1A gradual canticle. Often have they fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say. 2Often have they fought against me from my youth: but they could not prevail over me. 3The wicked have wrought upon my back: they have lengthened their iniquity. 4The Lord who is just will cut the necks of sinners: 5Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Sion. 6Let them be as grass upon the tops of houses: which withereth before it be plucked up: 7Who with the mower filleth not his hand: nor he that gathereth sheaves his bosom. 8And they that passed by have not said: The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we have blessed you in the name of the Lord.