We sat down and wept by the waters <br /> Of Babel, and thought of the day <br />When our foe, in the hue of his slaughters, <br /> Made Salem's high places his prey; <br />And ye, oh her desolate daughters! <br /> Were scattered all weeping away. <br /> <br />While sadly we gazed on the river <br /> Which rolled on in freedom below, <br />They demanded the song; but, oh never <br /> That triumph the stranger shall know! <br />May this right hand be withered for ever, <br /> Ere it string our high harp for the foe! <br /> <br />On the willow that harp is suspended, <br /> Oh Salem! its sound should be free; <br />And the hour when thy glories were <br /> ended <br /> But left me that token of thee: <br />And ne'er shall its soft tones be blended <br /> With the voice of the spoiler by me!<br /><br />George Gordon Byron<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/by-the-rivers-of-babylon-we-sat-down-and-wept/
