Psalmorum 120

1 Canticum graduum. [Ad Dominum cum tribularer clamavi, et exaudivit me.

A song of ascents. In distress I cried to the Lord, and he answered me.

2 Domine, libera animam meam a labiis iniquis et a lingua dolosa.

‘Deliver me, Lord, from the lip that is false and the tongue that is crafty.’

3 Quid detur tibi, aut quid apponatur tibi ad linguam dolosam?

What shall he give to you, you tongue that is crafty? What yet shall he give to you?

4 Sagittæ potentis acutæ, cum carbonibus desolatoriis.

Arrows of warrior, sharpened, with glowing broom coals together.

5 Heu mihi, quia incolatus meus prolongatus est! habitavi cum habitantibus Cedar;

Woe is me that I sojourn in Meshech, that I live by the tents of Kedar.

6 multum incola fuit anima mea.

Already too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace.

7 Cum his qui oderunt pacem eram pacificus; cum loquebar illis, impugnabant me gratis.]

I am for peace: but when I speak of it, they are for war.