To all the bless'd above: So, when the last and dreadful hour ON THE RECEIPT OF MY MOTHER'S PICTURE WILLIAM COWPER NOTE TO THE PUPIL. William Cowper was born in 1731. He studied law, but had little interest in the profession. He lived in the Temple until he was thirty-two, but had little to do with the practice of law. He with a few others there formed a literary club, and that and social life occupied the greater part of his time. He was appointed clerk of the Journals of the House of Lords, but was ill fitted for the work and so shrunk from it that he made several attempts to commit suicide. Finally he became insane. He was sent to a private asylum and after a year and a half recovered. He went to live with a family near Huntingdon by the name of Unwin. Later the family moved to Olney and there Cowper met the Rev. John Newton, who inspired him to write the hymns, many of which are found in most hymn-books to-day. Not long after this he again became insane. After his recovery he wrote most of his poems. His poetry seemed to cure him of his melancholy, and as he grew healthier his poems became more wholesome and sweet. It was during this period that he wrote "John Gilpin." "The Task" is his longest poem. THAT those lips had language! Life has passed With me but roughly since I heard them last. "Grieve not, my child, chase all thy fears away!" The meek intelligence of those dear eyes O welcome guest, though unexpected here! But gladly, as the precept were her own; A momentary dream, that thou art she. My mother when I learn'd that thou wast dead, Say, wast thou conscious of the tears I shed? Hover'd thy spirit o'er thy sorrowing son, Wretch even then, life's journey just begun? Perhaps thou gavest me, though unfelt, a kiss; Perhaps a tear, if souls can weep in bliss Ah, that maternal smile! it answers Yes. I heard the bell tolled on thy burial day, I saw the hearse that bore thee slow away, And, turning from my nursery window, drew A long, long sigh, and wept a last adieu! But was it such? It was. Where thou art gone Adieus and farewells are a sound unknown. May I but meet thee on that peaceful shore, The parting word shall pass my lips no more! Thy maidens grieved themselves at my concern. Oft gave me promise of thy quick return. What ardently I wished, I long believed, And, disappointed still, was still deceived. By expectation every day beguiled, Dupe of to-morrow even from a child. Thus many a sad to-morrow came and went, But, though I less deplored thee, ne'er forgot. Where once we dwelt our name is heard no more, That once we called the pastoral house our own. That thou mightst know me safe and warmly laid; The biscuit, or confectionery plum; The fragrant waters on my cheeks bestowed By thy own hand, till fresh they shone and glowed; All this, and more endearing still than all, Thy constant flow of love, that knew no fall, Not scorned in Heaven, though little noticed here. I pricked them into paper with a pin (And thou wast happier than myself the while, Wouldst softly speak, and stroke my head and smile), Could those few pleasant days again appear, Might one wish bring them, would I wish them here? I would not trust my heart; the dear delight Seems so to be desired, perhaps I might. But no what here we call our life is such, So little to be loved, and thou so much, Thou, as a gallant bark from Albion's coast So thou, with sails how swift! hast reached the shore, "Where tempests never beat nor billows roar"; And thy loved consort on the dangerous tide Yet, oh, the thought that thou art safe, and he! And, while the wings of fancy still are free, Time has but half succeeded in his theft, VERSES WILLIAM COWPER Supposed to have been written by Alexander Selkirk, during his solitary abode on the Island of Juan Fernandez. I AM monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute; That sages have seen in thy face? Than reign in this horrible place. |