Sexagesima

“Cursed is the ground for thy sake.”

Yet earth was very good in days of old, And earth is lovely still: Still for the sacred flock she spreads the fold, For Sion rears the hill.

Mother she is, and cradle of our race, A depth where treasures lie, The broad foundation of a holy place, Man’s step to scale the sky.

She spreads the harvest-field which Angels reap, And lo! the crop is white; She spreads God’s Acre where the happy sleep All night that is not night.

Earth may not pass till heaven shall pass away, Nor heaven may be renewed Except with earth: and once more in that day Earth shall be very good.

That Eden of earth’s sunrise cannot vie With Paradise beyond her sunset sky Hidden on high.

Four rivers watered Eden in her bliss, But Paradise hath One which perfect is In sweetnesses.

Eden had gold, but Paradise hath gold Like unto glass of splendours manifold Tongue hath not told.

Eden had sun and moon to make her bright; But Paradise hath God and Lamb for light, And hath no night.

Unspotted innocence was Eden’s best; Great Paradise shows God’s fulfilled behest, Triumph and rest.

Hail, Eve and Adam, source of death and shame! New life has sprung from death, and Jesu’s Name Clothes you with fame.

Hail Adam, and hail Eve! your children rise And call you blessed, in their glad surmise Of Paradise.