Easter.

Perhaps the most notable feature in the early hymnology of the Oriental Church was its Resurrection songs. Being hymns of joy, they called forth all the ceremony and spectacle of ecclesiastical pomp. Among them--and the most ancient one of those preserved--is the hymn of John of Damascus, quoted in the second chapter (p. 54). This was the proclamation-song in the watch-assemblies, when exactly on the midnight moment at the shout of "Christos egerthe!" ([Greek: Christos egerthe].) "Christ is risen!" thousands of torches were lit, bells and trumpets pealed, and (in the later centuries) salvos of cannon shook the air.

Another favorite hymn of the Eastern Church was the "Salve, Beate Mane," "Welcome, Happy Morning," of Fortunatus. (Chap. 10, p. 357.) This poem furnished cantos for Easter hymns of the Middle Ages. Jerome of Prague sang stanzas of it on his way to the stake.

An anonymous hymn, "Poneluctum, Magdelena," in medieval Latin rhyme, is addressed to Mary Magdelene weeping at the empty sepulchre. The following are the 3d and 4th stanzas, with a translation by Prof. C.S. Harrington of Wesleyan University:

Gaude, plaude, Magdalena! Tumba Christus exiit! Tristis est peracta scena, Victor mortis rediit; Quem deflebas morientem, Nunc arride resurgentem! Alleluia!

Tolle vultum, Magdalena! Redivivum aspice; Vide frons quam sit amoena, Quinque plagas inspice; Fulgent, sic ut margaritae, Ornamenta novae vitae. Alleluia!

* * * * *

Magdalena, shout for gladness! Christ has left the gloomy grave; Finished is the scene of sadness; Death destroyed, He comes to save; Whom with grief thou sawest dying, Greet with smiles, the tomb defying. Hallelujah!

Lift thine eyes, O Magdalena! Lo! thy Lord before thee stands; See! how fair the thorn-crowned forehead; Mark His feet, His side, His hands; Glow His wounds with pearly whiteness! Hallowing life with heavenly brightness! Hallelujah!

The hymnaries of the Christian Church for seventeen hundred years are so rich in Easter hallelujahs and hosannas that to introduce them all would swell a chapter to the size of an encyclopedia--and even to make a selection is a responsible task.

Simple mention must suffice of Luther's--

In the bonds of death He lay;

--of Watts'--

He dies, the Friend of sinners dies;

--of John Wesley's--

Our Lord has gone up on high;

--of C.F. Gellert's--

Christ is risen! Christ is risen! He hath burst His bonds in twain;

--omitting hundreds which have been helpful in psalmody, and are, perhaps, still in choir or congregational use.