Classic Poem

How long? Lord, let me not
For ever be forgot?
How long, my God, wilt Thou
Contract Thy clouded brow?
How long in mind perplex'd
Shall I be daily vex'd?

How long shall he control,
Who persecutes my soul?
Consider, hear my cries;
Illuminate mine eyes;
Lest with exhausted breath
I ever sleep in death:

Lest my insulting foe
Boast in my overthrow;
And those who would destroy,
In my subversion joy.
But I, Thou ever just,
Will in Thy mercy trust;

And in Thy saving grace
My constant comfort place;
My songs shall sing Thy praise,
That hast prolong'd my days.