Classic Poem

Part I.

L ORD , to my cries afford an ear,
Th' afflicted hear;
According to Thy equity
And truth reply;
Nor prove severe; for in Thy sight
None living shall be found upright.

The foe my soul besiegeth round,
Strikes to the ground;
In darkness hath enveloped,
Like men long dead;
My mind with sorrow overthrown,
My heart within me stupid grown.

I call to mind those ancient days
Fill'd with Thy praise;
Thy works alone possess my thought,
With wonder wrought.
To Thee I stretch my zealous hand,
Desir'd like rain by thirsty land.

Part II.

Approach with speed; my spirits fail;
Thy Face unveil:
Lest I forthwith grow like to those,
Whom graves inclose.
O let me of Thy mercy hear,
Before the morning sun appear.

My God, Thou art the only scope
Of all my hope:
O shew me Thy prescribed way,
Lest I should stray.
For to Thy throne I raise mine eyes,
My soul, and all my faculties.

Save from my foes; to Thee lo I
For refuge fly:
Inform me, that I may fulfill
Thy Sacred Will.
My God, let Thy Good Spirit lead,
That in Thy paths my feet may tread.

O for Thy honour quicken me,
Who trust in Thee:
Out of these straits, for justice' sake,
Thy servant take.
In mercy cut Thou off my foes,
Whose hate hath multiplied my woes.