I will pray, therefore, for blessings on my friends, even though they cease to be so, and upon my enemies, though they continue such.
WILLIAM COWPERI will pray, therefore, for blessings on my friends, even though they cease to be so, and upon my enemies, though they continue such.
WILLIAM COWPERAbsence of proof is not proof of absence.
WILLIAM COWPERA life of ease is a difficult pursuit.
WILLIAM COWPERJudge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour;
WILLIAM COWPERThe nurse sleeps sweetly, hired to watch the sick, / whom, snoring, she disturbs.
WILLIAM COWPERNo man can be a patriot on an empty stomach.
WILLIAM COWPERWar’s a game, which, were their subjects wise, Kings would not play at.
WILLIAM COWPERGod made the country, and man made the town.
WILLIAM COWPERReasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray.
WILLIAM COWPERAbsence of occupation is not rest.
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 COWPERTis liberty alone that gives the flower Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume; And we are weeds without it.
WILLIAM COWPERVice stings us even in our pleasures, but virtue consoles us even in our pains.
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 COWPERAn idler is a watch that wants both hands; As useless if it goes as when it stands.
WILLIAM COWPERThe man to solitude accustom’d long, Perceives in everything that lives a tongue; Not animals alone, but shrubs and trees Have speech for him, and understood with ease,
WILLIAM COWPER