William Cowper

A hat not much worse for wear.

A hat not much worse for wear.

Could he with reason murmur at his case,
Himself sole author of his own disgrace?

Could he with reason murmur at his case,
Himself sole author of his own disgrace?

Call'd to the temple of impure delight
He that abstains, and he alone, does right.
If a read more

Call'd to the temple of impure delight
He that abstains, and he alone, does right.
If a wish wander that way, call it home;
He cannot long be safe whose wishes roam.

Reasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known read more

Reasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray.

He whistles as he goes, light-hearted wretch,
Cold and yet cheerful; messenger of grief
Perhaps to thousands, read more

He whistles as he goes, light-hearted wretch,
Cold and yet cheerful; messenger of grief
Perhaps to thousands, and of joy to some.