FINITA JAM SUNT PRÆLIA

Of unknown date and authorship. It has not been traced further back than the Hymnodia Sacra, Munster, 1753.

I

Alleluia! Alleluia!

The din of battle now is dead,

And glory crowns the Victor’s head;

Let mirth abound,

And songs resound—Alleluia!

II

Alleluia! alleluia!

The bitter pangs of death are past,

And Christ hath vanquished hell at last;

Cheers are ringing,

Psalms are singing—Alleluia!

III

Alleluia! alleluia!

And when the morn appointed broke,

All decked with beauty Christ awoke;

O shout with glee,

Sing merrily—Alleluia!

IV

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Hell hath He closed with His own hand,

The gates of heaven wide open stand;

Let mirth abound,

And songs resound—Alleluia!

V

Alleluia! Alleluia!

’Tis Thy wounds, O Blessed Jesus—

’Tis Thy death from dying frees us,

That living, we

May sing with glee—Alleluia!