1
ALEPH. How will the gold be tarnished, the fine silver changed! the sacred stones have been poured forth at the top of all the streets.
2
BETH. The precious sons of Zion, who were equalled in value with gold, how are they counted as earthen vessels, the works of the hands of the potter!
3
GIMEL. Nay, serpents have drawn out the breasts, they give suck to their young, the daughters of my people are incurably cruel, as an ostrich in a desert.
4
DALETH. The tongue of the sucking child cleaves to the roof of its mouth for thirst: the little children ask for bread, there is none to break to them.
5
HE. They that feed on dainties are desolate in the streets: they that used to be nursed in scarlet have clothed themselves with dung.
6
VAU. And the iniquity of the daughter of my people has been increased beyond the iniquities of Sodoma, that was overthrown very suddenly, and none laboured against her hands.
7
ZAIN. Her Nazarites were made purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were purified with fire, their polishing was superior to sapphire stone.
8
HETH. Their countenance is become blacker than smoke; they are not known in the streets: their skin has cleaved to their bones; they are withered, they are become as a stick.
9
TETH. The slain with the sword were better than they that were slain with hunger: they have departed, pierced through from the fruits of the field.
10
JOD. The hands of tender-hearted women have sodden their own children: they became meat for them in the destruction of the daughter of my people.
11
CHAPH. The Lord has accomplished his wrath; he has poured out fierce anger, and has kindled a fire in Sion, and it has devoured her foundations.