The days of this life are short and evil, full of sorrow and straitnesses.
Here a man is defiled with many sins, ensnared with many passions, held fast by many fears, racked with many cares, distracted with many curiosities, entangled with many vanities, compassed about with many errors, worn with many labours, burdened with temptations, enervated by pleasures, tormented with want.
3. O when shall these evils be at an end? when shall I be delivered from the miserable bondage of my sins? when shall I be mindful, O Lord, of Thee alone? when shall I fully rejoice in Thee?
When shall I enjoy true liberty without impediment, without trouble of mind and body.
When shall I have solid peace, peace secure and undisturbed, peace within and peace without, peace every way assured?
O merciful Jesu, when shall I stand to behold Thee? when shall I contemplate the glory of Thy kingdom? when wilt Thou be unto me all in all?
O when shall I be with Thee in Thy kingdom, which Thou hast prepared for Thy beloved from all eternity?
I am left, a poor and banished man, in the land of mine enemies, where there are daily wars and great calamities.
4. Comfort my banishment, assuage my sorrow: for my whole desire sigheth after Thee.
For all is burdensome to me, whatsoever this world offereth for consolation.
