Neither do I see how it can be offensive to our friends, that we should desire our English Metaphrase bettered. I say nothing to the disgrace of that we have: I know how glad our adversaries are of all such advantages; which they are ready enough to find out without me, ever reproachfully upbraiding us with these defects. But, since our whole translation is now universally revised, what inconvenience or shew of innovation can it bear, that the verse should accompany the prose? especially since it is well known, how rude and homely our English Poesy was in those times, compared with the present; wherein, if ever, it seeth her full perfection. I have been solicited by some reverend friends to undertake this task; as that, which seemed well to accord with the former exercises of my youth, and my present profession. The difficulties I found many; the work, long and great: yet not more painful than beneficial to God's Church: whereto as I dare not profess any sufficiency; so I will not deny my readiness and utmost endeavour, if I shall be employed by Authority. Wherefore, in this part, I do humbly submit myself to the grave censures of them, whose wisdom manageth these common affairs of the Church; and am ready either to stand still or proceed, as I shall see their Cloud or Fire go before or behind me. Only, howsoever, I shall, for my true affection to the Church, wish it done by better workmen: wherein, as you approve, so further my bold, but not unprofitable motion, and commend it unto greater ears; as I do you to the Greatest. Non-such, Your loving Kinsman, JOSEPH HALL. SOME FEW OF DAVID'S PSALMS METAPHRASED. PSALM I. IN THE TUNE OF THE CXLVIIth PSALM, "Give laud unto the Lord." WHO hath not walkt astray, That scorners are, 2 But in thy lawes divine, 3 He shall be like the tree So, to this happy wight, 4 Whereas the man unright, As chaffe, which windes doe drive, With every blast Is tost on hie, In safety lie. 5 Wherefore, in that sad doome, PSALM II. IN THE TUNE OF THE CXXVth PSALM. "Those, that do put their confidence.” WHY do the Gentiles tumults make, And nations all conspire in vaine, 2 And earthly princes counsell take Against their God; against the raigne Of his deare Christ? let us, they saine, 3 Breake all their bonds: and from us shake Their thraldome, yoke, and servile chaine. 4 Whiles thus, alas! they fondly spake, He, that aloft rides on the skies, Laughs all their lewd device to scorne; 6 But I, my King with sacred horne 7 My Sonne thou art, said God; I thee 9 Of all the world; and thou shalt bray Those stubborne foes, that will not bend, With iron mace, like potters' clay, 10 In peeces small: ye kings attend; And yee, whom others wont obey, Learne wisdome, and at last amend. 11 See ye serve God, with greater dread His wrath shall be: O blessed those, PSALM III. AS THE CXIIIth PSALM, "Ye children, which &c." AH, Lord! how many be my foes! How many are against me rose, 2 That to my grieved soule have sed, Tush, God shall him no succour yeeld; 3 Whiles thou, Lord, art my praise, my shield, And dost advance my carefull head! 4 Loud with my voice to God I cry'd: 5 I laid me downe, slept, rose againe : 8 From thee, O God, is safe defence; PSALM IV. AS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, "Attend my people." THOU witnesse of my truth sincere, 7 2 Favour me still, and daigne to heare God will regard my instant mone. Talke with your hearts, your wayes amending 6 Offer the truest sacrifice Of broken hearts; on God besetting The light of that sweet looke of thine; PSALM V. IN THE TUNE OF THE CXXIVth PSALM, "Now Israel may say, &c." Bow downe thine eare, Lord, to these words of mine, And well regard The secret plaints I make. 2 My King, my God, To thee I doe betake My sad estate: Oh, doe thine eare incline To these loud cries, That to thee powred bin. 3 At early morne Thou shalt my voice attend: I will myselfe addresse Thee to implore, And wait for due redresse. |