It is a terrible thought, that nothing is ever forgotten; that not an oath is ever uttered that does not continue to vibrate through all times, in the wide spreading current of sound; that not a prayer is lisped, that its record is not to be found st
William CowperThen liberty, like day, Breaks on the soul, and by a flash from Heaven Fires all the faculties with glorious joy.
William CowperSolitude, seeming a sanctuary, proves a grave; a sepulchre in which the living lie, where all good qualities grow sick and die
William CowperHow sweet, how passing sweet, is solitude! But grant me still a friend in my retreat, whom I may whisper, solitude is sweet.
William CowperFar happier are the dead methinks than they who look for death and fear it every day.
William CowperThe cares of today are seldom those of tomorrow, and when we lie down at night we may safely say to most of our troubles, "Ye have done your worst, and we shall see you no more."
William CowperHow readily we wish time spent revoked, that we might try the ground again where once--through inexperience, as we now perceive--we missed that happiness we might have found!
William CowperIf my resolution to be a great man was half so strong as it is to despise the shame of being a little one.
William CowperBut slaves that once conceive the glowing thought Of freedom, in that hope itself possess All that the contest calls for; spirit, strength, The scorn of danger, and united hearts, The surest presage of the good they seek.
William CowperThe rich are too indolent, the poor too weak, to bear the insupportable fatigue of thinking.
William CowperAbsence from whom we love is worse than death, and frustrates hope severer than despair.
William CowperWith spots quadrangular of diamond form, ensanguined hearts, clubs typical of strife, and spades, the emblems of untimely graves.
William CowperNo wisdom that she may gain by experience and reflection hereafter, will compensate the loss of her present hilarity.
William CowperExistence is a strange bargain. Life owes us little; we owe it everything. The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.
William CowperJudge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
William CowperThe art of poetry is to touch the passions, and its duty to lead them on the side of virtue.
William CowperIt chills my blood to hear the blest Supreme Rudely appealed to on each trifling theme.
William CowperBlest be the art that can immortalize,--the art that baffles time's tyrannic claim to quench it.
William CowperPerhaps thou gav'st me, though unseen, a kiss; Perhaps a tear, if souls can weep in bliss.
William CowperReasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray.
William CowperGod forbid that Judges upon their oath should make resolutions to enlarge jurisdiction.
William CowperWhat is there in the vale of lifeHalf so delightful as a wife;When friendship, love and peace combineTo stamp the marriage-bond divine?
William CowperGreat offices will have great talents, and God gives to every man the virtue, temper, understanding, taste, that lifts him into life, and lets him fall just in the niche he was ordained to fill.
William Cowper