12. Why was I laid on my mother’s lap?Why did she nurse me at her breasts?
13. Had I died at birth, I would now be at peace.I would be asleep and at rest.
14. I would rest with the world’s kings and prime ministers,whose great buildings now lie in ruins.
15. I would rest with princes, rich in gold,whose palaces were filled with silver.
16. Why wasn’t I buried like a stillborn child,like a baby who never lives to see the light?
17. For in death the wicked cause no trouble,and the weary are at rest.
18. Even captives are at ease in death,with no guards to curse them.
19. Rich and poor are both there,and the slave is free from his master.
20. “Oh, why give light to those in misery,and life to those who are bitter?
21. They long for death, and it won’t come.They search for death more eagerly than for hidden treasure.
22. They’re filled with joy when they finally die,and rejoice when they find the grave.
23. Why is life given to those with no future,those God has surrounded with difficulties?