Religion

Vanitie of Vanities, all is but Vanitie. Eccles. 1.2

by John Davies of Hereford c. 1565–1618

From Essaies (1612)

Religion

A Mortall Eye can see but mortall Things;
and whatsoe'er is mortall, is but vaine:
Then all we see is vaine, though Crownes, or Kings;
yet Men will lose themselues, the same to gaine.

And yet, thy weene, they winne by so great losse;
ô corrupt Iudgement! Men made to be lost:
Who will all Vices (hatcht in Hell) engrosse,
them to retaile, to get but Care, with Cost.

It's said, Light gaine doth make an heauy Purse;
but, this light gaine doth make an heauy Heart:
To gaine all blessings, with Gods heauie Curse,
is too light gaine for such an heauy Thwart:
For, who doth purchase All at such a Price,
Doth buy but extreame Vanitie with Vice.

MLA

Hereford, John Davies of. “Vanitie of Vanities, all is but Vanitie. Eccles. 1.2.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_jh/70/.

Chicago

Hereford, John Davies of. “Vanitie of Vanities, all is but Vanitie. Eccles. 1.2.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_jh/70/.

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