Nisi Dominus

Except the Lord build the house:¹ their labour is but lost that build it.

Except the Lord keep the city: the watchman wakes but in vain.

It is but lost labour that you haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness: for so he gives his beloved sleep.

Lo, children and the fruit of the womb: are an heritage and gift that comes of the Lord.

Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant: even so are the young children.

Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;²

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.³