Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, - or the bucket by the fountain be shivered, or the wheel at the well be broken;

Better are two, than one, - in that they have a good reward for their toil.

Better is wisdom, than weapons of war, - but, one sinner, may destroy much good.

Better is grief than laughter, - for, by the marring of the face, amended is the heart.

Then said, I, Better is wisdom than strength, - although, the wisdom of the poor man, be despised, and, his words, not heard.

and, as better than both, him who had not yet come into being, - who had not seen the vexatious work, which was done under the sun.