How Fortunate the Man with None

You saw sagacious Solomon You know what came of him, To him complexities seemed plain. He cursed the hour that gave birth to him And saw that everything was vain. How great and wise was Solomon. The world however did not wait But soon observed what followed on. It's wisdom that had brought him to this state. How fortunate the man with none. You saw courageous Caesar next You know what he became. They deified him in his life Then had him murdered just the same. And as they raised the fatal knife How loud he cried: you too my son! The world however did not wait But soon observed what followed on. It's courage that had brought him to that state. How fortunate the man with none. You heard of honest Socrates The man who never lied: They weren't so grateful as you'd think Instead the rulers fixed to have him tried And handed him the poisoned drink. How honest was the people's noble son. The world however did not wait But soon observed what followed on. It's honesty that brought him to that state. How fortunate the man with none. Here you can see respectable folk Keeping to God's own laws. So far he hasn't taken heed. You who sit safe and warm indoors Help to relieve our bitter need. How virtuously we had begun. The world however did not wait But soon observed what followed on. It's fear of god that brought us to that state. How fortunate the man with none. --- How Fortunate the Man with None - John Martyn