Of the multitude of these forgotten psalms the majority, even of the best, are but literary curiosities, myriads are not even curious, they are simply dull. A few little-known psalms of these early days I quote either for their own or their authors’ sake. The following by Queen Elizabeth is characteristically vigorous in expression. I have modernized the spelling— PSALM XIV Fools, that true faith yet never had, Say in their hearts there is no God! Filthy they are in their practice, Of them not one is godly wise. From heaven the Lord on man did look To know what ways he undertook; All they were vague and went astray, Not one He found in the right way. In heart and tongue have they deceit, Their lips throw forth a poisoned bait; Their minds are mad, their mouths are wode,[61] And swift they be in shedding blood. So blind they are no truth they know, No fear of God in them will grow. How can that cruel sort be good Of God’s dear folk which suck the blood? On Him rightly shall they not call, Despair will so their hearts appall. At all times God is with the just, Because they put in Him their trust. Who shall therefore from Sion give That health which hangeth on our belief. When God shall take from His the smart, Then will Jacob rejoice in heart. Praise to God![62] In the sandy desert of the metrical Psalters there are, however, some wells of living water. Such are the psalms of Sir Philip Sidney and his sister, and those of George Sandys. The metre, for the most part, as well as the language, makes them unsuitable for use in the congregation; but I think many readers will be glad to see the following verses. The verses from Ps. xix. are by Sir Philip, and the version of Ps. xciii. is by the Countess of Pembroke. PSALM XIX The heavenly frame sets forth the fame Of Him that only thunders; The firmament, so strangely bent, Shows His hand working wonders. Day unto day doth it display, Their course doth it acknowledge: And night to night succeeding right In darkness teach clear knowledge. There is no speech, nor language, which Is so of skill bereavèd, But of the skies the teaching cries They have heard and conceivèd. There he no eyne, but read the line From so fair book proceeding; Their words be set in letters great For everybody’s reading. PSALM XCIII Clothed with state and girt with might, Monarch-like Jehovah reigns: He who earth’s foundation pight,[63] Pight at first, and yet sustains: He whose stable throne disdains Motion’s shock, and ages’ flight: He who endless One remains, One the same in changeless plight.