William Cowper Poems

(Hebrews, iv.2)

Israel in ancient days
Not only had a view
...

This cap, that so stately apepars,
With ribbon-bound tassel on high,
Which seems by the crest that it rears
Ambitious of brushing the sky;
...

Farewell! endued with all that could engage
All hearts to love thee, both in youth and age!
In prime of life, for sprightliness enrolled
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Rich, thou hadst many lovers -- poor, hast none,
So surely want extinguishes the flame,
And she who call'd thee once her pretty one,
...

(Jeremiah, xxxi. 18-20)

My God, till I received Thy stroke,
How like a beast was I!
...

I slept when Venus enter'd: to my bed
A Cupid in her beauteous hand she led,
A bashful seeming boy, and thus she said:
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No strength of nature can suffice
To serve the Lord aright:
And what she has she misapplies,
For want of clearer light.
...

Go--thou art all unfit to share
The pleasures of this place
With such as its old tenants are,
Creatures of gentler race.
...

Time, never wand'ring from his annual round,
Bids Zephyr breathe the Spring, and thaw the ground;
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Christina, maiden of heroic mien!
Star of the North! of northern stars the queen!
Behold, what wrinkles I have earn'd, and how
...