=44= Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us. The Lord manifested in them great glory, even his mighty power from the beginning. Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, and were men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, such as have brought tidings in prophecies: Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their understanding men of learning for the people; wise were their words in their instruction: Such as sought out musical tunes, and set forth verses in writing: Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations: All these were honoured in their generations, and were a glory in their days. There be of them, that have left a name behind them, to declare their praises. And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished as though they had not been, and are become as though they had not been born; and their children after them. But these were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten. With their seed shall remain continually a good inheritance; their children are within the covenants. Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes. Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out. Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name liveth to all generations. Peoples will declare their wisdom, and the congregation telleth out their praise. * * * * * =50= And now bless ye the God of all, which everywhere doeth great things, which exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy. May he grant us joy fulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel for the days of eternity: To intrust his mercy with us; and let him deliver us in his time! * * * * * I have written in this book the instruction of understanding and knowledge, I Jesus, the son of Sirach Eleazar, of Jerusalem, who out of his heart poured forth wisdom. Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise. For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the light of the Lord is his guide. * * * * * =51= When I was yet young, or ever I went abroad, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. Before the temple I asked for her, and I will seek her out even to the end. From her flower as from the ripening grape my heart delighted in her: my foot trod in uprightness, from my youth I tracked her out. I bowed down mine ear a little, and received her, and found for myself much instruction. I profited in her: unto him that giveth me wisdom I will give glory. For I purposed to practise her, and I was zealous for that which is good; and I shall never be put to shame. My soul hath wrestled in her, and in my doing I was exact: I spread forth my hands to the heaven above, and bewailed my ignorances of her.