Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WATERCOURSE by GEORGE HERBERT

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOU WHO DOST DWELL AND LINGER HERE BELOW
Last Line: WHO GIVES TO MAN, AS HE SEES FIT, [SALVATION. DAMNATION.]
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 [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, [Salvation. Damnation.]



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