that crystal flow seen to all
but blind in its clear folly
the muddy stream it gurgle out
a fool to them equally

and the sweet stream honeyed
while meanders it do cut a path
the parasite hidden by the water’s lure
is known to us at last

the shallow stagnant pool
-though they say it do flow softly-
seems to fear to valley below,
though on its perch it be quite lofty

trudge he must and trudge he do
though it prove to be a hindrance
the weary traveler stop for drink
and punished for his insolence

and though the glacial spring do seem
to mirror those truthful singers
they parched bend to taste the trickle
but it slips right through their fingers