William Cowper

Ten thousand casks,
Forever dribbling out their base contents,
Touch'd by the Midas finger of the state,
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Ten thousand casks,
Forever dribbling out their base contents,
Touch'd by the Midas finger of the state,
Bleed gold for ministers to sport away.
Drink, and be mad then; 'tis your country bids!

In idle wishes fools supinely stay;
Be there a will,--and wisdom finds a way.

In idle wishes fools supinely stay;
Be there a will,--and wisdom finds a way.

But oars alone can ne'er prevail
To reach the distant coast;
The breath of Heaven must swell read more

But oars alone can ne'er prevail
To reach the distant coast;
The breath of Heaven must swell the sail,
Or all the toil is lost.

Seek to delight, that they may mend mankind.
And, while they captivate, inform the mind.

Seek to delight, that they may mend mankind.
And, while they captivate, inform the mind.

. . . Philologists, who chase
A painting syllable through time and space
Start it at home, read more

. . . Philologists, who chase
A painting syllable through time and space
Start it at home, and hunt it in the dark,
To Gaul, to Greece, and into Noah's Ark.