*T Henry, Easter (easter) *U Poem http://www.iment.com/maida/familytree/henry/writing/poetry/easter.htm *U Grammar http://www.iment.com/maida/familytree/henry/xmasresearch/grammarhenry.htm#easter *U Search http://www.iment.com/maida/familytree/henry/xmasresearch/searchablehenryspoems.htm#easter *C MSS p1-3, Unpublished, 11 Apr 1784 WHEN JESUS bow'd his awful head And dy'd t' avert our fatal doom, His friends the sacred corpse convey'd, To the dark region of the tomb. The Angelic host, with wonder saw, Their sov'reign leave his bright abode, To vindicate the righteous law, Promulged by th Eternal GOD. They view'd him in the sinner's stead Obey the precepts man forsook; While woes unnumbered oer his head, Like an unbounded ocean broke. But when they saw the fatal tree, And there, the son of GOD expire! (Unknown the ineffable decree,) Amazement fill'd the heav'nly choir. And the dejected friendless train, Who fondly dream't of empire here; Now mourn'd each expectation vain, And every hope dissolv'd in air. Their foes exult. And scoffing cry, "And is your boasted leader gone?" "His pow'r! the power but to die?" "His kingdom! but a narrow tomb?" Let earth rejoice, let heav'n resound! Behold the conquering MONARCH rise! From the dark mansion under ground, To the bright empire of the skies! Resplendant, now each promise shines; Divinely bright each varying scene. The great TRANSACTION how sublime! And LOVE how infinite! to men. The Angels bow before their KING; But never hail'd a SAVIOR'S name; Tis Man, can a REDEEMER sing; And dying love exalts his theme.