The Gourd

I

As once for Jonah, so the Lord,
To sooth and cheer my mournful hours,
Prepared for me a pleasing gourd,
Cool was its shade, and sweet its flowers.

II

To prize this gift was surely right;
But through the folly of my heart,
It hid the Giver from my sight,
And soon my joy was changed to smart.

III

While I admired its beauteous form,
Its pleasant shade and grateful fruit,
The Lord, displeased, sent forth a worm,
Unseen to prey upon the root.

IV

I trembled when I saw it fade,
But guilt restrain’d the murm’ring word;
My folly I confess’d, and pray’d⁠—
Forgive my sin, and spare my gourd.

V

His wondrous love can ne’er be told⁠—
He heard me and relieved my pain;
His word the threat’ning worm control’d,
And bid my gourd revive again.

VI

Now, Lord, my gourd is mine no more,
’Tis thine, who only couldst it raise;
The idol of my heart before
Henceforth shall flourish to thy praise.