I.

Dark was the day, our fears were great,
And mournful was our captive song,
When wandering our captive state,
And all our threat'ning foes were strong.

II.

Sing us a song of Sion now,
They laughing in derision said;
Our hopes were hung, our hopes were low,
And all our souls a prey was made.

III.

'Twas hard to speak of Sion then,
And hard to think our GOD would fail;
How could we bear that cruel men
Should triumph and at last prevail!

IV.

Then did the pow'rs of hell blaspheme,
Because our broken walls were love,
Saying " Where is your boasted fame ?
" And where's your mighty Saviour now? "

V.

But in the midst of all our grief,
Our God made known deliv'ring power;
His arm appear'd for our relief,
And brought the long desired hour.

VI.

Soon he expel'd the gloomy shade,
Our hopes, and strength, and joys restor'd;
The lambs which from his fold had stray'd,
He call'd, and fed around his beard.

VII.

'Tis now we'll sing the Victor's song,
And laud our heavenly Captain's name;
Eternal praise to him belongs,
While all our foes are cloth'd with shame.

VIII.

All glory be to Sion's King,
Whose love redeem'd us from our wo!
Let saints above his praises sing,
And we with humbler notes below.