1. Oh, how blest are ye
whose toils are ended!
Who, through death,
have unto God ascended!
Ye have arisen
From the cares which
keep us still in prison.
2. We are still as in a dungeon living,
Still oppressed with
sorrow and misgiving;
Our undertakings
Are but toils, and troubles,
and heart-breakings.
3. Ye meanwhile, are in
your chambers sleeping,
Quiet, and set free
from all our weeping;
No cross nor trial
Hinders your enjoyments with denial.
4. Christ has wiped away
your tears for ever;
Ye have that for which we still endeavor.
To you are chanted
Songs which yet no mortal ear
have haunted.
5. Ah! who would not, then,
depart with gladness,
To inherit Heaven for earthly sadness?
Who here would languish
Longer in bewailing and in anguish?
6. Come, O Christ, and loose
the chains that bind us!
Lead us forth, and cast
this world behind us!
With Thee, the Anointed,
Finds the soul its joy
and rest appointed.