Poems (Hoffman)/Ecclesiastes
ECCLESIASTES
King Solomon walked in his garden fair"Midst the glory of tree and vine,And beautiful flowers and fruits were thereAnd globules of purple wine,And waters that sparkled crystal clear,And voices of those that sing,And notes from psaltery and harp to cheerThe heart of the sad old King.
King Solomon, why are thine eyes downcastAnd thy countenance strangely sad,Wisdom and riches and power thou hastEnough to make hundreds glad,Is there anything more that the heart requiresThan wisdom and power and goldTo purchase the happiness it desires?Thy possessions are manifold.
There are princely palaces built for theeThou hast royal robes and a throneAnd thine is the grandest pageantryThat a King has ever known,With costly viands and nectar rareIs thy regal banquet spread,And pleasure and music and mirth are thereAnd a crown is on thy head.
But Solomon thought not of glory then,He had cast life's best things aside,He had lived for self like many menAnd he was not satisfied;On his brow was the shadow of discontentIn his breast was a heavy pain,And in grief and sorrow his head was bentAs he said: "All things are vain."
Ah! sad old King, there are many moreWho are living to say with theeThe things that a selfish greed secureAre nothing but vanity;And that bread on the waters of kindness castAnd the keeping of God's commands,After many days shall return at lastReward to the toiler's hands.