A Song of degrees.
8,6,8,6
^1When Sion's bondage God turn'd back,
as men that dream'd were we.
^2Then fill'd with laughter was our mouth,
our tongue with melody:
They mong the heathen said, The Lord
great things for them hath wrought.
^3The Lord hath done great things for us,
whence joy to us is brought.
^4As streams of water in the south,
our bondage, Lord, recall.
^5Who sow in tears, a reaping time
of joy enjoy they shall.
^6That man who, bearing precious seed,
in going forth doth mourn,
He doubtless, bringing back his sheaves,
rejoicing shall return.