As once for Jonah, so the Lord To soothe and cheer my mournful hours, Prepared for me a pleasing gourd, Cool was its shade, and sweet its flow’rs. | To prize his 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. | While I admired its beauteous form, Its pleasant shade and graceful fruit; The LORD, displeased, sent forth a worm, Unseen, to prey upon the root. | I trembled when I saw it fade, But guilt restrained the murm’ring word; My folly I confessed, and prayed, Forgive my sin, and spare my gourd. | His wondrous love can ne’er be told, He heard me and relieved my pain; His word the threat’ning worm controlled, And bid my gourd revive again. | 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. | |