A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne / Quickened With Metrical Illustrations, Both Morall and Divine, Etc.

by George Wither

The solid Stone, doth molder into Earth,

That Earth, e're long, to Water, rarifies;

That Water, gives an Airy Vapour birth,

And, thence, a Fiery-Comet doth arise:

That, moves, untill it selfe it so impaire,

That from a burning-Meteor, backe againe,

It sinketh downe, and thickens into Aire;

That Aire, becomes a Cloud; then, Drops of Raine:

Those Drops, descending on a Rocky-Ground,

There, settle into Earth, which more and more,