The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations/The Water-course

by George Herbert

¶ The Water-course.

Thou who dost dwell and linger here below,
Since the condition of this world is frail,
Where of all plants afflictions soonest grow;
If troubles overtake thee, do not wail:
For who can look for lesse, that loveth $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right.}$Life?/Strife?

But rather turn the pipe, and waters course
To serve thy sinnes, and furnish thee with store
Of sov'raigne tears, springing from true remorse:
That so in purenesse thou mayst him adore,
Who gives to man, as he sees fit, $\scriptstyle {\left\{{\begin{matrix}\ \\\ \end{matrix}}\right.}$Salvation./Damnation.