Sed hactenus hæc, Some smaller pieces upon less important subjects close the volume. Not one of them I believe was written with a view to publication, but I was unwilling they should be omitted. CHARLES SQUARE, HOXTON, FEBRUARY 18, 1782. JOHN NEWTON. Lines in Memory of Ashley Cowper, Esq. Versification of a Thought On the shortness of human life Epitaph on Dr. Johnson To a Young Lady on her Birth Day! Epitaph on Samuel Rose, Esq. 238 239 240 242 The Colubriad 247 Two Inscriptions 250 BRIEF ACCOUNT OF WILLIAM COWPER, ESQ. MR. R. COWPER was the son of John Cowper, D. D. Rector of Great Berkhamstead, Herts. He was born on the 15th of November, 1731. Descended of amiable and respectable parents, of noble affinity, and connected with persons of great worldly influence, his advancement in temporal affluence and honour seemed to demand no extraordinary mental endowments. His opening genius discovered, however, a capacity for elegant literature, and he enjoyed the best advantages for improvement in so pleasing a pursuit. With uncommon abilities, he possessed a most amiable temper; and he became not only the darling of his relations, but beloved and admired by his associates in education; some of whom, with inferior prospects, have since risen to distinguished reputation, and even to the highest professional rank. But the towering hopes that were naturally built on so flattering a ground, were undermined at an early period. From childhood, during which he |