Behold, O Lord, most vile am I,
For now thy heav'nly light
Detects the great stupidity
That did my mind benight.

I sinn'd in that I sought so bold
The argument to state:
And judged that with thee I could
Thy providence debate.

Sham'd and confounded I resign,
For now I can't withstand
Thy words and arguments divine,
Nor answer one demand.

Once have I spoken, Lord; yea, twice;
And though my words were few,
Yet great their number, gross their vice,
Did high presumption shew.

Upon my mouth, which argu'd vain,
Henceforth my hand be laid;
I spake what I won't speak again
Nor stand to what I said.

Prostrate before thy feet I lie;
Through grace, I'll now adore
Thy greatness, pow'r, and majesty;
But I'll contend no more.