William Cowper

Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, the mere materials with which wisdom builds, till smoothed and squared and fitted to its place, does but encumber whom it seems to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; wisdom is humble that he knows no more.

This cabin, Mary, in my sight appears,_x000D_ _x000D_ Built as it has been in our waning years,_x000D_ _x000D_ A rest afforded to our weary feet,_x000D_ _x000D_ Preliminary to - the last retreat.

Strength may wield the ponderous spade, May turn the clod, and wheel the compost home; But elegance, chief grace the garden shows, And most attractive, is the fair result Of thought, the creature of a polished mind.

No wisdom that she may gain by experience and reflection hereafter, will compensate the loss of her present hilarity.

Even in the stifling bosom of the town,_x000D_ _x000D_ A garden, in which nothing thrives, has charms_x000D_ _x000D_ That soothes the rich possessor; much consol'd,_x000D_ _x000D_ That here and there some sprigs of mournful mint,_x000D_ _x000D_ Or nightshade, or valerian, grace the well_x000D_ _x000D_ He cultivates.

Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast, Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa around, 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

Thus happiness depends, as nature shows, less on exterior things than most suppose.

War's a game, which, were their subjects wise, Kings would not play at.

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

O Winter, ruler of the inverted year!

Meditation here may think down hours to moments. Here the heart may give a useful lesson to the head and learning wiser grow without his books.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.

E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream _x000D_ thy flowing wounds supply, _x000D_ redeeming love has been my theme, _x000D_ and shall be till I die.

I crown thee king of intimate delights, _x000D_ Fire-side enjoyments, home-born happiness, _x000D_ And all the comforts that the lowly roof _x000D_ Of undisturb'd retirement, and the hours _x000D_ Of long uninterrupted ev'ning, know.

Elegant as simplicity, and warm As ecstasy.

It is a terrible thought, that nothing is ever forgotten; that not an oath is ever uttered that does not continue to vibrate through all times, in the wide spreading current of sound; that not a prayer is lisped, that its record is not to be found st

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.

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

The earth was made so various, that the mind Of desultory man, studious of change, And pleased with novelty, might be indulged.

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

Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.