An exposition of Solomons book called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seen and allowedAn exposition of Salomons booke called Ecclesiastes or the preacher. Seene and allowed

¶Better is one handful with quietness, then two hands full with labour and vexation of mind.

¶Better is one handful with quietnes, then two handes full with labour and vexation of mynde.

This may be understood to be spoken either of the fool by way of imitation,¹ or else plainly and by way of affirmation of Solomon. If by way of imitation then must it be taken as a wise counsel of a foolish man, which abuseth a very good saying, after his doltish sort, as such as he is used to do. As if he should say: why should I take such pains, as doth this man, wearying and toiling him self with such labour and travel? Why should I wear my self away? I shall receive as much as an other, so excusing his slothfulness, as a certain Monk said, affirming there was no reason why he ⟨image 69⟩should consume him self away by studying, considering he received as large a portion as the Doctor. Amongest such fellows we have to live, although they be intolerable even as when we are con strained to walk thorough woods and thickets, where we must strive to get out, although the brambles and thorns stay and hinder us never so much. For this world is nothing but thorns. If thou wilt take them affirmatively as the words & counsel of Solomon, which sense pleaseth me best, then this is the meaning. Seeing in all affairs there be lets & impediments, what shall a man do? Fret not thy self, though such fools hinder thee. And if the fool will fret him self, yet hold thou on in thy labour, and enjoy that thou hast gotten merrily. If thou canst not have both thine hands full, take in good part that God giveth thee, though it be but an handful. And although thy gain be but small, yet content thy self, and live cheerfully therewith.