John Milton - PSAL. LXXXI [tekst, tłumaczenie i interpretacja piosenki]

1         To God our strength sing loud, and clear,
         Sing loud to God our King,
         To Jacobs God, that all may hear
         Loud acclamations ring.

2          Prepare a Hymn, prepare a Song
         The Timbrel hither bring
         The cheerfull Psaltry bring along
         And Harp with pleasant string.

3          Blow, as is won't, in the new Moon
         With Trumpets lofty sound,
         Th'appointed time, the day wheron
        Our solemn Feast comes round.

4          This was a Statute giv'n of old
         For Israel to observe
        A Law of Jacobs God, to hold
        From whence they might not swerve.

5          This he a Testimony ordain'd
        In Joseph, not to change,
        When as he pass'd through Aegypt land;
        The Tongue I heard, was strange.

6          From burden, and from slavish toyle
         I set his shoulder free;
         His hands from pots, and mirie soyle
         Deliver'd were by me.

7          When trouble did thee sore assaile,
         On me then didst thou call,
         And I to free thee did not faile,
         And led thee out of thrall.
         I answer'd thee in *thunder deep *Be Sether ragnam.
         With clouds encompass'd round;
         I tri'd thee at the water steep
         Of Meriba renown'd.

8          Hear O my people, heark'n well,
         I testifie to thee
         Thou antient flock of Israel,
         If thou wilt list to mee,

9          Through out the land of thy abode
         No alien God shall be
         Nor shalt thou to a forein God
         In honour bend thy knee.

10          I am the Lord thy God which brought
         Thee out of Aegypt land
         Ask large enough, and I, besought,
         Will grant thy full demand.

11          And yet my people would not hear,
         Nor hearken to my voice;
         And Israel whom I lov'd so dear
         Mislik'd me for his choice.

12          Then did I leave them to their will
         And to their wandring mind;
         Their own conceits they follow'd still
         Their own devises blind

13          O that my people would be wise
         To serve me all their daies,
         And O that Israel would advise
         To walk my righteous waies.

14         Then would I soon bring down their foes
         That now so proudly rise,
         And turn my hand against all those
         That are their enemies.

15          Who hate the Lord should then be fain
         To bow to him and bend,
         But they, His should remain,
         Their time should have no end.

16          And he would free them from the shock
        With flower of finest wheat,
        And satisfie them from the rock
        With Honey for their Meat.