The rivers on of Babylon

1 The rivers on of Babylon,
There when we fat us down,
Yea sadly then we mourned when
We Sion thought upon.
2 Our harps we did then hang amid
Upon the willow tree.
3 Because there they that us away
Led in captivity,
Requir'd of us a song, and thus
Ask'd mirth us waste who laid,
Sing us among a Sion's song,
Then unto us they said.
4 O how shall we whilst that we be
In stranger's land accord,
To sing a song that does belong
Unto our God the Lord.

5 If I of thee forgetful be,
O thou Jerusalem,
Let my right hand of her command
Be quite forgetful then.
6 Let cleave my tongue my palate on,
If mind thee do not I:
Or don't prefer Jerus'lem dear
Above my highest joy.

7 Remember, Lord, Edom's sons word;
Unto the ground, said they,
It raze, it raze, when as it was
Jerusalem her day.
8 Bless'd shall he be that payeth thee,
Daughter of Babylon,
Which must be waste, that which thou hast
Rewarded us upon.

9 Yea, happy he shall surely be
Who strongly up doth take
Thy little ones, and on the stones
Doth them in pieces brake.


Source: The Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs of the Old and New-Testament: faithfully translated into English metre: for the use, edification, and comfort of the saints...especially in New-England (25th ed) #PCXXXVIIa