Dixi. Custodiam. Psal. xxxix.
Said, I will look to my ways,
for fear I should go wrong;
I will take heed all times that I
offend not with my tongue.
As with a bit I will keep fast
my mouth with force and might,
••ot once to whisper all the while
the wicked are in sight.
I held my tongue and spake no word,
but kept me close and still:
〈◊〉〈◊〉, from good talk I did refrain,
but sore against my will.
My heart waxt hot within my breast,
with musing, thought, and doubt,
Which did increase and stir the fire:
at last these words burst out;
Lord, number out my life and days
which yet I have not past,
〈◊〉〈◊〉 that I may be certifi'd
how long my life shall last.
Lord, thou hast pointed out my life
in length much like a span:
••••e age is nothing unto thee,
so vain is every man.
Man walketh like a shade, and doth
in vain himself If annoy
••••getting goods, and cannot tell
who shall the same enjoy.
Now, Lord, fith things this wise do frame,
what help do I desire?
Of truth my help doth hang on thee,
I nothing else require.
The second part.
[verse 9] From all the sins that I have done,
Lord, quit me out of hand,
And make me not a scorn to fools
that nothing understand.
[verse 10] I was as dumb, and to complain
no trouble might me move:
Because I knew it was thy work,
my patience for to prove.
[verse 11] Lord, take from me thy scourge & plague,
I can them not withstand:
I faint and pine away for fear
of thy most heavy hand.
[verse 12] When thou for sin dost man rebuke,
he waxeth wo and wan,
As doth a cloth that moths have fret,
so vain a thing is man.
[verse 13] Lord, hear my suit and give good heed,
regard my tears that fall:
I sojourn like a stranger here,
as did my fathers all.
[verse 14] O spare a little, give me space
my strength for to restore,
Before I go away from hence,
and shall be seen no more.