Quote Search

Absence of occupation is not rest, A mind quite vacant is a mind distress'd.

—  William Cowper

But still remember, if you mean to please, To press your point with modesty and ease.

—  William Cowper

E'vn in the stifling bosom of the town, A garden, in which nothing thrives, has charms That soothes the rich possessor; much consol'd, That here and there some sprigs of mournful mint, Or nightshade, or valerian, grace the well He cultivates.

—  William Cowper

The kindest and the happiest pair Will find occasion to forbear; And something, every day they live, To pity, and perhaps forgive.

—  William Cowper

The man that dares traduce, because he can with safety to himself, is not a man.

—  William Cowper

Perhaps thou gav'st me, though unseen, a kiss; Perhaps a tear, if souls can weep in bliss.

—  William Cowper

A tale should be judicious, clear, succinct; The language plain, and incidents well link'd; Tell not as new what ev'ry body knows; and, new or old, still hasten to a close.

—  William Cowper

Could he with reason murmur at his case, Himself sole author of his own disgrace?

—  William Cowper

But war 's a game which were their subjects wise Kings would not play at.

—  William Cowper

'Tis hard if all is false that I advance? A fool must now and then be right, by chance.

—  William Cowper

Ye therefore who love mercy, teach your sons to love it, too.

—  William Cowper

Absence from whom we love is worse than death, and frustrates hope severer than despair.

—  William Cowper

A moral, sensible, and well-bred man Will not affront me, and no other can.

—  William Cowper

No wild enthusiast ever yet could rest, till half mankind were, like himself, possest.

—  William Cowper

Lord, it is my chief complaint, That my love is weak and faint; Yet I love thee and adore, Oh for grace to love thee more!

—  William Cowper