Complete Poetic Works, Volume 7

A 3

...ies, and all vanities are to be cut down with one and the same blow. Having gained a hearing, he spoke thus:

If ever before, it is now especially permitted to say: Vanity of Vanities, and all is Vanity. original: "Vanitas Vanitatum, & omnia Vanitas." This is the central theme of the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. Where is that famous splendor of the Consulship now? Where are the illustrious torches? Where are those applauses and dances, the banquets and festive gatherings? Where are the crowns and tapestries? Where is the noise of the City, and those joyful shouts of the spectators at the Games? original: "Circenſium." This refers to the public games held in the Roman Circus, a symbol of worldly distraction and popular favor. All those things have perished. A violent storm has knocked down the leaves. It has left the tree stripped, already shaking at its roots. The force of the wind was so great that it shook every fiber of the tree. Now it threatens to cast it down completely. Where are those fake friends now? Where are the drinking parties and dinners? Where is the swarm of parasites original: "paraſitorum." In the ancient world, a parasite was a person who provided flattery to a rich patron in exchange for meals., and the pure wine drained all day long? Where are the various arts of the cooks, and those worshippers of power who are accustomed to saying and doing everything to gain favor? All those things were nothing but a dream in the night, vanishing as day approached. They were spring flowers. When spring ended, they all withered. They were a shadow, and they passed away. They were smoke, and they dissolved. They were bubbles, and they burst. They were spider webs, and they were torn apart. Therefore, we sing this spiritual saying, saying without ceasing: Vanity of Vanities, and all is Vanity. Indeed, this saying ought to be constantly inscribed on walls, on clothing, in the marketplace, in houses, on streets and windows, and on doors. Most importantly, it should be written in the conscience of every person. It should stay before one's thoughts at all times. Deceitful, masked, and hostile affairs have gained the reputation of truth among many people. With this saying, at lunch, at dinner, and in the assembly of men, everyone ought to address their neighbor. Everyone should hear the same in return: namely, Vanity of Vanities, and all is Vanity. Did I not constantly tell you that riches are fleeting? But you would not listen to us. Did I not say they have the nature of a runaway slave? But you did not want to believe it. Look, experience has taught that they are not only fleeting and ungrateful, but even murderous