Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, OF HIMSELF, by WILLIAM COWPER



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

OF HIMSELF, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: William was once a bashful youth
Last Line: E'er claim him for her own.
Subject(s): Cowper, William (1731-1800); Modesty; Poetry & Poets


WILLIAM was once a bashful youth;
His modesty was such,
That one might say (to say the truth)
He rather had too much.

Some said that it was want of sense,
And others want of spirit,
(So blest a thing is impudence,)
While others could not bear it.

But some a different notion had,
And at each other winking,
Observed, that though he little said,
He paid it off with thinking.

Howe'er, it happened, by degrees,
He mended and grew perter;
In company was more at ease,
And dressed a little smarter;

Nay, now and then would look quite gay,
As other people do;
And sometimes said, or tried to say,
A witty thing or so.

He eyed the women, and made free
To comment on their shapes;
So that there was, or seemed to be,
No fear of a relapse.

The women said, who thought him rough,
But now no longer foolish,
"The creature may do well enough,
But wants a deal of polish."

At length, improved from head to heel,
'Twere scarce too much to say,
No dancing bear was so genteel,
Or half so degage.

Now that a miracle so strange
May not in vain be shown,
Let the dear maid who wrought change
E'er claim him for her own.





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