"The First Psalm" by Robert Burns

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The First Psalm

     The man in life wherever placed,
          Hath happiness in store,
     Who walks not in the wicked's way,
          Nor learns their guilty lore. 

     Nor from the seat of scornful pride
          Casts forth his eyes abroad,
     But with humility and awe
          Still walks before his God. 

     That man shall flourish like the trees,
          Which by the streamlets grow;
     The fruitful top is spread on high,
          And firm the root below.

     Be he who blossoms buds in guilt,
          Shall to the ground be cast,
     And, like the rootless stubble, tost
          before the sweeping blast.

     For why? that God the good adore
          Hath given them peace and rest,
     But hath decreed that wicked men
          Shall never be truly blest. 

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