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.

Refrain

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.

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain