A gradual canticle.

Canticum graduum.

(A song of ascents.)

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

In convertendo Dominus captivitatem Sion, facti sumus sicut consolati.

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

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.

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

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

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

Magnificavit Dominus facere nobiscum; facti sumus lætantes.

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

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

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

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

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Qui seminant in lacrimis, in exsultatione metent.

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

Going they went and wept, casting their seeds.

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

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

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