Kinsman beloved, and as a son, by me!
When I behold the fruit of thy regard,
The sculptured form of my old favourite bard,
I reverence feel for him, and love for thee:
Joy too and grief--much joy that there should be,
Wise men and learn'd, who grudge not to reward
With some applause my bold attempt and hard,
Which others scorn; critics by courtesy.
The grief is this, that, sunk in Homer's mine,
I lose my precious years, now soon to fail,
Handling his gold, which, howsoe'er it shine,
Proves dross when balanced in the Christian scale.
Be wiser thou--like our forefather Donne,
Seek heavenly wealth, and work for God alone.
To John Johnston, Esq., On His Presenting Me With An Antique Bust Of Homer
William Cowper
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Poem topics: alone, feel, god, son, work, wealth, wise, fruit, bold, hard, precious, gold, shine, attempt, reward, favourite, Christian, grief, joy, love, Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme
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