O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a Redeemer !
✟
Thus descending, thus amending loss of man’s first innocence,
Born-of-Heaven born of woman-led-astray-by-Satan’s-jest,
Abdicating throne of glory now to don man’s dying flesh,
Lamb of God who chose to die to bring us to eternal rest.
Thus ascending, thus forgiven, race of Men with debt full paid —
Sons of Adam rent asunder, Cain from Abel cleft in twain,
Separated thence from Him whose wrath at Golgotha was staid —
Now restored to life unending, thus our loss, it was our gain.
A Counterblaste 