Chanting at the Crystal Sea

Hark! the sound of holy voices,

Chanting at the crystal sea,

'Alleluia, alleluia,

 alleluia,' Lord, to Thee;

Multitude, which none can number,

Like the stars in glory stands,

Clothed in white apparel, holding

Palms of victory in their hands.

They have come from tribulation,

And have washed their robes in blood,

Washed them in the blood of Jesus,

Tried they were, and firm they stood;

Mocked, imprisoned, stoned, tormented,

Sawn asunder, slain with sword,

They have conquered Death and Satan,

By the might of Christ the Lord.

Now they reign in heavenly glory,

Now they walk in golden light,

Now they drink, as from a river,

Holy bliss, and infinite;

Love and peace they taste forever,

And all truth and knowledge see

In the beatific vision

Of the blessed Trinity.

(Christopher Wordsworth, 1862)