With firm resolve I held my peace And spake not either bad or good, Lest I should utter sinful thoughts While wicked men before me stood. While I was dumb my grief was stirred, My heart grew hot with thought suppressed; The while I mused the fire increased, Then to the Lord I made request. Make me, O Lord, to know my end, Teach me the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am And turn from pride and sinful ways. My time is nothing in Thy sight, Behold, my days are but a span; Yea, truly, at his best estate, A breath, a fleeting breath, is man. Man???s life is passed in vain desire If troubled years be spent for gain; He knows not whose his wealth shall be, And all his toil is but in vain. And now, O Lord, what wait I for? I have no hope except in Thee; Let not ungodly men reproach, From all transgressions set me free. Because Thou didst it I was dumb, I spoke no word of rash complaint; Remove Thy stroke away from me, Beneath Thy chastisement I faint. When Thou for his iniquity Rebukest and correctest man, His beauty is consumed away; How weak his strength, how vain his plan. Lord, hear my prayer, regard my cry; I weep; be Thou my Comforter. I am a stranger here below, A pilgrim as my fathers were. O spare me, Lord, avert Thy wrath, Deal gently with me, I implore, That I may yet recover strength Ere I go hence and be no more.
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