All these which now our care and sin destroys,
By instinct virtually were well discern'd,
And by their representatives were learn'd.
XIV
As sponges gather moisture from the earth
Whereon there is scarce any sign of dew;
As air infecteth salt: so at my birth
All these were unperceiv'd, yet near and true:
Not by reflexion, and distinctly known,
But by their efficacy all mine own.