17. Paraphrase of the First Psalm

Read '17. Paraphrase of the First Psalm' by 'Robert Burns' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

17. Paraphrase of the First Psalm by Robert Burns

 THE MAN, in life wherever plac’d,
 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.


But he whose blossom 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 giv’n them peace and rest,
But hath decreed that wicked men
 Shall ne’er be truly blest.

Form: Ballad Comments

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