O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Corinthians 15:55
Words: Celia L. Thaxter (1835–1894).
Music: Duke Street attributed to John Hatton, 1793 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know when or where the lyrics were first published, or where to get a good picture of Hatton (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
O happy, holy Easter morn,
What promise lights thy radiant sky!
Earth hails again her hope newborn,
And death is lost in victory.
From heavenly heights a glory streams,
Backward the mists of doubt are hurled,
Sorrow and sin are baseless dreams:
A morning freshness holds the world.
O promise sweet! O lovely light!
O life that shall begin again
As spotless as the lilies white,
Perfect and fair, without a stain!
Look up to Him whose love is sure,
And with the new day’s blossoming
Become as little children pure,
In God’s divine, immortal spring.