1 I said I will look to my waies,
for feare I should go wrong:
I will take heed all times that I
offend not with 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 refraine,
but sore against my will.
4 My heart waxt hot within my brest
with musing, thought and doubt,
Which did increase and stirre the fire,
at last these words burst out.
5 Lord number out my life and daies,
which yet I have not past:
So that I may be certifi'd
how long my life shall last.
6 Lord thou hast pointed out my life,
in length much like a span:
My age is nothing unto thee,
so vain is every man!
7 Man walketh like a shade, and doth
in vaine himselfe annoy:
In getting goods, and can not tell
who shall the same enjoy.
8 Now Lord sith things this wise do frame
what help do I desire?
Of truth my help doth hang on thee,
I nothing els require.
The second Part:
9 From all the sins that I have done,
Lord quit me out of hand:
And make me not a scorne to fools,
that nothing understand.
10 I was so dumbe, and to complaine
no trouble could me move:
Because I knew it was thy work
my patience for to prove.
11 Lord, take from me thy scourge and plague,
I cannot them withstand:
I faint and pine away for feare
of thy most heavy hand.
12 When thou for sin dost man rebuke,
he waxeth wo and wan,
As doth a cloth that moths have fret,
so vaine a thing is man.
13 Lord heare my suit, and give good heed
regard my teares that fall:
I sojourne 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 seene no more.
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