If Easter be not true, Then all
the lilies low must lie; The Flanders
poppies fade and die; The spring must
lose her fairest bloom For Christ were
still within the tomb If Easter be not true.
If Easter be not true, The faith
must mount on broken wing; Then hope
no more immortal spring; Then love must
lose her mighty urge; Life prove
a phantom, death a dirge If Easter be not true.
If Easter be not true, 'Twere
foolishness the cross to bear; He died
in vain Who suffered there; What matter
though we laugh or cry, Be good or evil,
live or die, If Easter be not true?
If Easter
be not true But it _is_ true, and Christ
is risen! And mortal spirit from its
prison Of sin and death with Him may
rise! Worth while the struggle, sure
the prize, Since Easter, aye, is true!