Psalm 140 (Tate & Brady)

1 Preserve me, Lord, from crafty foes

of treacherous intent;

2 And from the sons of violence,

on open mischief bent.

3 Their sland'ring tongue the serpent's sting

in sharpness does exceed;

Between their lips the gall of asps

and adders' venom breed.

4 Preserve me, Lord, from wicked hands,

nor leave my soul forlorn,

A prey to sons of violence,

who have my ruin sworn.

6 The proud for me have laid their snare,

and spread their wily net;

With traps and gins**, where'er I move,

I find my steps beset,

6 But thus environed with distress,

thou art my God, I said;

Lord, hear my supplicating voice,

that calls to thee for aid.

7 O Lord, the God, whose saving strength

kind succor did convey,

And covered my advent'rous head

in battle's doubtful day:

8 Permit not their unjust designs

to answer their desire;

Lest they, encouraged by success,

to bolder crimes aspire.

9 Let first their chiefs the sad effects

of their injustice mourn:

The blast of their envenomed breath

upon themselves return.

10 Let them who kindled first the flame

its sacrifice become;

The pit, they digged for me be made

their own untimely tomb.

11 Tho slander's breath may raise a storm,

it quickly will decay;

Their rage does but the torrent swell

that bears themselves away.

12 God will assert the poor man's cause,

and speedy succor give;

The just shall celebrate his praise,

and in his presence live.

** gins - archaic, traps, snares.