Classic Poem

PSALM I

Beatus vir.

1.

He blessed is who neither loosely treades
The straying stepps as wicked counsaile leades;
Ne for badd mates in waie of sinning wayteth,
Nor yet himself with idle scorners seateth;
But on God's lawe his harte's delight doth binde,
Which, night and daie, he calls to marking minde.

2.

He shall be lyke a freshly planted tree,
To which sweet springs of waters neighbours be;
Whose braunches faile not timelie fruite to nourish,
Nor with'red leafe shall make it faile to flourish:
So all the things whereto that man doth bend
Shall prosper still with well-succeeding end.

3.

Such blessings shall not wycked wretches see,
But lyke vyle chaffe with wind shall scattred be;
For neither shall the men in sin delighted
Consist, when they to highest doome are cited,
Ne yet shall suff'red be a place to take
Where godly men do their assembly make.

4.

For God doth know, and knowing doth approue,
The trade of them that iust proceedings loue;
But they that sinne in sinnfull breast do cherish,
The way they go shalbe their waie to perish.