Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO MRS. NEWTON, by WILLIAM COWPER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A noble theme demands a noble verse Last Line: We say, good madam, and good sir, adieu! | ||||||||
A NOBLE theme demands a noble verse; In such I thank you for your fine oysters. The barrel was magnificently large, But, being sent to Olney at free charge, Was not inserted in the driver's list, And therefore overlooked, forgot, or missed; For, when the messenger whom we despatched Inquired for oysters, Hob his noddle scratched, Denying that his waggon or his wain Did any such commodity contain. In consequence of which your welcome boon Did not arrive till yesterday at noon; In consequence of which some chanced to die, And some, though very sweet, were very dry. Now Madam says, (and what she says must still Deserve attention, say she what she will,) That what we call the Diligence, be-case It goes to London with a swifter pace, Would better suit the carriage of your gift, Returning downward with a pace as swift; And therefore recommends it with this aim-- To save at least three days,--the price the same; For though it will not carry or convey For less than twelve pence, send whate'er you may, For oysters, bred upon the salt sea-shore, Packed in a barrel, they will charge no more. News have I none that I can deign to write, Save that it rained prodigiously last night, And that ourselves were, at the seventh hour, Caught in the first beginning of the shower; But walking, running, and with much ado, Got home--just time enough to be wet through. Yet both are well, and, wondrous to be told, Soused as we were, we yet have caught no cold; And wishing just the same good hap to you, We say, good Madam, and good Sir, Adieu! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A COMPARISON [ADDRESSED] TO A YOUNG LADY by WILLIAM COWPER BOADICEA; AN ODE by WILLIAM COWPER EPITAPH ON A HARE by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 1. WALKING WITH GOD by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 18. LOVEST THOU ME? by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 35. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 49. JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING by WILLIAM COWPER OLNEY HYMNS: 9. THE CONTRITE HEART by WILLIAM COWPER ON THE DEATH OF MRS. (NOW LADY) THROCKMORTON'S BULLFINCH by WILLIAM COWPER ON THE LOSS OF THE ROYAL GEORGE by WILLIAM COWPER ON THE RECEIPT OF MY MOTHER'S PICTURE [OUT OF NORFOLK] by WILLIAM COWPER |
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