By the Rivers of Babylon we Sat and Wept

1. 1We sate down and wept by the waters
2. 2Of Babel, and thought of the day
3. 3When our foe, in the hue of his slaughters,
4. 4Made Salem's high places his prey;
5. 5And Ye, oh her desolate daughters!
6. 6Were scattered all weeping away.

1. 7While sadly we gazed on the river
2. 8Which rolled on in freedom below,
3. 9They demanded the song; but, oh never
4. 10That triumph the Stranger shall know!
5. 11May this right hand be withered for ever,
6. 12Ere it string our high harp for the foe!

1. 13On the willow that harp is suspended,
2. 14Oh Salem! its sound should be free;
3. 15And the hour when thy glories were ended
4. 16But left me that token of thee:
5. 17And ne'er shall its soft tones be blended
6. 18With the voice of the Spoiler by me!