A paraphrase upon the Psalms of David by George Sandys ; set to new tunes for private devotion and a thorough-base for voice or instrument by Henry Lawes ; and in this edition carefully revised and corrected from many errors which passed in former impressions by John Playford.

PSALM CXLIII.

LOrd, to my cries afford an ear, Th' afflicted hear; According to thy Equity, And Truth reply; Nor prove severe: for in thy sight None living shall be found upright.

The Foe my Soul besiegeth round, Strikes to the ground: In darkness hath inveloped, Like men long dead: My mind with sorrow overthrown; My heart within me stupid grown.

I call to mind those ancient Daies Fill'd with thy praise: Thy Works alone possess my thought, With wonder wrought. To thee I stretch my zealous Hand; Desir'd like rain by thirsty land.

Approach with speed; my Spirits fail; Thy Face unveil: Least I forthwith grow like to those, Whom graves inclose. O let me of thy Mercy hear, Before the morning Sun appear.

My God, thou art the only scope Of all my hope: O shew me thy prescribed way, Lest I should stray. For to thy Throne I raise mine eyes; My Soul, and all my faculties.

Save from my Foes: to Thee loe I For refuge flie: Inform me, that I may fulfill Thy sacred Will. My God, let thy good Spirit lead, That in thy paths my Feet may tread.

O for thy Honour quicken me, Who trust in Thee: Out of these Straights, for Justice sake, Thy Servant take. In mercy cut thou off my Foes, Whose hate hath multiply'd my woes.

Notes

• As the 39.
• Part 2.