76
SONGS OF EXILE
Of ancient times I dream, of vanished days;
Now wild disquiet rageth unrestrained;
Scorned and reproached by all, from godly ways
Have I, alas, refrained.
Afar mine eyes have strayed, and I have erred,
And deaf I made mine ears, their listening quelled;
And righteous is the Lord, for at His word
I sorely have rebelled.
Perverseness have I loved, and wrongful thought,
And hating good, strove righteousness to shun,
And in mine actions foolishness have wrought;
Great evil have I done.
Pardon, I pray Thee, our iniquity,
O God, from Thine high dwelling, and behold
The souls that in affliction weep to Thee—
For lo! I have grown old.
