289. When we, our weary'd Limbs to rest

1 When we, our weary'd Limbs to rest,
Sat down by proud Euphrates Stream,
We wept, with doleful Thoughts opprest,
And Sion was our mournful Theme.
2 Our Harps, that when with Joy we sung
Were wont their tuneful Parts to bear,
With silent Strings neglected hung
On Willow-tress that wither'd there.

3 Mean while our Foes, who all conspir'd
To triumph in our slavish Wrongs,
Musick and Mirth of us requir'd,
"Come, sing us one of Sion's Songs."
4 How shall we tun our Voice to sing?
Or touch our Harps with skilful Hands?
Shall Hymns of Joy to God our King
Be sung by Slaves in foreign lands?

5 O Salem, our once happy Seat!
When I of thee forgetful prove,
Let then my trembling Hand forget
The speaking Strings with Art to move!
6 If I to mention thee forbear,
Eternal Silence seize my tongue;
Or if I sing one chearful Air,
'Till thy Deliv'rance is my Song!

7 Remember, Lord, how Edom's Race,
In thy own city's fatal Day,
Cry'd out, "Her stately Wills deface,
"And with the Ground quite level lay."
8 Proud Babel's Daughter, doom'd to be
Of Grief and Woe the wretched Prey,
Bless'd is the Man, who shall to thee
The Wrongs thou laid'st on us, repay.

9 Thrice bless'd, who with just Rage possest,
And deaf to all the Parents Moans,
Shall snatch thy Infants from the Breast,
And dash their Heads against the Stones.

Text Information
First Line: When we, our weary'd Limbs to rest
Language: English
Publication Date: 1754
Scripture:
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