PSALM XII .

Salvum me fac.

1.

Lord, help, it is high time for me to call,
No men are left that charity do loue;
Nay, even the race of good men are decay'd.

2.

Of things vain they with vaine mates bable all;
Their abiect lips no breath but flattery moue,
Sent from false heart, on double meaning stay'd.

3.

But Thou, O Lord, giue them a thorough fall;
Those lying lipps from cousening head remoue,
In falsehood wrapt, but in their pride display'd.

4.

Our tongues, say they, beyond them all shall go;
Wee both haue power, and will our tales too tell:
For what lord rules our braue emboldned breast?

5.

Ah! now even for their sakes that taste of woe,
Whom troubles tosse, whose natures need doth quell;
Even for their sighs, true sighs, of man distrest,

6.

I will get vp, saith God, and My help show
Against all them that against him do swell;
Maugre his foes, I will set him at rest.

7.

These are God's words, God's words are ever pure;
Yea, purer than the silver throughly try'd,
When fire seven times hath spent his earthy parts.

8.

Then thou, O Lord, shalt keep the good stil sure,
By Thee preserv'd, in Thee they shall abide;
Yea, in no age Thy blisse from them departs.

9.

Thou seest each side the walking doth endure
Of these bad folk, more lifted vp with pride,
Which if it last, woe to all simple hearts.