- When that the Lord again his Zion had forth
- brought,
- from bondage great and also servitude
- extreme,
- His works was such as did surmount man’s
- heart and thought,
- so that we were much like to them that use
- to dream:
- Our mouths were with laughter filled then,
- and eke our tongues did show us joyful
- men.
-
- 2 The heathen folk
- were forced then this to confess:
- How that the Lord,
- for them also great things had done.
-
- 3 But much more we,
- and therefore can confess no less:
- Wherefore to joy,
- we have good cause as we begun:
-
- 4 O Lord go forth,
- thou canst our bondage end,
- As to Deserts,
- the flowing rivers send.
-
- 5 Full true it is,
- that they which sow in tears indeed,
- A time will come
- when they shall reap in mirth and joy.
-
- 6 They went and wept,
- in bearing of their precious seed:
- For that their foes
- full oftentimes did them annoy:
- But their return
- with joy they shall sure see:
- Their sheaves home bring,
- and not impaired be.
