As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Matthew 28:1–4
Words: Attributed to Ambrose of Milan (340–397) (Aurora lucis rutilat). Translated from Latin to English by John Williams in Ancient Hymns of the Holy Church (Hartford, Connecticut: 1845).
Music: Waterbank Julia R. Higinbotham (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Higinbotham (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Heaven with rosy morn is glowing,
Songs of triumph fill the air,
Strains of praise from earth are flowing,
Hell is writhing in despair.
Earth’s great king, in glory springing,
From the deep sepulchral night,
While loud anthems round are ringing,
Leads His saints to life and light.
Useless watch the guards are keeping
O’er that tomb so still and lone;
He who there in death was sleeping,
Bursts the seal, and rends the stone.
Weep no more; no more be given
the angel cries.
Gushing tears and mournful sighs,
For the grave’s dark gates are riven,
Christ is risen!
Be our Paschal joy unending!
And, O Lord, deign Thou to save
Contrite souls, that lowly bending,
Pray for life beyond the grave.
Praise the Father, earth and Heaven,
Praise the Son, who rose this day,
To the Spirit praise be given—
Three in One, and One in three.