The Psalmes of David, from the New Translation of the Bible Turned into Meter ::

Give eare (O God) unto my pray'r,
From my request not hidden far.
Attend to me with crying faint,
Who lowdly mourne in my complaint.
Because my foes injurious voyce
Mine innocence decryes with noyse;
And bad oppressors That impute,
Which doth their wrath and hatred suit.

My heart within me, sore with paine,
Death's falling terrours doth sustaine;
Cold feare and trembling me dismay'd:
Orewhelm'd with horrour, thus I said:
O that I were with wings possest,
Like doves to fly, and be at rest:
Lo, then far-off I wander might,
And to the desart take my flight.

I from the windy storme would hast,
And this fierce tempest 'scape at last.
Destroy, (O Lord!) their tongues divide:
For in the City strife I spy'd.
Both day and night the walls they round,
Wherein all mischeifes do abound:
In midst whereof foule sins do meet,
Deceit and guile in ev'ry street.

No open foe did me traduce;
For then I could have borne th' abuse:
No publicke hate 'gainst me reveal'd;
Then should I have my selfe conceal'd.
But it was Thou, my friend, my guide
In equall conversation try'd.
We in sweet counsail daies had spent,
And to Gods house togither went.

O let some unexpected death,
Strange, as unlook't for, seize their breath,
Let them go down alive to hell;
For wickednesse with them doth dwell.
But I upon the Lord will call,
Who saves me from their plotted fall
At ev'ning, morning, and mid-day
To Him that heares me will I pray.

He resku'd hath in peace my life;
Deliver'd from their bloody strife

Who were in battail opposite:
For many then for me did fight.
Afflictions shall on them lay hold,
By God impos'd, who 'bides of old.
Because they in no changes were,
They grow secure, and God not feare.

He hath put forth his hand 'gainst These
Who were enleagu'd with him in peace:
His friendly vow he did recant,
And break his solemne Covenant.
His speeches smooth as butter are;
But in his heart is cruell war:
More soft then Oyle his flatt'ring words;
Yet were they sharper then draw'n swords.

Upon the Lord thy burden cast;
Who shall sustaine, and keep thee fast.
But thou (O God) shalt bring them down,
In pit of wide destruction throw'n:
Men treacherous, of blood, and strife,
Shall find long troubles, and short life;
Nor halfe their daies compleated see:
But I will ever trust in Thee.

University of Virginia Library

Psal. LV.