1 How solitary sits the city,once filled with people.She who was great among the nationsis now like a widow.Once a princess among the provinces,now a toiling slave.
2 She weeps incessantly in the night,her cheeks damp with tears.She has no one to comfort herfrom all her lovers;Her friends have all betrayed her,and become her enemies.
3 Judah has gone into exile,after oppression and harsh labor;She dwells among the nations,yet finds no rest:All her pursuers overtake herin the narrow straits.
4 The roads to Zion mourn,empty of pilgrims to her feasts.All her gateways are desolate,her priests groan,Her young women grieve;her lot is bitter.
5 Her foes have come out on top,her enemies are secure;Because the Lord has afflicted herfor her many rebellions.Her children have gone away,captive before the foe.
6 From daughter Zion has goneall her glory:Her princes have become like ramsthat find no pasture.They have gone off exhaustedbefore their pursuers.