THE Affliction and Deliverance OF THE SAINTS: OR, The whole book of Job composed into English Heroical Verse Metaphrastically.  
By Thomas Manley jun. Esq  Psal. 34.19. 
Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of all.  Psal. 119.71. 
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn thy Statutes.  
LONDON, Printed by W.H. for john Tey, at the White-Lion in the Strande near the New Exchange, 1652.   

To the Honourable Thomas chaloner Esq A Member of the Parliament of England: And one of the Right Honourable, the Council of State.  
Honoured Sir,  
It is not ambition but duty which makes me thus bold to entitle you jobs Patron, your Charity being so great to all who oppressed, make the arms of your virtue and humanity their Sanctuary. It is your honour to be great, your happiness to be good: by the one you are made famous, by the other you will be immortal.  
The troubles of the Times are so great, and all men by them such sufferers; that England had need to be a Nation of jobs, that with patience they may run through the extremities which daily begin to coast us. And truly, if we would make jobs example our Precept, it is to be believed we should endure our sufferings with more Christianlike alacrity, and have a more Saintlike deliverance our of all our troubles.  
There are many material points in the History which are peculiarly worth our observation: For first, we find him possessor of as much riches as his heart could wish, and immediately by Satan's malice robbed of all. Oh never let prosperity make us so secure, as to think ourselves ; for than is danger greatest, when we suppose ourselves safest: for quos perdere vult jupipiter, hos dementat; an overgreat security is an infallible sign of ruin. If we stand, let us take heed lest we fall; again, he is not only afflicted outwardly in body, but is tormented inwardly in his mind by the temptations of his Wife, and his other friends who came to visit him; wherein we may see the subtlety of that malicious enemy of mankind, who maketh even our dearest friends his instruments to drive us to despair: This shall suffice of much more which might be said, for my work is an Epistle, not a Comment.  
Therefore not to interpo se in your more serious affairs; if your Honour will deign out of your innate benignity to stoop to the perusal of this Metaphrase at your times of leisure, and grace it with your Patronage, I shall then rest assured that all hazards are past, and that it will go current through the wits of this our too curious and censorious Age, though clothed in a dress so mean as it is.  
However, my hopes persuade me, that your perfect maturity will wink at the faults of my immature Youth, and that you will not be so curious to mark every failing, lest my blossoms, being nipped in their spring, for ever lose their hope of ripening; In confidence whereof I shall hereafter lay no more claim to this Book, but wholly resign it into your hands, and together with it myself, to whom it hath been a laborious recreation: but if it attain the honour of your teste, I shall triumph in the happy success of my presumptuous ambition; the reward so much exceeding the proportion of my mean labours, that I have no way sufficient to express my gratitude, but in imitating those birds, who having nothing else, brought their feathers to Apollo's Temple to adorn it: here are my endeavours; And in things we would, if in our power, the Will must be taken for the deed; In hopes whereof I assume the confidence to subscribe myself,  
Sir, Your Honours in all humility and service to be commanded, T.M. Jun. West. Oct. 29. 1651.   

To the Reader.  
AFfliction is the only true touchstone of Christianity, driving one to lay hold on God by faith in hope of comfort; which consideration made me pitch on Job, in whom may be found the very pattern of Christian patience, my aim being to make his example our pattern, we living in times wherein we know not how soon we may be reduced to Jobs condition.  
I know not how pleasing things of this nature may be, but their profit I am sure is very great; which if the Reader find according to my desire, I shall think my labours very well satisfied.  
The reason of my Metaphrasticall Translation was, that I would not, as near as I could, deviate from the very Letter of the Text, which I have as little as possible; yet where the sense was dark, comparing sever all Translations together, and all with the original, I made them easy to the most illiterate understanding: conceiving it better than a Paraphrase, they often losing, or at least darkening half the sense in their circumlocations, whereas this wholly keeps the sense, and avoids its prolixity.  
Yet though my endeavours be never so Christianlike, I expect not to please all, even assured to find the envious jerks of some malicious tongues, it being impossible to do any thing in this age with all men's approbation.  
All I desire of thee (Reader) is this, that thou wouldst bring a good will and cheerful disposition, void of all malicious envy, which at this day is commonly practised of most men (who like severe censurers) busy themselves rather in seeking what to by't at, and to reprehend in other men's works, then to commend what is good, or assay to make them better, thereby verifying that old Greek Proverb, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, it is easier to play Momus then the Mimic, to carp than to imitate; all I shall say to such is this, Zoile, ne carpas nostra, sed ede tua.  
Thy friend T.M. Jun. West. Oct. 30. 1651.   
JOB.  

Chapter the first.  
verse 1 THere was a man in Hz, for zeal whose fame  
Merits beyond an equal, Job by name:  
Perfect and upright, such the world ne'er knew,  
Who feared God, and evil did eschew.  
verse 2 Blest with ten Children, all of a full growth,  
The fruitful offspring of his lively youth.  
verse 3 In substance great, for he did ever keep  
Three thousand Camels, and seven thousand sheep;  
Five hundred yoke of Oxen, both for store  
And work; Shee-asses too as many more,  
And a great household: So that as the best,  
He also was the greatest of the East.  
verse 4 His Sons each one his day feasting did call  
Their Sisters to them to partake of all.  
verse 5 And when their feasting days were gone about,  
Job sent & cleansed them, when he found them out  
And in the morning early up he risen,  
And offered offerings as their number was;  
Lest (said he) they have sinned, and should curse  
God in their hearts, this was Jobs constant course.  
verse 6 A day there was, the Sons of God appear  
Before the Lord; Satan came also there.  
verse 7 Whose boldness God thus checks: thus darest thou range?  
Whence comest thou? whence is this freedom strange?  
He answer strait, from walking in the earth  
Where acting mischiefs is my only mirth.  
verse 8 Then said the Lord; Hast thou at any time  
Observed in Job my servant any crime?  
Do but consider, and thou'lt never find  
His equal in the world, so pure in mind:  
Eschewing evil, fearing God, upright,  
In goodness constant, with a pure delight.  
verse 9 But see alas! what this intruder sought;  
Does Job, replies he, serve the Lord for nought?  
verse 10 Hast thou not set a hedge about him round?  
Rampared his house and kept his Cattle sound?  
Blessings flow daily on the work of's hand,  
His stock too is increased in the Land.  
verse 11 But now stretch forth thy hand, afflict him sore,  
Touch all be hath, diminish but his store:  
And if he do not curse thee to thy face,  
Upon me light worse suffering and disgrace.  
verse 12 Behold his accusation; God replies,  
Satan this to thy malice open lies;  
Do with them what thou wilt, thoust power so far,  
Only from him himself thine hand I bar.  
His power is scarce granted, when, lo, he  
Qnick from the presence of the Lord doth flee.  
verse 13 Time was not long before his children meet  
In th' eldest brothers house to drink and eat.  
verse 14 A servant came, and did with tears relate  
The sad beginning of his crosse-grown Fate;  
While some (said he) were with the Oxen ploughing,  
The Asses feeding, other servants sowing,  
verse 15 A Troop of fell! Sabaeans ' came and took  
The Herds away, nor did their fury brook  
To spare the Servants lives, them all they slew,  
And I alone escaped the news to show.  
verse 16 While yet he spoke, another came and wept,  
As sad a story, fire from heaven has swept  
Away the Sheep and servants (Oh sad fate!)  
And I alone came off this to relate.  
verse 17 He speaking yet, another came and told  
How three picked bands of armed Chaldeans bold  
Fell on the Camels, taking them away,  
Yea and the Servants with the sword did slay;  
I only scaping from among the rest,  
The news of this misfortune to attest.  
verse 18 His tale scarce told, a fourth draws near with cries,  
Sad news fit only for o'rflowing eyes:  
Thy sons and daughters as they lately were  
At their loved eldest brothers making cheer,  
verse 19 A strong side-wind did from the desert blow  
On th' houses corners, and it overthrow:  
The sudden ruin killed the young men all,  
And I alone escaped from the fall.  
verse 20 Then Job arose, not able more to bear,  
He rend his robe, and tore his beard and hair:  
But yet in midst of this extremest grief,  
He only seeks to God for some relief;  
Just like an humble child he kissed his rod,  
He cries and worships to his angry God.  
verse 21 Naked I came into the world, and when  
I must return, naked shall go again:  
The Lord did give, and taken hath the same,  
Blessed and honoured be his holy Name.  
verse 22 In all this Job did no offence commit,  
Nor was so foolish to charge God with it.   

CHAP. II.  
verse 1 Again the Sons of God, before his throne  
Themselves present, who is the great three-one;  
Th' all-daring Foe, brazing his hateful face,  
Among them also came and took a place.  
verse 2 Whom God beholding said, what new pretence  
Hath brought thee hither Satan? or from whence?  
He soon replies, I have the world o'rrun,  
The Earth's vast Globe surrounding with the Sun,  
Gild with specious shows my deadliest baits,  
That win poor souls from thee by their deceits.  
verse 3 Hast thou (said God) any so perfect seen,  
Or upright as my servant Job hath been?  
All vice abhorring with a deadly hate,  
Helping poor souls pressed with a direful fate,  
Keeping my Statutes with devout est zeal,  
Earth never yet brought forth his Parallel.  
Experience tells us the sweet Camomile  
The more 'tis trodden will the better smell:  
With the same zeal lo he still keeps my Laws,  
Though thou wouldst have me kill him without cause.  
verse 4 Man will not stick, replies the foe, to give  
All his possessions to his skin to live.  
verse 5 But now stretch out thine hand, and let him feel  
Thine arm, inflicting pains from head to heel,  
He will with raylings thy high power disgrace,  
And with repining curse thee to thy face.  
verse 6 Behold (saith God) this further grant I give,  
Torment him as thou wilt, but let him live.  
verse 7 Away goes Satan and smites Job all o'er  
With boiles, his body is but all one sore.  
verse 8 Yet down with patience great he humbly sat  
To scrape with pieces of a broken pot  
His boile-inflicted body, in the ashes  
Enduring meekly these soule-trying lashes.  
verse 9 But see, a torment worse than all the rest,  
His wife comes to him, thus in soul oppressed;  
With sharp rebukings, saith she, dost thou still  
Keep thine uprightness though thou bear this ill?  
Away with this preciseness, wilt thou lie  
With patience under this? curse God and die.  
verse 10 But he, speak wiser, else ne'er silence break,  
Thouspeak'st as foolish women use to speak:  
Shall we take blessings from the hand of God,  
And shall we not with patience bear his rod?  
With lowliness submitting to the Lord:  
In all this Job uttered no sinful word.  
verse 11 When Jobs three friends heard of his changed estate,  
By Satan's malice and inveterate hate:  
With grief they trembling as 'twere in amaze,  
Each by appointment came from his own place,  
With sweetest comforts to revive his soul,  
And with their grief his misery condole:  
Bildad the Shuhite, Zophar from Naamah came  
With Eliphaz the Temanite by name.  
verse 12 As Travellers drawing near their journey's end,  
With more impatience for it look and tend:  
So these three friends look ere they yet draw nigh,  
The object of their pity to espy;  
But when they see, yet know him not, they weep  
With bitter lamentations, not can keep  
Longer their tears, as messengers they flow,  
Their height of love and pity both to show;  
They rend their robes, and sprinkled on their heads  
Dust towards heaven; so them their sorrow leads.  
verse 13 So they sat with him mourning on the ground  
Seven days and nights, before that any found  
One word to speak of; for they saw his grief  
Was very great, almost beyond relief.   

CHAP. III.  
verse 1 THese days once ended, Job, as one forlorn,  
In speaking cursed the day when he was borne?  
verse 2 And as afflicted with his pains he lies,  
In very anguish of his heart he cries:  
verse 3 Let the disastrous day of my sad birth  
For ever quite perish from off the earth;  
And let that night be in oblivion put,  
Wherein 'twas said, there is a manchild got.  
verse 4 Let it be covered with perpetual night,  
Let not the Lord regard it, nor the light  
Afford it but one comfortable ray,  
Whereby it may be known to be a day.  
verse 5 Let it a day of darkness still remain,  
Yea, let death bringing darkness it distain.  
Let clouds dwell on it, let it fearful be,  
As a most fatal day of misery.  
verse 6 As for the Night, let darkness on it seize,  
Let it not joined be among the days:  
Nor come among the Months, to make them less,  
Happy by its most omious access.  
verse 7 Yea let that night be desolate, no noise  
Of joy be heard therein, or pleasing voice.  
verse 8 Let them, whose mournings with the day their course  
Renew, on it lay their most heavy curse.  
verse 9 Let all the stars which in its twilight rise,  
Be darkened through the lowrings of the Skies.  
Let it expect the light, but none enjoy;  
Nor let it see the dawning of the day.  
verse 10 Because it did not in my Mother's womb  
Inclose my body, and make it my tomb;  
But clothing my frail flesh with life, me brought  
Of this sad cup to drink a deadly draught.  
verse 11 Why died I not before my birth? or why  
Assoon as I was born did I not die?  
verse 12 Why did the knees my coming not infest?  
Or why for nurture did I suck the breast?  
verse 13 Then had my woes prevented been by death,  
I had been quiet, lying void of breath:  
verse 14 With Councillors and Kings of highest race,  
I had enjoyed a quiet resting place;  
Whose living works to memorise their fame,  
To desert places gave a lasting name.  
verse 15 Or with great men whose treasuries with store,  
Were filled with silver and refined Ore.  
verse 16 As an untimely birth I then had been,  
Or as poor Infants which no light have seen.  
verse 17 There tyrants cease from troubling, and th'oppressed  
Wire irksome labour have a welcome rest.  
verse 18 Those who in prison lie, are quiet there,  
No voice of the oppressor do they hear.  
verse 19 The small and great all there together be,  
The abused servants from his Master free.  
verse 20 Why to that man is given gladsome light,  
Whose soul is lost in miseries long night?  
Or why to them the torment of a life,  
Whose souls are bitter through oppressing grief?  
verse 21 Who wish for death in vain, and seek it more  
Then hidden treasures, and the Earth's whole store.  
verse 22 Who with excess of gladness fill their mind,  
When they the quiet of the grave can find.  
verse 23 Why to that man is given light, whose way  
Is as a Labyrinth, leading him astray:  
Whom God as with an hedge hath compassed round,  
That to come out of's woe, no way is found?  
verse 24 My sigh daily come, my grief is great,  
I am perplexed that I cannot eat.  
My roar are so loud, all may them hear;  
Like water poured out so flow my tears.  
verse 25 For in my greatest happiness of all,  
I ever dreaded this my sudden fall.  
Which now is come with such a deadly stroke,  
As it to pieces all my bones hath broke.  
verse 26 I had no safety, quietness, nor rest,  
Yet trouble came, which hath my soul oppressed.   

CHAP. IU.  
verse 1 THus stopping Job: the Temanite began.  
verse 2 If we assay to speak to thee, vain man,  
Wilt thou be angry? who can patience have  
By foolish silence thus to let thee rave?  
verse 3 Thou art the same, whose grave instructions were  
To superstitious Vanities a Bar.  
Thou art the same, whose comfort and relief,  
Gave strength and joy to souls oppressed with grief.  
verse 4 As are strong pillars to uphold the weak,  
So were the words which thou didst daily speak:  
Weak knees even bowing under burdens great,  
To thee for strengthening comforts did retreat.  
verse 5 Thus wouldst thou others overwhelmed in grief,  
Help with divinest comforts and relief.  
But thou dost faint, now grief does thee assail,  
Thou art afflicted, and thy heart does fail.  
verse 6 Is not this all thy fear, thy confidence,  
Thy upright deal and thy patience?  
verse 7 Remember well, I pray thee, call to mind,  
If ere the innocent you falling find.  
Or in your long experience can you say,  
The upright dealer ever did decay.  
verse 8 But I have seen those that do mischief frame,  
Ploughing and sowing evil, reap the same.  
verse 9 They quickly perish by a sudden death,  
They are consumed by th' Almighty's breath.  
verse 10 The Lion's roaring voice, and by his stroke,  
The teeth of fiercest Lions whelps are broke.  
verse 11 The Lions range, yet want their sought-for prey,  
And the stout Lion's whelps abroad do stray.  
verse 12 I saw a secret vision, and mine ear  
Some little of it formerly did hear.  
verse 13 'Twas when Death's elder brother fast did keep,  
Poor mortals hoodwinked in a veil of sleep.  
First entered thoughts, than visions overspred  
With displayed banners, my sleep-drowned head.  
verse 14 Fear, dismal fear soon followed, which did make  
Such an impression, all my bones did shake.  
verse 15 A Spirit passed then before my face,  
Which frighted me into so great a maze;  
A dreadful horror in me I did feel,  
My hair stood upright, all my blood was steel.  
verse 16 It stood before me yet I could not see,  
At least discern its form, what it might be.  
An Image did appear before mine eyes,  
When lo, thus speaking, I did hear a voice;  
verse 17 Can it be thought that mortal man can be,  
More just than the All-judging Deity?  
Or shall frail flesh esteem itself more pure  
Than the All-good? Can he such thoughts endure?  
verse 18 Behold, even in his servants he could find  
No true faith's lustre shining in their mind:  
Nay th' Angels were impure, whom once he dight  
With his own glorious livery of light.  
verse 19 How much more foolish and impure are they,  
Whose hope consisteth in a house of clay?  
Whose chief foundations but in dust are laid,  
Which are before the moth again destroyed?  
verse 20 They are destroyed all the day, nor are  
They once regarded with one moan or tear.  
verse 21 Does not their glory quite forgotten lie?  
Even without wisdom as the fools they die.   

CHAP. V.  
verse 1 CAll now and see if thou canst any find  
That will return an answer to thy mind.  
Or wilt thou turn to any Saint? no Age  
Can garb a pattern fitting to thy rage.  
verse 2 The foolish dye in their repining fit,  
And wrathful envy kills the void of wit.  
verse 3 The wicked have I seen to prosper much,  
Yet at him never did repine or grudge.  
I cursed his dwelling, for I knew that God  
Had destined him to his destroying rod.  
verse 4 His children are possessed with daily fear  
Of fatal danger to attend them here.  
By public judgement they're condemned to die,  
And without help or pity crushed lie.  
verse 5 The hungry soul shall hate his harvest corn,  
Yea they shall take it from among the thorns:  
And who are thirsty shall their drought so slake,  
For drink their substance yet remaining take.  
verse 6 Though trouble comes not from the dust, we know,  
Nor yet affliction from the ground doth grow:  
verse 7 Yet still as man's short days and life increase,  
So do afflictions daily on him press;  
He's borne to travel, and in grief to die,  
As sparks are upwards from the coals to fly.  
verse 8 I'd seek to God, relying on his laws,  
And unto God would I commit my cause;  
verse 9 Which doth great things beyond the thought of man,  
And wonderful, whose number none can scan.  
verse 10 Who gives the former and the latter rain,  
To fill the earth with fruits, the fields with grain.  
verse 11 To set on high the lowly, and to raise  
Mourners from sorrow to Halcyon days.  
verse 12 Wise Politicians cannot so invent,  
But their devices he does disappoint;  
T' effect their purpose though they beat their brain,  
Yet still they find their enterprises vain.  
verse 13 The wise for future actions lay designs,  
And he their foolish wisdom countermines.  
He makes their plots be their own catching-baite,  
Whereby they others thought t'infatuate:  
But headlong counsels ever do attend  
The foolish, who to vice their courses bend.  
verse 14 They meet with darkness in the clearest light,  
And grope at noon as in the darkest night.  
verse 15 But from the raging sword the poor does save,  
And from their tongue, whose mouth's an open grave;  
And from oppressors violence, whose law  
Is only lucre without shame or awe.  
verse 16 The poor have hope when wickedness shall crop  
Her growing bud and vice her mouth shall stop.  
verse 17 That man is happy whom the Lord corrects,  
(He chasteneth most that Son he best affects)  
When he by trials shall thy soul refine,  
Be not cast down, nor at his rod repine.  
verse 18 He gives a wound, and bindeth up again:  
He maketh sore, and doth assuage the pain.  
verse 19 Thou in six troubles shalt untouched be,  
Yea, and in seven he will maintain thee free.  
verse 20 In time of famine he will give thee bread,  
Nor shall the sword of war once touch thy head.  
verse 21 Invective tongues shall ne'er thy credit scourge,  
Nor coming ruin thee to terror urge.  
verse 22 Though death and ruin rage, thou shalt have joy,  
Nor shall the fiercest beast thy rest annoy.  
verse 23 The very stones shall with thee be at peace;  
The beasts against thee enmity shall cease:  
verse 24 And thou shalt know thy dwellings shall be blest  
With sure foundations, and eternal rest:  
Thine habitations thou with joy mayst see,  
Yet shalt at crosses not offended be.  
verse 25 Thou shalt perceive the thriving of thy race,  
Thy seed too shall increase as doth the grass.  
verse 26 Thou being full of days shalt die, as Corn  
In season gathered comes into the Barn.  
verse 27 Lo, thus it is, we have it understood,  
Then do thou know and hear it for thy good.   

CHAP. VI  
verse 1 THen answered job; Oh that my grief were weighed,  
verse 2 And my afflictions in the balance laid.  
verse 3 'Twould be more heavy than the sand I know,  
That I want words convenient to my woe.  
verse 4 For the almighty's arrows in me are,  
Whose poison drinks my spirit, and flesh tear:  
And which is worst, my conscience doth me fright,  
The terrors of the Lord against me fight.  
verse 5 When he hath fodder doth the wild Ass bray?  
Or do the Oxen low when they have hay?  
verse 6 Can any palate relish, much less eat,  
Without tast-giving salt unsavoury meat?  
Or in the whites of eggs can any find  
A taste so good to satisfy his mind?  
verse 7 Such things as did my soul refuse to eat,  
Were, as are sorrows, my continual meat.  
verse 8 Oh that I might have granted my desire,  
And that the Lord would give what I require:  
verse 9 That God against my life would stretch his hand,  
And cut me off from living in the Land.  
verse 10 Then should I yet have comfort, for I would  
Harden myself in sorrow, though he should  
Dash me to pieces, for I still have shown  
And not denied the words o'th' Holy One.  
verse 11 What is my hope, that I shall yet endure?  
Or length of days why should I seek to assure?  
verse 12 Is my small vigour as the strength of stones?  
Of brazen hardness is my flesh and bones?  
verse 13 Is it not so, that there's no help, no joy  
In me? And Wisdom driven is away?  
verse 14 To the afflicted pity should be shown,  
And friendly help to such as sigh and groan.  
Now friends afflictions cannot draw one tear.  
Of the almighty men have left the fear.  
verse 15 As Brooks by Summers' drought do water want,  
verse 16 And then by Winter's frosts our hopes supplant;  
But when rain gives enough, are overflown,  
So have my friends deceitful been each one.  
And as the stream of Brooks they pass away,  
Giving nor help, nor comfort by their stay.  
verse 17 Now they are black with Ice and hid in snow,  
Then dry with heat, and are consumed so,  
verse 18 Or else inclining to another course,  
They vanish, losing both their name and force.  
verse 19 Who go to Tema, look the now-lost flood,  
And those of Sheba, seek the Watery road.  
verse 20 Both are confounded, for their hopes are gone,  
They came and sought, but Water find they none.  
verse 21 Sure ye are like them, ye have seen my grief  
And fear, or hope to give me, or relief.  
verse 22 Did I seek yours? Or did I ought require?  
Or of your substance a reward desire?  
verse 23 Or did I say, from foes deliver me?  
Or from the hand of Tyrants set me free?  
verse 24 Teach me and i'll be silent, let me know,  
Wherein I erred, my error I le forgo.  
verse 25 How forcible is truth? vain talk you love,  
For in me what offence can you reprove?  
verse 26 Think you to carp at words? or will you find  
With desperate speeches fault, which are as wind?  
verse 27 Yea in your wrath, the fatherless you rend,  
And dig a pit for your distresled friend.  
verse 28 Now therefore be content, look on my woe,  
And if I lie, 'tis evident to you.  
verse 29 Return. I pray you, let it not be sin,  
Return and see my righteousness herein.  
verse 30 Things misbeseeming did my tongue rehearse,  
Cannot my taste discover things perverse?   

CHAP. VII.  
verse 1 IS not a time appointed from his birth  
By Heaven's decree to man upon the Earth?  
Are not his days as those of hirelings are,  
Who for their wages must no labour spare.  
verse 2 As doth a servant, hot through work, desire  
Some cooling shade whereto he may retire.  
And as an hireling daily doth attend  
For the reward due when his work hath end:  
verse 3 So do I see months hoped for pass in vain,  
And nights returning to renew my pain.  
verse 4 When I lie down, I say, when shall I rise,  
And lowering night forsake the darkened skies.  
And I am full of toss to and fro  
Unto the dawning of the day through woe.  
verse 5 My plague is loathsome, all my flesh is clad  
With Worms and dust, no case is to be had.  
My skin is broken and in such a plight,  
That 'tis a loathsome eye fore to the sight.  
verse 6 Swifter than Weavers Shuttles pass my days,  
And without hope are spent, or shortest stays.  
verse 7 Oh call to mind, my life is but a blast,  
I shall no more see good, or pleasure taste.  
verse 8 I perish thence where I was seen before,  
Thy eyes are on me, and I am no more.  
verse 9 As watery clouds obscure the clearest day,  
Yet when disgorged of moisture, fade away;  
So he that goes to''th' quiet of the grave,  
No more the pleasures of this life shall have.  
verse 10 He shall no more come from his chosen urn,  
Nor to the place of his abode return.  
verse 11 With saddest plaints therefore I'll silence break,  
I will in anguish of my spirit speak.  
My catalogue of woes I will unroule,  
In bitterness of my perplexed soul.  
verse 12 Am I a Whale, or Sea, t'o'repass my bounds,  
That thus with watches thou besetst me round?  
verse 13 When I fore think my bed shall comfort give,  
My couch shall ease my plaints and me relieve.  
verse 14 Then with affrighting dreams thou dost me scare,  
And fearful visions all my solace are.  
verse 15 So that my soul would strangling, yea and death,  
Rather than draw in my so hateful breath.  
verse 16 I loathe it, I'd not live, die would I feign,  
Let me alone, my days are all but vain.  
verse 17 What's man, that thou shouldst magnify him yet,  
And that upon him thou thine heart shouldst set?  
verse 18 And that thou dost him visit every morn,  
And moment-tryals tell him, not forlorn?  
verse 19 Why wilt not leave me, nor let me alone,  
Till I my spittle may but swallow down.  
verse 20 Oh thou great men-preserver, now I see  
My passed sins, what shall I do to thee?  
Why hast thou as thy mark set me vile else,  
So that I am a burden to myself?  
verse 21 And why my trespass dost thou not forget,  
And take away my sin from out thy sight?  
I shall sleep hidden then within the ground,  
And if thou seek me I shall not be found.   

CHAP. VIII.  
verse 1 THen Bildad speaking did this answer make;  
verse 2 How long of these things wilt thou love to speak?  
And shall we still thy vainer speeches find,  
As are the quick-gone puffes of mighty wind?  
verse 3 Doth the Almighty judgement turn aside?  
Or doth perverted justice God abide?  
verse 4 If so thy sons were not of sin afraid,  
And he their trespass hath with death repaid.  
verse 5 If thou wouldst early seek to God, and send  
Thy prayers up to him, and his will attend.  
verse 6 If thou wert pure and upright, surely he  
Would now awake, to help and comfort thee;  
And with continued happiness would bless,  
The habitation of thy righteousness.  
verse 7 Though thy beginning were but small, yet peace  
Should crown thy latter end with great increase.  
verse 8 Inquire I pray thee, laying by thy rage,  
Of our forefather's, search the former Age.  
verse 9 (For of our dwelling here the surest state,  
Draws but from yesterday its longest date:  
We are unskilful, nothing know, alas!  
Our days on earth do as a shadow pass.)  
verse 10 Shall not they teach, and tell thee, and impart  
Things secret to thee from their knowing heart?  
verse 11 Without the mire can smallest rushes grow?  
Or flags where water doth not use to flow?  
verse 12 While in its greenness, and uncut it be,  
It before other herbs we withered see.  
verse 13 So are the paths of all that God forget,  
And hypocrites false hope their joy shall let.  
verse 14 Whose confidence shall be cut off, and's trust  
Shall be swept down as spider's web or dust.  
verse 15 Upon his house, his hope and strength shall rest,  
But it shall fall and not endure the test.  
Fast he shall hold it as a guard secure,  
But it shall fail his hope and not endure.  
verse 16 He's green before the Sun, which makes him grow,  
And in his Garden shooteth forth his bough.  
verse 17 About the Fountain wrapped are his roots,  
And in the place of stones appears his shoots.  
verse 18 If any shall destroy him from his place,  
Then none shall know that ever there it was.  
verse 19 Behold, he will rejoice for this his way,  
And others shall grow there another day.  
verse 20 See, God the perfect man will not destroy,  
Nor help the wicked in their sad annoy.  
verse 21 Until with laughing he do fill thy mouth,  
And make thy lips rejoice to see his truth.  
verse 22 As for thy foes who thee pursue with hate,  
Shame shall their clothing be, and woe their mate.  
And who their hands with vicious folly stain,  
Their dwelling places never shall remain.   

CHAP. IX.  
verse 1 THen answered Job, I know that this is sure,  
verse 2 But how should man before the Lord be pure?  
verse 3 If he would with him strive, when all is done,  
He cannot answer of a thousand one;  
verse 4 He is in heart all-knowing, and alwise,  
And powerful in strength, rending the skies:  
Who e'er hath prospered, or with wealth been blest,  
Which hath against the Lord hardened his breast?  
verse 5 Which doth remove the hills, and they not know,  
And in his anger doth them overthrow.  
verse 6 He doth the Earth remove out of her seat,  
So that the air its shaking pillars beat.  
verse 7 He bids the Sun, and lo it will not rise,  
And sealeth up the Stars within the Skies.  
verse 8 Himself alone the heaven abroad doth spread,  
And on the seas impetuous billows tread.  
verse 8 He doth Arcturus and Orion make,  
And Pleyades from him their being take:  
The chambers of the South his power own,  
With both the torrid and the frigid Zone.  
verse 10 Which doth great things beyond the reach of man.  
And wonders works, whose number none can scan.  
verse 11 Behold, he passeth by, he goes by me,  
Yet do I neither him perceive or see.  
verse 12 Behold, he by his power takes a prey,  
Who shall control him, or but say him nay?  
verse 13 If God his burning wrath will not withdraw.  
The proudest helps stoop under him with awe.  
verse 14 How much less shall I answer him, or mould  
My words with him an argument to hold?  
verse 15 Whom I'd not answer, though I righteous were,  
(For 'tis presumption such a thing to dare)  
I such rash foolish courses would not take,  
But supplication to my Judge would make.  
verse 16 If in my torments I to him had cried,  
And to my calling he had strait replied,  
Yet would I not my tried faith once cheer  
With hopes that to me he had bend an ear.  
verse 17 For why? he with a tempest breaks my bones,  
And multiplies without a cause my wounds.  
verse 18 He will not let me take (unwilling) breath,  
But fills my soul with bitterness of death.  
verse 19 If I of strength or youthful rigour speak,  
Lo, he is strong; a bow of steel he'll break.  
Or if of judgement, who shall ever dare  
To bring me ●o a pleading at the bar?  
verse 20 If I should think myself to justify,  
My condemnation my own words should be;  
If I should think perfect or just to seem,  
He me perverse and wicked would esteem.  
verse 21 Though I were perfect, yet in mine own eyes  
Would I not seem so; I'd my life despise.  
verse 22 This is one thing: and therefore did I say,  
He doth the wicked and the good destroy.  
verse 23 After the scourge, if sudden death be sent,  
he'll laugh at trial of the innocent.  
verse 24 The earth is given to the wicked, they  
In it the Sceptre and Dominion sway;  
The faces of the Judges he doth hid,  
They cannot justice see, but go aside:  
Or if not so, where then, or who is he,  
That can a reason show why these things be?  
verse 25 My days now swifter than a post do flee,  
They all are vanished, and no good do see.  
verse 26 As swiftest ships they passed are away,  
Or as an Eagle hasting to the prey.  
verse 27 If that I say I will my plaints forsake,  
Leave off my mournings, and some comfort take:  
verse 28 Then do I fear my woes, griefs me enfold,  
Knowing thou wilt not innocent me hold.  
verse 29 If I be wicked, why then still in vain  
Thus do I labour, lingering in my pain?  
verse 30 If with snow-water I myself do wash,  
And make my hands most clean from sinful trash:  
verse 31 Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, most vile  
I shall appear, yea my  me defile,  
verse 32 For he is not a man with flesh attired  
Like me, vile Creature, who in sin am mined;  
That if in judgement we together come,  
Should I him answer? nay, I should be dumb.  
verse 33 Nor is there any Umpire us between,  
On's both to lay his hand and intervene.  
verse 34 But let him take away his rod from me,  
Let not his fear my soul thus terrify.  
verse 35 Then would I speak and not fear any ill,  
But since it it is not so, I hold me still.   

CHAP. X.  
verse 1 MY soul's cut off, though painful life I have,  
I my complaint upon myself to leave;  
My catalogue of Woes I will unroule,  
And speak in anguish of my troubled soul.  
verse 2 I'll say to God, Condemn me not, but show  
Wherefore it is with me thou strivest so.  
verse 3 Doth it seem good to thee, that thou oppress  
Without a cause, and heighten my dirtress?  
Or without pity that thou shouldst despise  
Thine handiwork? is that thy wont guise?  
Or wilt thou let thy shining favour crown  
Perverse men's counsels, and yet cast me down?  
verse 4 And hast thou eyes of flesh, or dost thou see,  
As erring mortals, who unknowing be?  
verse 5 Are thy days fleeting, as the days of man?  
Or are thy years denoted in a span?  
verse 6 That of my faults thou dost enquiry make,  
And of my sin a view so narrow take.  
verse 7 Thou knowst I am not wicked, that I lie  
Restrained from sinning by my misery.  
Thou also knowst, none can so mighty be,  
Who may out of thine hand deliver me.  
verse 8 Thou didst my formeless lump fashion and make,  
Yet thou destroy'st me and my life dost take.  
verse 9 Thou all-Creator call to mind I pray,  
That thou hast made me as the brittle clay;  
And wilt thou scourge me in thy wrath with pain,  
And into dust convert my flesh again?  
verse 10 Hast thou not poured out like milk my lees,  
And into curds converted me as cheese?  
verse 11 Thou hast with skin and flesh my frailty clad,  
And all my joints and bones and sinews made.  
verse 12 Thy grace and favour too hath made me live,  
Thy providence my spirit did relieve.  
verse 13 And thou hast hid these things within thy heart,  
That this is with thee, know I for my part.  
verse 14 If I offend, thou markest me wherein,  
And wilt not hold me guiltless of my sin.  
verse 15 If I be wicked, woeful is my fate;  
If I be righteous in the world's conceit,  
Yet dare I will not to lift up my head.  
Both of confusion I am full and dread.  
See thou therefore my misery and grief,  
And of thy mercy send me some relief.  
verse 16 For why, alas, my daily woes renew  
With the uprising Sun; thou dost pursue  
Me as a faging Lion, and again,  
Show'st thyself wondrous to prolong my pain.  
verse 17 Thy plagues against me Lord thou dost increase,  
And wilt not let thine indignation cease.  
I am unsettled, yea and full of change,  
Sorrows against me do an army range.  
verse 18 Why didst thou then bring me from out the womb?  
Would I had died, or it had been my tomb;  
And that no mortal ever had me seen,  
That it might not be said, I once had been.  
verse 19 Then of not being I my wish should have,  
And from the womb been carried to the grave.  
verse 20 Are not my days few? let me then alone,  
That I by comforts may assuage my moan,  
verse 21 Before I go, whence no return can be  
Unto a land of gloomy misery.  
verse 22 A land of darkness, like to pitchy night,  
Or like that darkness which did Egypt fright:  
And of the shadow of most dreadful death,  
Whose light is darkness, and no order hath.   

CHAP. XI.  
verse 1 THy throngs of words, said the Naamathite,  
verse 2 Should we not answer, than you justly might  
Tax us of folly, and you upright be;  
But words their speaker cannot justify.  
verse 3 Should thy deceits make our advices cease,  
Or thy devices make men hold their peace?  
And when thou mockest, dost thou think no man  
Should for thy flouting make thee blush with shame?  
verse 4 Hast thou not said, my doctrine is most pure,  
And I my cleanness in thine eyes assure?  
verse 5 But Oh! that God would now against thee speak,  
And now at length his long-kept silence break.  
verse 6 That he'd unlock the most mysterious deep,  
Of sacred wisdom, which his treasures keep,  
That they are double to that ford of thine,  
From which thou boastest to be so divine:  
Then wouldst thou know thy sins did merit far,  
More heavy plagues then laid upon thee are.  
verse 7 Canst thou by curious search of thy mind,  
Presume on such a thought as God to find?  
Or canst thou tread the Dedalaean maze  
Of his perfection in thy span of days?  
verse 8 'Tis as the heights of Heaven, what canst thou do?  
Deeper than lowest hell, what canst thou know?  
verse 9 In measure longer than the earth can be,  
And broader than the world-surrounding sea.  
verse 10 If he cut off, shut up, or gather will,  
Who can him let his purpose to fulfil?  
verse 11 He knows vain men, he wickedness sees too;  
Will not he then give it his guerdon due?  
verse 12 Man would be wise, yet is a lumpish dolt,  
Yea, he is borne like a wild Ass' colt.  
verse 13 If with repentance thou thine heart prepare.  
And stretch out hands which purified are;  
verse 14 If thou with sin be laden, throwed away,  
And let it not dwell in thy house of clay:  
verse 15 Then shall thy spotless face exalted be,  
And thou shalt stand and no more terror see.  
verse 16 Thou shalt forget thy woe, enjoying good,  
And it remember as a bypast Flood.  
verse 17 Thou shalt be clearer than the day at noon,  
And shine as bright as doth the morning Sun,  
verse 18 Thy hope shall make thee to remain secure,  
And thou in safety shalt thyself immure.  
verse 19 Thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee fear,  
Yea many thee shall call their suits to hear.  
verse 20 But for the wicked, lo their eyes shall fail,  
They shall not scape, terror shall them assail:  
Yea all their hopes shall be cut off by death,  
And fly away as doth a puff of breath.   

CHAP. XII.  
verse 1 THen answered Job; yea, you the people are,  
verse 2 Who suck in wisdom as you draw in air;  
No doubt but you do understand alone,  
And wisdom too shall die when you are gone.  
verse 3 But be not so deceived; I understand  
As well as you, I'll never give the hand  
To the most self-conceited among you:  
For who such things as these are doth not know?  
verse 4 I am as one mocked of his friends, who call  
Upon my God, who answers me in all;  
The wicked Atheist laugheth him to scorn,  
Whose mind pure justice doth with grace adorn.  
verse 5 Whose feet are sliding in a slippery place,  
Is as a Lamp scorned by one at ease.  
verse 6 The place of robbers prospers; they're secure,  
Who to provoke the Lord themselves enure.  
verse 7 But ask the beasts, they shall to thee declare,  
The fowls shall teach thee from amids the air:  
verse 8 Or ask the earth, it will thee wisdom show,  
The very fishes will the same thing do.  
verse 9 As not to know in these, who is so rude  
That God doth this with mighty power endued;  
verse 10 In whose disposal in the life of man,  
And every living soul comes from his hand?  
verse 11 Doth not the ear distinguish sounds? and meat  
Doth not the palate taste before it eat?  
verse 12 Wisdom is taken for the crown of age,  
With long life understanding mounts the Stage.  
verse 13 Wisdom and strength do the Almighty cloth  
He counsel hath, and understanding both:  
verse 14 He breaketh down, and none can build again;  
He shutteth up, and who can open then?  
verse 15 Lo, he with holds the waters, and they dry,  
He sends them out, and o'er the world they fly.  
verse 16 With him both strength and sacred wisdom is,  
Both the deceiver and deceived are his.  
verse 17 The Counsellors he leads unto the spoil,  
And in their folly doth the Judge's foil.  
verse 18 The bond he looseth of most mighty Kings,  
And round about their loins a girdle brings.  
verse 19 He spoileth Princes, and doth overthrow  
The mighty ones in an Abyss of woe.  
verse 20 He from the faithful counsel takes away,  
And from the aged understanding stay.  
verse 21 He powers contempt on Princes with his frown,  
And brings the strength of the most mighty down.  
verse 22 He unveils secrets from the mist of night.  
And brings the very shade of death to light,  
verse 23 Sometimes he'll ruin Nations, sometimes bless,  
Now he'll enlarge, anon he'll make them less.  
verse 24 He doth the leaders of the earth assail,  
And makes their hearts in midst of mirth to fail;  
Making them wander in a desert maze,  
Where neither paths are, nor frequented ways.  
verse 25 They grope in darkness, looking pale and wan;  
He makes them stagger like a drunken man.   

CHAP. XIII.  
verse 1 BEhold, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear  
The same did daily understand and hear:  
verse 2 What ye do know, the same I also do,  
I am no whit inferior unto you.  
verse 3 For you I care not, sure my thoughts are higher;  
With God to speak, and reason I desire.  
verse 4 But ye to me as Sycophants do seem,  
Ye are Physicians all of no esteem.  
verse 5 A modest silence would your wisdom show  
More than this babbling: Oh that 'twould be so.  
verse 6 Harken to me, my arguments now hear,  
And to my plead give attentive ear.  
verse 7 You folly speak, and make God your pretence,  
And talk deceit of him with confidence.  
verse 8 Will ye exceptions at his person make?  
Think you he wants your strength his part to take?  
verse 9 Think you it well, that he of you should seek?  
As for a man, lies for him will you make?  
verse 10 He will reprove you both as fools and vain,  
If ye men's persons do accept for gain.  
verse 11 Shall not his Majesty make you afraid?  
Shall not his Anger make you quail with dread?  
verse 12 Your memories like ashes fly away,  
Your bodies liken bodies too of clay.  
verse 13 Hold, hold your peace, let me alone, I say,  
That I may speak, let come what will or may.  
verse 14 My flesh as famished, why do I devour,  
And put my life in peril every hour?  
verse 15 Although he slay me, in him will I trust,  
But mine own ways I will maintain and must.  
verse 16 He shall to me a Saviour be most dear,  
And hypocrites before him shan't appear.  
verse 17 My declaration diligently hear;  
Attend my speech with an attentive ear.  
verse 18 Behold, my cause I have in order set,  
And know I shall be justified by it.  
verse 19 Who is he that will plead with me? If I  
Be forced now to silence, I shall die.  
verse 20 Only let not two things to me betid,  
Then I myself from thee will never hid.  
verse 21 Let him withdraw his hand away from me,  
Let not thy fear my soul thus terrify.  
verse 22 Then if thou call, lo, I will answer thee,  
Or let me speak, and answer thou to me.  
verse 23 How many are my sins? make me to know  
My past transgressions, and my sins forgo.  
verse 24 Why hidest thou thy face? why dost thou hold  
Me for thine enemy professed and bold?  
verse 25 Will't thou a leaf break, driven by the wind?  
Or to pursue dry stubble dost thou mind?  
verse 26 For thou against me writest bitter things,  
My sins of youth now plagues upon me brings.  
verse 27 Thou putst me into prison, and my way  
Thou narrowly observest all the day:  
My heels thou markest and my feet espy;  
My steps thou notest if they tread awry.  
verse 28 And as a rotten thing he fades away,  
As a motheaten garment doth decay.   

CHAP. XIV.  
verse 1 MAn that is borne of woman hath a life  
Though short of days, yet full of troublous strife.  
verse 2 He as a flower springeth forth and blossoms,  
But cropped before the time of ripeness comes.  
And as a shadow he does fly away,  
Either without continuance or stay.  
verse 3 And dost thou such an one behold and see,  
And into judgement bringest me with thee?  
verse 4 Will nature changed be? a cleaner thing  
Out of an unclean mass what man can bring,  
verse 5 Seeing his days appointed are, and thou  
The number of his months and bounds dost know?  
verse 6 Turn but thine hand from him, that rest he may,  
Till as an hireling he make up his day.  
verse 7 For of a tree some hope doth yet remain,  
Although cut down, that it will sprout again;  
And that its tender branch yet will not cease,  
But budding first, further at length increase.  
verse 8 Although its root grow old within the ground,  
And in the earth its stock decayed be found;  
verse 9 Yet through the sent of water will it sprout,  
And like a plant, green boughs afresh shoot out.  
verse 10 But man, poor man does die, and waste, and flee;  
He giveth up the Ghost, and where is he?  
verse 11 As Rivers fail to run into the Sea,  
And so the flood doth dry up and decay;  
verse 12 So man lies down and rises not again,  
Until the heavens no more be, or remain:  
They shall not waken, but shall silence keep,  
Nor shall they raised be out of their sleep.  
verse 13 Oh that the grave might be a hiding place,  
Wherein to hid me till thy wrath to pass:  
And that thou wouldst appoint a time wherein  
Thou wouldst think on me, and forgive my sin.  
verse 14 If once man fail by stroke of looked-for death,  
Shall he yet live again and draw his breath?  
The days of my appointed time I'll wait,  
Until my change my pains abreviate.  
verse 15 Thou shalt call me, and I will answer make,  
Thou in thy workmanship wilt pleasure take.  
verse 16 For now my steps thou numbrest, and dost note;  
Dost thou not watch over my acted fault?  
verse 17 My sin, as in a bag, is sealed fast,  
And my transgression sewed up thou hast.  
verse 18 The mountains falling come to nought, sure 'tis,  
And from his place the rock removed is:  
verse 19 The waters wear the stones: the things that grow  
Thou spoilest, and man's hope dost overthrow.  
verse 20 Thou dost prevail against him, and he's gone,  
His countenance thou changest, and he's done.  
verse 21 His sons though great, unknown to him's their lot,  
They are dejected, but he knows it not.  
verse 22 His flesh upon him shall be pained sore,  
And's soul within him shall for anguish roar.   

CHAP. XV.  
verse 1 THen Eliphaz: Should wise men folly mind,  
verse 2 And fill their belly with the Eastern wind?  
verse 3 Should he with talk unprofitable frame,  
His arguing reasons, or with speeches vain?  
verse 4 Yea, off thou castest reverential fear,  
And dost restrain before the Lord thy prayer.  
verse 5 For lo thy mouth thine own transgression shows,  
And thou the tongue dost of the crafty use.  
verse 6 And thine own mouth condemneth thee, not I;  
Yea, thine own lips against thee testify.  
verse 7 Wert thou the first of all men born, or had  
You a beginning, ere the hills were made?  
verse 8 Hast thou Gods secret heard, and dost restrain  
Wisdom and policy to thine own brain?  
verse 9 Wherein doth thy experience overreach  
Our knowledge? or wherein us canst thou teach?  
verse 10 With us grey headed men and aged are,  
Yea much more aged then thy fathers were.  
verse 11 With thee are all God's consolations small?  
Is there with thee one secret thing at all?  
verse 12 Why doth thine heart lead thee astray? or why,  
Or whereat dost thou wink with wicked eye?  
verse 13 That God thou thus despisest without dread,  
And lettest such words out of thy mouth proceed.  
verse 14 What are frail mortals that they should be clean,  
And think themselves from wickedness to wean?  
Or he that's of a woman born that he  
Himself so righteous should esteem to be?  
verse 15 To trust his Saints, Lo he takes no delight,  
Yea and the heavens unclean are in his sight:  
verse 16 How much more filthy and impure is man,  
Who doth like water drink transgression.  
verse 17 Behold, I'll show thee, listen then and hear,  
Only what I have seen I will declare.  
verse 18 Which wisemen have from their forefathers told,  
And did not from their children it withhold.  
verse 19 To whom alone the earth was given, and  
No strangers passed among them in the Land.  
verse 20 The wicked man travels with daily pain,  
And yet of years the number cannot gain.  
verse 21 A dreadful sound is in his ears; the foe,  
In his most prosperous time shall on him flow.  
verse 22 He out of darkness credits no return;  
The sword waits for him, yet he does not mourn.  
verse 23 For bread he wanders seeking through the Land,  
He knows the day of darkness is at hand.  
verse 24 Trouble shall terrify, and anguish fright,  
And foil him, as a King prepared for fight.  
verse 25 For against God he stretcheth out his hand,  
Against th' Almighty he himself doth band.  
verse 26 He runneth on him, even on his neck,  
On his defensive bucklers bosses thick;  
verse 27 Because with fatness he his face doth hid,  
And makes fat collops on his flanks and side.  
verse 28 He dwells in Cities which are desolate,  
And in the houses where none habitate:  
In places which so full of ruins are,  
That nothing but deformed heaps appear.  
verse 29 He never shall be rich in his revenue,  
Nor shall his gathered substance long continue:  
Neither shall he prolong upon the earth,  
It's small perfection, or for gain or mirth.  
verse 30 He shall not out of darkness get, the flame  
Shall dry up his branches, and burn up his name;  
And by the breath which from God's mouth doth fly,  
He shall consume, and go away, and die.  
verse 31 Let not deceived men trust in things vain,  
For vanity shall them reward again.  
verse 32 It shall be e'er his time accomplished seen,  
And his now-dying branch shall not be seen.  
verse 33 His unripe grape, as Vines, shake off shall he,  
And cast his flower as the Olive tree.  
verse 34 For hypocrites shall perish from their Place,  
And fire the place of brib'ries shall deface.  
verse 35 They bring forth air, conceiving mischiefs great,  
Their belly also doth prepare deceit.   

CHAP. XVI.  
verse 1 THen job: I have heard many such like things,  
verse 2 Even all of you most wretched comfort bring.  
verse 3 Shall vain words have an end? or else whereby  
Art thou emboldened, that thou art so high?  
verse 4 I too could speak as ye do; if your soul  
Were in my poor souls place, I could a roll  
Of words heap up against you: and in stead  
Of giving comfort, at you shake my head.  
verse 5 But with my mouth, I'd strengthen your relief,  
And with my moving lips assuage your grief.  
verse 6 Although I speak, my grief yet doth not cease;  
And though I do forbear, I have no ease.  
verse 7 But he hath tired and me weary made,  
And my companions desolate hath laid.  
verse 8 Thou hast with wrinkles furrowed my face,  
Which are against me in a witness place;  
My leanness in me, through my grief and fear,  
Even to my very face doth witness bear.  
verse 9 My foe doth tear me in his wrath; his eyes  
And teeth he sharpening, doth my hurt devise.  
verse 10 They gaped on me, and with reproach did smite  
My cheek; to meet against me they delight.  
verse 11 God me delivered to the ungodlies bands,  
And turned me over into wicked hands.  
verse 12 I was at ease, but lo, he hath me broke,  
And by the neck, me, wretched me hath took.  
And hath my afflicted body even slain.  
And set me as the mark whereat he'll aim.  
verse 13 He cleaves my reins in sunder without spare,  
Yet doth regard nor my complaint nor prayer,  
His Archers have about beset me round,  
He poureth out my gall upon the ground.  
verse 14 With daily breaches he doth me amerce,  
He runs upon me like a Giant fierce.  
verse 15 I have sowed sackcloth on me, as was just,  
And have defiled mine honour in the dust.  
verse 16 My face is foul with weeping, so's my breath,  
And on my eyelids is the shade of death.  
verse 17 Not that my hands injustice can endure,  
Aso my prayer before the Lord is pure.  
verse 18 Cover not thou my blood, O Earth, and let  
My doleful cry in thee no place get.  
verse 19 Also behold, my witness is on high,  
And my best record is above the sky.  
verse 20 My friends despise me, making mows and jeers,  
But yet mine eye pour out to God my tears.  
verse 21 O that one might with God for frail man plead,  
As for his friend another may at need.  
verse 22 When but few years are come, then shall I go,  
The way whereby I shall return no more.   

CHAP. XVII.  
verse 1 MY breath is grown corrupt, short are my days  
And for the ready graves I am a prey.  
verse 2 Are there not mockers with me? done't mine eye,  
Too long within their provocations lie.  
verse 4 Lay down now, put in surety which I like,  
Who is he that with me his hands will strike?  
verse 4 For thou hast hid their heart from wisdoms things,  
Thou shalt therefore them to honour bring.  
verse 5 He that doth cheat his friends with flattering tongue,  
His children's eyes shall fail for such his wrong.  
verse 6 The people's byword he made me, (alas!)  
And as a tabret I aforetime was.  
verse 7 Mine eye is dim by reason of my pain,  
And all my members as a shade are vain.  
verse 8 At this shall be amazed men upright,  
And the innocent shall vex the hypocrite.  
verse 9 The righteous shall hold on his way, and so  
He that hath cleansed hands shall stronger grow.  
verse 10 As for you all return and listen now,  
For I one wiseman cannot find with you.  
verse 11 My days are past, my purposes are done,  
The very thoughts within my heart are flown.  
verse 12 They change the Night into a lightsome day,  
The light is short, darkness it drives away.  
verse 13 If I do wait, my house the grave is made,  
And in the darkness I my bed have laid.  
verse 14 Unto corruption I have said forlorn,  
Thou art my father: to the silly Worm,  
Thou art my mother, and my sister too,  
Whose weak simplicity my frailty show.  
verse 15 And where is now my hope? as for my hope  
Who shall it see, and know his drift and scope?  
verse 16 They shall into the pit go; when we have  
Our rest together in the quiet grave.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
verse 1 HOw long wilt be, said Bildad; see you make  
verse 2 An end of words; mark us, & then we'll speak.  
verse 3 Wherefore as beasts are we accounted slight,  
And as most vile, reputed in thy sight?  
verse 4 He tears himself in's wrath: shall th' earth be left  
For thee or rocks removed be, or cleft?  
verse 5 The light of wicked men shall fade and die;  
The sparkles of their fire shall dying lie.  
verse 6 In his house light and darkness are the same;  
His lamp shall fail too with his perished name.  
verse 7 His straightened steps shall make his strength to fail,  
And his own counsel make him fall and quail.  
verse 8 He goes into a net at unaware,  
And walks on (laid to catch himself) a snare.  
verse 9 The waylaid grin shall take him by the heel,  
And against him the robber shall prevail.  
verse 10 Upon the ground for him a snare they lay,  
And spread a trap to take him in the way.  
verse 11 Terrors of death shall fright him every where,  
And drive him to a hasty flight for fear.  
verse 12 His strength shall fail for hunger, and beside  
Nought but destruction shall to him betid.  
verse 13 It shall devour his skin with tedious length,  
The firstborn of grim death shall eat his strength.  
verse 14 His confidence shall from his house be fled,  
And it shall bring him to the King of Dread  
verse 15 It in his house shall dwell, because of right  
'Tis none of his; Brimstone shall on it light.  
verse 16 His root shall whither, and dry up below,  
Yea and his branch above shall cease to grow.  
verse 17 His name shall be forgotten, and his birth,  
Shall be no more remembered on the earth.  
verse 18 Out of the world he shall be chased quite,  
And driven into darkness out of light.  
verse 19 He shall nor Son, nor nephew have, nor land,  
Nor aught remaining in his house to stand.  
verse 20 They that come after, shall b'affeighted more,  
At this his day, than those who went before.  
verse 21 Such is the house of worldlings, such their rod,  
This is the place of them who know not God.   

CHAP. XIX.  
verse 1 THen Job: How long will ye thus vex my foul,  
verse 2 And me in pieces break with words so foul?  
verse 3 Ten times have ye reproached me with blame,  
Yet of your strangeness to me have no shame.  
verse 4 Be it indeed that I have erred, vile elf,  
Mine error yet remaineth with myself.  
verse 5 If ye yourselves will magnify indeed,  
And my reproach against me surely plead;  
verse 6 Know now that God hath me quite overset,  
And hath my feet encompassed with his net.  
verse 7 Lo, I cried out of wrong, but none doth hear,  
I cry aloud, but judgement don't appear.  
verse 8 He fenced has my way, I cannot pass,  
And he hath set sad darkness in my place.  
verse 9 He strips me of my glory, and doth tread  
On me; He takes the Crown from off my head.  
verse 10 He hath destroyed me, and I'm gone; and he  
My long-lived hope hath moved like a tree.  
verse 11 His wrath is kindled to increase my woe,  
And he accounts me as his daring foe.  
verse 12 His troops besiege me, and defence their ways,  
They do encamp about my dwelling place.  
verse 13 He makes my brethren from me too too strange,  
And my acquaintance will not know my change.  
verse 14 My Kin have failed, and my well known friends  
Forget my passed love for my amends.  
verse 15 My household for a stranger took me quite,  
I am an alien in my maiden's sight:  
verse 16 I called my servant, he no answer gave,  
And I entreated with my mouth my slave.  
verse 17 My Wife as strange my loathed breath did take,  
Though I did beg for mine own children's sake.  
verse 18 Young children also did me wretch despise;  
They speak against me, when I did arise.  
verse 19 My inward friends abhor me, cause I mourn;  
They whom I loved, do against me turn.  
verse 20 My bones cleave to my skin, and to my flesh;  
I am consumed with this cruel lash.  
verse 21 Have pity on me, O my friends, for God  
Hath scourged me sorely with a heavy rod.  
verse 22 As God, why do you persecute me still;  
And are not sated with my flesh's fill?  
verse 23 Oh that my words were written now in frame,  
That they were printed in the book of fame.  
verse 24 That they were graven with an iron pen,  
And laid i'th' Rock for ever to remain.  
verse 25 For why, I know that my Redeemer lives,  
(Who just rewards to his true servants gives)  
And at the latter day that he shall stand,  
The wicked to condemn and judge the Land:  
verse 26 And though my skin and body worms destroy,  
Yet in my flesh I shall see God with joy;  
verse 27 Whom I shall see in this same very mould,  
And mine eyes, not another, shall behold.  
Although my reins consumed be with grief,  
Within my bosom without least relief.  
verse 28 But ye should say, why persecuted's he,  
Seeing the chiefest matter's found in me.  
verse 29 Fear ye the sword, wrath brings it as its right,  
That ye may know, a judgement's there upright.   

CHAP. XX.  
verse 1 THen Zophar said: My thoughts no time will waste,  
verse 2 But make me answer, yea for this I hast.  
verse 3 I have observed the check of my reproach,  
Which makes my spirit thus an answer broach.  
verse 4 Know'st thou not this of old, since man on earth  
From God received a created birth.  
verse 5 That though the wicked triumph in his joy,  
Yet in a minute grief will him annoy;  
And the dissemblers mirth shall only last  
A moment, and then perish like a blast.  
verse 6 Although his honour in the heaven he shrouds,  
And though his head aspire unto the clouds;  
verse 7 Yet shall he perish like his dung, and they  
Which once have seen him, where is he? shall say.  
verse 8 As doth a dream, so he away shall flee,  
And none shall find where such an one could be.  
And as a sudden motion frights a way,  
A mighty vision: so is his decay.  
verse 9 The eye that saw him, him no more shall see,  
Nor in his dwelling shall he henceforth be.  
verse 10 His children shall be forced to please the poor,  
And his own hands their taken goods restore.  
verse 11 His sins of youthful days he bears and must,  
For they shall lie down with him in the dust.  
verse 12 Though to his palate wickedness be sweet,  
And though his tongue taste it as pleasant meat.  
verse 13 Although he spare and will not from it part,  
But keep it still both in his mouth and heart:  
verse 14 Yet shall his meat within his bowels turn,  
It as the gall of Asps shall in him burn.  
verse 15 He fond thinking none or knew or saw,  
Hath swallowed riches with a greedy maw:  
But he shall them disgorge, though ne'er so stout,  
For from his belly God shall bring them out.  
verse 16 The rankest poison he shall suck of Asps,  
The viper's tongue him in the grave shall clasp.  
verse 17 He doth not to the Brooks, Floods, Rivers go,  
That do with honey and with butter flow.  
verse 18 When he expects the benefit to reap,  
Of all his passed labours, and to heap  
Rest to himself, he shall it not digest,  
But shall restore thereof the very best.  
As is his substance shall his payment be,  
Yet to rejoice therein none may him see.  
verse 19 Because he did with violence oppress,  
And after leave the poor in their distress;  
Because by wrongful force he took away,  
His neighbour's house, his lively hood and stay,  
verse 20 He in his belly shall diseases have,  
That which he most desires he shall not save.  
verse 21 There shall be of his meat a great defect,  
None therefore shall his wicked goods expect.  
verse 22 In all the fullness of his pride, and height  
Of his possessions, he shall be in straight:  
The wicked shall oppress him with their force;  
And every hand shall vex him in their course.  
verse 23 When he expects of his now-ripe-growne fruit  
To taste, God quickly him from th' earth shall root;  
The fury of his wrath shall on him rain  
While he is eating, and doth doubt no pain.  
verse 24 While from the sword he flees, the bow of steel  
Shall strike him thorough, following his heel.  
verse 25 'Tis drawn out of the body at his fall,  
The glistering sword doth come out of his gall.  
verse 26 Terrors are on him, nought but darkness sad  
Within his dwelling ever shall be bad.  
A fire not blown shall him of life bereave,  
And in his place quick ruin none shall leave.  
verse 27 The very heavens his fullgrown sin shall show,  
And the earth against him shall a rebel grow.  
verse 28 The large increase of his so stately place  
Shall in the day of wrath fly thence apace.  
verse 29 This is the wickeds portion: even the rod,  
Which as a livings given them by God.   

CHAP. XXI.  
verse 1 BUt Job replied: my speeches now attend,  
verse 2 Which to your comfort all their reason bend.  
verse 3 But let me speak, and after I have spoke  
If ye think good, ye may proceed to mock.  
verse 4 Is my complaint to man? if't were, yet why  
Should not my soul be troubled, yea, and cry?  
verse 5 Mark well my terrors, and amazed stand,  
Andon your mouth so silenced lay your hand.  
verse 6 When I remember, I am full of fear,  
My Flesh doth tremble, and my hair doth stare.  
verse 7 Why do the wicked live, increase in wealth,  
And aged grow through long continued health?  
verse 8 Their children prosper in their sinful lives,  
And in their sight their settled offspring thrives.  
verse 9 Their houses are secure through peace: no dread  
Or cross approaching once their fearless head.  
verse 10 Their Bullock's breed, not once receiving wrong,  
Their Cows bring forth no dead abortive young.  
verse 11 Their Sons are many, as a flock of sheep,  
Who mirthful meetings for their lusts do keep.  
verse 12 The harp and tabret do their joys make ripe,  
In measures tripping to the Organ-pipe.  
verse 13 They spend their days in luxury, and have  
No dread, till death doth throw them quick in grave.  
verse 14 Who say to God most wise, that crownes their days,  
Depart, we have no will to know thy ways.  
verse 15 What's this Almighty? who this God? what cause  
Have we to addict our service to his laws.  
Suppose, we pray to this so talked a King,  
What profit would our vain spent hours bring?  
verse 16 See, strait these bragger's with their wealth are gone,  
'Twas only lent by God, and not their own.  
If so, their riches are a snare: O then,  
Preserve me from the blisses of such men.  
verse 17 How oft the wicked fail even with a puff,  
Their credit dying like a candle's snuff.  
God in his wrath will them divide and raze,  
The wicked shall not live out half their days.  
verse 18 They shall before the wind as stubble be,  
Like chaff by stormy blasts driven, so they flee.  
verse 19 For Parents sin (so strict a Judge is God)  
He on their children oft inflicts his rod.  
This he shall know, this he shall plainly see,  
When he to merit shall rewarded be.  
verse 20 His eyes shall see his own, and off springs fall,  
And of God's wrath shall drink the very gall.  
verse 21 For when his days are shortened, what vile pleasure  
Hath he in's house, or late relinquished treasure?  
verse 22 Shall any teach God knowledge, or reprove  
His acts as ill, who judgeth from above?  
verse 23 One in his height of strength and best of days,  
Dyes, even choked with too much wealth and ease;  
verse 24 His breast and bones of milk and marrow full,  
Which cares and crosses never did annul.  
verse 25 Another lives a life far worse than death,  
Drawing an irksome with a careful breath.  
verse 26 They both shall die alike, and in the grave  
Their rotting bodies worms for meat shall have.  
verse 27 Behold I know your private closest thoughts,  
Where with you'd wrong me; I foresee the plots.  
verse 28 Where does, ye cry, this Prince's Palace stand?  
Where is the dwelling of the wicked man?  
verse 29 Ask them that pass, and travel by the way,  
And mark their tokens, hear what they will say.  
verse 30 Are not the wicked to a ruin kept,  
That by the day of wrath they may be swept?  
verse 31 Who shall his error to his face declare,  
His sin to blame, or punish who shall dare.  
verse 32 Yet he to his appointed grave shall come,  
And lie concealed in a tragic tomb.  
verse 33 The slimy valley to him shall be sweet;  
Him some precede, some follow, some do meet.  
verse 34 How then do all your comforts prove but vain,  
Since in your answers falsehood doth remain.   

CHAP. XXII.  
verse 1 THen Eliphaz replied; may man indeed  
verse 2 To God bring profit, as he may proceed  
In his affairs who's wise in worldly things,  
Whose very action daily profit brings?  
verse 3 If so thou art upright, what can it yet  
Profit th' Almighty? can he gain by it?  
verse 4 Will he reprove thee as possessed with fear?  
Will he his judgements at thy will forbear?  
verse 5 Hast thou not greatly multiplied thy sin?  
Have not thy faults innumerable been?  
verse 6 Thou hast for nought thy brother made a prey,  
And from the naked ta'en their  a way.  
verse 7 With drink the weary thou didst not relieve,  
Nor to the hungry of thy bread didst give:  
verse 8 But to the mighty still was added more,  
Thy hand and power increased the rich man's store.  
verse 9 The widow's tears ne'er made thee to relent,  
Thou hast oppressed Orphans empty sent.  
verse 10 Therefore in every path is laid a snare;  
Thy soul shall be perplexed with sudden fear.  
verse 11 Or dismal darkness that thou canst not see,  
Afflictions shall like water cover thee.  
verse 12 Ah! Is not God in heaven? Behold the sky,  
And view the stars beyond our wonder high.  
verse 13 Canst thou yet say, how should th' Almighty know?  
Can he judge through the clouds? tush, surely no.  
verse 14 They are a veil through which he cannot see,  
Walking in heaven, what our offences be;  
verse 15 But hold, hast thou observed that worldly way,  
Wherein of old the wicked went astray?  
verse 16 Who e'er they thought of death were snatched away,  
And their foundations swallowed by the sea.  
verse 17 Who say to God, depart, we will not fear,  
What can th' Almighty do, for which we care?  
verse 18 Yet he increased their stock, and filled their store  
With sought-for wedges of refined Ore.  
Yet never let me from thy truth so err,  
As these men's counsels justly to prefer.  
verse 19 The righteous see it, and rejoice withal,  
And who are guiltless laugh and scorn their fall.  
verse 20 Whereas our substance stands untouched: but fire  
The ruin of their remnant shall conspire.  
verse 21 Therefore return to him and make thy peace,  
So shalt thou prosper, and thy trouble cease.  
verse 22 Receive his Law, I pray: and in thine heart  
Lay up his words; thence let them never start.  
verse 23 If thou return, he will repair the breach,  
And thou shalt put profaneness from thy reach.  
verse 24 Thou shalt hoard gold as dust, with gold of Ophir,  
Even as with stones thou shalt fill full thy Coffer.  
verse 25 Yea the Almighty shall be thy defence,  
Plenty of silver shall delight thy sense.  
verse 26 In the Almighty thou shalt then delight,  
And in his presence lift thy face upright.  
verse 27 Then shall be hear and answer when you pray,  
And in thy zeal then shalt thou vow and pay.  
verse 28 Thou shalt decree, and he shall make it sure,  
And all thy ways his favour shall procure.  
verse 29 When others fall, then shalt thou say, I have  
A lifting up; God will the humble save.  
verse 30 The just shall save the Land, yea it shall be  
Preserved by the goodness that's in thee.   

CHAP. XXIII.  
verse 1 BUt job replied: my plaints most bitter grow;  
verse 2 My wound is greater than my grief can show.  
verse 3 Oh that I might my angry God but meet,  
That I might be admitted to his seat!  
verse 4 Then would I plead my cause before his face,  
And with my reasons make him know my case.  
verse 5 I would his answer know, and understand  
What he would say, or what he would command.  
verse 6 Will he his power against my frailty use,  
O no, an answering strength he will infuse.  
verse 7 There might the just dispute with him, so I  
Should from my Judge be made for ever free.  
verse 8 If I go to the East, he is not there;  
If to the West, yet will he not appear.  
verse 9 I find him not, though I the North surround,  
He's hidden in the South, and is not found.  
Forward and backward, he? e and there I spy,  
Yet all my searches cannot him descry.  
verse 10 But he knows all my ways; and when I'm tried,  
I shall come forth like silver purified.  
verse 11 My foot hath held his steps most equally,  
I've kept his way, and have not gone awry.  
verse 12 I have not turned my back upon his law,  
Nor from his precepts did myself withdraw.  
I did esteem his words as far more good  
Unto my soul, then to my body food.  
verse 13 But he is constant, who can change him then?  
He doth his pleasure to the sons of men.  
verse 14 He will perform what is decreed of me,  
And something doth, we can nor know, nor see.  
verse 15 I tremble at his presence, I fall down,  
When I consider, than I fear his frown.  
verse 16 The Lord hath made my heart from hardness free,  
And the Almighty hath afflicted me.  
verse 17 I am afflicted, but not quite destroyed,  
Although I know not why I am annoyed.   

CHAP. XXIV.  
verse 1 CAn the All-knowing God, to whom obey  
Days, times and hours, be ignorant how they  
Do pass or circle? whence proceeds, if then  
That those who know him not, most wicked men,  
Can see his days, and think to force his will,  
To bear their crimes, and luxuries fulfil?  
verse 2 The Landmarks some remove, and take away  
The flocks, and feed upon them as their prey.  
verse 3 The Orphan's Ass they drive away unbought,  
And take the widow's Ox to pledge for nought.  
verse 4 The needy they misled, and make them glad  
Of Caves to keep them from a life more sad.  
verse 5 Lo, as wild Asses in the desert do,  
So to their business do these wretches go,  
Rising for pr●y: they will not be withstood;  
The Desert yields them and their children food.  
verse 6 They reap the poor man's corn, while yet it grew,  
And pull the vintage of their very crew.  
verse 7 They make the naked without clothing lie,  
And through extremity of cold to die.  
verse 8 Showers of the mountain wet their naked skin,  
And they embrace the rocks for covering.  
verse 9 They pluck Orphans from their mother's breast,  
And take the pledge from men with need oppressed.  
verse 10 From his half-naked back his clothes they pull,  
And take their gleaning from the hungry soul.  
verse 11 Yea those who make their oil, & for their wine,  
Tread in their presses, suffer thirst and pine.  
verse 12 Men through extortion in the City groan,  
They weep, and suffer, and unpitied, moan.  
The crying blood of slain even preacheth woe,  
Yet God unpunished lets their folly go.  
verse 13 These, these are they that so abhor the light,  
And in the way of truth will not delight.  
verse 14 The murderer arising with the day,  
The poor and needy in his wrath doth slay.  
Among his consorts he's accounted chief,  
And in the night he is a cunning thief.  
verse 15 Th' adulterous monster with a watchful eye,  
Wasteth his wished twilight to espy.  
No eye shall see me, in his heart he says,  
And with disguises seeks to hid his face.  
verse 16 They rob those houses in the dark of night  
They marked in the day: they hate the light.  
verse 17 As is grim death unto our frame of clay,  
Such to these wretches is the dawning day.  
For if one know them, they are strait in fear,  
As if the pangs of death did then appear.  
verse 18 He's swift upon the waters, for he knows  
His portion on the earth is nought but woes.  
His mind's so fraught with jealousies and fears,  
That go the public way he never dares.  
verse 19 As heat and drought the waters dry away,  
So shall the grave those men that go astray.  
verse 20 Yea they shall be forgotten, and instead  
Of all their pleasures, worms shall on them feed.  
They shall no more on Earth remembered be,  
The wicked shall be broken like a tree.  
verse 21 He to the barren did no comfort give,  
Nor poorer widows with his goods relieve.  
verse 22 He draws the mighty by his power to strife,  
And when he riseth none is sure of life.  
verse 23 Though he may rest secure and live in peace,  
If they but move, his eyes are on their ways.  
verse 24 They are exalted for a little while,  
Then are brought low, and have a sudden foil.  
They are destroyed, cut off, yea in their prime;  
As are the ears of corn in summer time.  
verse 25 If't be not so, who'll me a liar make,  
And from my speeches their true value take?   

CHAP. XXV.  
verse 1 THen Bildad said: Power and strength remain  
verse 2 With him, that Peace doth with himself retain.  
verse 3 His Armies have no number, his is might;  
On all things living doth arise his light.  
verse 4 How then can man be justified with God?  
How can the sons of men be free from's rod?  
verse 5 He speaks the word, the Moon denies its light,  
The very stars are faulty in his sight.  
verse 6 How much less man who is a worm, and frail,  
Whose greatest worth doth as a shadow fail.   

CHAP. XXVI.  
verse 1 BUt job returned: Hast thou the weak supplied  
verse 2 Out of thy strength against the arm of pride?  
And such as through weakness void of might,  
To help or strengthen hast thou ta'en delight?  
verse 3 Hast thou such counselled as did counsel need,  
Or hast thou shown the thing as 'tis indeed?  
verse 4 Why, or to whom dost thou these words declare?  
What or whose spirit in them doth appear?  
verse 5 Mines, metals, dead things, God does wisely frame,  
Under the waters, yet he knows the same.  
verse 6 Naked before him is the Earth's abyss,  
Destruction is not hid; Hell open is.  
verse 7 He makes the Heavens turn round, the Northern Pole,  
The Earth's vast body nothing doth uphold.  
verse 8 He binds the waters in his Clouds, and yet  
The clouds not broken are under their weight.  
verse 9 He holdeth back his throne, and in a cloud,  
He makes the heavens their glorious beauty shroud.  
verse 10 Unto the waters he hath set their bounds,  
As long as day and night fulfil their rounds.  
verse 11 The very Heavens before his face do shake,  
At his reproof the pillars of it quake.  
verse 12 His power calms the sea, whose waves did crowd  
Themselves into a storm: he smites the proud.  
verse 13 The Heavens their garnish by his Spirit have,  
His hand a form to crooked Serpents gave.  
verse 14 Behold and see of's ways this little share,  
How little of his power do we hear.  
If this so little be, than Lord what man  
The thunder of thy power can understand.   

CHAP. XXVII.  
verse 1 When having stayed a little job proceeds,  
And in his speech to's friends this Lecture reads.  
verse 2 The living God doth me afflict so sore,  
I want my judgement, madness makes me roar.  
So many sorrows daily on me break,  
That I in anguish of my soul do speak.  
verse 3 Yet while I live, as long as that same brearh,  
Infused by God into me, being hath,  
verse 4 I will my lips from wickedness refrain,  
Nor shall deceit my purer speeches stain.  
verse 5 You judge me faulty: can your sin be hid?  
Shall I applaud your sin? no, God forbidden.  
I under undeserved torments lie,  
Yet will not leave my justness till I die.  
verse 6 I my uprightness will not quit, my heart  
Shall not accuse me, while I live to start.  
verse 7 Let all thy judgements follow such as rise  
Against me; and my chastisement despise.  
Oh let them as presumptuous sinners be,  
Whom death cuts off, ere half their days they see.  
verse 8 What's the dissemblers hope to heap up wealth,  
When God takes from his soul his saving health?  
verse 9 When dreadful terrors do his mind assail,  
Shall then his tears or cries with God prevail?  
verse 10 Will his afflictions make him call on God?  
Or will he love him when he feels his rod?  
verse 11 I will through God great mysteries reveal,  
What the Almighty does, I'll not conceal.  
verse 12 Which you yourselves have seen, but do not know;  
Why will you then so much your folly show?  
verse 13 This lot the Lord to wicked men will give,  
This is the portion tyrants shall receive.  
verse 14 The sword with raging fury shall o'erthrow  
His growing offspring with a sudden blow;  
And his surviving stock for want of bread  
Shall travel deserts, yet be never fed.  
verse 15 Death shall his remnant in oblivion rake,  
Their relict Widows no complaint shall make.  
verse 16 Although as dust in heaps he silver hoard;  
Though he with raiment as with clay be stored:  
verse 17 The just shall share his wealth; he may prepare:  
But th' innocent his clothes so got shall wear.  
verse 18 He like the moth builds in another's ground,  
And as a Keeper's booth at night's not found.  
verse 19 The rich lie down, but dying never have,  
As had their fathers, a contented grave.  
verse 20 He looks and's gone: terrors shall them affright,  
Tempests shall steal him in the dead of night.  
verse 21 The east-wind takes him, and away he's flown,  
It hurls him from his place, and he is gone.  
verse 22 God will cast trouble on him, and not spare;  
He feign would flee, and falls into a snare.  
verse 23 All men shall clap their hands at his disgrace.  
And with derision hisse him from his place.   

CHAP. XXVIII.  
verse 1 Within the earth for silver there's a mine,  
And there's a place the golden Ore to fine.  
verse 2 Iron is digged from out the earth with pains:  
And Brass is melted out of stones for gains.  
verse 3 God endeth darkness, all perfection hath;  
He binds up darkness and the vale of death.  
verse 4 The flood breaks out against the dwellers by,  
The floud-forgotten waters are grown dry.  
verse 5 Out of the earth grows bread, for man's use fit,  
And fire (as 'twere) is turned up under it.  
verse 6 The stones thereof are as the Saphires store,  
Its dust is of the purest golden Ore.  
verse 7 Within its path no foul hath ever been,  
The Vulture's eye its walks hath never seen.  
verse 8 The Lion's whelps in it ne'er set their foot,  
Nor have fiere Lions ever come into it.  
verse 9 He doth but touch the rocks, and lays them low;  
He doth the mountains by the roots overthrow.  
verse 10 He turneth rocks to rivers by his might,  
All things are obvious to his sight.  
verse 11 He binds the floods, they cannot overflow,  
And hidden things he maketh all men know.  
verse 12 But where is wisdom found? thrice happy he  
Who can the place of understanding see.  
verse 13 No man the knowledge of its price can gain,  
Much less can flesh-clad mortals it attain.  
verse 14 The depth cries out, it doth not rest in me;  
Nor is it with me, answereth the Sea.  
verse 15 It is not gold this rarest jewel buys,  
Nor silver can its value counterpoise.  
verse 16 Pure Ophir gold can't for its worth prevail,  
The precious Onyx and the Saphire fail.  
verse 17 Nor gold, nor jewels, nor the Crystal pure  
Have worth this heaven-fetcht jewel to procure.  
verse 18 Coral or Pearls shall not be thought of for't,  
Nay more, the rubies of its worth fall short.  
verse 19 The Ethiopian Topaz cannot hold  
To purchase it no more than can the gold.  
verse 20 Whence then proceedeth understanding? where  
Doth wisdom in its height of worth appear,  
verse 21 Seeing 'tis bid from every mortal eye,  
And from the fowls kept close that sore on high?  
verse 22 Death and destruction say, its force and sound  
Hath to our ear a frequent passage found:  
verse 23 But only God the way thereof doth know,  
And understands the place whence it doth flow.  
verse 24 For he the corners of the earth doth see,  
And knows all things that sublunary be.  
verse 25 As in a balance he the winds doth weight,  
And measures all the waters in survey.  
verse 26 When for the rain he its decrees did lay,  
And for the thunder's lightning make a way.  
verse 27 This secret than he saw, and did declare  
He in his hidden thoughts did it prepare.  
verse 28 But unto man he said, If it be so,  
That you this sacred wisdom feign would know,  
In fearing God consisteth wisdom's skill,  
And understanding in eschewing ill.   

CHAP. XXIX.  
verse 1 ANd Job proceeded: Oh that now I were  
verse 2 As in times past when God of me took care.  
verse 3 While on my head his favour shined bright,  
And when I walked through darkness by his light,  
verse 4 As in the days of youth: when God more near  
My dwelling with his presence did appear.  
verse 5 When God with favour did my actions meet,  
And when my children came about my feet.  
verse 6 When butter washed my ways, and when the rock  
Poured out floods of oil t' increase my stock.  
verse 7 When to the gate I went, and judgement seat,  
And when I made my station in the street.  
verse 8 The young men saw my gravity, and fled,  
The aged to my wisdom bowed their head.  
verse 9 The Princes, when they saw me, silence kept;  
verse 10 The tongue of Nobles was of speech bereft;  
verse 11 The care that heard me did my justice bless;  
The eye that saw me did my praise confess.  
verse 12 Th' oppressed poor, and fatherless I freed,  
And helpful was to him that help did need.  
verse 13 I did the blessing of the poor enjoy,  
And made the widow's heart to sing for joy.  
verse 14 I put on justice, which as  did seem,  
My judgement was a Robe and Diadem.  
verse 15 I was as eyes unto the blind man's woe;  
And to the lame I was as feet to go.  
verse 16 I was a father to the poor: when doubt  
Made causes hard to know, I sought them out.  
verse 17 I from the wicked broke their claws away,  
And from his ravening teeth I plucked the prey.  
verse 18 Then said I, I shall die within my nest,  
My days, even as the sand, shall be increased.  
verse 19 My root was by the waters spread and grew,  
Upon my branch all night lay pearled dew.  
verse 20 My glory, as the bay-tree, fresh did stand;  
My bow was strengthened in my ready hand.  
verse 21 Men hearkened to me, waited my advice,  
And when they heard it, kept a silent guise.  
verse 22 After my words they never did reply;  
My speeches dropped on them from on high.  
verse 23 They waited as for rain my sight to gain,  
They opened their mouth as for the latter rain.  
verse 24 If I did laugh, they would it not believe  
They did not let my mirth, or make me grieve.  
verse 25 I chose their way, I sat as chief, as King,  
Like him that comfort doth to mourners bring.   

CHAP. XXX.  
verse 1 BUt now my youngers follow me with mocks,  
Whose fathers I disdained should tend my flocks.  
verse 2 For to what service could their strength avail,  
Who not for age, but did for famine fail.  
verse 3 For want so sore distressed they fled in haste  
Into the desert lately dark and waste.  
verse 4 Who by the bushes Mallows cut to eat,  
And pull up roots of Juniper for meat.  
verse 5 Chased from men, whom still they did abuse,  
Who cried at them, as at thiefs, they use.  
verse 6 They dwelled in cliffs of valleys and in caves;  
In rocks, in holes, on hills they shelter have.  
verse 7 They roar among the bushes: there's the scene;  
Under the thistles they themselves convene.  
verse 8 The sons of slaves, and fools, who were more vile  
Than is the mud, which doth as pitch defile.  
verse 9 But now am I their mocking-stock, and song,  
Of me they talk their villainies among.  
verse 10 They eat, abhor, and mocking, flee my ways,  
Maliciously they spit into my face.  
verse 11 Because afflictions have my state overthrown,  
've loosed the bridle, are licentious grown.  
verse 12 The youth against me rise, they pushed my feet;  
And as destruction humbled me, they greet.  
verse 13 They spoiled my paths, took pleasure in my woe,  
Nor wanted help to quicken them as slow.  
verse 14 They came, as waters pass their wont place,  
And on my trouble heap they up disgrace.  
verse 15 Terrors are come upon me, as the wind;  
So they pursue my soul, and vex my mind.  
My welfare, which from storms the poor did shroud  
Now daily passes as a scattering cloud.  
verse 16 My soul is poured out, I am half dead;  
I am from trouble into trouble lead.  
verse 17 My bones are pierced in me in the night,  
In rest my sinews cannot have delight.  
verse 18 The greatness of my grief doth change my dress;  
As with a coat, I'm clad with heaviness.  
verse 19 I'm cast into the mire, his plague hath brought  
Contempt upon me: I, as dust, am nought.  
verse 20 I cry unto thee, but thou dost not hear:  
I stand before thee, but thou stopst thine ear.  
verse 21 Thou Lord art to me cruel grown at length,  
Thou to my weakness dost oppose thy strength.  
verse 22 Upon the wind thou causest me to fly,  
My substance thou dissolvest, and I die.  
verse 23 I know my body thou to death wilt give,  
And to th' appointed house for all that live.  
verse 24 None to the grave will stretch his hand at all,  
Though at his death they may lament his fall,  
verse 25 Did I not weep for them whose woes grew more?  
Was not my soul afflicted for the poor?  
verse 26 When I expected good, then evil came,  
And in my hopes of light it was the same.  
verse 27 For grief my bowels boiled in my breast;  
I am afflicted, and can have no rest.  
verse 28 For others woe I joyed not in the Sun,  
I stood and in the Assembly made my moan.  
verse 29 Dragons and Owls, as friends and kin, I get,  
verse 30 My skin is black, my bones are burnt with heat.  
verse 31 My harp and mirth thou dost to wailing turn,  
My organs to the voice of them that mourn.   

CHAP. XXXI.  
verse 1 I Made a covenant with mine eyes, that they  
Alluring beauties should no more survey;  
And shall I wanton yet think on a maid?  
Of such transgressions make me, Lord, afraid.  
verse 2 What portion should I have from God above?  
Or what reward? could I expect his love?  
verse 3 Doth not quick ruin on the wicked tend?  
Do not strange judgements haste them to their end?  
verse 4 Doth he not see my ways, and count my steps?  
Doth he not reckon all my fails and trips?  
verse 5 If I with vanity have been ,  
Or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;  
verse 6 Let me in even balances be weighed,  
Before the Lord be my uprightness laid.  
verse 7 If from the way of truth I've gone away,  
Or if mine heart hath followed mine eye:  
If I have any but right gotten lands;  
If any blot have cleaved to my hands:  
verse 8 Then let another eat what I shall sow.  
Yea let my off spring fall before my foe.  
verse 9 If so my heart have erred through women's baits;  
If at my neighbour's door I have laid wait:  
verse 10 Then let my wife be made another's slave,  
Let other men their will upon her have.  
verse 11 For this is such a sin, so great a crime,  
As merits Judgement ere too high it clime.  
verse 12 Yea this is such a fire as shall destroy,  
And root out all increase and hope of joy.  
verse 13 If any servants with me did contend,  
And both their cause and grief I did not end,  
verse 14 What shall I do when God stands up on high?  
And when he visits, what shall I reply?  
verse 15 Have we not one Creator? did not he,  
Within the womb, fashion both him and me?  
verse 16 If I the poors desires ere laid away,  
Or made the widow's eyes fail through delay;  
verse 17 Or eat my bread alone, and have not given  
A share to Orphans, who to want were driven.  
verse 18 (For to me as a father he might come,  
And I have helped Widows from my womb)  
verse 19 If I for want of clothes have any seen  
Perish, or any poor have naked been,  
verse 20 Did he not bless me that my store was full?  
Was he not warmed with my fleece of wool?  
verse 21 If against Orphans I my hand did heave,  
And did not help him when I help might give:  
verse 22 Mine arm and shoulder let no more be one,  
Yea let mine arm be broken from the bone.  
verse 23 For why? God's Judgements terrors are to me,  
And from his Highness I could not be free.  
verse 24 If gaining gold of Ophir were my scope;  
If I made gold my confidence or hope:  
verse 25 If I rejoiced that my wealth was great,  
And thought it good enough so much to get:  
verse 26 If I beheld the shining of the Sun,  
Or reverenced the brightness of the Moon.  
verse 27 And by that sight my heart hath been enticed,  
Or that my mouth my hand in honour kissed.  
verse 28 I had deserved God's Judgements for that sin,  
For that I had denied God to have been.  
verse 29 If in the ruin of my foes I joyed,  
Or was well-pleased when mischiefs him annoyed.  
verse 30 (Nor did I let my mouth proceed to worse,  
By wishing to his soul the smallest curse.)  
verse 31 Yea though my servants said, give us his flesh  
To satisfy his faults that are so fresh.  
verse 32 No traveller ere lodged in the street,  
My house was open for the stranger's feet.  
verse 33 If I, as Adam, conscious have been,  
Concealing in my bosom secret sin;  
verse 34 Did I fear multitudes? was I afraid  
Of greatness, or contempt, or height of pride,  
That I kept silence when they did provoke,  
And for revenge made no dissembling cloak?  
verse 35 Oh that I might be heard! 'tis my desire,  
That the Almighty would my cause inquire,  
And giving answer, on my troubles look;  
And that my foe had written but a book.  
verse 36 I'd take it on me, make it to be read,  
And bind it as a crown upon my head:  
verse 37 The number of my steps I would declare,  
I would to him as to a Prince draw near.  
verse 38 If that my land be not my lawful gain,  
Or if the furrows of it do complain;  
verse 39 If I have eat the fruits thereof unbought,  
Or if the owner's prejudice I sought:  
verse 40 Let Thistles then instead of Wheat grow there,  
Instead of Barley let it Cockles bear.  
Here Job set end unto his speeches source,  
And adds a period to his friend's discourse.   

CHAP. XXXII.  
verse 1 SO these three cease to speak (their former guise)  
Because Job seemed upright in his own eyes.  
verse 2 Then was Elihu angry at the same,  
The Son of Buzite Barachel of Ram;  
Against afflicted job his wrath was hot,  
Who rather justified himself then God.  
verse 3 As for jobs friends he angry was at them,  
Because they answered not, yet did condemn.  
verse 4 Elihu having stayed jobs end to see,  
Because in years they elder were then he.  
verse 5 But hearing no reply, he angry grew,  
And in his words his anger thus did show.  
verse 6 You all are ancient, I am yet but young,  
Which makes me doubt, lest I should slip my tongue:  
verse 7 I said, speak they who length of days do reach,  
The multitude of years shall wisdom teach.  
verse 8 A spirit is in man: but God alone  
Gives understanding b' inspiration.  
verse 9 Wisdom is not confined in great men's hand,  
Nor old men always judgement understand:  
verse 10 Therefore I pray hear me a little now,  
And my opinion I will show to you.  
verse 11 Lo, on your words I waited, and did hear  
Your soughtout reasons with attentive ear.  
verse 12 I marked your words, as I stood silent by,  
And to jobs speech find them a weak reply.  
verse 13 Ye cannot say, job is by us convict,  
'Tis God, not man, that doth him thus afflict.  
verse 14 I from his words no privilege can claim,  
Nor from your speeches will I answer frame.  
verse 15 They heard: and fearing answered no more,  
They left the talk which they discussed before.  
verse 16 When I had waited, for they would not speak,  
And as amazed would not silence break;  
verse 17 I also will (thought I) answer my part,  
And show my judgement from my very heart.  
verse 18 For I am full of matter, can't refrain,  
The spirit in me doth to words constrain.  
verse 19 My belly is like wine that hath no vent,  
That breaks the bottles if not quickly spent.  
verse 20 I'll speak that some refreshing I may take,  
My lips I le open and an answer make.  
verse 21 I will the person of no mortal fear,  
Nor will I flatter any man that's here.  
verse 22 For flattering titles I must not bestow;  
My maker will destroy me doing so.   

CHAP. XXXIII.  
verse 1 Wherefore I pray thee job my speeches hear,  
And to the words which I shall speak give ear.  
verse 2 Lo, I my mouth have opened, and my tongue  
And mouth have spoke what to me did belong.  
verse 3 My words th'uprightness of my heart shall show,  
My lips shall speak what I from Heaven do know.  
verse 4 The Spirit of the Lord did me create,  
Th' Almighty's breath unto my life gave date.  
verse 5 If thou canst give an answer, I will hear;  
Stand up before me, and thyself prepare.  
verse 6 Lo, I, as you desire, am in God's stead,  
I also from the clay am fashioned.  
verse 7 Nor shall the fear of me make thee afraid,  
Nor shall my hand be heavy on thee laid.  
verse 8 Have not mine ears perceived the words you said?  
Did I not hear the arguments you made?  
verse 9 Thou sayest I'm clean without or sin or slain,  
I'm guiltless, in me doth no crime remain;  
verse 10 Yet doth he vex me, I no joy can see,  
He me esteemeth as his enemy.  
verse 11 He got my feet into the stocks, his eye  
On all my go narrowly doth spy.  
verse 12 In this thou art not just, if things you scan;  
I answer, God far greater is then man.  
verse 13 The stage to strive with him why do you mount?  
He of his matters doth not give account.  
verse 14 For God it may be speaketh once or twice,  
Yet man perceives it not, he's not so wise.  
verse 15 In dreams or nightly visions, when the head  
Is full of sleep and slumbers on the bed:  
verse 16 Then openeth he the ears of men, and seals  
First their instruction, than their folly heals.  
verse 17 That he might from his purpose man with draw,  
Whose pride doth in his judgement make a flaw,  
verse 18 He keeps his soul from ruin and from ill,  
And doth forbid the sword his blood to spill.  
verse 19 Sorrow and grief chastise him on his bed,  
And all his bones with pain are tortured.  
verse 20 His bitter life makes him abhor to eat,  
His soul doth loath both bread and finer meat.  
verse 21 He's nought but skin and bone; he is so lean  
His bones stick out, which ne'er before were seen.  
verse 22 His grieved soul draws near unto the grave,  
And for his body, it the mourners have.  
verse 23 If one interpret, or a message bear  
Unto man his uprightness to declare:  
verse 24 Then will he pity, and cry out, O save  
Him from the pit: For I a ransom have.  
verse 25 Then as a child he shall renew his flesh,  
As in his youthful days he shall befresh,  
verse 26 He prays, and God his mercy doth begin,  
He shall see God, who will forgive his sin.  
verse 27 He looks on men, whereof if one confess,  
I have perverted truth and righteousness.  
Yea, I have sinned, and all the gain I find,  
Is Gods fierce anger with a guilt of mind.  
verse 28 He'll save his soul from going down to Hell,  
And crowning's life with light make all things well.  
verse 29 Lo, all these things God worketh oft with men,  
verse 30 To bring their souls to light from sins foul den.  
verse 31 Mark well and hear, be silent when I speak,  
verse 32 And if you ought can say, an answer make.  
To justify thee job, is my desire;  
verse 33 Then hear, I will with wisdom thee inspire.   

CHAP. XXXIV.  
verse 1 ELihu further said: ye Wise men hear;  
verse 2 Ye that have knowledge to my words give ear.  
verse 3 The tasting sense doth in the palate lie,  
So doth the ear all sounds and speeches try.  
verse 4 In this same business let us judgement choose,  
Let us, what's good, among ourselves peruse.  
verse 5 For job hath said, I righteous am this day:  
Although my judgement God hath snatched away.  
verse 6 Shall I against my right to lying swerve,  
My wound is greater than my sins deserve.  
verse 7 What man is like to job, who will not shrink;  
But doth like water bitter scorn drink:  
verse 8 Who with the wicked walketh in their way,  
And with the foolish seems to go astray?  
verse 9 Hath he not said; It profiteth not man,  
Though in the ways of God he always stand?  
verse 10 Hear me, ye Wise men, Hath God any stain?  
Or in th' Almighty can there sin remain?  
verse 11 As they deserve he will to all men give,  
According to their way they shall receive.  
verse 12 For the All-just, All-good, won't sin commit;  
Nor will God judge amiss, or suffer it.  
verse 13 Of whom did he receive the earth in charge?  
Who fixed the Word, or can its bounds enlarge?  
verse 14 If he in heart decree a man to death,  
And gather to himself his vital breath;  
verse 15 All flesh shall fall together, mortals must,  
As made of earth, return again to dust.  
verse 16 If thou hast Wisdom, than this lesson hear,  
And in thy mind my talk and lectures bear.  
verse 17 Shall he that hateth judgement rule with might?  
And wilt thou judge him wicked that's upright?  
verse 18 Is't fit to say to Kings, ye impious are?  
Princes to blame of sin, who will, or dare?  
verse 19 How then to him who Princes doth not spare;  
To whom the rich and poor both equal are.  
verse 20 For he created both: they all shall die  
Within the shortest twinkling of an eye.  
The people shall be troubled and be gone,  
The mighty shall be slain by God alone.  
verse 21 His eyes are watchful over all their ways,  
He all their go marketh all their days.  
verse 22 There is no darkness, vale of death, no cave  
Which wicked men can for their safeguard have.  
verse 23 He on no man so heavy lays his rod,  
That he in judgement should contend with God.  
verse 24 He shall in pieces break all Tyrant's great,  
And raise up others in their wont seat.  
verse 25 He knows their works, destroys them in the night,  
They are cut off and never see the light.  
verse 26 He useth these as sinners he hath done,  
He strikes them in the presence of the Sun.  
verse 27 They started from him like a broken bow,  
And would his ways nor keep, nor seek to know.  
verse 28 They made the poor send up their voice on high,  
Th' afflicted cried, and he heard their cry.  
verse 29 When he gives quiet, who can trouble make?  
He hides his face, and all the earth doth quake:  
Whether he angry be at one alone,  
Or whether it be against a Nation done;  
verse 30 When hypocrites the ruling Sceptre bear,  
Then are the people led into a snare.  
verse 31 'Tis meet to say, I have been chastened sore,  
I do repent, and will offend no more.  
verse 32 What I see not, that teach me by thy skill,  
I will no more do what I have done ill.  
verse 33 Must all be at thy will? whether thou choose,  
He will performeed, or whether thou refuse,  
Although not I: speak therefore what you know,  
And do not into further follies go.  
verse 34 Behold, let wise and understanding men  
First hear me speak, and show their judgement then.  
verse 35 Job without wisdom spoke, yea, like a fool,  
Nor were his words framed by wisdom's rule.  
verse 36 'Tis my desire, Job may be tried again,  
Concerning his replies for wicked men.  
verse 37 He addeth sin to sin: with us claps hands,  
And aggravating words against God stands.   

CHAP. XXXV.  
verse 1 ELihu further said; think you this right  
verse 2 Which you have spoke, than God I'm more upright?  
verse 3 For thou hast said, what profit shall I have?  
Or what advantage if my sin I leave?  
verse 4 He answer you, and your associates all,  
That do into like errors with you fall.  
verse 5 Look up to heaven, and see, and view the clouds,  
Whose height ofttimes the Sun's bright lustre shrowds;  
verse 6 If thou dost sin, dost thou the Lord disease?  
Or dost thou hurt him by thy sins increase?  
verse 7 What by thy justice dost thou to him give?  
Or from thy hand what gain doth he receive?  
verse 8 But by thy sin a man thou mayest offend,  
Thy justice may another's state amend.  
verse 9 The mighty man makes the oppressed cry;  
Variety of torments makes them die.  
verse 10 None look to God that made them of the clay,  
Who in the night gives songs grief to allay.  
verse 11 Who teacheth us more than to beasts is given,  
And makes us wiser than the fowls of heaven.  
verse 12 Then through the pride of evil men they cry,  
But he to their requests gives no reply.  
verse 13 God surely will not vanity regard,  
Nor shall it go unpunished from the Lord.  
verse 14 Thou sayest, thou shalt not see him, yet he's just;  
Judgement's before him, put in him thy trust.  
verse 15 But since it is not so: although thou smart,  
Thy torments do not s●te with thy desert.  
verse 16 Therefore Job speaketh vainly as a fool,  
He doth dispute without discretion's rule.   

CHAP. XXXVI.  
verse 1 ELihu further said: Let me proceed;  
verse 2 To speak on God's behalf I have decreed:  
verse 3 I from above my knowledge will receive,  
And to my maker righteousness will give.  
verse 4 My words shall not be false, thou shalt confess,  
When I have spoke, my wisdom's perfectness.  
verse 5 Behold, the mighty Lord doth not despise  
Who are in courage valiant and wise,  
verse 6 He will not save such as in sin delight,  
But to the poor in spirit giveth right:  
verse 7 But as for those who are to goodness wise,  
He doth protect them with observing eyes.  
They are with Kings upon the Throne, their place  
He fixeth firmly, free from all disgrace.  
verse 8 If they in prison bound in fetters lie;  
If they be tied with cords of misery:  
verse 9 Then will he show them both their work and sin,  
That in their life they have excessive been.  
verse 10 He openeth to discipline their ear,  
And bids them from iniquity retire.  
verse 11 If they obey him, and observe his way,  
Their days in pleasure, years shall end in joy.  
verse 12 If they obey not, by the sword they'll fall,  
And in their folly they shall perish all.  
verse 13 But hypocrites in heart prepare his rod,  
Who, though afflicted, will not call on God.  
verse 14 With the unclean they spend their youthful time,  
And perish in their heat of blood, and prime.  
verse 15 He from affliction doth the poor set free,  
In times of trouble he their help will be.  
verse 16 He would even so take sorrow from thy face,  
Putting thy feet into a broader place:  
And not confine thee to a narrow straight,  
Yea, all upon thy Table had been fat.  
verse 17 But, lo, thy thoughts do with the wicked share,  
Therefore thy judgements all most righteous are.  
verse 18 Gods wrath is kindled, of his stroke take heed,  
No ransom frees from woe, if once decreed.  
verse 19 Will he regard thy wrath? no, nor thy gold,  
And all thy strength he doth as nothing hold.  
verse 20 Desire not Night, his secrets do not trace,  
How he destroyed the people from their place.  
verse 21 Take heed and sin not, look not once amiss,  
For thou hast rather trouble chose, than this.  
verse 22 Lo, God exalts, who dares his power impeach?  
Or, like the Lord, what man can wisdom teach?  
verse 23 Who to th' Almighty hath set out his way?  
Or, thou hast erred, who to him can say?  
verse 24 To praise him for his work do not forget,  
verse 25 Which all men see, and view at distance great.  
verse 26 Lo, God is great, and we alas are low,  
The number of his years we cannot know.  
verse 27 When he the drops of water doth restrain,  
'Tis by its vapour poured down in rain;  
verse 28 Which from the clouds the thirsty earth doth fill,  
And with great plenty upon man distil.  
verse 29 Who knows the spreadings of the clouds? or can  
The thunders of his dwellings understand?  
verse 30 He spreadeth light, and it the light doth keep,  
And hides the bottom of the swelling deep.  
verse 31 He doth the people judge thereby, and give  
Meat in abundance for the poor to live.  
verse 32 The shining light he under darkness shrowds,  
By the interposing of commanded clouds.  
verse 33 The noise thereof concerning it do show,  
The cattle also from the vapour go.   

CHAP. XXXVII.  
verse 1 AT this my heart is in a great amaze,  
And is with trembling moved from his place.  
verse 2 The rattling of his voice with terror hear,  
And to his thunder give attentive ear.  
verse 3 He sends it under heaven, his lightning's hurled  
Unto the furthest limits of the world.  
verse 4 His thunder roars, and by the world is feared,  
He will not stay them when his voice is heard.  
verse 5 God doth to our amazement thunder send,  
He doth such things we cannot comprehend.  
verse 6 He but commands, the snow the fields doth fill;  
Both great and little rays obey his will.  
verse 7 No man dares stir, if once he will it so,  
For all the greatness of his power know.  
verse 8 Then doth the beasts, who rove and rage's for prey,  
Go to their Dens, and in their places stay.  
verse 9 Out of the South the whirlwind commenth forth,  
And stormy gusts of cold blow from the North.  
verse 10 The frost is given by th' Almighty's hand;  
By him the waters on a heap do stand.  
verse 11 The watery clouds he doth with motion tyre;  
And scattereth the cloud that holdeth fire.  
verse 12 They're turned about by his all-ruling will,  
And on the world his pleasure they fulfil.  
verse 13 Rain, cold, heat, tempests, storms, all these are sent  
For help, as mercies, or for punishment.  
verse 14 Hear then, O Job, (for what I say is true)  
The wondrous works of God stand still and view.  
verse 15 How God disposed these things can you define?  
Or when the lightning of his cloud did shine?  
verse 16 Know'st thou the changing of the clouds, that be  
The works of the all knowing Deity?  
verse 17 How in thy garments dost thou warmness find,  
When th' earth is quiet by the Southern wind?  
verse 18 Hast thou spread out the heaven, for strength as brass,  
And as transparent as a molten glass?  
verse 19 Teach and instruct us by thy knowledge, pray,  
Through ignorance we know not what to say.  
verse 20 Doth not God know when any man doth scoff?  
Or can man murmur and not be cut off?  
verse 21 And now the clouds from men obscure the Sun;  
Yet if the wind but pass, they all are gone:  
verse 22 Fair weather from the North-clime doth proceed;  
God's Majesty is terrible indeed.  
verse 23 We cannot find th' Almighty: Great in might,  
 with justice, punishing by right.  
verse 24 Men therefore fear him: for without respect,  
The selfconceited man he will reject.   

CHAP. XXXVII.  
verse 1 THe Lord, to show his Majesty and strength,  
Out of the whirlwind answered Job at length.  
verse 2 What wretch is this, that by his words so vain  
Observes the counsel that before was plain?  
verse 3 Gird up thy loins, thyself with manhood bear,  
I will demand of thee, do thou declare.  
verse 4 When I the Basis of the earth did lay,  
Where wast thou then? if thou have knowledge say  
verse 5 What man hath measured it; or who the line  
To stretch upon it dost thou know incline?  
verse 6 What are the earth's foundations pitched upon?  
Or of the world who laid the corner stone?  
verse 7 When as the morning stars did sing my praise,  
And all the Angels changed Roundelays:  
verse 8 Who did the Sea within its bounds entomb,  
When it by force broke out as from the womb?  
verse 9 When I the clouds as garments for it made,  
And as its swaddling bands the darkness laid;  
verse 10 When my commands upon it I did found,  
And its tumultuous Waves with doors did bound:  
verse 11 Saying, hereto thy angry waves may come,  
Here thou must stay, but shalt no further room.  
verse 12 Hast thou the morning ordered since thy days?  
Or made the dayspring know its fixed place?  
verse 13 That it the corners of the Earth might hold,  
And shake those thence that have in sin been bold.  
verse 14 As clay 'tis turned to the seal new made,  
And all stand up as with a garment clad.  
verse 15 Behold, their light the wicked men shall lose,  
The pride of their aspiring aim I'll bruise.  
verse 16 Hast thou the fount aines of the deep been in?  
Or in thy search hast thou the Ocean seen?  
verse 17 Or hath the gates of death to thee been free?  
The vale of dreadful death didst thou ere see?  
verse 18 Canst thou the broadness of the earth perceive?  
If aught thou know'st of this, an answer give:  
verse 19 Where is the way, wherein the light abides?  
Or what's the place where darkness doth abide,  
verse 20 That thou shouldst bind it to the limits so,  
And to its house that thou the path shouldst know?  
verse 21 Dost thou because thou than wert born, know it?  
Or cause the number of thy days is great?  
verse 22 Hast thou the snowy treasures entered in?  
Or of the hail hast thou the store-house seen?  
verse 23 Which I have kept against the time of war,  
The day of trouble and increasing jar?  
verse 24 The light is parted, who the way can find,  
Which on the earth scattereth the Eastern wind.  
verse 25 Who for the waters did a course divide?  
Or who the lightning in their way did guide?  
verse 26 Even there where no man is, to make it rain,  
And in the desert where there's none remain.  
verse 27 That the untilled ground much fruit may bring,  
And that the tender herb may bud and spring.  
verse 28 Who is the Father of the rain? or who  
Begotten hath the pearled drops of dew?  
verse 29 Who hath begot the hoary frost of Heaven?  
Out of whose womb is Ice congealed given?  
verse 30 The waters all are hid as with a stone,  
The surface of the deep condense is grown.  
verse 31 canst thou the sweets of Pleiades restrain?  
Or of Orion lose the bands again?  
verse 32 Canst make in season Mazeroth appear?  
Or canst thou with his sons Arcturus steer?  
verse 33 knowst thou the course of Heaven? and canst thou make  
The stars o'er earthly things dominion take?  
verse 34 Canst thou lift up thy voice unto the Clouds,  
That they would hid thee with the water floods?  
verse 35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may appear,  
And say unto thee, we, behold, are here?  
verse 36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts?  
Or who hath given knowledge to the hearts?  
verse 37 Who can by wisdom the clouds number say?  
Or who the bottles of the Heaven can stay;  
verse 38 When as the earth condensate is as stone,  
And all the clods are fast together grown?  
verse 39 Will't thou for hungry Lions hunt the prey?  
Or of the Lion's whelps the hunger stay;  
verse 40 When in their dens they quietly reside,  
Or lurking in the covert are espied?  
verse 41 Who for the Raven doth provide to eat?  
His young ones cry to God and have their meat.   

CHAP. XXXIX.  
verse 1 Know'st thou when Goats bring forth the Rocks among?  
Or dost thou mark when Hinds do calve their young?  
verse 2 Canst thou account the months that they fulfil?  
To know when they bring forth, hast thou the skill?  
verse 3 They bow themselves, with pain their young they bruise,  
Thus they their sorrows to cast out do use.  
verse 4 Yet do their young ones thrive, & grow with corn,  
They go abroad and do no more return.  
verse 5 Who is't that hath sent out the wild Ass free?  
Or to them who hath given liberty?  
verse 6 Whose house the desert is made by my hand,  
His habitation is the barren land.  
verse 7 The City's multitude he ne'er abides,  
The crying of the driver he derides.  
verse 8 He runneth to the mountains for his meat,  
No green thing comes amiss for him to eat▪  
verse 9 Canst thou th' unruly Unicorn make tame?  
Will he himself to eat thy fodder frame?  
verse 10 Canst thou to work enforce him in the furrow?  
Or after thee will he the valleys harrow?  
verse 11 Or wilt thou trust him, 'cause his strength is great?  
And leave thy labour to his spoiling feet?  
verse 12 Will't thou believe that he'll bring home thy seed?  
And gather it into thy barn indeed?  
verse 13 Their goodly wings to Peacocks didst thou give?  
Did the Ostrich from thee his rich plumes receive?  
verse 14 Which lay their eggs upon the open land,  
And keep them warm within the heated sand;  
verse 15 And that the foot may crush them does forget,  
Or that wild beasts may break them with their feet:  
verse 16 She's cruel to her young, as though not hers,  
She cares not for them, nor them damage fears;  
verse 17 For God of wisdom doth her clean deprive,  
Nor doth he understanding to her give:  
verse 18 And when at last she mounteth up on high,  
The rider and his horse she nought sets by.  
verse 19 Hast thou bestowed strength upon the horse?  
Or hast thou clothed his brawny neck with force?  
verse 20 As a Grasshopper canst thou him affright?  
His nostrils dreadful are and full of might.  
verse 21 He paws the ground; with triumphs running on,  
And doth undaunted meet the armed man.  
verse 22 He mocks at fear, no terror makes him slack,  
And from the cutting sword ne'er turns his back.  
verse 23 The quiver rattleth at him in the field,  
He's threatened with the glittering spear and shield.  
verse 24 He through his rage even swallows up the ground,  
Nor doth believe it is the trumpets found.  
verse 25 He cries, ha', ha', and smells the fight from far,  
The voice of Captains and alarm of war,  
verse 26 Is't by thy wisdom that the Hawk doth fly;  
And stretch her wings South climates to come nigh?  
verse 27 Or doth the Eagle mount at thy command,  
And in the highest make her nest to stand?  
verse 28 She dwells upon the rock, even on it height,  
And in the strongest place she makes her seat.  
verse 29 From thence she seeks her prey: and with her eye  
At a vast distance doth the same espy.  
verse 30 Her young ones also daily suck up blood,  
And where the slain are there is her abode.   

CHAP. XL.  
verse 1 ANd God proceeded: Can the Scholar teach  
verse 2 His Tutor? more is God above man's reach.  
He that reproveth God doth foolishly.  
verse 3 Then job unto the Lord made this reply:  
verse 4 Lo, I am vile, What shall I further say?  
Yea, I my hand upon my mouth will lay.  
verse 5 Once have I spoke, henceforth I'll take more heed,  
Yea twice, no further will I now proceed.  
verse 6 Again, the Lord, who ruleth all on high,  
Out of the whirl wind gave Job this reply.  
verse 7 Gird up thy loins, thyself with manhood bear,  
I wilt demand of thee, do thou declare.  
verse 8 Will't thou my judgement, as not right disgust?  
Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayst be just?  
verse 9 Hast thou like God an arm or any limb?  
Or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?  
verse 10 Deck now thyself with majesty most bright,  
And cloth thyself with glorious beauty's light.  
verse 11 Disperse thy furious wrath in every place,  
And by thy power him that is proud abase:  
verse 12 Look on the proud, and bring their glory low,  
And on the wicked make thine anger flow.  
verse 13 Hid them together in the dust; their faces  
Bind, if thou canst, within the secret places.  
verse 14 Then I'll confess this privilege you have,  
That thy right hand thyself from hurt can save.  
verse 15 Behold now Behemoth, I did create  
With thee; who fodder as an Ox doth eat.  
verse 16 Lo, now his strength is in his loins, his might  
Is in the navel of his belly pight.  
verse 17 His tail moves like a Cedar in foul weather,  
The sinews of his stones are wrapped together.  
verse 18 His bigger bones like brazen pillars are,  
His lesser bones are as an iron bar.  
verse 19 He is the greatest of the works of God,  
Yet can his anger kill him with his rod  
verse 20 The mountains to him meat as tribute pay,  
Where all the beasts within the fields do play.  
verse 21 Under the shady trees he lies, and feeds,  
And in the covert of the fens and reeds.  
verse 22 The shady trees do him encompass round,  
Among the Willows of the Brook he's found.  
verse 23 He drinks whole rivers, and no haste doth make;  
He trusteth jordan in his mouth to take:  
verse 24 He takes it with his eyes; and being fierce,  
Through strongest snares his nose with ease doth pierce.   

CHAP. XLI.  
verse 1 With a small hook canst thou draw out the Whale?  
Or can a cord against his tongue prevail?  
verse 2 Canst thou an hook into his nostrils put?  
Or through his jaws canst with an angle cut?  
verse 3 Will he to thee entreaty make or prayer?  
Or for his freedom will he speak thee fair?  
verse 4 Will he a covenant make with thee? wilt thou  
For ever as a servant make him bow?  
verse 5 Will't thou as with a Bird, so play with him?  
Or wilt thou bind him for thy maiden's trim?  
verse 6 Shall boon-companions of him make a feast?  
Shall they among the merchants part the rest?  
verse 7 Canst thou his skin with barbed irons fill?  
To strike his head with fish-speares hast thou skill?  
verse 8 Lay thine hand on him, once thy danger know,  
And then 'tis sure thou wilt no more do so.  
verse 9 Hope not to take him all their hopes shall die:  
Shall one mot at his sight amazed lie?  
verse 10 If he's so fierce that none dare him provoke,  
Who then is he can stand before my stroke?  
verse 11 Who hath prevented me, when I incline  
Him to repay? All under heaven is mine.  
verse 12 His parts and power I will not conceal,  
His comely lineaments I will reveal.  
verse 13 What man's so hardy to pull off his skin?  
Who can a bridle put his jaws between?  
verse 14 Or who the doors dare open of his face?  
His teeth are all most fearful in their place.  
verse 15 His power and his pride his scales reveal,  
All shut together close as with a seal.  
verse 16 They are so near together so conjoined,  
That between them can come nor air nor wind.  
verse 17 To one another fixed so they grow,  
That they can be divided by no blow.  
verse 18 His sneezings chase the darkness quite away,  
His eyes are like the eyelids of the day.  
verse 19 Out of his mouth come burning flames of fire,  
Whose sparkles from his throat he doth expire.  
verse 20 Out of his nostrils riseth smoke as hot,  
As from a coldron or a boiling pot.  
verse 21 He coals and fire kindleth with his breath,  
Out of his mouth proceed flames bringing death.  
verse 22 His neck is clad with strength, fear no annoy,  
Sorrow before him is soon turned to joy.  
verse 23 His flesh and members are so joined together,  
They can't be moved by strength or valour either.  
verse 24 His heart is firm and strong as is a stone,  
Yea as the nether millstone hard it's grown.  
verse 25 When he doth raise himself, the mighty fear;  
They faint through terror, if he but appear.  
verse 26 The sword that strikes him breaks, yet don't he start;  
He scorns the spear, habergeon, and dart.  
verse 27 He doth esteem, when in his furious mood,  
Iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood.  
verse 28 He will not flee, though him the archer strike;  
Sling-stones and stubble, hurt him both alike.  
verse 29 He doth at darts, as straw or stubble, jeer,  
And laugheth at the shaking of the spear.  
verse 30 Upon sharp stones he lies, and takes his ease,  
As much as mud, sharp pointed things him please.  
verse 31 He makes the sea as though it boiled seem,  
One would the deep a pot of ointment deem.  
verse 32 He leaves a shining path, where he doth go,  
One would suppose the deep did hoary gorw.  
verse 33 In all the earth none like him doth appear,  
He is by God created without fear.  
verse 34 He looks at, and despises all high things,  
Over the proudest beast he is a King.   

CHAP. XLII.  
verse 1 THen job with terrors of his guilt afraid,  
Unto the Lord this humble answer made;  
verse 2 I know thou canst do all, and that from thee,  
Our very thoughts cannot withheld be.  
verse 3 There's none but I, who by my words so vain,  
Obscure that counsel that before was plain;  
I spoke I knew not what, yea I did press  
Things that I understood not, I confess.  
verse 4 Oh hear me when I speak, I thee beseech;  
I will demand, O Lord thy Scholar teach.  
verse 5 I have by hear-say, heard of thee before.  
But now I see, I feel, I know thee more.  
verse 6 I do abnor my faults, my crimes resent,  
In dust and ashes I my sins repent.  
verse 7 After these speeches God to Job had made,  
To Eliphaz the Temanite he said,  
Against thyself and friends my wrath's at height,  
Ye have not spoke of me the thing that's right,  
verse 8 As did my servant Job. Take now to you  
Seven Bullocks, and seven Rams, and to him go;  
And for yourselves offer a sacrifice,  
And Job shall pray for you, for him I prise:  
Else of your glory I shall you disrobe,  
Because you spoke not of me as did Job.  
verse 9 So Bildad, Eliphaz and Zophar went  
As God commanded, and to Job they sent;  
Who prayed to heaven that they might mercy have,  
And God heard Job, and th' asked mercy gave.  
verse 10 Then God to Jobs Captivity gave end,  
When he petitioned for his sinful friends;  
And that his blessings might not want of store,  
He doubled to him what he had before.  
verse 11 Then all his brethren, sisters, former friends.  
Who lately shunned him, now to make amends,  
Came and eat with him in his house each one,  
And all his past misfortunes did bemoan;  
And gave him comfort over all the ill  
God had brought on him by his secret will:  
Yea, none from giving did their hand withhold,  
Each gave him money and a ring of gold.  
verse 12 So God with blessings crowned Jobs latter days,  
His end more blest than his beginning was.  
He had a flock of fourteen thousand sheep,  
For work six thousand Camels did he keep;  
He owned a thousand yoke of Oxen strong;  
Shee-Asles too as many old and young.  
verse 13 Three Daughters and seven Sons the place fulfil  
Of those whom Satan formerly did kill.  
verse 14 Jemima first, bright as the Sun's bright rise;  
Kezia the next, pleasant as sweetest spice;  
As third of these was Kerenhappuch borne,  
The child of sweetness, and rare beauty's horn.  
verse 15 In all the Land no women were so fair,  
Or so renowned as Jobs three Daughters were.  
And that their fortunes he might more advance,  
He gave them part of his Inheritance.  
verse 16 And after this Job sevenscore years more spent,  
And of his children saw the fourth descent.  
verse 17 So Job replete with goodness as with days,  
His soul to God, his flesh to earth repaies.   
FINIS  

A MEDITATION.  

1.  
IS then the way to Heaven so sharp? and must  
Affliction be attendants to the just?  
Must all that go  
Heaven-ward, take in their way the veil of woe?  
 Israel win  
Canaan, unless he pass the wastes of Sin?  
Can't we be pure,  
Unless afflictions fire we first endure?  
No, he o'ercomes that suffers, let us square  
Thereby our actions, and our thoughts prepare.   

2.  
Bastards go free, he chastens whom he loves;  
'Tis granted silver which the Touchstone proves.  
Though crosses may,  
Succeed the other as the night the day;  
Though seas of grief,  
Present us to the World as past relief:  
Though God make bare,  
His arm against us as in open war:  
Yet to's elect his mercy is most sure,  
He will deliver, and their wounds recure.   

3.  
God is both just and loving, and his care  
Will not afflict beyond what we can bear.  
Even when'● is sent,  
He gives the issue as the punishment.  
Raise then your hearts,  
And when cast down, with courage act your parts.  
The Prophets take, 
James   
And your example the Apostles make:  
Who held this rule, that many crosses bring  
To heaven, where every Saint shall be a King. 
Acts    

4.  
Have ye not heard of Job, saith James, how he,  
With patience waded through his misery?  
Do you not know?  
Have you not read the end God gave to's woe?  
Oh how therein,  
Are the sure mercies of th' Almighty seen!  
He sorely tries,  
Yet ne'er forgets his goodness: O sweet prize!  
When we by trouble this great good attain,  
Him for our help, Heaven as our own we gain.