The whole Psalter translated into English Metre :: :: University of Virginia Library

398

Psalm. CXXXVIII.

The Argument.

Whan Dauid skapt: much wo on kynde
Thus thanks to God he dyd extende
So taughte by proofe he vowed in mynde,
That he of God would styll depende.
As he entendth.

Confitebor tibi.

1

I wyll O Lord: gene thankes to thee,
My hart therto: doth wholy bende:
Before the powrs: as Gods they bee,
So sing I will: my voyce to spend.
Els God forfend.

2

I kneele to thy: right regal cell,
To prayse thy name for truth and loue:
Thy word and name: thou madst excell,
Aboue all thinges: the deede doth proue.
As men expende.

3

For this I sawe: what day I cryed,
Thou answerdst me: most louingly:
To my poore soule: thou lentst I spyed,
More grace, so strength: to multiply.
Thus didst thou lende.

4

All kings of earth: prayse thee they must,
O Lord most true: as right allowth
When they shall here: performed iust,
Thy word to me: which spake thy mouth.
They will contende.

399

5

Loe they shall sing: with harts most free,
Of all the Lords: most rightful wayes:
That great is God: in maiesty,
So they his name: shall euer prayse
and thanks repend.

6

And that the Lord: though placed hye,
Who glory hath: as God aboue:
Yet he the meke: respecth full nye,
And knowth the proud: from far aloofe.
him low to bend.

7

What though I walke: in midst of woe
Yet wilt thou me: reuiue and ease:
And stey by power: myne Irefull foe,
Thy right hand strong: shall me release.
Thy helpe to send.

8

The Lord shall this: performe for me,
That is begon: to bringe to ende.
Thy grace benigne: Lord aye shalbe,
Thy handy woorke: thou wilt not blende.
But still defend.