University of Virginia Library

Psal. 127. Nisi Dominus.

Canticum Graduum Solomonis.

1

Except the Lord the house doe build,
vaine toile the builder takes:
Except the Lord the Citie shield,
in vaine the Warder wakes.

2

As vaine it is, ye early rise,
late houres of rest ye keep,
To eate the bread that sorrow buyes,
while his beloved sleep.

3

Loe, children are an heritage,
a gift the Lord bestowes:
Fruit that revives the fathers age,
rewards the mothers throwes.

4

The arrowes from the Mighties hand,
with no such terrour goe,
As goe the sons of youth, to stand
against the fathers foe.

5

Blest is the man, that of such shot
hath stor'd his quiver full;
Within the gate, their foes shall not
reproach upon them pull.