1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, Yea we wept when we remembered thee, O Zion!

2 Upon the willows, in the midst thereof, We hanged our harps.

3 Then they required of us, they who carried us away captive, the words of a song, And, when we were in suspense, mirth, [Saying] Sing us one of the songs of Zion."

4 How shall we sing the song of Jehovah, In a strange land?

5 If I shall forget thee, O Jerusalem! Forget let my right hand [its cunning.]

6 Cleave let my tongue to my palate, If I do not remember thee, If I do not raise Jerusalem above my highest joy. [400]

7 Remember, O Jehovah! the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem: Who said, "Lay it bare -- "Lay it bare, even to the foundations thereof."

8 O daughter of Babylon laid waste! Happy he who shall repay thee The retribution with which thou hast retributed us!

9 Happy he who shall take And dash thy little ones against the stones.

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Footnotes:

[400] Literally, "above the head of my joy."