Lord , save me from the violent,
From him who takes delight in ill,
Whose heart deceit and mischief fill,
On bloody war and outrage bent.

Their wounding tongues like serpents whet,
Poison of asps their lips enclose.
O save from fierce and wicked foes,
Who toils to overthrow me set!

The proud have hid their cords and snares,
Spread all their nets, their gins have laid.
To God, Thou art my God, I said,
O gently hear Thy suppliant's pray'rs.

My strong Preserver in the fight,
As with a helm, my head defends.
Let not the wicked gain their ends,
Lord, lest their pride rise with their might.

Themselves let their own slanders wound,
Destroy him who their fury leads.
Let burning coals fall on their heads,
And quenchless flames embrace them round.

Cast them into the depths below,
From thence, O never let them rise!
Let death the slanderer surprise,
And mischief savage wrath o'erthrow.

God to th' afflicted aid will give,
The poor defend from death and shame.
The just shall celebrate Thy Name,
And ever in Thy presence live.