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.

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.

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

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he gives his beloved sleep.

3 ecce hereditas Domini filii: merces, fructus ventris.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 Sicut sagittæ in manu potentis: ita filii excussorum.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

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

Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.