Metrical Epilogue to the Pastoral Care

These are now the waters, which the God of Hosts promised as a solace to us earthdwellers. He said that he wished in the world ever-living waters to flow from the hearts of those who believed in him well under the sky. There is little doubt that the source of the waters is in the kingdom of heaven; that is, the Holy Ghost. Whence saints and the elect drew it, after those who obeyed God had directed it through holy books on this earth through the minds of men variously. Some dam it in within their minds, the stream of wisdom, hold it with their lips, so that it flows not out to no purpose. But the well remains in the man's breast, by the grace of the Lord, deep and still. Some let it flow away over the tract of land in rills. That is not a wise thing, if so pure water is dispersed in murmuring, shallow streams over the fields, till it becomes a marsh. But draw water now to drink, since the Lord has granted that Gregory should direct to your doors the Lord's stream. Let him now fill his vessel, who has brought hither a watertight pitcher. Let him come back soon. If any man here has brought to this spring a leaky pitcher, let him repair it carefully, lest he spill the clearest of waters, or lose the drink of life.