5. Those who once feasted on delicaciesperish in the streets; those who were brought up in purpleembrace ash heaps.
6. For the chastisement of the daughter of my people has been greaterthan the punishment of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment,and no hands were wrung for her.
7. Her princes were purer than snow,whiter than milk;their bodies were more ruddy than coral,the beauty of their form was like sapphire.
8. Now their face is blacker than soot;they are not recognized in the streets;their skin has shriveled on their bones;it has become as dry as wood.
9. Happier were the victims of the swordthan the victims of hunger,who wasted away, piercedby lack of the fruits of the field.