(A song of ascents.)

Canticum graduum.

A gradual canticle.

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

In convertendo Dominus captivitatem Sion, facti sumus sicut consolati.

When the Lord brought back the captivity of Sion, we became like men comforted.

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

Tunc repletum est gaudio os nostrum, et lingua nostra exsultatione. Tunc dicent inter gentes: Magnificavit Dominus facere cum eis.

Then was our mouth filled with gladness; and our tongue with joy. Then shall they say among the Gentiles: The Lord hath done great things for them.

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

Magnificavit Dominus facere nobiscum; facti sumus lætantes.

The Lord hath done great things for us: we are become joyful.

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

Converte, Domine, captivitatem nostram, sicut torrens in austro.

Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as a stream in the south.

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

Qui seminant in lacrimis, in exsultatione metent.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

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

Euntes ibant et flebant, mittentes semina sua. Venientes autem venient cum exsultatione, portantes manipulos suos.

Going they went and wept, casting their seeds.

But coming they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves.