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

by George Wither

Till from the Straw, the Flaile, the Corne doth beat;

Vntill the Chaffe, be purged from the Wheat,

Yea, till the Mill, the Graines in pieces teare,

The richnesse of the Flowre, will scarce appeare.

So, till mens persons great Afflictions touch

(If worth be found) their worth is not so much,

Because, like Wheat, in Straw, they have nor, yet,

That value, which in threshing, they may get.

For, till the bruising Flailes of God's Corrections,

Have threshed out of us our vaine Affections;