I

When Hades held the Lord of Life,

The boast of sin was vaunting high;

’Twas much to wound a sinless soul,

But more to see the God-Man die.

II

When Hades held the Lord of Life,

The gates were barred to hold Him fast.

No prison bars so closely drawn

Were e’er by soul of mortal passed.

III

When Hades held the Lord of Life,

Rejoicing, death beheld Him there;—

“Now close the ancient barriers draw,

And drive the prisoner to despair.”

IV

O, blank surprise when Hades shook!

O, ringing joy through all the gloom!

Asunder fell the gates of night,

And rose the Conqueror from the tomb.

V

Immortal Saviour! death is dead,

No more it holds the souls of men;

For Thou hast crushed the power of sin,

And brought us back to life again.