² The precious sons of Zion,
    worth their weight in ^(A)fine gold,
how they are regarded as ^(B)earthen pots,
    the work of a potter's hands!

⁷ Her princes were purer than snow,
    whiter than milk;
their bodies were more ruddy than coral,
    the beauty of their form^[a] was like sapphire.^[b]
8 (A)Now their face is blacker than soot;
    they are not recognized in the streets;
their skin has shrivelled on their bones;
    it has become as dry as wood.