William Cowper

Fanaticism, the false fire of an overheated mind.

Fanaticism, the false fire of an overheated mind.

The sinews of affairs are cut.

The sinews of affairs are cut.

No, Freedom has a thousand charms to show
That slaves, howe'er contented, never know.

No, Freedom has a thousand charms to show
That slaves, howe'er contented, never know.

Defend me, therefore, common sense, say
From reveries so airy, from the toil
Of dropping buckets into read more

Defend me, therefore, common sense, say
From reveries so airy, from the toil
Of dropping buckets into empty wells,
And growing old in drawing nothing up.

I pity bashful men, who feel the pain
Of fancied scorn and undeserved disdain,
And bear the read more

I pity bashful men, who feel the pain
Of fancied scorn and undeserved disdain,
And bear the marks upon a blushing face,
OF needless shame, and self-impos'd disgrace.