1{\cf2 She also reacheth from one end to another mightily, and comely doeth she order all things.} 2{\cf2 I haue loued her, & sought her fro my youth: I desired to marry her, such loue had I vnto her beauty.} 3{\cf2 In that she is conuersant with God, it comendeth her nobilitie: yea, the Lord of all things loueth her.} 4{\cf2 For she is the scholemystres of the knowledge of God, and the choser out of his workes.} 5{\cf2 If riches be a possessio to be desired in this life, what is richer then wisdom, that worketh all things?} 6{\cf2 For if prudencie worketh, what is it among all things, that worketh better then she?} 7{\cf2 If a man loue righteousnes, her labours are vertuous: for she teacheth sobernes and prudencie, righteousnes and strength, which are the most profitable things that men can haue in this life.} 8{\cf2 If a man desire great experience, she can tell the things that are past, & discerne things to come: she knoweth the subtilties of wordes, and the solution of darke sentences: she foreseeth the signes and wonders, or euer they come to passe, and the successe of seasons and times.} 9{\cf2 Therefore I purposed to take her vnto my companie, knowing that shee would counsell mee good things, and comfort me in cares and griefes.} 10{\cf2 For her sake shall I haue glorie among the multitude, and honour among the Elders though I be yong.} 11{\cf2 I shalbe founde of sharpe iudgement, so that I shalbe marueilous in the sight of great men.} 12{\cf2 When I hold my tongue, they shall abide my leysure: when I speake, they shall heare diligently,and if I talke much, they shall lay their hands vpon their mouth.} 13{\cf2 Moreouer, by her I shall obtaine immortalitie, & leaue an euerlasting memoriall among them that come after me.} 14{\cf2 I shall gouerne the people, and the nations shalbe subdued vnto me.} 15{\cf2 Horrible tyrants shalbe afraide when they heare me: among the multitude I shalbe counted good, and mightie in battell.} 16{\cf2 When I come home, I shall rest with her: for her company hath no bitternes, and her felowship hath no tediousnes, but mirth and ioy.} 17{\cf2 Now when I considered these things by my selfe, and pondred them in mine heart, how that to be ioyned vnto wisdome is immortalitie,} 18{\cf2 And great pleasure is in her friendship, and that in the workes of her hands are infinite riches, and that in the exercise of talking with her is prudencie, and glory by communing with her, I went about, seeking how I might take her vnto me.} 19{\cf2 For I was a wittie childe, and was of a good spirite.} 20{\cf2 Yea, rather being good, I came to an vndefiled body.} 21{\cf2 Neuertheles, when I perceiued that I could not enioy her, except God gaue her (and that was a point of wisdome also, to know whose gift it was) I went vnto the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart I sayd,}