² I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” ³ I explored with my mind how to gratify myself with wine while [at the same time] having my mind remain steady and guide me wisely; and how to take control of foolishness, until I could see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives. ⁴ I made great works: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself;