Psalm LII. Quid gloriaris in malitia, &c.
I
Inhumane Beast, more treacherous, than strong,
For Treason only makes thee so,
A Psalm of David When Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul and said unto him David is come to the house of Ahimelech.
And by perfidiousness Thy Power dos grow,
Why boast'st Thou thus in doing wrong,
And arm'st weak hands with a malicious tongue?
The Almighty Goodness ever dos remain,
More firm, and stable than thy threats are vain.
II
Sharp as a Lancet, which is newly whet,
Thy tongue dos pierce, and touch the quick,
Wounds mortally, before 'tis felt to prick,
Discovers plots, fram'd by deceit,
In thy designs, and malice only great,
Who sin before the chiefest Good dost love,
And lyes more than the Truth, that's from above.
III
Bitter, and cruel Words are thy delight,
And all the joy of thy base tongue,
But neither thou, nor it shall prosper long:
For God on thee shall turn its spight,
Destroy thee from this Land, and His own sight;
And in reward for all your bitter fruit,
Both cut thee down, and pluck that up by th' root.
IV
The Righteous shall behold it, and afraid,
Shrink at thy plagues, but laugh at thee,
And say, when They thy suddain ruine see,
“Lo this Man on his riches staid,
“And sought help from the Gods his gold had made,
“Neglecting Him, who should have been his Trust,
“For them, who thus deceiving him are just.
V
But like an Olive-tree still fresh, and green,
I in Gods House shall ever stand,
Planted and watered there by His own hand,
And on my boughs have fruit be seen,
Where He may shine, and no cloud come between:
On Him I'll wait, whose Mercies have no end,
And as they fall, my Praises shall ascend.
