1. Alas! The city once full of peoplenow sits all alone!The prominent lady among the nationshas become a widow!The princess who once ruled the provinces has become a forced laborer!ב (Bet)
2. She weeps bitterly at night;tears stream down her cheeks.She has no one to comfort heramong all her lovers.All her friends have betrayed her;they have become her enemies.ג (Gimel)
3. Judah has departed into exile under affliction and harsh oppression.She lives among the nations;she has found no resting place.All who pursued her overtook herin narrow straits. ד (Dalet)
4. The roads to Zion mourn because no one travels to the festivals.All her city gates are deserted;her priests groan.Her virgins grieve; she is in bitter anguish!ה (He)
5. Her foes subjugated her;her enemies are at ease. For the Lord afflicted herbecause of her many acts of rebellion.Her children went awaycaptive before the enemy.ו (Vav)