SAve me, O God, and that with speed,
the waters flow full fast:
So nigh my soul do they proceed,
that I am sore agast.
[verse 2] I stick full deep in mire and clay,
Whereas I feel no ground:
fall into such flouds, I say,
that I am like be drown'd.
[verse 3] With crying oft I faint and quail,
my throat is hoarse and dry:
With looking up my sight doth fail,
for help to God on high.
[verse 4] My foes that guiltless do oppress
my soul, with hate are led:
In number sure they are no less
then hairs are on my head.
[verse 5] Though for no cause they vex me fore
they prosper and are glad:
They do compel me to restore
the things I never had.
[verse 6] What I have done for want of wit,
thou, Lord, all times canst tell:
And all the faults that I commit
to thee are known full well.
[verse 7] O God of hosts, defend and stay
all those that trust in thee:
Let no man doubt or shrink away
for ought that chanceth me.
[verse 8] It is for thee and for thy sake
that I do bear this blame:
In spite of thee they would me make
to hide my face for shame.
[verse 9] My mothers sons, my brethren all
forsake me on a row:
And as a stranger they me call,
my face they will not know.
[verse 10] Unto thy house such zeal I bear,
that it doth pine me much:
Their checks and taunts at thee to hear,
my very heart doth grutch.