ON THE PROMOTION OF EDWARD THURLOW, ESQ. TO THE LORD HIGH CHANCELLORSHIP OF ENGLAND. [The first mention of these verses occurs in a note to Mr Hill, dated November 14, 1779, in which the author feelingly says, I wrote them, indeed, on purpose for you; for my subjects are not always such as I could hope would prove agreable to you. My mind has always a melancholy cast, and is like some pools I have seen, which, though filled with a black and putrid water, will, nevertheless, in a bright day, reflect the sunbeams from their surface." Thurlow's ungenerous neglect of the disinterested and elegant compliment, was alike dishonourable to his own heart, and distressing to Cowper's affectionate temper. See Life and Letters.] ROUND Thurlow's head in early youth, Fair Science pour'd the light of truth, See! with united wonder cried Ambition in a boy supplied Discernment, eloquence, and grace The praise bestow'd was just and wise; So the best courser on the plain ODE TO PEACE. [These verses were composed in the commencement of Cowper's second attack of mental indisposition.] COME, peace of mind, delightful guest! Once more in this sad heart: Nor riches I nor power pursue, Where wilt thou dwell, if not with me, For whom, alas! dost thou prepare The great, the gay, shall they partake That murmurs through the dewy mead, For thee I panted, thee I prized, Whate'er I loved before; And helpless, hopeless, hear thee say - From morn to dewy eve, With open hand she showers And soothe the silent hours. It is content of heart Gives Nature power to please; Seem bright as smiling May, The vast majestic globe, So beauteously array'd With wond'rous skill display'd, Is to a mourner's heart A dreary wild at best; It flutters to depart, And longs to be at rest. THE MODERN PATRIOT. [The poet speaks of verses under the same title, suggested by some of Burke's political schemes, but adds, that he burned them next morning. These seem, however, to be the same; they were composed in 1780.] REBELLION is my theme all day, I only wish 'twould come (As who knows but perhaps it may?) A little nearer home. Yon roaring boys, who rave and fight I always held them in the right, But most so when most frantic. When lawless mobs insult the court, If breaking windows be the sport, But oh! for him my fancy culls Your house about your ears. Such civil broils are my delight, Though some folks can't endure them, A rope! I wish we patriots had ON OBSERVING SOME NAMES OF LITTLE NOTE RECORDED IN THE BIOGRAPHIA BRITANNICA. [Cowper had borrowed the Biographia Britannica from Mr Unwin, to whom, in consequence, these admirably sarcastic lines were sent in September, 1780.] Он, fond attempt to give a deathless lot - So when a child, as playful children use, REPORT OF AN ADJUDGED CASE, NOT TO BE FOUND IN ANY OF THE BOOKS. [This piece, which a critic has pronounced, "in gravity of ridicule unexcelled," appears to have been a favourite with the author; for in his letters it is more than once transcribed. The first copy was sent to Mr Hill, December, 1780. BETWEEN Nose and Eyes a strange contest arose, So Tongue was the lawyer, and argued the cause So famed for his talent in nicely discerning. "In behalf of the Nose, it will quickly appear, And your lordship,” he said, “will undoubtedly find, That the Nose has had spectacles always in wear, Which amounts to possession, time out of mind.” Then holding the spectacles up to the court"Your lordship observes they are made with straddle, As wide as the ridge of the nose is; in short 66 Again, would your lordship a moment suppose ('Tis a case that has happen'd, and may be again) That the visage or countenance had not a nose, a Pray who would, or who could, wear spectacles then? "On the whole it appears, and my argument shows, With a reasoning the court will never condemn, That the spectacles plainly were made for the Nose, And the Nose was as plainly intended for them.” |