XXIX.

Into this Universe, and _Why_ not knowing Nor _Whence_, like Water willy-nilly flowing; And out of it, as Wind along the Waste, I know not _Whither_, Willy-nilly blowing.

The inspiration for this quatrain is to be found in the following: C. 235 and O. 20 (ll. 1 and 2).

He first brought me in confusion into existence, What do I gain from my life save my amazement at it? We went away against our will, and we know not what was The purpose of this coming, and going, and being.

_Ref._: C. 235, L. 324, B. 320, S.P. 117, T. 153.--W. 145, N. 117, V. 326.

Like water in a great river and like wind in the desert, Another day passes out of the period of my existence.[46]

_Ref._: O. 20, C. 23 and 55, L. 84, B. 80, S.P. 22, P. ii. 2, P. 162, B. ii. 24 and 88, T. 22 and 305, P. v. 140 and 186, W. 26, N. 22 and 42, V. 83.