To One denied the drink 1
To tell what Water is
Would be acuter, would it not
Than letting Him surmise?
To lead Him to the Well 5
And let Him hear it drip
Remind Him, would it not, somewhat
Of His condemned lip?
To tell what Water is
Would be acuter, would it not
Than letting Him surmise?
To lead Him to the Well 5
And let Him hear it drip
Remind Him, would it not, somewhat
Of His condemned lip?
(F.1058/J.490)
[1] drink:: the apprehension (other's feeling).
[2] Water:: teardrop.
[5] Well:: a fountain, spring; a copious flow of tears, hyperbolically applied to a weeping person (OED well n.1 2d).
[8] condemned lip:: a bad mouth; impudent, saucy talk.
