Psalmorum 127

1 Canticum graduum Salomonis. [Nisi Dominus ædificaverit domum, in vanum laboraverunt qui ædificant eam. Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, frustra vigilat qui custodit eam.

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes in vain.

2 Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere: surgite postquam sederitis, qui manducatis panem doloris. Cum dederit dilectis suis somnum,

In vain you rise early, and finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.

3 ecce hæreditas Domini, filii; merces, fructus ventris.

Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.

4 Sicut sagittæ in manu potentis, ita filii excussorum.

Like arrows wielded by warriors, are the children of youth.

5 Beatus vir qui implevit desiderium suum ex ipsis: non confundetur cum loquetur inimicis suis in porta.]

Happy the man who has filled his quiver full of them. He will not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.