Super flumina

Verse 1

When we did sit in Babylon the rivers round about, Then in remembrance of Sion the tears for grief burst out.

Verse 2

We hang'd our harps and instruments the willow-trees upon: For in that place men for their use had planted many one.

Verse 3

Then they to whom we prisoners were said to us tauntingly, Now let us hear your Hebrew songs and pleasant melody.

Verse 4

Alas! said we, who can once frame his heavy heart to sing The praises of our loving God, thus under a strange king?

Verse 5

But yet if I Jerusalem out of my heart let slide, Then let my fingers quite forget the warbling harp to guide;

Verse 6

And let my tongue within my mouth be tyed for ever fast, If I rejoice before I see thy full deliv'rance past.

Verse 7

Therefore, O Lord, remember now the cursed noise and cry, That Edom's sons against us made, when they raz'd our city.

Verse 8

Remember, Lord, their cruel words, when with a mighty sound They cried, Down, yea, down with it unto the very ground.

Verse 9

Even so shalt thou, O Babylon, at length to dust be brought; And happy shall that man be call'd, that our revenge hath wrought.

Verse 10

Yea, blessed shall that man be call'd, that takes thy little ones And dasheth them in pieces small against the very stones.