Dixi custodiam

Verse 1

I said, "I will look to my ways, for fear I should go wrong; I will take heed all times that I offend not with my tongue:

Verse 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."

Verse 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.

Verse 4

My heart grew hot within my breast with musing, thought and doubt, Which did increase and stir the fire, at last these words burst out:

Verse 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.

Verse 6

For thou hast pointed out my life, in length much like a span: My age is nothing unto thee; so vain is every man!

Verse 7

Man walketh like a shade, and doth in vain himself employ, In getting goods, and cannot tell who shall the same enjoy.

Verse 8

Therefore, O Lord, what wait I for? What help do I desire? Truly my hope is e'en in thee, I nothing else require.

Verse 9

From all the sins that I have done, Lord, quit me out of hand, And make me not a scorn to fools, that nothing understand.

Verse 10

I was so dumb, that to complain no trouble could me move, Because I knew it was thy work my patience for to prove.

Verse 11

Lord, take from me thy scourge and plague, I cannot them withstand, I faint and pine away for fear of thy most heavy hand.

Verse 12

When thou for sin dost man rebuke, he waxeth pale and wan, As doth a cloth that moths have fret; so vain a thing is man!

Verse 13

Lord, hear my suit, and give good heed, regard my tears that fall; I sojourn like a stranger here, as did my fathers all.

Verse 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.