Preserve me, Lord, from that insidious croud

Verse 1

Preserve me, Lord, from that insidious croud, Those cruel foes, who've long my death pursued,

Verse 2

Who mischiefs 'gainst me constantly prepare, Threaten my ruin, and denounce a war:

Verse 3

Whose tongues their deadly slanders scatter round, And far more deeply than a viper wound:

Verse 4

Defend me from their villainous deceit, And shield me from the violence they threat.

Verse 5

For my poor soul in ambuscade they lie, And hope t' ensnare me by their treachery.

Verse 6

But thou, whom long my only strength I've made, Hear, when I pray, and hasten to my aid;

Verse 7

My great salvation thou, my Lord, my God; Oft hast thou aid in doubtful times bestow'd,

Verse 8

Now too, make all their hopes, their counsels void, Their souls infatuate, and confound their pride.

Verse 9

On their own heads fall all their killing wrongs; Wound their own souls the arrows of their tongues:

Verse 10

From heav'n pour down thy dread consuming fire; Deep in th' avenging flame let them expire;

Verse 11

Drive false detractors, from our earth away, And in their horrid fate thy pow'r display.

Verse 12

Thou wilt, I know, griev'd innocence sustain: To thee the injur'd ne'er apply in vain.

Verse 13

Therefore the righteous in thy presence dwell, Sing to thy name, and all thy praises tell.