Once the angel started back,

When he saw the blood-stained door,

Pausing on his vengeful track,

And the dwelling passing o’er.

Once the sea from Israel fled,

Ere it rolled o’er Egypt’s dead.

2 Now our Passover is come,

Dimly shadowed in the past,

And the very Paschal Lamb,

Christ, the Lord, is slain at last.

Then with hearts and hands made meet,

Our unleavened bread we’ll eat.

3 Blesséd Victim sent from heaven,

Whom all angel hosts obey,

To whose will all earth is given,

At whose word hell shrinks away.

Thou hast conquered death’s dread strife,

Thou hast brought us light and life.