William Cowper

A kick that scarce would move a horse,
May kill a sound divine.

A kick that scarce would move a horse,
May kill a sound divine.

Be it a weakness, it deserves some praise,
We love the play-place of our early days;
The read more

Be it a weakness, it deserves some praise,
We love the play-place of our early days;
The scene is touching, and the heart is stone,
That feels not at that sight, and feels at none.

And spare the poet for his subject's sake.

And spare the poet for his subject's sake.

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.

They best can judge a poet's worth,
Who oft themselves have known
The pangs of a poetic read more

They best can judge a poet's worth,
Who oft themselves have known
The pangs of a poetic birth
By labours of their own.