Psal 16 (MS. Fairfax 40, The Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford)

Transcription

I'le trust thee Lord who'as preserued me
But Ô alas my goodness reacheth not to thee
But to them unto men on earth that holy are
To men most exelent I them compare
Ther sorrowes shal be heaped vp in store
Serues other Gods ther bloody offriengs I abhor

Nor once my lips shall yitt ther names take vp
Thou'rt my mantainer supporter the portion of my cup
In places of delight is falne my share
Both faire & large is my pocession ther
I'le bless the Lord whos did counsel guides my choyce
His night's instructions to my reines a voyce
The Lord's my object is when he's so neare
How can I stand then of fraile men in feare
My hart was glad thee w^th my soule did I'le bless
In hopes of sweet repose to weared flesh
Nor didst thou my soule in graue disart
Or saw thy son coruption in any part
When in paths of life thou leadst before
I shall ariue to ioy for euer more

Modernized Text

I'll trust thee, Lord, who's preserved me,
But, oh alas, my goodness reach not to thee
But unto men on earth that holy are,
To men most exellent I them compare.
Their sorrows shall be heaped up in store
[That] serve other Gods; their offerings I abhor,
Nor once my lips shall yet ther names take up.
Thou'rt my supporter, the portion of my cup;
In places of delight is fallen my share;
Both fair and large is my possession there.
I'll bless the Lord whose counsel guides my choice;
His night's instructions, to my reins a voice.
The Lord my object is: when he's so near,
How can I stand, then, of frail men in fear?
My heart was glad; thee with my soul I'll bless
In hopes of sweet repose to wearied flesh.
Nor did'st thou my soul in grave desert
Or saw thy son['s?] corruption in a part.
When in paths of life thou lead'st before,
I shall arrive to joy for ever more.