Francis Bacon

The Translation of the First Psalme

WHo neuer gaue to wicked read,
A yeelding and attentiue eare:
Who neuer Sinners paths did tread;
Nor sate him downe in Scorners chaire:
But maketh it his whole delight,
On Law of God to meditate,
And therein spendeth day and Night;
That Man is in a happie State.

He shall be like the fruitfull Tree,
Planted along a running Spring,
Which in due season, constantly,
A goodly yeeld of Fruit doth bring,
Whose leaues continue alwaies greene,
And are no prey to winters power:
So shall that Man not once be seene
Surprized with an euill Hower.

With Wicked Men it is not so,
Their Lot is of another kinde:
All as the Chaffe, which too and fro,
Is tost at Mercie of the winde.
And when he shall in Iudgment plead,
A casting Sentence bide he must:
So shall he not lift vp his Head,
In the Assembly of the Iust.

For why the Lord hath Speciall Eye,
To be the Godlies stay at call:
And hath giuen ouer, righteously,
The wicked Man to take his fall.