William Cowper was born on November 26, 1731, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England. He is widely considered one of the most important poets of the Georgian era, known for his distinctive style of lyrical poetry and his contribution to religious hymn writing. After a period studying law, Cowper succumbed to episodes of mental illness, which would haunt him for much of his life. It was during one of these periods of seclusion that he began to write poetry more seriously. His most celebrated work, "The Task", is a long poem that reflects on domestic life, nature, and morality, written in blank verse. He also co-authored "Olney Hymns" (1779), a collection that includes widely sung hymns such as "Amazing Grace" (attributed to John Newton, but often associated with Cowper's spirit of collaboration and circle) and "God Moves in a Mysterious Way". Cowper's poetry is marked by its sincerity, detailed observation of nature, and deep introspection, often tinged with melancholy due to his personal struggles. He passed away on April 25, 1800, in Dereham, Norfolk.
Poems List
There is in souls a sympathy with sounds; And as the mind is pitch’d the ear is pleas’d 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.
1
Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round, And, while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn Throws up a steamy column, and the cups, That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each, So let us welcome peaceful evening in.
’Tis pleasant, through the loopholes of retreat, To peep at such a world; to see the stir Of the great Babel, and not feel the crowd.
1
From reveries so airy, from the toil Of dropping buckets into empty wells, And growing old in drawing nothing up.
1
Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs Receive our air, that moment they are free! They touch our country, and their shackles fall.
1
Comments (0)
Log in
to post a comment.
NoComments