Quote#Work
Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade
Quote byWilliam Cowper · 1731–1800
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: "To a Young Lady" (1782).
English (original)
Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade, Apt emblem of a virtuous maid Silent and chaste she steals along, Far from the world's gay busy throng: With gentle yet prevailing force, Intent upon her destined course; Graceful and useful all she does, Blessing and blest where'er she goes; Pure-bosom'd as that watery glass, And Heaven reflected in her face.
— William Cowper
More from William Cowper
Beware of desp'rate steps! The darkest day (Live till tomorrow) will have passed away.
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.
Absence from whom we love is worse than death, And frustrate hope severer than despair.
Damned below Judas; more abhorred than he was.
Man disobeys, and deity disowns me.
Oh! I could thresh his old jacket till I made his pension jingle in his pockets.