William Cowper

The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.

The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.

A life of ease is a difficult pursuit.

A life of ease is a difficult pursuit.

When admirals extoll'd for standing still,
Of doing nothing with a deal of skill.

When admirals extoll'd for standing still,
Of doing nothing with a deal of skill.

Hast thou not learn'd what thou art often told,
A truth still sacred, and believed of old,
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Hast thou not learn'd what thou art often told,
A truth still sacred, and believed of old,
That no success attends on spears and swords
Unblest, and that the battle is the Lord's?

Fate steals along with silent tread,
Found oftenest in what least we dread;
Frowns in the storm read more

Fate steals along with silent tread,
Found oftenest in what least we dread;
Frowns in the storm with angry brow,
But in the sunshine strikes the blow.