The Hymnal ‎#168

168. Hail! festal day, to endless ages known

Hail! festal day, to endless ages known,
When Christ, o'er death victorious, gained his throne.

Now with the Lord of new and heavenly birth,
His gifts return to grace the springing earth.

He reigns supreme, who died the death of shame;
And all created things adore his Name.

Fulfill thy promise, King of love, we pray!
The third morn brightens; rise, and come away.

No mouldering tomb shall hold thee in repose;
No stone the ransom of the world enclose.

Who holdest all things in thy hollowed hand,
No rocky barrier can before thee stand.

Cast off thy grave-clothes; let them there remain:
Come forth to us, our All, our only gain.

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Creator, Fount of Life, thou knowest the grave;
And thence returning, thou art strong to save.

Light of the world, show us thy face once more,
The day that died with thee, today restore.

A countless people, from death's fetters free,
Own thee Redeemer, join and follow thee.

The shades of death are pierced, his laws undone,
And trembling chaos flees the rising sun.

Hail! festal day, to endless ages known,
When Christ, o'er death victorious, gained his throne.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Hail! festal day, to endless ages known
• Author: Venantius Fortunatus, c. 530-609
• Translator: Theodore A. Lacey (1884)
• Refrain First Line: Hail! festal days to endless ages known
• Meter: 10.10 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1916
• Topic: Easter Day; Processional
• Notes: Alt. Tune RAMAULX by B. Luard Selby 1904

Tune Information

• Name: SALVE! FESTA DIES (EASTER)
• Composer: J. Baden-Powell (1878)
• Meter: 10.10 with refrain
• Key: C Major