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Hymns and Homilies

St Ephrem the Syrian, tr. Burgess, 1853

4. Hymn 4: On the Death of Youth

The day of death
Is common to all men;
But is bitter and grievous
In the season of youth:—
Comfort Thou me, O Lord!

This day are separated
Bridegrooms and brides;
And instead of dancing
There is funereal wailing:—
Let them come to Thy marriage-feast!

The world calls thee,
“Go forth to labour:”
The grave calls thee,
“Come, rest thou weary one:”—
Glory be to Him who gives thee repose!

This day adorns
The child for the sepulchre;
It adorns the youth also,
Dismissing him to the tomb:—
Let them be happy in Thy tabernacle!

Alas! for thee, early youth!
The crown of old age!
Who hath extinguished thy beauty?
And caused thy comeliness to fade?—
Thou shalt rejoice in the Kingdom!

Let old age weep
That youth is no more!
Which should have been a support
To the ancient in days:—
Let it lean upon Thy power!