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

Be mercifull, O God! to me:
For Man combines to swallow me.
He daily doth against me fight,
By Power to oppresse my right.
My watchfull enemies each houre
My life assaile and would devoure.
O Thou most High! they many are,
Who have conspired in this war.

Yet though encompast, and afraid,
I fly for shelter to Thy aid.
For trusting in Gods word, and arme,
I know no flesh can do me harme.
They still my words, and meaning wrests
Close mischeife plotting in their breasts,
They joyne themselves, my steps they mark,
To overthrow me in the dark.

Shall they escape? Lord, in thy frowne
Defeat their plots, and cast them downe.
My wand'ring steps, and each loose thought
Must be unto Thy Audit brought:

101

Thou bott'lest all the tears I shed;
My sighs are book'd, and numbered.
Soone therefore as to Thee I cry,
I know my foes shall faint, and fly.

God only is my trust, and joy:
I fearlesse am of mans annoy.
To Thee, O Lord, Ile pay my vow;
My knees in thanks to Thee shall bow.
For thou my life keep'st from the grave,
And do'st my feet from falling save:
That with the living in Thy sight
I may enjoy Eternall light.

University of Virginia Library

Psal. LVI.