Epigram : On The Inventor Of Gunpowder (Translated From Milton)
Praise in old time the sage Prometheus won,
Who stole ethereal radiance from the sun;
But greater he, whose bold invention strove
To emulate the fiery bolts of Jove.
poem by William Cowper
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On Flaxman's Penelope
The suitors sinned, but with a fair excuse,
Whom all this elegance might well seduce;
Nor can our censure on the husband fall,
Who, for a wife so lovely, slew them all.
poem by William Cowper
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On Receiving Heyne's Virgil From Mr. Hayley
I should have deemed it once an effort vain
To sweeten more sweet Maro's matchless strain,
But from that error now behold me free,
Since I received him as a gift from thee.
poem by William Cowper
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On The Neglect Of Homer
Could Homer come himself, distressed and poor
And tune his harp at Rhedicina's door,
The rich old vixen would exclaim, (I fear,)
'Begone! no tramper gets a farthing here.'
poem by William Cowper
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Monumental Inscription To William Northcot
Farewell! 'But not for ever,' Hope replies,
Trace but his steps and meet him in the skies!
There nothing shall renew our parting pain,
Thou shalt not wither nor I weep again.
poem by William Cowper
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On Late Acquired Wealth (From The Greek)
Poor in my youth, and in life's later scenes
Rich to no end, I curse my natal hour,
Who nought enjoy'd while young, denied the means;
And nought when old enjoy'd, denied the power.
poem by William Cowper
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Mary And John
If John marries Mary, and Mary alone,
'Tis a very good match between Mary and John.
Should John wed a score, oh, the claws and the scratches!
It can't be a match :-- 'tis a bundle of matches.
poem by William Cowper
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From The Greek Of Julianus
A Spartan, his companion slain,
Alone from battle fled;
His mother, kindling with disdain
That she had borne him, struck him dead;
For courage, and not birth alone,
In Sparta, testifies a son!
poem by William Cowper
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Inscription For A Moss-House In The Shrubbery At Weston
Here, free from riot's hated noise,
Be mine, ye calmer, purer joys,
A book or friend bestows;
Far from the storms that shake the great,
Contentment's gale shall fan my seat,
And sweeten my repose.
poem by William Cowper
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On An Ugly Fellow (From The Greek)
Beware, my friend! of crystal brook,
Or fountain, lest that hideous hook,
Thy nose, thou chance to see;
Narcissus' fate would then be thine,
And self-detested thou wouldst pine,
As self-enamour'd he.
poem by William Cowper
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