 | CHAP. IV. Poems on several subjects |  |
CHAP. IV.
[1]
So I return'd, consider'd all oppressionsDone here below, which are beyond expressions:
And lo, the tears of such oppressed ones,
Without comforters, utter'd grievous groans;
And on the side of their oppressors were
Pow'r (but, poor souls!) they had no comforter.
2
Wherefore I prais'd the dead, already dead,Far more than he that liveth in his stead.
3
Yea better far is he that hath not been,Than dead and living; for he hath not seen
The evil work that here below the sun
By sons of men so frequently is done.
4
Again, all travel I considered,And each right-work, for which a man's envy'd
Ev'n of his neighbour: this is vanity,
And sore vexation of the mind, surely.
5
The fool together folds his hands afresh,And by his sloth he eateth his own flesh.
6
Better's an handful, with a quiet possession;Than both hands full, with travel and vexation.
7
Then on reflection I did plainly seeBelow the sun another vanity:
8
There's one alone, and there is not another;Yea, and he hath not either child or brother:
322
So that he's never satisfied with riches;
Neither saith he, For whom now do I save
My riches, and my soul of good bereave?
This also is a vanity; yea more,
It is a travel, and a toil full sore.
9
Two better are than one, because they haveA good reward for labour to receive.
10
For if they fall, the one will make a shift,And strive his fellow up again to lift:
But wo to him that is alone when he
Shall fall; hath none that will his helper be.
11
Again, if two together ly, anonThey've heat; but how can one be warm alone?
12
And if one shall prevail against him, twoShall him withstand, and likely overthrow;
A threefold cord will not so quickly break,
As one that's single, certainly more weak.
13
A poor wise child is better far, than heThat's old and foolish, tho' a king he be,
Who to no admonition will agree.
14
From out of prison one may raised beTo rule and reign in royal dignity.
Whereas one born in his own kingdom may
Be render'd poor, and subject-like obey.
15
I then consider'd all the living whichWalk under heav'n, yea, both the poor and rich:
The second child, when as a man is dead,
That after him shall stand up in his stead.
16
There is no end of all the people seenEven of all before them that have been;
Those that come after in him shall not joy.
This also is a vexing vanity.
| CHAP. IV. Poems on several subjects | |