The words of Qohelet
son of David
King in Jerusalem:

Mere-breath of mere-breaths
says Qohelet
Mere-breath of mere-breaths
everything is a mere-breath

What is the advantage for a person
In all their hard work
at which their work
under the sun?

Eternal Light, shine into our hearts,
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil,
Eternal Power, be our support,
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance,
Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us;
that with all our heart and mind
and soul and strength we may seek thy face
and be brought by thine infinite mercy
to thy holy presence;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Alcuin (735-804)