Psalm CLI

YOUNGEST of all my Brethren, and the least
In the Jessean House, to' a Service I enclin'd,
Which both my Age, and Innocence suited best,
And best the Throne, to which I was design'd:
My Fathers Flock, was early set to keep,
And how to govern Men, first learn among my Sheep.

I kept and fed them with a pious care,
And as they fed, my Harp, and Pipe assayd;
Them, and my self to please, did Songs prepare,
And variously, as pensive Shepherd, playd:
Till having wearied out an humbler String,
A bolder flight I dare'd, Israels Great God to Sing.

But who such Praise can worthily rehearse?
I strove my best, and it acceptance found,
With Heav'ns Blest King, who to approve my Verse,
A double Glory round my Temples bound;
By' his Prophets Hand there plac'd the Regal Crown,
(From the Flock calling me) the Poet's with his own.

I many Brethren had, and great of Might,
All valiant Men, and all renown'd in War,
Oft tri'd, but God in them took no delight,
For Causes, tho from us removed far,
To' himself best known, who sees not as Man sees,
But as the Heart is, judges, and gives Dignities.

For that, and his own Pleasure He chose me,
And having chosen, call'd me forth to fight
With Raphas Giant-son, whose blasphemy
Levell'd at Heav'n, on his own Head did light:
By' his Gods he curst me, and his Gods he curst,
Himself as the chief God propitiating thus first.

But such curse Proof, I out against him went,
The firmlier arm'd, as he disarm'd thereby;
And certain Death into his Fore-head sent,
E're he the place could guard, or turn to flie:
He fell: I ran, to th' lifeless Monster came,
From him with's own Sword took his Head, from Israel shame.