| Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912. |
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| Joel Barlow. 1755–1812 |
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2. Psalm CXXXVII
The Babylonian Captivity |
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| ALONG the banks where Babel's current flows | |
| Our captive bands in deep despondence stray'd, | |
| While Zion's fall in sad remembrance rose, | |
| Her friends, her children mingled with the dead. | |
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| The tuneless harp, that once with joy we strung, | 5 |
| When praise employ'd and mirth inspir'd the lay, | |
| In mournful silence on the willows hung; | |
| And growing grief prolong'd the tedious day. | |
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| The barbarous tyrants, to increase the woe, | |
| With taunting smiles a song of Zion claim; | 10 |
| Bid sacred praise in strains melodious flow, | |
| While they blaspheme the great Jehovah's name. | |
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| But how, in heathen chains and lands unknown, | |
| Shall Israel's sons a song of Zion raise? | |
| O hapless Salem, God's terrestrial throne, | 15 |
| Thou land of glory, sacred mount of praise. | |
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| If e'er my memory lose thy lovely name, | |
| If my cold heart neglect my kindred race, | |
| Let dire destruction seize this guilty frame; | |
| My hand shall perish and my voice shall cease. | 20 |
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| Yet shall the Lord, who hears when Zion calls, | |
| O'ertake her foes with terror and dismay, | |
| His arm avenge her desolated walls, | |
| And raise her children to eternal day. | |
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