quotes from classic

They whom truth and wisdom lead, can gather honey from a weed.

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Words learned by rote a parrot may rehearse; but talking is not always to converse, not more distinct from harmony divine, the constant creaking of a country sign.

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That good diffused may more abundant grow.

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But misery still delights to trace Its 'semblance in another's case....

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We perished, each alone: / But I beneath a rougher sea, / And whelmed in deeper gulfs than he.

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With spots quadrangular of diamond form,/ Ensanguined hearts, clubs typical of strife, / And spades, the emblem of untimely graves.

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Unless a love of virtue light the flame, Satire is, more than those he brands, to blame; He hides behind a magisterial air He own offences, and strips others' bare.

more quotes from William Cowper

I am monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute on; but I wish that I could get away And go home to the village of Bruton.

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Variety is the very spice of life that gives it all its flavour.

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Oh to have a lodge in some vast wilderness. Where rumors of oppression and deceit, of unsuccessful and successful wars may never reach me anymore.

more quotes from William Cowper

A fretful temper will divide the closest knot that may be tied, by ceaseless sharp corrosion; a temper passionate and fierce may suddenly your joys disperse at one immense explosion.

more quotes from William Cowper

Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.

more quotes from William Cowper

Ceremony leads her bigots forth, prepared to fight for shadows of no worth. While truths, on which eternal things depend, can hardly find a single friend.

more quotes from William Cowper

Oh for a lodge in some vast wilderness, Some boundless contiguity of shade, Where rumour of oppression and deceit, Of unsuccessful or successful war, Might never reach me more.

more quotes from William Cowper

My Mother! when I learnt that thou wast dead, Say, wast thou conscious of the tears I shed?...

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When this poor, lisping, stammering tongue/ Lies silent in the grave.

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Freedom hath a thousand charms to show, That slaves however contented never know.

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Forced from home, and all its pleasures, afric coast I left forlorn; to increase a stranger's treasures, o the raging billows borne. Men from England bought and sold me, paid my price in paltry gold; but, though theirs they have enroll'd me, minds are never to be sold.

more quotes from William Cowper

The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.

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I pity them greatly, but I must be mum, for how could we do without sugar and rum?

more quotes from William Cowper