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

2 We hanged our harps and instruments
the willow trees upon:
For in that place men for their use
had planted many one.

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

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

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

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

7 Therefore, O Lord, remember now
the curs-ed noise and cry
That Edom's sons against us made,
when they razed our city.

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

9 E'en so shalt thou, O Babylon,
at length to dust be brought;
And happy shall that man be called,
that our revenge hath wrought:

10 Yea, bless-ed shall that man be called,
that takes thy little ones,
And dasheth them in pieces small
against the very stones.