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
darkest english-poet past till
The darkest day, if you live till tomorrow, will have past away.
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.
crew land royal shook
A land-breeze shook the shrouds, / And she was overset; / Down went the Royal George, / With all her crew complete.
beneath clear leads life noise pearl turbulence wisdom wise
A life all turbulence and noise may seem,To him that leads it, wise and to be praised;But wisdom is a pearl with most successSought in still water, and beneath clear skies.
smith
And the first smith was the first murderer's son.
both goes stands useless wants watch
An idler is a watch that wants both hands, As useless if it goes as if it stands
heart honest warm
An honest man, close-buttoned to the chin,/ Broadcloth without, and a warm heart within.
creator worships yes
A self-made man? Yes - and worships his creator
busy dreams frames god himself works
The busy trifler dreams himself alone, / Frames many a purpose, and God works his own.
hat neck
Away went Gilpin, neck or naught, / Away went hat and wig!
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.