John Milton — PSAL. V. Aug. 12.1653

        JEHOVAH to my words give ear         My meditation waigh         The voyce of my complaining hear         My King and God for unto thee I pray.         Jehovah thou my early voyce         Shalt in the morning hear         Ith'morning I to thee with choyce         Will rank my Prayers, and watch till thou appear.         For thou art not a God that takes         In wickedness delight          Evil with thee no biding makes         Fools or mad men stand not within thy sight.         All workers of iniquity         Thou wilt destroy that speak a ly         The bloodi' and guileful man God doth detest.         But I will in thy mercies dear         Thy numerous mercies go         Into thy house; I in thy fear         Will towards thy holy temple worship low.         Lord lead me in thy righteousness         Lead me because of those         That do observe if I transgress,         Set thy wayes right before, where my step goes.         For in his faltring mouth unstable         No word is firm or sooth         Their inside, troubles miserable;         An open grave their throat, their tongue they smooth.         God, find them guilty, let them fall         By their own counsels quell'd;         Push them in their rebellions all         Still on; for against thee they have rebell'd;         Then all who trust in thee shall bring         Their joy, while thou from blame         Defend'st them, they shall ever sing         And shall triumph in thee, who love thy name.         For thou Jehovah wilt be found         To bless the just man still,         As with a shield thou wilt surround         Him with thy lasting favour and good will.