Poems (Hoffman)/Ecclesiastes

by Martha Lavinia Hoffman

ECCLESIASTES

King Solomon walked in his garden fair
"Midst the glory of tree and vine,
And beautiful flowers and fruits were there
And globules of purple wine,
And waters that sparkled crystal clear,
And voices of those that sing,
And notes from psaltery and harp to cheer
The heart of the sad old King.

King Solomon, why are thine eyes downcast
And thy countenance strangely sad,
Wisdom and riches and power thou hast
Enough to make hundreds glad,
Is there anything more that the heart requires
Than wisdom and power and gold
To purchase the happiness it desires?
Thy possessions are manifold.

There are princely palaces built for thee
Thou hast royal robes and a throne
And thine is the grandest pageantry
That a King has ever known,
With costly viands and nectar rare
Is thy regal banquet spread,
And pleasure and music and mirth are there
And 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 men
And he was not satisfied;
On his brow was the shadow of discontent
In his breast was a heavy pain,
And in grief and sorrow his head was bent
As he said: "All things are vain."

Ah! sad old King, there are many more
Who are living to say with thee
The things that a selfish greed secure
Are nothing but vanity;
And that bread on the waters of kindness cast
And the keeping of God's commands,
After many days shall return at last
Reward to the toiler's hands.