Classic Poem

44
1.
Let us now praise famous men,
And our fathers that begat us.
2.
The Lord manifested in them great glory,
Even his mighty power from the beginning.
3.
Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms,
And were men renowned for their power,
Giving counsel by their understanding,
Such as have brought tidings in prophecies:
4.
Leaders of the people by their counsels,
And by their understanding men of learning for the people;
Wise were their words in their instruction:
5.
Such as sought out musical tunes,
And set forth verses in writing:
6.
Rich men furnished with ability,
Living peaceably in their habitations:
7.
All these were honoured in their generations,
And were a glory in their days.
8.
There be of them, that have left a name behind them,
To declare their praises.
9.
And some there be, which have no memorial;
Who are perished as though they had not been,
And are become as though they had not been born;
And their children after them.
10.
But these were men of mercy,
Whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten.
11.
With their seed shall remain continually a good inheritance;
Their children are within the covenants.
12.
Their seed standeth fast,
And their children for their sakes.
13.
Their seed shall remain for ever,
And their glory shall not be blotted out.
14.
Their bodies were buried in peace,
And their name liveth to all generations.
15.
Peoples will declare their wisdom,
And the congregation telleth out their praise.