By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, *

when we remembered you, O Zion.

As for our harps, we hung them up *

upon the trees that are therein.

For those who led us away captive required of us a song and melody in our heaviness: *

“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

How shall we sing the Lord’s song *

in the land of our captivity?

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, *

let my right hand forget its skill.

If I do not remember you, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, *

if I prefer not Jerusalem above my dearest joy.

Remember the children of Edom, O Lord, in the day of Jerusalem, *

how they said, “Down with it, down with it, even to the ground.”

O daughter of Babylon, wasted with misery, *

happy shall be the one who rewards you as you have done to us.

Blessed shall he be who takes your children *

and throws them against the stones.

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; *

even before the gods will I sing praises to you.

I will worship toward your holy temple and praise your Name because of your loving-kindness and truth, *

for you have magnified your Name and your word above all things.

When I called upon you, you heard me *

and gave me increase of strength.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, *

for they have heard the words of your mouth.

They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, *

that great is the glory of the Lord.

For though the Lord be high, yet he has respect for the lowly; *

as for the proud, he beholds them from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shall you refresh me; *

you shall stretch forth your hand upon the furiousness of my enemies, and your right hand shall save me.

The Lord shall make good his loving-kindness toward me; *

your mercy, O Lord, endures for ever; despise not the works of your own hands.