(A song of ascents.)

When the Lord gave back Sion her banished sons, we walked like men in a dream;

in every mouth was laughter, joy was on every tongue. Among the heathen themselves it was said, What favour the Lord has shewn them!

Favour indeed the Lord has shewn us, and our hearts are rejoiced.

Deliver us, Lord, from our bondage; our withered hopes, Lord, like some desert water-course renew!✻

The men who are sowing in tears will reap, one day, with joy.

Mournful enough they go, but with seed to scatter; trust me, they will come back rejoicing, as they carry their sheaves with them.