1. How deserted lies the city,once so full of people!How like a widow is she,who once was great among the nations!She who was queen among the provinceshas now become a slave.
2. Bitterly she weeps at night,tears are on her cheeks.Among all her loversthere is no one to comfort her.All her friends have betrayed her;they have become her enemies.
3. After affliction and harsh labour,Judah has gone into exile.She dwells among the nations;she finds no resting place.All who pursue her have overtaken herin the midst of her distress.
4. The roads to Zion mourn,for no one comes to her appointed festivals.All her gateways are desolate,her priests groan,her young women grieve,and she is in bitter anguish.
5. Her foes have become her masters;her enemies are at ease.The Lord has brought her griefbecause of her many sins.Her children have gone into exile,captive before the foe.
6. All the splendour has departedfrom Daughter Zion.Her princes are like deerthat find no pasture;in weakness they have fledbefore the pursuer.