174 Easter

1. At the Lamb's high feast we sing,

praise to our victorious King,

who hath washed us in the tide

flowing from his pierced side;

praise we him, whose love divine,

gives us sacred Blood for wine,

gives his Body for the feast,

Christ the vitim, Christ the priest.

2. Where the Paschal blood is poured,

death's dark angel sheathes his sword;

Israel's hosts triumphant go

through the wave that drowns the foe.

Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,

Paschal victim, Paschal bread;

with sincerity and love

eat we manna from above.

3. Mighty victim from on high,

hell's fierce powers beneath thee lie;

thou hast conquered in the fight,

thou hast brought us life and light;

now no more can death appall,

now no more the grave enthrall;

thou hast opened paradise,

and in thee thy saints shall rise.

4. Easter triumph, Easter joy,

these alone do sin destroy.

From sin's power do thou set free

souls newborn, O Lord, in thee.

Hymns of glory, songs of praise,

Father, unto thee we raise:

risen Lord, all praise to thee

with the Spirit ever be.

Words: Latin, 1632; tr. Robert Campbell (1814-1868), alt. Music: Saaalzburg, melody Jakob Hintze (1622-1702); harm. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)