John Trapp on Ecclesiastes 8:9

Verſ. 9. One man ruleth over another to his own hurt] Not only to the hurt of his ſubjects, but to his own utter ruine, though after a long run haply, verſ. 12, 13. Ad generum Cereris, &c. What untimely ends came the Kings of Iſrael to, and the Roman Caeſars all (almoſt) till Conſtantine? Veſpaſianus unus accepto imperio melior factus eſt, Veſpaſian was the only one amongſt them, that became better by the Office. Whiles they were private perſons, there ſeemed to be ſome goodneſſe in them. But no ſooner advanced to the Empire, than they ran riot in wickedneſſe: liſtening to flatterers, and hating reproofs, they ran head-long to Hell, and drew a great number with them, by the inſtigation of the Devil, that old Man-ſlayer, whoſe work it was to act and agitate them, for a common miſchief.