Fish cannot drown in water,Birds cannot sink in the air,
Gold cannot perish
in the refiners fire.
This has God given to all creatures
to foster and seek their own nature,
How then can I withstand mine?
I must to God -
My father through nature,
my brother through humanity,
My bridegroom through love,
His I am forever!
Think ye that fire must utterly slay my soul?
Nay! Love can both fiercely scorch
And tenderly love and console.
- Mechthild of Magdeburg (1210-1297)
