When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion  *

then were we like unto them that dream.

Then was our mouth filled with laughter *

and our tongue with joy.

Then said they among the heathen *

The Lord hath done great things for them.

Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already *

whereof we rejoice.

Turn our captivity, O Lord *

as the rivers in the south.

They that sow in tears *

shall reap in joy.

He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed *

shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.

Except the Lord build the house  *

their labour is but lost that build it.

Except the Lord keep the city *

the watchman waketh but in vain.

It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness *

for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Lo, children and the fruit of the womb *

are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.

Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant *

even so are the young children.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them *

they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Blessed are all they that fear the Lord  *

and walk in his ways.

For thou shalt eat the labours of thine hands *

O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be.

Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine *

upon the walls of thine house.

Thy children like the olive-branches *

round about thy table.

Lo, thus shall the man be blessed *

that feareth the Lord.

The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee *

that thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.

Yea, that thou shalt see thy children’s children *

and peace upon Israel.

Many a time have they fought against me from my youth up  *

may Israel now say.

Yea, many a time have they vexed me from my youth up *

but they have not prevailed against me.

The plowers plowed upon my back *

and made long furrows.

But the righteous Lord *

hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.

Let them be confounded and turned backward *

as many as have evil will at Sion.

Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house-tops *

which withereth afore it be plucked up;

Whereof the mower filleth not his hand *

neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.

So that they who go by say not so much as, The Lord prosper you *

we wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord.

Out of the deep have I called unto thee, O Lord  *

Lord, hear my voice.

O let thine ears consider well *

the voice of my complaint.

If thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss *

O Lord, who may abide it?

For there is mercy with thee *

therefore shalt thou be feared.

I look for the Lord; my soul doth wait for him *

in his word is my trust.

My soul fleeth unto the Lord *

before the morning watch, I say, before the morning watch.

O Israel, trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy *

and with him is plenteous redemption.

And he shall redeem Israel *

from all his sins.

Lord, I am not high-minded  *

I have no proud looks.

I do not exercise myself in great matters *

which are too high for me.

But I refrain my soul, and keep it low, like as a child that is weaned from his mother *

yea, my soul is even as a weaned child.

O Israel, trust in the Lord *

from this time forth for evermore.