14 The elders have left the city gate,
the young men, their music.(A)
15 Joy has left our hearts;(B)
our dancing has turned to mourning.
16 The crown has fallen from our head.(C)
Woe to us, for we have sinned.(D)

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14 Gone from the gates are debate, trade, and the wisdom of sages.
    The streets, too, are silent—the young neglect their music.
15 The joy from our hearts is gone, utterly gone.
    Our once-dancing feet now plod along mournfully.
16 The wreath that crowned our head has slipped and fallen; now it’s crushed.
    O how we’ve sinned! Pity us for the punishment we brought on ourselves.

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