Charles H. Spurgeon on Psalms 55:7

Lo, then would I wander far off, etc. A passage in the "Octavia" of Seneca has been referred to as being parallel to this of David. It is in the answer of Octavia to the Chorus, act 5., ver. 914-923.

My woes who enough can bewail?

O what notes can my sorrows express?

Sweet Philomel's self even would fail

To respond with her plaintive distress.

O had I her wings, I would fly

To where sorrows I never should feel more,

Upborne on her plumes through the sky,

Regions far from mankind would explore.

In a grove where sad silence should reign,

On a spray would I seat me alone;

In shrill lamentations complain.

And in wailings would pour forth my moan. —J. B. Clarke (From Adam Clarke, in loc.)