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

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

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.

The deeper the waters are, the more still they run.

The deeper the waters are, the more still they run.

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

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

Water is the only drink for a wise man.

Water is the only drink for a wise man.

The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea,
than the mighty waves of the read more

The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea,
than the mighty waves of the sea.

And pines with thirst amidst a sea of waves.

And pines with thirst amidst a sea of waves.

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.]

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.