Deus stetit

1 Among the princes, men of might,
the Lord himself doth stand,
To plead the cause of truth and right
with judges of the land.

2 How long, saith he, will ye proceed
false judgement to award?
Why have ye partially agreed
the wicked to regard?

3 Whereas of right ye should defend
the fatherless and weak;
And when the poor man doth contend,
in judgement justly speak.

4 If ye be wise, defend the cause
of poor men in their right,
And rid the needy from the claws
of tyrants force and might.

5 They will not learn nor understand,
but still in darkness go;
All the foundations of the laud
are out of course also.

6 I had decreed assuredly
as gods to take you all;
Children also of the most High,
for love I did you call:

7 But notwithstanding ye shall die
as men, and so decay;
O tyrants, you destroy will I,
and pluck you quite away.

8 Up, Lord, and let thy strength be known,
and judge the world with might:
For why? all nations are thy own,
to take them as thy right.

Source: The Whole Book of Psalms #LXXXII