Quote from Mechtild of Magdeburg

"Fish cannot drown in the water,

Birds cannot sink in the air,
Gold cannot perish

In the refiner's 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--"

Source: Egan, Harvey D., ed. An Anthology of Christian Mysticism. 2d ed. A Pueblo Book. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1991.