William Cowper

Prison'd in a parlour snug and small,
Like bottled wasps upon a southern wall.

Prison'd in a parlour snug and small,
Like bottled wasps upon a southern wall.

He who finds thought that lets us penetrate even a little deeper
into the eternal mystery of nature has read more

He who finds thought that lets us penetrate even a little deeper
into the eternal mystery of nature has been granted great grace.
He who, in addition, experiences the recognition, sympathy, and
help of the best minds of his times, had been given almost more
happiness than one man can bear.

Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, the mere materials with which wisdom builds, till smoothed and squared and fitted to its read more

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.

. . . thieves at home must hang; but he that puts
Into his overgorged and bloated purse
read more

. . . thieves at home must hang; but he that puts
Into his overgorged and bloated purse
The wealth of Indian provinces, escapes.

I venerate the man whose heart is warm,
Whose hands are pure, whose doctrine and whose life,
read more

I venerate the man whose heart is warm,
Whose hands are pure, whose doctrine and whose life,
Coincident, exhibit lucid proof
That he is honest in the sacred cause.