Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
18 . The First Six Verses of the Ninetieth Psalm versified
O T
Of all the human race!
Whose strong right hand has ever been
Their stay and dwelling place!
Beneath Thy forming hand, Before this ponderous globe itself Arose at Thy command; This universal frame, From countless, unbeginning time Was ever still the same. Which seem to us so vast, Appear no more before Thy sight Than yesterday that’s past. Is to existence brought; Again Thou say’st, “Ye sons of men, Return ye into nought!” In everlasting sleep; As with a flood Thou tak’st them off With overwhelming sweep. In beauty’s pride array’d; But long ere night cut down it lies All wither’d and decay’d.