Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginnings of my
strength, the excellency of dignity, and the read more

Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginnings of my
strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up
to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my
couch.

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

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

'Tis a little thing
To give a cup of water; yet its draught
Of cool refreshment, drain'd read more

'Tis a little thing
To give a cup of water; yet its draught
Of cool refreshment, drain'd by fever'd lips,
May give a shock of pleasure to the frame
More exquisite than when nectarean juice
Renews the life of joy in happiest hours.

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.

Water which is too pure has no fish

Water which is too pure has no fish

Pouring oil on troubled water.

Pouring oil on troubled water.

Stones are hollowed out by the constant dropping of water.

Stones are hollowed out by the constant dropping of water.

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

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

Pure water is the best of gifts that man to man can bring,
But who am I that I read more

Pure water is the best of gifts that man to man can bring,
But who am I that I should have the best of anything?
Let princes revel at the pump, let peers with ponds make free,
Whisky, or wine, or even beer is good enough for me.