Is there a thing, of which it can be said, See here, it is, new? Already, hath it been, for ages, it is something which was before us.

Of laughter, I said, Madness! and, of mirth, What can it do?

Thus turned, I, to look at wisdom, and madness and folly, - for what can the man do more who cometh after the king? save that which, already, men have done.

So I saw, that there was nothing better than that a man should be glad in his works, for, that, is his portion, - for who can bring him in, to look upon that which shall be after him?

Moreover, if two lie together, then have they warmth, - but how can, one, have warmth?

As he came from his mother's womb, naked, he again departeth, as he came, - and, nothing, can he take of his toil, which he can carry in his hand.

For what profit hath the wise man, over the dullard? What can, the poor man, know - so as to walk before the living?

For who knoweth what is good for a man throughout his life, for the number of the days of his life of vanity, seeing he will make them, like a shadow, - for who can tell a man, what shall be after him, under the sun?

Consider the work of God, - for who can straighten what he hath bent?

Far away, is that which hath been, - and deep, deep, who can find it out?

Then I considered all the work of God, that man could not find out the work that was done under the sun, inasmuch as man toileth in seeking and yet cannot find, - yea, even though the wise man should say he knoweth, yet can he not find it out.

Yet, a foolish man, multiplieth words, - though no man knoweth that which hath been, and, that which shall be after him, who can tell him?