10. because it let me be borninto a world of trouble.
11. Why didn't I die at birth?
12. Why was I acceptedand allowed to nurseat my mother's breast?
13. Now I would be at peacein the silent world below
14. with kings and their adviserswhose palaces lie in ruins,
15. and with rulers once richwith silver and gold.
16. I wish I had been born deadand then buried, never to seethe light of day.
17. In the world of the dead,the wicked and the weary restwithout a worry.
18-19. Everyone is there—where captives and slavesare free at last.
20. Why does God let me livewhen life is miserableand so bitter?
21. I keep longing for deathmore than I would seeka valuable treasure.
22. Nothing could make me happierthan to be in the grave.
23. Why do I go on livingwhen God has me surrounded,and I can't see the road?
24. Moaning and groaningare my food and drink,
25. and my worst fearshave all come true.
26. I have no peace or rest—only troubles and worries.