PoemHunter.com

Vanity of the World by William Cowper

10/7/2008 1:37:38 PM
Home Poets Poems Lyrics Quotations Music Forum Search Member Area Poetry E-Books Sites Mini Quiz
 

POEMS

LYRICS

MUSIC

QUOTATIONS

SEARCH

   
William Cowper
(1731 - 1800)
Free Poetry E-Book:
87 poems of William Cowper

File Size: 582k  File Format: Acrobat Reader
To download the eBook right-Click on the title and select "Save Target As". more ebooks >>
   • Biography  Poems  Quotations  Comments  More Info  Stats 

 
 
<< prev. poem Poems by William Cowper: 83 / 87 next poem >>
  
 
Vanity of the World
 
  God gives his mercies to be spent;
Your hoard will do your soul no good.
Gold is a blessing only lent,
Repaid by giving others food.

The world's esteem is but a bribe,
To buy their peace you sell your own;
The slave of a vainglorious tribe,
Who hate you while they make you known.

The joy that vain amusements give,
Oh! sad conclusion that it brings!
The honey of a crowded hive,
Defended by a thousand stings.

'Tis thus the world rewards the fools
That live upon her treacherous smiles:
She leads them blindfold by her rules,
And ruins all whom she beguiles.

God knows the thousands who go down
From pleasure into endless woe;
And with a long despairing groan
Blaspheme the Maker as they go.

Oh fearful thought! be timely wise;
Delight but in a Saviour's charms,
And God shall take you to the skies,
Embraced in everlasting arms.

William Cowper


Read poems about / on: food, hate, sad, peace, joy, god, world, sky, smile

User Rating:

-- /10
(0 votes)



 
Comments about this poem (Vanity of the World by William Cowper) 

There is no comment submitted by members..

Click here to write your comments about this poem (Vanity of the World by William Cowper)
 
People who read William Cowper also read: More classic poets:

The complete list >>

Lyrics

The complete list >>

QuickPoll
Do you think it is easy to find the information on PoemHunter.com?
Yes
No

 Search in the World Poetry Database => 

 Search:   in:      tips
Hide the search box!

E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND - Found this page interesting? Recommend it to your friend! 
 Your E-mail:  
 Friend's Email:  
   
Your
Message:

 

(c) Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge..  About Us | Copyright notice | Privacy statement | Help
10/7/2008 1:37:38 PM. You Are Here: Vanity of the World by William Cowper

Home | Poets | Poems | Lyrics | Music | Quotations | Forum | Search | Random Poem | Free Poetry eBooks | Contests | Sites |
Submit a Poem | Manage Your Poems | Contact Us

Christmas Poems | Love Poems | Pablo Neruda | Death Poems | Sad Poems | Birthday Poems | Wedding Poems | Annabel Lee | Sorry Poems | Winter Poems