The Works of Michael Drayton :: :: University of Virginia Library

Oh Lord, my Lord, that art the King of might,
Within whose power all thinges their being have:
Who may withstand that liveth in thy sight,
If thou thy chosen Israell wilt save.
For thou hast made the earth and heaven above,
And al things els that in the same do moove.

Thou madest all things, and they are all thine own,
And there is none that may resist thy will:
Thou know'st all things, and this of thee is knowne,
I did not erst for malice nor for ill,
Presumption nor vaine glorie els at all,
Come nor bow downe unto proud Hamans call.

I could have bin content for Israels sake,
To kisse the soles even of his verie feet:
But that I would not mans vaine honor take,
Before Gods glorie, being so unmeet.
And would not worship none (O Lord) but thee:
And not of pride, as thou thy selfe doost see.

Therefore (oh Lord) my God, and heavenly king
Have mercie on the people thou hast bought:
For they imagine and devise the thing,
How to destroy and bring us unto nought.
Thine heritance, which thou so long hast fed,
And out so far from Egypt land hast led.

Oh heare my praier, and mercie doe extend,
Upon thy portion of inheritance,
For sorrowe now some joy and solace send,
That we may live thy glorie to advance.
And suffer not their mouthes shut up oh Lord,
Which stil thy name with praises doo record.