Three Psalms

The man is blest that hath not lent to wicked men his ear,
nor led his life as sinners do,
nor sat in the scorner's chair.
But in the law of God the Lord doth set his whole delight,
and in the same doth exercise both day and night
He shall be like a tree that grows fast by the river side,
which bringeth pleasant fruit in due time and tide,
whose leaf shall never fade nor fall, but flourish still and stand.
So all things shall prosper well that this man takes in hand.
He shall be like a tree that grows fast by the river side, like a tree.
The way of godly men unto the Lord is known:
whereas the ways of wicked men shall be quite overthrown.
He shall be like a tree that grows fast by the river side.
The man is blest.

My soul, why art thou sad always,
and frettest thus in my breast!
Trust still in God, for him to praise I hold it ever best.
Like as the hart doth pant and pray,
the wellsprings to obtain;
so doth my soul desire alway,
with thee, Lord, to remain.
My soul doth thirst, and would draw near
the living God of might;
Oh, when shall I come and appear
in presence of his sight.
Alas, what grief is it to think
the freedom once I had!
Therefore my soul, as at pit's brink,
most heavy is and sad.
For I did march in good array,
in joyful company,
unto the temple was our way
to praise the Lord most high.
By him I succor have at need
against all pain and grief;
he is my God who with all speed
doth haste to send relief.
Like as the hart doth pant and bray,
the wellsprings to obtain;
so doth my soul desire alway,
with thee, Lord, to remain.

All kings both more and less
with all their pompous train;
princes and judges that in the world remain,
Exalt his Name:
Young men and maidens,
old men and babes, do ye the same.