Thomas Cowherd Poems

For us who're snatched as brands from hell
Some portion of my time to tell
In humble verse what God hath wrought
For us who're snatched as brands from hell.
...

Ann, we have lived in peace for three long years.
Much pleasure we have had, some crosses too;
Enough to show that in this Vale of Tears
Affliction's needed still to bring us through
...

James, 'tis full time for me to write
Some rhymes to you in earnest quite.
I've promised long, and now I'll try
My promise to fulfill, and why?
...

Sorrow stealeth o'er my spirit,
For I hear O'Carr is dead.
Once I tried to sing his merit,
After health began to fade.
Then I thought his end was nigh
...

With my cradle scythe, feeling brisk and blithe,
In the breeze-tempered heat of this fine day;
I'll haste to the field with the wheaten yield,
And there will I manfully cut my way.
...

Thou lovely town in which I dwell,
My own adopted place,
In verse I would most gladly tell
The pleasures which I trace
...

Three lovely boys who bear my name,
Have all upon me equal claim,
And seem to ask a rhyme from me-
A humble poet as you see.
...

My dear, afflicted parent! Ere thine eyes
Are closed in death, accept this tribute due
From one who is allied by Nature's ties,
And ties which firmer bind both me and you
...

Motherless babe, I can't forbear to make
Some rhyme to thee for thy dear mother's sake.
Thy pleasant looks, thy smiles, thy temper mild
Do much surprise me in so young a child.
...

Ellen, dear, it is clear
I have not half thy merits told;
Sweet of life, lovely wife,
More precious thou hast been than gold
...