And it came to pass: The Lamentations of Jeremias

"And it came to pass, after Israel was carried into captivity and Jerusalem was desolate, that Jeremias the prophet sat weeping, and mourned with this lamentation of Jerusalem. And with a sorrowful mind, sighing and moaning, he said:



Jeremiah mourning over the Destruction
of Jerusalem - Rembrandt

 (Lamentations 4: 1-4)
"Aleph. How is the gold become changed, the stones of the sanctuary are scattered in the top of every street.

"Beth. The noble sons of Sion and they that were clothed with the best gold: how are they esteemed as earthen vessels, the work of the potter's hands?

"Ghimel. Even the sea monsters have drawn out the breast, they have given suck to their young: the daughter of my people is cruel, like the ostrich in the desert.

"Daleth. The tongue of the sucking child hath stuck to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the little ones have asked for bread, and there was none to break it unto them."

(Text from: The Holy Bible  Translated from the Latin Vulgate and diligently compared with the Hebrew, Greek and other editions in divers languages. The Old Testament was first published by the English College at Douay, A.D. 1609 and The New Testament was first published by the English College at Rheims, A.D. 1582. With notes by Bishop Challoner....)