but be not a hindrance to music.[[275]]
When playing is going on, do not pour out talk;
and show not thyself inopportunely wise.
A seal-ring of carbuncle set in gold,
[such is] a concert at a banquet of wine.
In a similar mood he writes (xiv. 14)—
Defraud not thyself of a joyous day,
and let not a share of a lawful pleasure escape thee.
But his tone is commonly more serious. Though no ascetic, he cautions his readers against the unrestrained manners which had invaded Judæa, especially against consorting with the singing and dancing girls (μετὰ ψαλλούσης, ix. 4, includes both; Vulg. cum saltatrice), and draws a picture of the daughters of Israel (xlii. 9, 10) which forms a melancholy contrast with the Old Testament ideal. His prayer to be guarded from the infection of lust (xxiii. 4, 5) finds its commentary in the story already mentioned of Joseph the tax-farmer. He notes with observant eye the strife of classes. What bitter sighs must have prompted a saying like this (xiii. 2, 3)—
A burden that is too heavy for thee take not up,