English poem
THE PRODIGAL SON. This HYMN was frequently sung by JACK BROWN in the WORKHOUSE
by Hannah More (1745–1833)
Behold the wretch whose lust and wine Have wasted his estate; He begs a share among the swine, To taste the bulks they eat.
I die with hunger here he cries, I starve in foreign lands; My father's house has large supplies, And bounteous are his hands.
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.
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.
He ran, and fell upon his neck, Embrac'd and kiss'd his son; The rebel's heart with sorrow breaks For sins which he had done.
"Take off his cloaths of shame and sin, ("The father gives command,) "Dress him in garments white and clean, "With rings adorn his hand.
"A day of feasting I ordain, "Let mirth and joy abound, "My son was dead and lives again, "Was lost and now is found."