The Easter and Whitsuntide sequences which were introduced in the previous period were now expanded into longer hymns, of which many variations are still preserved. One of the best is this: --

AN OLD EASTER HYMN.

8,6,8,6,8,8,8+4

Nu frew dich liebe Christenheit

[29]Anon.

trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869

Rejoice, dear Christendom, to-day,

For Christ hath overcome,

His bitter pains have passed away,

And empty stands His tomb;

Those bitter pains had been our lot,

If Christ for us had borne them not,

Great bliss hath risen on us to-day:

Alleluia.

O Easter Day, our voices ne'er

Can praise thee fittingly,

Since God, whose power all things declare,

Such glory puts on thee;

But let us keep thee as we can,

Angels to-day rejoice with man,

When rose that Sun so wondrous fair:

Alleluia.

O Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord,

We share Thy joy to-day!

All those who hear and keep Thy Word

Are glad with Thee to-day!

All Christian people now rejoice

With freshened hearts and gladsome voice,

Glory to Thee our Blessed Lord:

Alleluia.

Praise to the Father and the Son,

And to the Holy Ghost;

For all the sins that we have done,

To-day forgive us most;

And give us peace and unity,

From now to all eternity,

So sing we as the ages run:

Alleluia.