When Sion's bondage God turn'd back

1 When Sion’s bondage God turn’d back,
as men that dream’d were we.
2 Then fill’d with laughter was our mouth,
our tongue with melody:

They ‘mong the heathen said, The Lord
great things for them hath wrought.
3 The Lord hath done great things for us,
whence joy to us is brought.

4 As streams of water in the south,
our bondage, Lord, recall.
5 Who sow in tears, a reaping time
of joy enjoy they shall.

6 That man who, bearing precious seed,
in going forth doth mourn,
He doubtless, bringing back his sheaves,
rejoicing shall return.

Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases, 1800