- 11 Though I do fast my flesh to chaste,
- yea, if I weep and moan:
- Yet in my teeth this gear is cast,
- they pass not thereupon.
-
- 12 If I for grief and pain of heart,
- in sackcloth use to walk:
- Then they anon would it pervert,
- thereof they jest and talk.
-
- 13 Both high and low, and all the throng,
- that sit within the gate:
- They have me ever in their tongue,
- of me they talk and prate.
-
- 14 The drunkards which in wine delight,
- it is their chief pastime
- To seek which ways to work me spite,
- of me they sing and rhyme.
-
- 15 But thee the while, O Lord I pray,
- that when I pleaseth thee,
- For thy great truth thou wilt alway
- send down thine aide to me.
-
- 16 Pluck thou my feet out of the mire,
- from drowning do me keep:
- From such as owe me wrath and ire,
- and from the waters deep.
-
- 17 Least with the waves I should be drowned
- and depth my soul devour:
- And that the pit should me confound,
- and shut me in her power.
-
- 18 O Lord of hosts, to me give ear,
- as thou art good and kind:
- And as thy mercy is most dear,
- Lord have me in thy mind.
-
- 19 And do not from thy servant hide,
- nor turn thy face away:
- I am oppressed on every side,
- with haste give ear I say.
-
- 20 O Lord unto my soul draw nigh,
- the same with aid reproof:
- Because of their great tyranny,
- acquit me from my foes.