William Cowper

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.

His mind his kingdom, and his will his law.

His mind his kingdom, and his will his law.

The faults of our neighbours with freedom we blame,
But tax not ourselves, though we practise the same.

The faults of our neighbours with freedom we blame,
But tax not ourselves, though we practise the same.

Now stir the fire, and close the shudders fast,
Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,
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Now stir the fire, and close the shudders fast,
Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,
And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn
Throws up a steamy column, and the cups,
That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each,
So let us welcome peaceful evening 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.