1 Oft they, now Israel may say,
me from my youth assailed;
Oft they assailed me from my youth,
yet never have prevailed.

2 Upon my back the plowers plowed,
and furrows long did cast:
The righteous Lord hath cut the cords
of wicked men at last.

3 They that hate me shall be ashamed
and turnèd back also,
And made as grass upon the house
which withers ere it grow:

4 Whereof the mower cannot find
enough to fill his hand;
Nor can he fill his lap that goes
to glean upon the land:

5 Nor passers-by pray God on them
to let his blessing fall;
Nor say, We bless you in his Name,
who is Lord over all.