Robert Herrick. Proof to No Purpose.

PROOF TO NO PURPOSE.
by Robert Herrick

YOU see this gentle stream that glides,
Shov'd on, by quick succeeding tides ;
Try if this sober stream you can
Follow to th' wilder ocean,
And see if there it keeps unspent
In that congesting element.
Next, from that world of waters, then
By pores and caverns back again
Induct that inadult'rate same
Stream to the spring from whence it came.
This with a wonder when ye do,
As easy, and else easier too,
Then may ye recollect the grains
Of my particular remains,
After a thousand lusters hurl'd,
By ruffling winds about the world.

Source:
Herrick, Robert. Works of Robert Herrick. vol II.
Alfred Pollard, ed.
London, Lawrence & Bullen, 1891. 54.

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