He dies! The heavenly lover dies

General information

This is a poem by Issac Watts, entitled Christ dying, rising, and reigning from his book Horae Lyricae (Lyric Poems), published 1706.

Settings by composers

• William Billings — Berlin  English SATB
• Daniel Read — Hamshire  English SATB

 

Text and translations

English text He dies! The Heavenly lover dies! The tidings strike a doleful found On my poor heart-strings: Deep he lies In the cold caverns of the ground! Come, saints, and drop a tear or two On the dear bosom of your God ; He sheds a thousand drops for you; A thousand drops of richer blood! Here's love and grief beyond degree, The Lord of glory dies for men! But, lo, what sudden joys I see! Jesus the dead revives again.   The rising God forsakes the tomb; Up to his Father's court he flies; Cherubic legions guard him home, And shout him welcome to the skies. Break off your tears, ye saints, and tell How high our great Deliverer reigns; Sing how he spoiled the hosts of hell, And led the monster Death in chains. Say, "Live for ever, wondrous King! "Born to redeem, and strong to save!" Then ask the monster, "Where's his sting? And where's thy victory, boasting grave?" External links add links here