William Cowper
William Cowper
William Cowper was an English poet and hymnodist. One of the most popular poets of his time, Cowper changed the direction of 18th century nature poetry by writing of everyday life and scenes of the English countryside. In many ways, he was one of the forerunners of Romantic poetry. Samuel Taylor Coleridge called him "the best modern poet", whilst William Wordsworth particularly admired his poem Yardley-Oak. He was a nephew of the poet Judith Madan...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth26 November 1731
alone carry choose lesson marry misses proper relate seems tale time
Misses the tale that I relate - This lesson seems to carry - Choose not alone a proper mate, But proper time to marry
enemies kindred mountains
Mountains interposed / Make enemies of nations, who had else, / Like kindred drops, been mingled into one.
lips meet parting pass peaceful shall thee word
May I but meet thee on that peaceful shore,/ The parting word shall pass my lips no more!
cast children deal life men toys
Men deal with life as children with their play,Who first misuse, then cast their toys away.
mechanic mere poetry tune
Made poetry a mere mechanic art; / And every warbler has his tune by heart.
along guilty public shake
Let her pass, and charioted along / In guilty splendour, shake the public ways!
awkward goal leg lies-and-lying lose truth
One leg by truth supported, one by lies,They sidle to the goal with awkward pace,Secure of nothing -- but to lose the race.
gives scent
Nature, exerting an unwearied power,Forms, opens, and gives scent to every flower.
gives scent
Nature, exerting an unwearied power, Forms, opens, and gives scent to every flower.
lies lies-and-lying silent
When this poor, lisping, stammering tongue/ Lies silent in the grave.
ask birds jacques jean shall
I shall not ask Jean Jacques Rousseau - If birds confabulate or no
blood perish rome shall word
Rome shall perish - write that word / In the blood that she has spilt.
says wife
Says John, It is my wedding-day, / And all the world would stare, / If wife should dine at Edmonton, / And I should dine at Ware.
charity press vehicle
Did Charity prevail, the press would proveA vehicle of virtue, truth, and love.