1 He dies, the Friend of sinners dies!
Lo! Salem’s daughters weep around.
A solemn darkness veils the skies;
a sudden trembling shakes the ground.

2 Here’s love and grief beyond degree:
the Lord of glory dies for men;
but lo, what sudden joys we see!
Jesus, the dead, revives again.

3 The rising God forsakes the tomb!
The tomb in vain forbids His rise:
Cherubic legions guard Him home,
And shout Him welcome to the skies.

4 Break off your tears, ye saints, and tell
how high your great Deliv’rer reigns.
Sing how He spoiled the hosts of hell,
and led the monster, Death, in chains.

5 Say: “Live forever, wondrous King,
born to redeem, and strong to save!”
Then ask the monster: “Where’s thy sting?
And where’s thy vict’ry, boasting grave?”

Isaac Watts, the author, was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674.