²¹ “People listened to me expectantly,
    waiting in silence for my counsel.^(A)
22 After I had spoken, they spoke no more;^(B)
    my words fell gently on their ears.^(C)
23 They waited for me as for showers
    and drank in my words as the spring rain.^(D)
24 When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it;
    the light of my face^(E) was precious to them.^[a](F)
25 I chose the way for them and sat as their chief;^(G)
    I dwelt as a king^(H) among his troops;
    I was like one who comforts mourners.^(I)