Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have dug a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before you to speak good for them, and to turn away your anger from them.
For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my companions watched for my downfall, saying, Perhaps he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
For I have heard a voice as of a woman in birth labor, and the anguish as of her that brings forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewails herself, that spreads her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
O daughter of my people, clothe yourself with sackcloth, and roll in ashes: make mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the plunderer shall suddenly come upon us.