22. After I had spoken, they did not respond;my words fell on them drop by drop.
23. They waited for me as people wait for the rain,and they opened their mouths as for the spring rains.
24. If I smiled at them, they hardly believed it;and they did not cause the light of my face to darken.
25. I chose the way for themand sat as their chief;I lived like a king among his troops;I was like one who comforts mourners.