Ecclesiastes 10:19

Verse 19. A feast is made for laughter] The object of it is to produce merriment, to banish care and concern of every kind. But who are they who make and frequent such places? Epicures and drunkards generally; such as those of whom Horace speaks:

Nos numerus sumus, et fruges consumere nati.

Epist. lib. i., ep. 2, ver. 27.

"Those whose names stand as indications of men, the useless many; and who appear to be born only to consume the produce of the soil."

But money answereth all] This saying has prevailed everywhere.

Scilicet uxorem cum dote, fidemque, et amicos,

Et genus, et formam REGINA PECUNIA donat;

Ac bene nummatum decorat Suadela, Venusque.

HOR. EP. lib. i., ep. 6, ver. 36.

"For gold, the sovereign QUEEN of all below,

Friends, honour, birth, and beauty, can bestow.

The goddess of persuasion forms her train;

And Venus decks the well-bemonied swain."

FRANCIS.