Oft from my early youth have they
Afflicted me, may Israel say,
Oft from my early youth assail'd;
As oft have their endeavours fail'd.
My back with long deep furrows wound,
As plough-shares ear the patient ground.
The Ever-just hath broke their bands,
And sav'd me from their cruel hands.
Let Sion's foes with infamy
Be clothed, and untimely die:
Be they like corn on houses' tops,
Which reaper's sickle never crops,
Nor binder in his bosom bears,
But withers still before it ears.
No traveller their labours bless,
Nor say, We wish you good success.