The Willow and the Oak

Verse 1

I saw, when the wind swept over the mead, The willow that stands by the brook; Bending low, as, with pitiless force, the storm Threw down the unbending oak.

Chorus

Bend low till the storm passeth over, The sun will shine out by and by; Bend low till the storm passeth over, And the stars twinkle out in the sky.

Verse 2

The storm had passed by, the willow uprose, Her branches in beauty outspread; But the monarch of trees, in his pride cast down, Lay prone on the earth and dead.

Verse 3

O Christians, look up! life’s storms will soon pass; Rejoice ye with sorrow low bowed; Our Lord in His hand holds the lightning’s shaft, His smile is behind the cloud.

Verse 4

And thou, who art proud, O turn ye in time, Nor fall as the desolate tree! God’s mercy, His infinite love are thine, Awaiting, inviting thee.