Dixi custodiam. Ps.39.I.H.

David having determined silence, yet brast forth into words that he would not, through his bitter grief. For he maketh certain requests which taste of man’s infirmities, yet mixed with many prayers, and all to show a mind wonderfully troubled, that it might appear how he did strove mightily against death and desperation.

Sing this as the humble suite of a sinner.
The first part The second part
I said I will look to my ways
for fear I should go wrong:
I will take heed all times that I
offend not in my tongue
 
2 As with a bit I will keep fast
my mouth with force and might
Not once to whisper all the while
the wicked are in sight.
 
3 I held my tongue, and spake no word,
but kept me close and still:
Yea from good talk I did refrain,
but sore against my will.
 
4 My heart waxed hot within my breast,
with musing, thought, and doubt:
Which did increase and stir the fire,
at last these words brast out.
 
5 Lord number out my life and days
which yet I have not past:
So that I may be certified
how long my life shall last.
 
6 Lord thou hast pointed out my life
in length much like a spin:
Mine age is nothing unto thee,
so vain is everyman.
 
7 Man walketh like a shade, and doth
in vain himself annoy:
In getting goods and cannot tell
who shall the same enjoy.
 
8 Now Lord sith thing this wise do frame.
what help do I desire?
Of truth my help doth hang on thee,
I nothing else require.
9 From all the sins that I have done,
Lord quite me out of hand:
And make me not a scorn to fools,
that nothing understand.
 
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.
 
11 Lord take from me thy scourge and plague
I can them not withstand:
I faint and pine away, for fear,
of the most heavy hand.
 
12 When thou for sin doest man rebuke
he waxed woe and wan:
As doth a cloth that moths have fret,
so vain a thing is man.
 
13 Lord hear my suite and give good heed
regard my ears that fall:
I sojourn like a stranger here,
as did my fathers all.
 
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.
 

THE BOOK OF PSALMS

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