Babylonian Captivity

1. Along the banks where Babel’s current flows,
Our captive bands in deep despondence strayed,
While Zion’s fall in sad remembrance rose,
Her friends, her children mingled with the dead.

2. The tuneless harp, that once with joy we strung,
When praise employed, and mirth inspired the lay,
In mournful silence on the willows hung;
And growing grief prolonged the tedious day.

3. Yet shall the Lord, who hears when Zion calls,
O’ertake her foes with terror and dismay;
His arm avenge her desolated walls,
And raise His children to eternal day.