I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever.
Revelation 1:18
Words: Susan K. Bourne, 1892. Appeared in Gloria Deo, edited by Samuel M. Bixby (New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1901), number 714.
Music: Kimpton E. P. Tate, 1900 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Tate’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him or Bourne (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
The Easter lilies shed their rich perfume,
And greet the morning of the resurrection;
So let our spirits sweetly bud and bloom,
And yield the offering of a pure affection.
Refrain
We ring the bells of Eastertide!
We sing the praise of Him who died!
We hail the day when He arose,
Triumphant over all His foes.
Let happy children hail their risen Lord,
And infant voices softly sing His glory;
Let every Christian spread the heav’nly word,
And tell again the blessèd Easter story!
Refrain
Today, ye bells, ring out a joyful chime,
With cheerful tones and merry notes of gladness;
And greet once more the happy Easter time,
And bid each mourning heart dispel its sadness.
Refrain
O Lord of Life! on this bright Easter morn,
Accept the tribute of our adoration;
May life divine in every soul be born,
And rise from sin and death to full salvation.
Refrain