7 ^(A)A good name is better than precious ointment,
    and ^(B)the day of death than the day of birth.
² It is better to go to the house of mourning
    than to go to the house of feasting,
for this is the end of all mankind,
    and the living will ^(C)lay it to heart.
³ Sorrow is better than laughter,
    ^(D)for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.

¹⁰ Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?”
    For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.