1 When Sion's GOD her mournful Sons
Recall'd from long Captivity,
It seem'd at first a pleasing Dream
Of what we wish'd to see;
But soon our Tongues we did employ
In thankful Hymns and Songs of Joy.
2 Our Heathen Foes repining stood;
Yet they were all compell'd to own,
That great and wond'rous was indeed
The Work our GOD for us had done:
His Goodness we with Joy confess,
Who thus hath crown'd us with Success.
3 To us bring back the Remnant, LORD,
Of Israel's long enclaved Bands;
More wellcome than refreshing Show'rs
That fall on parch'd and thirsty Lands:
That we, who did our Days employ
In Sorrow, now may reap in Joy.
4 Though he desponds, that sows his Grain,
Yet, doubtless, he at last shall come
To bind his ripen'd full-ear'd Sheaves,
And bring the plenteous Harvest home:
Then former Griefs shall pass away,
And glad Success his Toil repay.
Source: The Psalms of David: with the Ten Commandments, Creed, Lord's Prayer, &c. in metre...for the use of the Reformed Protestant Dutch church of the city of New York #CXXVI