206 could not, moreover, worship God, according to the forms of their religion, while away from Jerusalem; and this was a cause of deep sorrow to them. It may probably have been about this time that a group of captive Jews, probably Lévites, WüᎦ Ꮊle day seated by one of the rivers of Babylon, under the willows, whose long branches hung down into the water, enjoying the air and shade. Their harps, upon which, in former days, and in their native land, they had so often played triumphant and sacred songs, to the praise of their God, were now useless. They hung them upon the trees; and while the wind, passing over the chords, made melancholy music, they talked of their former happy days at Jerusalem which were thereby brought to mind. At the recollection of their ruined temple, and deserted homes, and murdered relatives and friends, thcy wept. A party of haughty Babylonians were passing at the instant, and said to the Levites, In ol taunting manner, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.” They mournfully replied, “How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land i" and
