When man was foiled in Paradise, he fell
From that fair spot, thenceforward to confess
The barren and the thorny wilderness
Was the one place where he had right to dwell:
And therefore in the wilderness as well
Our second Head did that dread strife decide
And those closed gates again set open wide,
Victorious o'er the frauds and strength of hell.
Thou wentest to the proof, O fearless Lord,
Even to the desert, as thy battlefield,
A champion going of his free accord;
We had no fears, for unlike him of old
Who lost that battle for us, Thou didst wield
Arms of unearthly temper, heavenly mould.
