Part 19 (1/2)

And upon such an one dost thou open thine eyes!

And him thou bringest into judgment with thee!

Though he is gnawed as a rotten thing, As a garment that is moth-eaten.

CXXIII

If his days are determined upon earth, If the number of his months are with thee; Look then away from him that he may rest, Till he shall accomplish his day, as an hireling.

CXXIV

For there is a future for the tree, And hope remaineth to the palm: Cut down, it will sprout again, And its tender branch will not cease.

CXXV

Though its roots wax old in the earth And its stock lie buried in mould, Yet through vapour of water will it bud, And bring forth boughs like a plant.

CXXVI

But man dieth, and lieth outstretched; He giveth up the ghost, where is he then?

He lieth down and riseth not up; Till heaven be no more he shall not awake.

CXXVII

Oh that thou wouldst hide me in the grave!

That thou wouldst secrete me till thy wrath be pa.s.sed!

That thou wouldst appoint me a set time and remember me!

If so be man could die and yet live on!

CXXVIII

All the days of my warfare I then would wait, Till my relief should come; Thou wouldst call and I would answer thee, Thou wouldst yearn after the work of thine hands.

CXXIX

But now thou renumberest my steps, Thou dost not forgive my failing; Thou sealest my transgressions in a bag, And thou still keepest adding to my guilt.

Cx.x.x

ELIPHAZ:

Should a wise man utter empty knowledge, And fill his belly with the east wind?

Should he reason with bootless prattle?

Or with speeches that profit him nothing?

Cx.x.xI

Yea, thou makest void the fear of G.o.d, And weakenest respect before him; For thine own iniquity instructeth thy mouth, And thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.

Cx.x.xII

Art thou the first man born?