Life is Fleeting

Life is fleeting, pleasure vain, toil and wisdom bring no gain

Under the sun all pursuits fade, in God's hand true joy is made

I said to myself, I'll seek out pleasure, to find what's good, what holds true measure

But laughter was madness, what did it bring? Cheering with wine, embracing folly's sting

Built houses, planted vineyards wide, gardens and parks with trees to buy

Made reservoirs to water the land, bought slaves and herds, wealth at hand

Life is fleeting, pleasure vain, toil and wisdom bring no gain

Under the sun all pursuits fade, in God's hand true joy is made

Alas, silver, gold and treasures of kings, singers and harem, all of man's things became the greatest

Wisdom stayed, denied myself nothing, every pleasure displayed