[The Court of the Temple, Jerusalem, Model]from The Temple (1633), 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 
 {
 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.

''The Water-course'' from THE TEMPLE 1633

As a Choral Reading: Read by 2 persons or 2 choruses of persons, one on left and one on right.
RIGHT: 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:
RIGHT & LEFT: (together) For who can look for lesse, that loveth
RIGHT: (alone) Life.
LEFT: (at the same time) Strife.
LEFT: 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,
RIGHT & LEFT: (together) Who gives to man, as he sees fit,
RIGHT: (alone, but timed with next Left) Salvation.
LEFT: (alone, together) Damnation.

Destinations
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