William Cowper

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.

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.

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

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

Toil for the brave!
The brave that are no more.

Toil for the brave!
The brave that are no more.

Now stir the fire, and close the shudders fast,
Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,
read more

Now stir the fire, and close the shudders fast,
Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,
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.