William Cowper Quotes
-
Folly ends where genuine hope begins.
-
The parable of the prodigal son, the most beautiful fiction that ever was invented; our Saviour's speech to His disciples, with which He closed His earthly ministrations, full of the sublimest dignity and tenderest affection, surpass everything that I ever read; and like the spirit by which they were dictated, fly directly to the heart.
-
There is a pleasure in poetic pains / Which only poets know.
-
Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs Receive our air, that moment they are free; They touch our country, and their shackles fall.
-
Glory, built on selfish principles, is shame and guilt.
-
...So let us welcome peaceful evening in.
-
Some drill and bore The solid earth, and from the strata there Extract a register, by which we learn, That he who made it, and reveal'd its date To Moses, was mistaken in its age.
-
Forgot the blush that virgin fears impart To modest cheeks, and borrowed one from art.
-
But truths on which depends our main concern, That 'tis our shame and misery not to learn, Shine by the side of every path we tread With such a lustre he that runs may read.
-
Then liberty, like day, Breaks on the soul, and by a flash from Heaven Fires all the faculties with glorious joy.
-
No one was ever scolded out of their sins.
-
Is base in kind, and born to be a slave.
-
Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.
-
But what is truth? 'Twas Pilate's question put To Truth itself, that deign'd him no reply.
-
The cares of today are seldom those of tomorrow.
-
The parson knows enough who knows a Duke.
-
The only amarantine flower on earth Is virtue.
-
Lights of the world, and stars of human race.
-
Twere better to be born a stone Of ruder shape, and feeling none, Than with a tenderness like mine And sensibilities so fine! Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell Forever in my native shell, Ordained to move when others please, Not for my own content or ease; But toss'd and buffeted about, Now in the water and now out.
-
O Winter! ruler of the inverted year, . . . I crown thee king of intimate delights, Fireside enjoyments, home-born happiness, And all the comforts that the lowly roof Of undisturbed Retirement, and the hours Of long uninterrupted evening, know.
-
Restraining prayer, we cease to fight; Prayer keeps the Christian's armor bright; And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees.
-
I am out of humanity's reach.I must finish my journey alone,Never hear the sweet music of speech;I start at the sound of my own.
-
Man on the dubious waves of error toss'd.
-
Where penury is felt the thought is chain'd, And sweet colloquial pleasures are but few.