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 hereditas 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.