Whence and what art thou, execrable shape?

John Milton (1608-1674): Paradise Lost. Book ii. Line 681.

"What is good for a bootless bene?"

With these dark words begins my tale;

And their meaning is, Whence can comfort spring

When prayer is of no avail?

William Wordsworth (1770-1850): Force of Prayer.

Whence is thy learning? Hath thy toil

O'er books consum'd the midnight oil?

John Gay (1688-1732): Fables. Part i. The Shepherd and the Philosopher.