Banzembo 120

1 Nzembo ya mobembo tango bazalaki kokende na Tempelo ya Yawe. Kati na pasi na ngai, nabelelaki Yawe, mpe ayanolaki ngai.

A Song of Ascents. Unto Yahweh, in the distress that befell me, I cried—and he answered me.

2 Oh Yawe, kangola ngai wuta na maboko ya bakosi mpe wuta na lolemo ya lokuta!

O Yahweh! rescue thou my soul—from the false lip, from the deceitful tongue.

3 Yo, lolemo ya lokuta, Yawe akopesa yo nini, akofuta yo nini?

What shall be given to thee, and what shall be added to thee, thou deceitful tongue?

4 Akobeta yo na makonga ya elombe ya bitumba, oyo ezali ya songe, elongo na makala ya moto ya nzete ya nzube.

The arrows of the hero sharpened, with burning coals of broom.

5 Mawa na ngai, mpo ete navandi lokola mopaya kati na Mesheki, kati na bandako ya kapo ya Kedari.

Woe is me, That I sojourn in Meshek, —That I abide near the tents of Kedar!

6 Navandaki tango molayi kati na bato oyo balingaka kimia te.

Long, hath my soul had her dwelling with him that hateth peace:

7 Ngai, nazali moto ya kimia; kasi soki kaka nameki koloba na tina na kimia, bango baponaka mbala moko bitumba.

I, am for peace, and verily I speak, They, are for war!