Church Hymn Book ‎#P.CXXXVII

P.CXXXVII. When we, our weary limbs to rest

1 When we, our wearied limbs to rest,
Sat down by proud Euphrates' stream,
We wept, with doleful thoughts opprest,
And Zion 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 trees that wither'd there.

3 Meanwhile our foes, who all conspir'd
To triumph in our slavish wrongs,
Music and mirth of us requir'd,
"Come, sing us one of Zion's songs."

4 How shall we tune 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 cheerful 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 walls 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 laidst 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 limbs to rest
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1816
• Scripture:
  Psalm 137
• Topic: The Babylonian Captivity

Tune Information

(No tune information)