Psalm XXIII: A New Paraphrase

The Lord's my Shepherd, want I shall not meet;
   In verdant pastures I lie down at night;
Beside still waters leadeth he my feet;
   He doth restore my soul; in paths of right 
For his name's sake he guideth me with care.
   Yea, though I pass the shadowy vale of death,
I'll fear no evil; for thou art with me there.
   Thy staff supports, thy rod, it comforteth;
Thou spread'st my board in presence of my foe;
   Thou dost anoint my head with oil, and fill 
My cup to overrunning. Well I know
   Goodness and mercy shall pursue me still,
Through all my life long, to forsake me never;
   And in thy house, O Lord, will I abide forever!
 

The Lord is my shepherd, no want shall I dread,
In the tender grass he hath made my bed;
     He guideth my feet by the quiet lake,
To my soul he giveth the strength it needs;
In the paths of righteousness he leads
     My erring steps for his glory’s sake.
Yea, though through death’s dark valley I fare,
I will fear no evil, for thou art there;
     Thy rod & thy staff they comfort me,
In sight of mine enemies thou hast spread
My board; with oil thou anointest my head.
     My cup runneth over with joy from thee!
Surely goodness & mercy shall walk at my side,
All the days of my life, & I will abide
     In the house of the Lord eternally!