The Book of Psalms in English Metre :: :: University of Virginia Library

The Book of Psalms in English Metre

The Newest Version Fitted to the Common Tunes. By Charles Darby

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The Lord my Light and Saviour is;
Why should I be afraid?
Or who is there, whom I should fear,
Since God will be my aid?

When wicked Men upon me came,
My very flesh to eat:
They stumbled in their furious hast,
And fell before my feet.

I will not fear, though I should meet
An army in the field:

Though mighty wars against me rise,
My heart shall never yield.

One thing I crave, and ever will,
That in thy holy place,
I all my days may worship thee,
And there behold thy face.

Thy Tabernacle, Lord, shall be
My covering and defence:
I shall be hid as in a rock,
Or place of confidence.

And now shall I be lifted up,
Above mine enemies round:
Therefore with songs of joy and praise,
Thy temple shall resound.

Hear then my cry, O Lord my God,
And to my voice attend:
Have mercy, Lord and to my prayer
A gracious answer send.

When thou didst say, seek ye my face,
It shall not be in vain:
Amen, Lord; I will seek thy face,
My heart reply'd again.

O hide not then thy face from me,
In wrath and anger hot:
Thou hast delivered me before
now, Lord, forsake me not.

Should both my parents cast me off,
And no compassion take:
I know the Lord will take me up,
And never me forsake.

Teach me, O Lord, and guide my feet
In paths of uprightness:
Because my enemies watch my steps,
To see if I transgress.

Give me not over to their wills,
For perjur'd men arise:
And such as breath out nothing else,
But blood and cruelties.

I must have sunk and fainted quite,
But that to comfort me,
Once more the goodness of the Lord,
I liv'd in hope to see.

Wait then upon the Lord, my soul,
And patiently attend:
Wait then, I say, for he at last
Will help and comfort send.