Through a land of hardship and distress,^(C)
    of lions^(D) and lionesses,
    of adders and darting snakes,^(E)
the envoys carry their riches on donkeys’^(F) backs,
    their treasures^(G) on the humps of camels,
to that unprofitable nation,

⁹ You went to Molek^[a](A) with olive oil
    and increased your perfumes.^(B)
You sent your ambassadors^[b](C) far away;
    you descended to the very realm of the dead!^(D)

⁹ For they have gone up to Assyria^(A)
    like a wild donkey^(B) wandering alone.
    Ephraim has sold herself to lovers.^(C)
10 Although they have sold themselves among the nations,
    I will now gather them together.^(D)
They will begin to waste away^(E)
    under the oppression of the mighty king.