Stanzas on mortality : subjoined to the Northampton bills of mortality, for several years / by W. Cowper.

  • William Cowper
Date:
[1816]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Stanzas on mortality : subjoined to the Northampton bills of mortality, for several years / by W. Cowper. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    6/12 page 6
    “ Worlds should not bribe me back to tread, “ Again life’s dreary waste, “ To see again my day overspread “ With all the gloomy past. tc My home henceforth is in the skies, “ Earth, seas, and sun adieu! “ All heaven unfolded to my eyes, “ I have no sight for you. So spoke Aspasio, firm possess’d Of faith’s supporting rod. Then breath’d his soul into its rest. The bosom of his God. He was a man among the few, Sincere on virtue’s side; And all his strength from scripture drew. To hourly use apply’d* That rule he priz’d, by what he fear d. He hated, hop’d, and lov’d ; ^or ever frown’d, or sad appear d. But when his heart had rov’d. For he was frail as thou or I, And evil felt within; But when he felt, it heav’d a sigh. And loath’d the thoughts of sin. Such liv’d Aspasio; and, at last. Call’d up from earth to heav’n. The gulph of death triumphant pass’d. By sales of blessings driv’n. His joys be mine, each reader cries. When my last hour arrives ! They shall*be yours, my verse replies. Such only be your lives.
    digitised image 1
    digitised image 2
    digitised image 3