AN EASTER HYMN^[57][7]

Arnór Jónsson
7.6.7.6 D
The sun sinks o'er the western sea,
Swift fades the light of day;
Thus ends another stage for me
Of life's soon travelled way.
Whether athwart the eastern skies,
With morning glories strown,
A new-born day for me shall rise,
God knows, and God alone.
Enough for me to know that life
Moves to its certain goal,
And that the hour of mortal strife
My Father's hands control.
Enough to feel (and so in peace
To rest, dear Lord, I go);
Thy care for me can never cease,
Thy love ne'er weary grow.
Father of love, to Thee we bow;
Do Thou in mercy keep
Our land, our home in peace, as now
We lay us down to sleep.

^[56][6]After the Icelandic of Arnór Jónsson, A.D. 1853.

Helgi Hálfdánarson (1826-1894)
7.6.7.6 D
Death is dead, the true Life liveth!
O'er the portals of the grave
Life's great Sun bright-shining giveth
Light our darkened souls to save:
Christ arisen bursts our prison;
See His triumph-banners wave.
Life's own King on Calvary dying
Wins a crown of life for me;
E'en the grave to Him complying
Flowers in life abundant free;
Death's chill sadness changed to gladness--
This the Easter victory!
He who rose from death all-glorious
Soon will gather to His side
Those who sleep in Him, victorious
By the blood His wounds supplied;
Flesh and spirit, through His merit,
Reunited, glorified.
Jesu, death's Destroyer, make me
Day by day to die with Thee;
Thus, with Thee arising, take me
Thine through all the days to be--
Thine for ever, faithless never--
This my prayer unceasingly.

^[58][7]After the Icelandic of Helgi Hálfdánarson.