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
animated brush discourse mean modesty point press
Discourse may want an animated "No"To brush the surface, and to make it flow;But still remember, if you mean to please,To press your point with modesty and ease.
came haste soon
And up he got, in haste to ride, / But soon came down again.
calm closer heavenly leads light oh road shine walk
Oh for a closer walk with God, / A calm and heavenly frame; / A light to shine upon the road / That leads me to the Lamb!
chose nor pebble spear sword
Nor sword nor spear the stripling took, / But chose a pebble from the brook.
nature nor rural sights tone
Nor rural sights alone, but rural sounds,Exhilarate the spirit, and restoreThe tone of languid nature.
amongst fool fools fools-and-foolishness invites loaded looks owes says wit
A fool with judges, amongst fools a judge: / He says but little, and that little said / Owes all its weight, like loaded dice, to lead. / His wit invites you by his looks to come, / But when you knock, it never is at home.
absolutely concerns firm happiness necessary persuasion providence
A firm persuasion of the superintendence of Providence over all our concerns is absolutely necessary to our happiness.
breed errors faults life
Faults in the life breed errors in the brain,And these, reciprocally, those again.
cause fight freedom mankind noblest
They that fight for freedom undertakeThe noblest cause mankind can have at stake.
cause fight freedom mankind noblest undertake
They that fight for freedom undertake The noblest cause mankind can have at stake.
charity gives mere peace zeal
All zeal for a reform, that gives offenceTo peace and charity, is mere pretence.
mad
Stop, while ye may; suspend your mad career!
came haste pleasure shall turning
So turning to his horse, he said, / I am in haste to dine; / 'Twas for your pleasure you came here, / You shall go back for mine.
horseback ride
So you must ride / On horseback after we.