flock the Shepherd careth, And his law for them prepareth, In a fourfold gift of love. All the world shall know the healing Of his law of life, revealing Strength and beauty from above.
Toward the truth, complete in splendor, Each a service has to render, Given to him specially. This is shown from forms created, As it were anticipated In a vivid prophecy.
Piercing through the clouds low lying, John, upon an eagle flying, Looks the very sun upon. Rising to the height of heaven, In the Father’s bosom even, He beholds the Eternal One.
Face and form of man betoken Matthew, for by him are spoken Words, which tell that to our race God himself has now descended, And the God and Man, now blended, Takes in David’s line his place.