Water is the only drink for a wise man.

Water is the only drink for a wise man.

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.

How sweet from the green mossy brim to receive it,
As, poised on the curb, it inclined to my read more

How sweet from the green mossy brim to receive it,
As, poised on the curb, it inclined to my lips!
Not a full blushing goblet could tempt me to leave it,
The brightest that beauty or revelry sips.

Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet.

Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet.

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.

Fire, water and government know nothing of mercy.

Fire, water and government know nothing of mercy.

Enough shovels of earth -- a mountain. Enough pails of water -- a river.

Enough shovels of earth -- a mountain. Enough pails of water -- a river.

And so never ending,
But always descending.

And so never ending,
But always descending.

How dear to this heart are the scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollection presents them to view.
read more

How dear to this heart are the scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollection presents them to view.
. . . .
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,
The moss-covered bucket, which hung in the well.