A sentinel angel sitting high in glory
Heard this shrill wail ring out from Purgatory:
"Have mercy, read more

A sentinel angel sitting high in glory
Heard this shrill wail ring out from Purgatory:
"Have mercy, mighty angel, hear my story!"

It is wretched business to be digging a well just as thirst is
mastering you.
[Lat., Miserum est read more

It is wretched business to be digging a well just as thirst is
mastering you.
[Lat., Miserum est opus,
Igitur demum fodere puteum, ubi sitis fauces tedet.]

Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.

Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.

Till taught by pain,
Men really know not what good water's worth;
If you had been in read more

Till taught by pain,
Men really know not what good water's worth;
If you had been in Turkey or in Spain,
Or with a famish'd boat's-crew had your berth,
Or in the desert heard the camel's bell,
You'd wish yourself where Truth is--in a well.

Water its living strength first shows,
When obstacles its course oppose.

Water its living strength first shows,
When obstacles its course oppose.

With true friends . . . even water drunk together is sweet enough.

With true friends . . . even water drunk together is sweet enough.

Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.

Water is life's mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.

Water which is too pure has no fish

Water which is too pure has no fish

The people are like water and the ruler a boat. Water can
support a boat or overturn it.

The people are like water and the ruler a boat. Water can
support a boat or overturn it.