William Cowper

'Tis liberty alone that gives the flower
Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume;
And we are read more

'Tis liberty alone that gives the flower
Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume;
And we are weeds without it.

Fanaticism, the false fire of an overheated mind.

Fanaticism, the false fire of an overheated mind.

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.

He would not, with a peremptory tone,
Assert the nose upon his face his own.

He would not, with a peremptory tone,
Assert the nose upon his face his own.

Pleasure admitted in undue degree
Enslaves the will, nor leaves the judgment free.

Pleasure admitted in undue degree
Enslaves the will, nor leaves the judgment free.