William Cowper on Memorial Day
1731–1800 England
← All quotes by William Cowper
7 quotes
He stands erect; his slouch becomes a walk;
He steps right onward, martial in his air,
His form and movement.
The Task (1785)
But war's a game, which, were their subjects wise,
Kings would not play at.
The Task (1785)
Folly such as yours,
Grac'd with a sword, and worthier of a fan,
Has made what enemies could ne'er have done.
The Task (1785)
O for a lodge in some vast wilderness,
Some boundless contiguity of shade;
Where rumor of oppression and deceit,
Of unsuccessful or successful war,
Might never reach me more.
The Task (1785)
Hence jarring sectaries may learn
Their real interest to discern;
That brother should not war with brother,
And worry and devour each other.
All has its date below; the fatal hour
Was register'd in Heav'n ere time began.
We turn to dust, and all our mightiest works
Die too.
The Task (1785)
All flesh is grass, and all its glory fades
Like the fair flower dishevell'd in the wind;
Riches have wings, and grandeur is a dream;
The man we celebrate must find a tomb,
And we that worship him, ignoble graves.
The Task (1785)