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Whenever I have made myself wise, they have
called me foolish.

Whenever I have made myself mighty, they have
mocked me as though I were a dwarf.

Whenever I have wanted to lead people, they
have shoved me into the background.

Whenever I have rushed to enrich myself, they
have prevented me with an iron hand.

Whenever I thought that I would sleep peacefully,
they have wakened me from sleep.

Whenever I have tried to build a home for a long
and tranquil life,they have demolished it and
driven me out.

Truly, enemies have cut me loose from the world
and have stretched out my hands to the hem of
Thy garment.

Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not
curse them.

Bless them and multiply them; multiply them and
make them even more bitterly against me:

so that my fleeing to Thee may have no return;

so that all hope in men may be scattered like
cobwebs;

so that absolute serenity may begin to reign in my
soul;