By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat;

And wept when we remembered Zion.

2 We hung our harps on the willows in the midst of it.

3 For there they that had taken us captive asked of us the words of a song;

And they that had carried us away asked a hymn, saying,

Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

4 How should we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?

5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

6 May my tongue cleave to my throat, if I do not remember thee;

If I do not prefer Jerusalem as the chief of my joy.

7 Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem;

Who said, Raze it, raze it, even to its foundations.

8 Wretched daughter of Babylon!

Blessed shall he be who shall reward thee as thou hast rewarded us.

9 Blessed shall he be who shall seize and dash thine infants against the rock.