With sighs and cries to God I pray'd,
To Him my supplication made;
Pour'd out my tears,
My cares and fears;
My wrongs before Him laid.

My fainting spirits almost spent,
He knew the path in which I went.
Yet in my way
Their snares they lay,
With merciless intent.

My eyes I round about me throw,
None see that will th' oppressed know;
No refuge left,
Of hope bereft,
Vain pity none bestow.

Then unto God I cried and said,
Thou art my hope and only aid;
The portion
I build upon,
While with frail flesh array'd.

O Source of mercy, hear my cry,
Lest I with wasting sorrow die:
Shield from my foes,
Who now inclose,
Since of more strength than I.

My soul out of this prison bring,
That I may praise Thee, O my King.
Who trust in Thee
Shall compass me,
And of Thy bounty sing.