A gradual canticle.

Often have they fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say.

Often have they fought against me from my youth: but they could not prevail over me.

The wicked have wrought upon my back: they have lengthened their iniquity.

The Lord who is just will cut the necks of sinners:

let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Sion.

Let them be as grass upon the tops of houses: which withereth before it be plucked up:

Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand: nor he that gathereth sheaves his bosom.

And they that passed by have not said: The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we have blessed you in the name of the Lord.