William Cowper

Wit, now and then, struck smartly, shows a spark.

Wit, now and then, struck smartly, shows a spark.

Whoever keeps an open ear
For tattlers will be sure to hear
The trumpet of contention.

Whoever keeps an open ear
For tattlers will be sure to hear
The trumpet of contention.

Still ending, and beginning still.

Still ending, and beginning still.

Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared,
And ages ere the Mantuan Swan was heard;
To carry nature read more

Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared,
And ages ere the Mantuan Swan was heard;
To carry nature lengths unknown before,
To give a Milton birth, asked ages more.

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.