Page:Poems Hoffman.djvu/267

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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.

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