From the German. Blessed are the Dead

(Selig sind, die in dem Herrn Sterben)
By Simon Dach

OH, how blest are ye whose toils are ended!

Who, through death, have unto God ascended!

Ye have arisen

From the cares which keep us still in prison.

We are still as in a dungeon living,

Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving;

Our undertakings

Are but toils, and troubles, and heartbreakings.

Ye, meanwhile, are in your chambers sleeping,

Quiet, and set free from all our weeping;

No cross nor trial

Hinders your enjoyments with denial.

Christ has wiped away your tears for ever;

Ye have that for which we still endeavor.

To you are chanted

Songs which yet no mortal ear have haunted.

Ah! who would not, then, depart with gladness,

To inherit heaven for earthly sadness?

Who here would languish

Longer in bewailing and in anguish?

Come, O Christ, and loose the chains that bind us!

Lead us forth, and cast this world behind us!

With thee, the Anointed,

Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed.