The Repenting Prodigal

Verse 1

Behold the wretch whose lust and wine Had wasted his estate, He begs a share among the swine, To taste the husks they eat!

Verse 2

"I die with hunger here, 'he cries,' I starve in foreign lands, My father's house has large supplies, And bounteous are his hands.

Verse 3

"I'll go, and with a mournful tongue, Fall down before his face, Father, I've done thy justice wrong, Nor can deserve thy grace."

Verse 4

He said, and hasten'd to his home, To seek his father's love; The father saw the rebel come, And all his bowels move.

Verse 5

He ran, and fell upon his neck, Embrac'd and kiss'd his son; The rebel's heart with sorrow break For follies he had done.

Verse 6

"Take off his clothes of shame and sin," (The father gives command,) Dress him in garments white and clean, With rings adorn his hand.

Verse 7

"A day of feasting I ordain, Let mirth and joy abound; My son was dead, and lives again, Was lost, and now is found."