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William Cowper Quotes

Poet

William Cowper, a renowned English poet, was born on November 26, 1731, and died on April 25, 1800. Known for his lyrical and satirical poems, Cowper's works held a significant place in English literature during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

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All Men May Ifs Giving Home Mind Stills Heart World Sweet Way Should Wells Made Pleasure Art Charm Earth Fall Flower

Famous William Cowper Quotes

“But conversation, choose what theme we may, And chiefly when religion leads the way, Should flow, like waters after summer show'rs, Not as if raised by mere mechanic powers.”

Ifs Way Should May Shows Water Conversation Summer Flow Mere Raised Theme Mechanic

Author:William Cowper

“If hindrances obstruct the way, Thy magnanimity display. And let thy strength be seen: But O, if Fortune fill thy sail With more than a propitious gale, Take half thy canvas in.”

Ifs Way Half Fortune Display Canvas Sail Hindrance Gale Magnanimity

Book:The poetical works of William Cowper, ed: with notes and biographical introd. by William Benham

Source: The poetical works of William Cowper, ed: with notes and biographical introd. by William Benham

“Stamps God's own name upon a lie just made, To turn a penny in the way of trade.”

Way Made Lying Turns Names Money Trade Stamps Pennies

Author:William Cowper

“Call'd to the temple of impure delight He that abstains, and he alone, does right. If a wish wander that way, call it home; He cannot long be safe whose wishes roam.”

Ifs Way Long Doe Home Wish Safe Delight Wander Temples Temperance

Book:Table Talk, and Other Poems, by William Cowper, of the Inner Temple, Esq

Source: Table Talk, and Other Poems, by William Cowper, of the Inner Temple, Esq

“Learning itself, received into a mind By nature weak, or viciously inclined, Serves but to lead philosophers astray, Where children would with ease discern the way.”

Way Mind Children Learning Weak Philosopher Ease

Book:The Works of William Cowper: His Life, Letters, and Poems. Now First Completed by the Introduction of Cowper's Private Correspondence

Source: The Works of William Cowper: His Life, Letters, and Poems. Now First Completed by the Introduction of Cowper's Private Correspondence

“Pity! Religion has so seldom found A skilful guide into poetic ground! The flowers would spring where'er she deign'd to stray And every muse attend her in her way.”

Way Religion Found Flower Spring Guides Pity Poetic Muse

Book:The Complete Poetical Works of William Cowper: With Life, and Critical Notice of His Writings. Eight Engravings on Steel

Source: The Complete Poetical Works of William Cowper: With Life, and Critical Notice of His Writings. Eight Engravings on Steel

“God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to performs”

Way Moving Wonder Mysterious Mysterious Ways

Author:William Cowper

“Where men of judgment creep and feel their way, The positive pronounce without dismay.”

Men Way Feels Positive Judgment Creeps Dismay

Book:The poetical works of William Cowper: Complete ed., with memoir, explanatory notes etc

Source: The poetical works of William Cowper: Complete ed., with memoir, explanatory notes etc

“A man renowned for repartee will seldom scruple to make free with friendship's finest feeling, will thrust a dagger at your breast, and say he wounded you in jest, by way of balm for healing.”

Men Way Feelings Healing Breasts Wounded Finest Thrust Jest Daggers Scruples Renowned Repartee

Book:The Works of Cowper and Thompson: Including Many Letters and Poems Never Before Published in this Country. With a New and Interesting Memoir of the Life of Thomson

Source: The Works of Cowper and Thompson: Including Many Letters and Poems Never Before Published in this Country. With a New and Interesting Memoir of the Life of Thomson

“God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.”

“Reasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray.”

Men Way Mistake Known Steps Instinct Intuition Reasoning Every Step Chakra Instinct Intuition

Book:The Complete Poetical Works of William Cowper, Esq: Including the Hymns and Translations from Madame Guion, Milton, Etc., and Adam; a Sacred Drama; from the Italian of Gio. Battista Andreini, with a Memoir of the Author

Source: The Complete Poetical Works of William Cowper, Esq: Including the Hymns and Translations from Madame Guion, Milton, Etc., and Adam; a Sacred Drama; from the Italian of Gio. Battista Andreini, with a Memoir of the Author

“An epigram is but a feeble thing - With straw in tail, stuck there by way of sting.”

Way Stuck Tails Straws Epigrams

Book:Poetical works

Source: Poetical works

“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill He treasures up his bright designs, And works his sovereign will. Ye fearful saints fresh courage take, The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy, and shall break In blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust him for his grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.”