10. The elders of the daughter of Zionsit on the ground in silence;they throw dust on their headsand gird themselves with sackcloth.The virgins of Jerusalembow their heads to the ground.
11. My eyes fail with tears,my spirit is greatly troubled;my bile is poured on the groundbecause of the destruction of the daughter of my people,because the children and infants faintin the streets of the city.
12. They say to their mothers,“Where is grain and wine?”when they faint like a wounded manin the streets of the city,as their life is poured outon their mothers’ bosom.
13. What can I say for you,to what shall I liken you,O daughter of Jerusalem?What shall I compare with you,that I may comfort you,O virgin daughter of Zion?For your devastation is great like the sea;who can heal you?
14. Your prophets have seen for youfalse and deceptive visions;they have not revealed your iniquity,to bring back your captives,but have seen for you oraclesthat are false and misleading.
15. All who pass byclap their hands at you;they hiss and shake their headsat the daughter of Jerusalem, saying,“Is this the city that men callthe perfection of beauty,the joy of the whole earth?”
16. All your enemieshave opened their mouth against you;they hiss and gnash their teeth.They say, “We have swallowed her up!Certainly this is the day that we longed for;we have found it; we have seen it.”
17. The Lord has done what He planned;He has fulfilled His wordthat He had commanded in the days of old.He has thrown down and has not pitied,and He has caused the enemy to rejoice over you;He has exalted the power of your adversaries.
18. Their heart cried to the Lord:O wall of the daughter of Zion,let your tears run downlike a river day and night;give yourself no rest,your eyes no respite!
19. Arise, cry out in the night,at the beginning of the watches;pour out your heart like waterbefore the face of the Lord.Lift your hands to Himfor the lives of your young children,who faint for hungerat the head of every street.