William Cowper

If hindrances obstruct the way,
Thy magnanimity display.
And let thy strength be seen:
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If hindrances obstruct the way,
Thy magnanimity display.
And let thy strength be seen:
But O, if Fortune fill thy sail
With more than a propitious gale,
Take half thy canvas in.

'Twere better to be born a stone
Of ruder shape, and feeling none,
Than with a tenderness read more

'Twere better to be born a stone
Of ruder shape, and feeling none,
Than with a tenderness like mine
And sensibilities so fine!
Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell
Forever in my native shell,
Ordained to move when others please,
Not for my own content or ease;
But toss'd and buffeted about,
Now in the water and now out.

Beware of desperate steps. The darkest day,
Live till to-morrow, will have pass'd away.

Beware of desperate steps. The darkest day,
Live till to-morrow, will have pass'd away.

No tree in all the grove but has its charms,
Though each its hue peculiar.

No tree in all the grove but has its charms,
Though each its hue peculiar.

Sin let loose speaks punishment at hand.

Sin let loose speaks punishment at hand.