Fire, water and government know nothing of mercy.

Fire, water and government know nothing of mercy.

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

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

You could not step twice into the same rivers; for other waters are ever flowing on to you.

You could not step twice into the same rivers; for other waters are ever flowing on to you.

For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground,
which cannot be gathered up again; read more

For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground,
which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any
person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not
expelled from him.

It is the calm and silent water that drowns a man.

It is the calm and silent water that drowns a man.

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.

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.

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

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

Water is the mother of the vine,
The nurse and fountain of fecundity,
The adorner and refresher read more

Water is the mother of the vine,
The nurse and fountain of fecundity,
The adorner and refresher of the world.