16. This may be what saves me,because no guilty personwould come to his court.
17. Listen carefully to my words!
18. I have prepared my case well,and I am certain to win.
19. If you can prove me guilty,I will give up and die.
20. I ask only two thingsof you, my God,and I will no longerhide from you—
21. stop punishingand terrifying me!
22. Then speak, and I will reply;or else let me speak,and you reply.
23. Please point out my sins,so I will know them.
24. Why have you turned your backand count me your enemy?
25. Do you really enjoyfrightening a fallen leaf?
26. Why do you accuse meof horrible crimesand make me pay for sinsI did in my youth?
27. You have tied my feet downand keep me surrounded;
28. I am rotting away like clotheaten by worms.