Part 16 (1/2)

LXII

But his roots are entangled in a heap of stones, And rocky soil keeps hold upon him; It destroyeth him from his place, Then that denying him saith: ”I have not seen thee.”

LXIII

Behold, this is the ”joy” of his lot, And out of the dust shall others grow.

Lo! G.o.d will not cast out a perfect man, Neither will he take evil-doers by the hand.

LXIV

He will yet fill thy mouth with laughing And thy lips with rejoicing.

They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame, And the tent of the wicked shall disappear.

LXV

JOB:

I know it is so of a truth; For how should man be in the right against G.o.d?

If he long to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand.

LXVI

Wise is he in heart and mighty in strength: Who could venture against him and remain safe?-- Against him who moveth mountains and knoweth not That he hath overturned them in his anger.

LXVII

He shaketh the earth out of her place, And the inhabitants thereof quake with fear; He commandeth the sun and it riseth not, And he sealeth up the stars.[207]

LXVIII

He alone spreadeth out the heavens, And treadeth upon the heights of the sea; He doth great things past finding out, Yea, and wonders without number.[208]

LXIX

Lo, he glideth by me and I see him not; And he pa.s.seth on, but I perceive him not.

Behold, he taketh away, and who can hinder him?

Who will say unto him: ”What dost thou?”

LXX

G.o.d will not withdraw his anger; The very helpers of the sea-dragon[209] crouch under him.

How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words to argue with him?

LXXI

I must make supplication unto his judgment, Who doth not answer me, though I am righteous, Who would sweep me away with a tempest, And multiply my wounds without cause!

LXXII

He will not suffer me to take my breath, But filleth me with bitterness.