Psalmorum 127

1 Canticum graduum Salomonis. [Nisi Dominus ædificaverit domum, in vanum laboraverunt qui ædificant eam. Nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem, frustra vigilat qui custodit eam.

[A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.] Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.

2 Vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere: surgite postquam sederitis, qui manducatis panem doloris. Cum dederit dilectis suis somnum,

It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

3 ecce hæreditas Domini, filii; merces, fructus ventris.

Look, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Sicut sagittæ in manu potentis, ita filii excussorum.

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

5 Beatus vir qui implevit desiderium suum ex ipsis: non confundetur cum loquetur inimicis suis in porta.]

Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.