There is in souls a sympathy with sounds: And as the mind is pitch’d the ear is pleased With melting airs, or martial, brisk or grave; Some chord in unison with what we hear Is touch’d within us, and the heart replies.
WILLIAM COWPERThere is in souls a sympathy with sounds: And as the mind is pitch’d the ear is pleased With melting airs, or martial, brisk or grave; Some chord in unison with what we hear Is touch’d within us, and the heart replies.
WILLIAM COWPERCeremony leads her bigots forth, prepared to fight for shadows of no worth.
WILLIAM COWPERThere is mercy in every place. And mercy, encouraging thought gives even affliction a grace and reconciles man to his lot.
WILLIAM COWPERVice stings us even in our pleasures, but virtue consoles us even in our pains.
WILLIAM COWPERMen deal with life as children with their play, Who first misuse, then cast their toys away.
WILLIAM COWPERA fretful temper will divide the closest knot that may be tied, by ceaseless sharp corrosion; a temper passionate and fierce may suddenly your joys disperse at one immense explosion.
WILLIAM COWPERSpring hangs her infant blossoms on the trees, Rock’d in the cradle of the western breeze.
WILLIAM COWPERBlind unbelief is sure to err, And scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain.
WILLIAM COWPERA fool must now and then be right, by chance
WILLIAM COWPERReasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray.
WILLIAM COWPERBuilt God a church and laughed His word to scorn.
WILLIAM COWPERVariety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.
WILLIAM COWPERThe proud are ever most provoked by pride.
WILLIAM COWPERTo follow foolish precedents, and wink With both our eyes, is easier than to think.
WILLIAM COWPERAnd natural in gesture; much impress’d Himself, as conscious of his awful charge, And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds May feel it too; affectionate in look, And tender in address, as well becomes A messenger of grace to guilty men.
WILLIAM COWPERWould I describe a preacher, I would express him simple, grave, sincere; In doctrine uncorrupt; in language plain, And plain in manner; decent, solemn, chaste,
WILLIAM COWPER