Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
Christus: A MysteryPart II. The Golden Legend. III. IV. The Nativity: A Miracle-Play. Introitus. I. Heaven
Come and listen to our speech!
In your presence here I stand,
With a trumpet in my hand,
To announce the Easter Play,
Which we represent to-day!
First of all we shall rehearse,
In our action and our verse,
The Nativity of our Lord,
As written in the old record
Of the Protevangelion,
So that he who reads may run!
To save mankind, whom thou hast made
Nor let the souls that were betrayed
Perish eternally!
When in the garden placed by thee,
The fruit of the forbidden tree
He ate, and he must die!
Atone for disobedience,
Nor let the fruit of man’s offence
Be endless misery!
Can e’er be felt for sin so great?
Of the forbidden fruit he ate,
And damnèd must he be!
The bounds of earth one free from sin
Be found, who for his kith and kin
Will suffer martyrdom.
From centre to the utmost bound,
But no such mortal can be found;
Despairing, back we come.
Can ever carry out this plan,
Achieving what none other can,
Salvation unto all!
It can by thee alone be done;
By thee the victory shall be won
O’er Satan and the Fall!