8,6,8,6,8,6,8,6,8,8

Semeron ho Hades stenon boa

(stichera idiomela of the Holy and Great Sabbath)

I

To-day the groans of Hades rise, --

Ah, better far for me

The Son of Man had never died

Upon the cursèd tree!

For by His power the fettered souls

I held in darkest night,

Are carried through the sundered gates

Into the realm of light.'

Let glory now the Cross adorn,

Hail, hail the Resurrection morn!

II

To-day the groans of Hades rise, --

My might is overthrown;

I took One dead, from 'mong the dead,

And claimed Him for mine own;

But He hath crushed my ancient power;

And those I held in thrall

Have thrown aside the chains they wore,

And He hath rescued all.'

Let glory now the Cross adorn,

Hail, hail the Resurrection morn!

III

To-day the groans of Hades rise, --

My power is gone from me;

The Shepherd died upon the Cross,

And Adam's sons are free;

The bars are taken from the tomb,

Death can no more appal;

For He who gave Himself to death,

By death hath rescued all.'

Let glory now the Cross adorn,

Hail, hail the Resurrection morn!