Quote

A man renowned for repartee will seldom scruple to make free with friendship's finest feeling, will thrust a dagger at your breast, and say he wounded you in jest, by way of balm for healing.

William Cowper

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

William Cowper
Age: 68 †
Born: 1731
Born: November 26
Died: 1800
Died: April 25
Hymnwriter
Poet
Poet Lawyer
Translator
Writer
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
Men
Seldom
Scruples
Healing
Daggers
Friendship
Jest
Feeling
Thrust
Scruple
Free
Breast
Repartee
Feelings
Wounded
Dagger
Way
Finest
Renowned
Make
Breasts
Balm

More quotes by William Cowper

Image
But oars alone can ne'er prevail To reach the distant coast The breath of Heaven must swell the sail, Or all the toil is lost.
William Cowper
Image
Who loves a garden loves a greenhouse too.
William Cowper
Image
Glory, built on selfish principles, is shame and guilt.
William Cowper
Image
But still remember, if you mean to please, To press your point with modesty and ease.
William Cowper
Image
Great contest follows, and much learned dust Involves the combatants each claiming truth, And truth disclaiming both.
William Cowper
Image
Even in the stifling bosom of the town, A garden, in which nothing thrives, has charms That soothes the rich possessor much consol'd, That here and there some sprigs of mournful mint, Or nightshade, or valerian, grace the well He cultivates.
William Cowper
Image
Accomplishments have taken virtue's place, and wisdom falls before exterior grace.
William Cowper
Image
Hast thou not learnd what thou art often told, A truth still sacred, and believed of old, That no success attends on spears and swords Unblest, and that the battle is the Lords?
William Cowper
Image
We turn to dust, and all our mightiest works die too.
William Cowper
Image
The dogs did bark, the children screamed, Up flew the windows all And every soul bawled out, Well done! As loud as he could bawl.
William Cowper
Image
It is a terrible thought, that nothing is ever forgotten that not an oath is ever uttered that does not continue to vibrate through all times, in the wide spreading current of sound that not a prayer is lisped, that its record is not to be found st
William Cowper
Image
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
William Cowper
Image
The nurse sleeps sweetly, hired to watch the sick, / whom, snoring, she disturbs.
William Cowper
Image
Reasoning at every step he treads, Man yet mistakes his way, Whilst meaner things, whom instinct leads, Are rarely known to stray.
William Cowper
Image
A life all turbulence and noise may seem To him that leads it wise and to be praised, But wisdom is a pearl with most success Sought in still waters.
William Cowper
Image
Nature, exerting an unwearied power, Forms, opens, and gives scent to every flower Spreads the fresh verdure of the field, and leads The dancing Naiads through the dewy meads.
William Cowper
Image
Most satirists are indeed a public scourge Their mildest physic is a farrier's purge Their acrid temper turns, as soon as stirr'd, The milk of their good purpose all to curd. Their zeal begotten, as their works rehearse, By lean despair upon an empty purse.
William Cowper
Image
Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.
William Cowper
Image
The only amaranthine flower on earth is virtue the only lasting treasure, truth.
William Cowper
Image
Pernicious weed! whose scent the fair annoys, Unfriendly to society's chief joys: Thy worst effect is banishing for hours The sex whose presence civilizes ours.
William Cowper