8. young men stepped aside as soon as they saw me,and old men stood up to show me respect.
9. The leaders of the people would stop talking;
10. even the most important men kept silent.
11. Everyone who saw me or heard of mehad good things to say about what I had done.
12. When the poor cried out, I helped them;I gave help to orphans who had nowhere to turn.
13. Those who were in deepest misery praised me,and I helped widows find security.
14. I have always acted justly and fairly.
15. I was eyes for the blind,and feet for the lame.
16. I was like a father to the poorand took the side of strangers in trouble.
17. I destroyed the power of cruel menand rescued their victims.
18. I always expected to live a long lifeand to die at home in comfort.
19. I was like a tree whose roots always have waterand whose branches are wet with dew.
20. Everyone was always praising me,and my strength never failed me.
21. When I gave advice, people were silentand listened carefully to what I said;
22. they had nothing to add when I had finished.My words sank in like drops of rain;