Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Corinthians 15:54
Words: J. C. Middleton, in Palm Leaves, edited by William Cooke (New York: William B. Bradbury, 1916), number 56.
Music: William H. Cooke (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Middleton’s full name, or where to get a good photo of him or Cooke (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Let the song be begun,
For the battle is done,
And the victory won:
And the foe is scattered,
And the prison shattered:
Sing of joy, joy, joy,
And today raise the lay,
Gloria in Excelsis,
Amen! Amen.
They that followed in pain,
Shall now follow to reign,
And the crown shall obtain:
They were sore assaulted,
They shall be exalted,
Sing of rest, rest, rest:
And again, pour the strain,
Gloria in Excelsis,
Amen! Amen!
For the foe never more
Can approach to the shore,
Where the conflict is o’er;
There is joy supernal;
There is life eternal;
Sing of peace, peace, peace;
Earth and skies, bid it rise,
Gloria in Excelsis,
Amen! Amen!
Then be brave, then be true,
Ye despisèd and ye few,
For the crown is for you;
Christ, that went before you;
Spreads His buckler o’er you;
Sing of hope, hope, hope;
And today, raise the lay,
Gloria in Excelsis,
Amen! Amen!