Poems (Toke)/Psalm XXXIX

by Emma Toke

PSALM XXXIX.

SAID that I would strictly watch,
 And guard each passing word,
While those remain before my face,
 Who hate Thy Name, O Lord.

With silent grief I held my peace,
 And e'en from good refrained,
Although to cease from praising Thee
 My inmost soul was pained.

My heart was hot, and while I mused,
 The fire within me glowed;
Until at length my burning thoughts
 In trembling accents flowed:—

Lord, let me know mine end, and when
 Life's fleeting span shall close,
That I may feel how frail I am,
 Now bent with cares and woes.

Compared to Thee, my years are nought,
 Mine age an empty sound;
Yea, man when in his best estate,
 But vanity is found.

He like a fleeting shadow walks,
 And frets himself in vain;
He toils for wealth, nor knows at last,
 What hand shall reap the gain.

And now, O Lord, what wait I for?
 Thou art my hope alone:
Save me from all my hopes and fears,
 And make Thy mercies known.

I bowed resigned,—the stroke was Thine,
 I checked each murmuring thought;
Remove it now, my God, I sink
 Beneath Thine hand to nought.

When Thou for sin dost chasten man,
 His beauty fades away.
Oh! surely all on earth is vain,
 And flies like parting day.

Oh, hear my cry, behold my tears,
 And grant my fervent prayer!
Thou know'st I'm but a stranger here,
 As all my fathers were.

Oh! spare me then! restore my strength,
 Before that awful day,
When I shall leave this mortal scene,
 And flee away to Thee.

E.