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.

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

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

Stones are hollowed out by the constant dropping of water.

Stones are hollowed out by the constant dropping of water.

And pines with thirst amidst a sea of waves.

And pines with thirst amidst a sea of waves.

Fire, water and government know nothing of mercy.

Fire, water and government know nothing of mercy.

The sky broke like an egg into full sunset and the water caught fire.

The sky broke like an egg into full sunset and the water caught fire.

Water which is too pure has no fish

Water which is too pure has no fish

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.