1Remember thy maker in thy youth, or ever the days of adversity come, and or the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say: I have no pleasure in them
2before the sun, the light, the moon and stars be darkened, and or the clouds turn again after the rain:
3when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and when the strong men shall bow themselves: when the millers stand still, because they be so few, and when the sight of the windows shall wax dim:
4when the doors in the streets shall be shut, and when the voice of the miller shall be laid down: when men shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and when all the daughters of music shall be brought low:
5When men shall fear in high places, and be afraid in the streets: when the Almond tree shall be despised, the grasshopper born out, and when great poverty shall break in: when man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets.
6Or ever the silver lace be taken away, and or the golden band be broken: or the pot be broken at the well, and the wheel upon the cistern:
7Or dust be turned again unto earth from whence it came, and or the spirit return unto God, which gave it.
8All is but vanity (sayeth the preacher) all is but plain vanity.
9The same preacher was not wise alone, but taught the people knowledge also: he gave good heed, sought out the ground and set forth many parables.
10His diligence was to find out acceptable words, right scripture, and the words of truth.
11For the words of the wise are like pricks and nails that go thorow, wherewith men are kept together: for they are given of one shepherd onely.
12Therefore beware (my son) that above these thou make them not many and innumerable books, nor take divers doctrines in hand, to weary thy body withal.
13Let us hear the conclusion of all things: Fear God, and keep his commandments, for that toucheth all men:
14For God shall judge all works and secret things, whether they be good or evil. [The end of the book of the Preacher, otherwise called Eccleasiastes.]