One of the greatest poets and hymnodist from Britain, William Cowper revolutionized the art of nature poetry by depicting everyday life and scenery of English terrains. He was an ardent supporter of abolition of Slavery. Cowper, along with ideas from John Newton, created numerous anti-slavery hymns and poems which were later vehemently used by Martin Luther king Jr. in the anti-apartheid movement. His famous works include ‘Light Shining out of Darkness’, ‘The Negro's Complain’ and ‘Hymns by William Cowper’. In his other lesser known works, Cowper condemned the theory which supports economical viability of slavery. Cowper was also one of the kingpins of Romanticism movement prevalent during the 18th century England. His fellow contemporaries, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, have regarded him as "the best modern poet". We have collected some of his most notable quotes from his poems, and writings. His thoughts and sayings professed spirituality, righteousness, wisdom, happiness, patriotism, equality. Browse through these quotes from this prolific poet from 18th century Britain.
Sends Nature forth the daughter of the skies... To dance on earth, and charm all human eyes.
William Cowper
A fool must now and then be right, by chance.
William Cowper
Absence of occupation is not rest; A mind quite vacant is a mind distressed.
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.
William Cowper
Assail'd by scandal and the tongue of strife,
His only answer was, a blameless life.
