O, how blest are ye whose toils are ended! br Who, through death, have unto God ascended! br Ye have arisen br From the cares which keep us still in prison. br br We are still as in a dungeon living, br Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving; br Our undertakings br Are but toils, and troubles, and heart-breakings. br br Ye, meanwhile, are in your chambers sleeping, br Quiet, and set free from all our weeping; br No cross nor trial br Hinders your enjoyments with denial. br br Christ has wiped away your tears for ever; br Ye have that for which we still endeavour. br To you are chanted br Songs which yet no mortal ear have haunted. br br Ah! who would not, then, depart with gladness, br To inherit heaven for earthly sadness? br Who here would languish br Longer in bewailing and in anguish? br br Come, O Christ, and loose the chains that bind us! br Lead us forth, and cast this world behind us! br With thee, the Anointed, br Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed.