Memories of Zion

Verse 1

By Babel's streams we sat and wept, for mem'ry still to Zion clung; the winds alone our harp-strings swept, that on the drooping willows hung.

Verse 2

There our rude captors, flushed with pride, a song required to mock our wrongs; our spoilers called for mirth and cried, "Come, sing us one of Zion's songs."

Verse 3

Not songs but sighs to us belong when Zion's walls in ruin lie; how shall we sing Jehovah's song while in an alien land we die?

Verse 4

O Zion fair, God's holy hill, wherein our God delights to dwell, let my right hand forget her skill if I forget to love thee well.

Verse 5

If I do not remember Thee then let my tongue from utterance cease, if any earthly joy to me be dear as Zion's joy and peace.

Verse 6

Remember, LORD, the dreadful day of Zion's cruel overthrow how happy he who shall repay the bitter hatred of her foe.