On SOLOMON's Request

Great Solomon, t' whom Heaven was pleas'd to A Token of his Favour, when requir'd (give To ask and have; 'twas not that he might live To numerous Years, or Riches he desir'd, Nor yet the Fame of outward Victory, But that his Heart true Wisdom might enjoy.

Who, when he had this great Request obtain'd, Esteeming it above the finest Gold, Other more mean Enjoyments also gain'd; He learn'd by this, Enigma's to unfold; And saw by thsi, all Things below the Sun Were Vanity, and must to Period come:

And while to this he rightly was inclin'd, His Steps were guided in the Path of Peace; His understanding Heart and Princely Mind In Wisdom's Secrets daily found Increase: He then experimentally could tell, Her Price all glistring Rubies did excel.

For this alone gives true Nobility, Rightly instructing Princes how to reign, As with a righteous Scepter: 'Tis hereby The Magistrate bears not the Sword in vain, To punish or protect; but knows t' extend Mercy and Justice with impartial Hand:

Therefore a Terror only unto them, Whose Acts and Deeds are Evil; but a Praise To Wisdom's Children. Thus the Diadem Of Princely Solomon gave forth such Rays, As dazzled the Beholders: Majesty Shin'd in his Wisdom to each wond'ring Eye,

Much more than in the Plenty of his Gold, Or sparkling Gems, common to other Kings; 'T was none of these, when niggard Fame had told His Name in Sheba's, Court, that from thence brings That famous Queen, whose Heart was set on fire To prove the Truth, his Wisdom to admire.

Where secret Wisdom dwells, at her right Hand Are Length of Days, & Peace, wherewith to bless Those that attend on her, and always stand As at her Door, the Gate of Righteousness: With Wealth & Honours her right Hand requites Those whom she's pleas'd to own her Favourites.

But Words, alas! cannot enough set forth Its Excellence, nor Tongue of Man declare True wisdom's Price, according to its Worth: She dwellsi'th' humble Heart, that's fill'd with Fear Of the Almighty; and all those that have her, Find Substance that remains, yea, endless Treasure,