Opening…

Dedication

TO THE DOWAGER LADY THROCKMORTON.

Your Ladyship's peculiar intimacy with the poet Cowper, and your former residence at Weston, where every object is embellished by his muse, and clothed with a species of poetical verdure, give you a just title to have your name associated with his endeared memory.

But, independently of these considerations, you are recorded both in his poetry and prose, and have thus acquired a kind of double immortality. These reasons are sufficiently valid to authorize the present dedication. But there are additional motives,--the recollection of the happy hours, formerly spent at Weston, in your society and in that of Sir George Throckmorton, enhanced by the presence of our common lamented friend, Dr. Johnson. A dispensation which spares neither rank, accomplishments, nor virtues, has unhappily terminated this enjoyment, but it has not extinguished those sentiments of esteem and regard, with which

I have the honour to be, My dear Lady Throckmorton, Your very sincere and obliged friend, T. S. GRIMSHAWE.

Biddenham, Feb. 28, 1835.

Preface

In presenting to the public this new and complete edition of the Life, Correspondence, and Poems of Cowper, it may be proper for me to state the grounds on which it claims to be the only complete edition that has been, or can be published.

After the decease of this justly admired author, Hayley received from my lamented brother-in-law, Dr. Johnson, (so endeared by his exemplary attention to his afflicted relative,) every facility for his intended biography. Aided also by valuable contributions from other quarters, he was thus furnished with rich materials for the execution of his interesting work. The reception with which his Life of Cowper was honoured, and the successive editions through which it passed, afforded unequivocal testimony to the industry and talents of the biographer and to the epistolary merits of the Poet. Still there were many, intimately acquainted with the character and principles of Cowper, who considered that, on the whole, a very erroneous impression was conveyed to the public. On this subject no one was perhaps more competent to form a just estimate than the late Dr. Johnson. A long and familiar intercourse with his endeared relative had afforded him all the advantages of a daily and minute observation. His possession of documents, and intimate knowledge of facts, enabled him to discover the partial suppression of some letters, and the total omission of others, that, in his judgment, were essential to the development of Cowper's real character. The cause of this procedure may be explained so as fully to exonerate Hayley from any charge injurious to his honour. His mind, however literary and elegant, was not precisely qualified to present a religious character to the view of the British public, without committing some important errors. Hence, in occasional parts of his work, his reflections are misplaced, sometimes injurious, and often injudicious; and in no portion of it is this defect more visible than where he attributes the malady of Cowper to the operation of religious causes.

It would be difficult to express the painful feeling produced by these facts on the minds of Dr. Johnson and of his friends. Hayley indeed seems to be afraid of exhibiting Cowper too much in a religious garb, lest he should either lessen his estimation, alarm the reader, or compromise himself. To these circumstances may be attributed the defects that we have noticed, and which have rendered his otherwise excellent production an imperfect work. The consequence, as regards Cowper, has been unfortunate. "People," observes Dr. Johnson, "read the Letters with 'the Task' in their recollection, (and vice versâ,) and are perplexed. They look for the Cowper of each in the other, and find him not; the correspondency is destroyed. The character of Cowper is thus undetermined; mystery hangs over it, and the opinions formed of him are as various as the minds of the inquirers." It was to dissipate this illusion, that my lamented friend collected the "Private Correspondence," containing letters that had been previously suppressed, with the addition of others, then brought to light for the first time. Still there remains one more important object to be accomplished: viz., to present to the British public the whole Correspondence in its entire and unbroken form, and in its chronological order. Then, and not till then, will the real character of Cowper be fully understood and comprehended; and the consistency of his Christian character be found to harmonize with the Christian spirit of his pure and exalted productions.

Supplemental to such an undertaking is the task of revising Hayley's Life of the Poet, purifying it from the errors that detract from its acknowledged value, and adapting it to the demands and expectations of the religious public. That this desideratum has been long felt, to an extent far beyond what is commonly supposed, the Editor has had ample means of knowing, from his own personal observation, and from repeated assurances of the same import from his lamented friend, the Rev. Legh Richmond.[2]

[2] Of the letters contained in the "Private Correspondence" he emphatically remarked, "Cowper will never be clearly and satisfactorily understood without them."

The time for carrying this object into effect is now arrived. The termination of the copyright of Hayley's Life of Cowper, and access to the Private Correspondence collected by Dr. Johnson, enable the Editor to combine all these objects, and to present, for the first time, a Complete Edition of the Works of Cowper, which it is not in the power of any individual besides himself to accomplish, because all others are debarred access to the Private Correspondence. Upwards of two hundred letters will be thus incorporated with the former work of Hayley, in their due and chronological order.

The merits of "The Private Correspondence" are thus attested in a letter addressed to Dr. Johnson, by a no less distinguished judge than the late Rev. Robert Hall.--"It is quite unnecessary to say that I perused the letters with great admiration and delight. I have always considered the letters of Mr. Cowper as the finest specimen of the epistolary style in our language; and these appear to me of a superior description to the former, possessing as much beauty, with more piety and pathos. To an air of inimitable ease and carelessness they unite a high degree of correctness, such as could result only from the clearest intellect, combined with the most finished taste. I have scarcely found a single word which is capable of being exchanged for a better. Literary errors I can discern none. The selection of words, and the construction of periods, are inimitable; they present as striking a contrast as can well be conceived to the turgid verbosity which passes at present for fine writing, and which bears a great resemblance to the degeneracy which marks the style of Ammianus Marcellinus, as compared to that of Cicero or of Livy. In my humble opinion, the study of Cowper's prose may on this account be as useful in forming the taste of young people as his poetry. That the Letters will afford great delight to all persons of true taste, and that you will confer a most acceptable present on the reading world by publishing them, will not admit of a doubt."

All that now remains is for the Editor to say one word respecting himself. He has been called upon to engage in this undertaking both on public and private grounds. He is not insensible to the honour of such a commission, and yet feels that he is undertaking a delicate and responsible office. May he execute it in humble dependence on the Divine blessing, and in a spirit that accords with the venerated name of Cowper! Had the life of his endeared friend, Dr. Johnson, been prolonged, no man would have been better qualified for such an office. His ample sources of information, his name, and his profound veneration for the memory of Cowper, (whom he tenderly watched while living, and whose eyes he closed in death,) would have awakened an interest to which no other writer could presume to lay claim. It is under the failure of this expectation, which is extinguished by the grave, that the Editor feels himself called upon to endeavour to supply the void; and thus to fulfil what is due to the character of Cowper, and to the known wishes of his departed friend. Peace be to his ashes! They now rest near those of his beloved Bard, while their happy spirits are reunited in a world, where no cloud obscures the mind, and no sorrow depresses the heart: and where the mysterious dispensations of Providence will be found to have been in accordance with his unerring wisdom and mercy.

* * * * *

It is impossible for the Editor to specify the various instances of revision in the narrative of Hayley, because they are sometimes minute or verbal, at other times more enlarged. The object has been to retain the basis of his work, as far as possible. The introduction of new matter is principally where the interests of religion, or a regard to Cowper's character seemed to require it; and for such remarks the Editor is solely responsible.

PART THE FIRST.

Page

The family, birth, and first residence of Cowper 1

His verses on the portrait of his mother 1

Epitaph on his mother by her niece 2

The schools that Cowper attended 2

His sufferings during childhood 2

His removal from Westminster to an attorney's office 3

Verses on his early afflictions 4

His settlement in the Inner Temple 4

His acquaintance with eminent authors 4

His translations in Duncombe's Horace 4

His own account of his early life 4

Stanzas on reading Sir Charles Grandison 4

His verses on finding the heel of a shoe 5

His nomination to the office of Reading Clerk in the House of Lords 5

His nomination to be Clerk of the Journals in the House of Lords 5

To Lady Hesketh. Journals of the House of Lords. Reflection on the singular temper of his mind. Aug. 9, 1763 5

His extreme dread of appearing in public 6

His illness, and removal to St. Alban's 6

Change in his ideas of religion 7

His recovery 7

His settlement at Huntingdon to be near his brother 7

The translation of Voltaire's Henriade by the two brothers 7

The origin of Cowper's acquaintance with the Unwins 7

His adoption into the family 8

His early friendship with Lord Thurlow, and J. Hill, Esq 8

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Account of his situation at Huntingdon. June 24, 1765 9

To Lady Hesketh. On his illness and subsequent recovery. July 1, 1765 9

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Huntingdon and its amusements. July 3, 1765 10

To Lady Hesketh. Salutary effects of affliction on the human mind. July 4, 1765 10

To the same. Account of Huntingdon; distance from his Brother, &c. July 5, 1765 11

To the same. Newton's Treatise on Prophecy; Reflections of Dr. Young, on the Truth of Christianity. July 12, 1765 12

To the same. On the Beauty and Sublimity of Scriptural Language. Aug. 1, 1765 12

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Expected excursion. Aug. 14, 1765 13

To Lady Hesketh. Pearsall's Meditations; definition of faith. Aug. 17, 1765 14

To the same. On a particular Providence; experience of mercy, &c. Sept. 4, 1765 14

To the same. First introduction to the Unwin family; their characters. Sept. 14, 1765 15

To the same. On the thankfulness of the heart, its inequalities, &c. Oct. 10, 1765 16

To the same. Miss Unwin, her character and piety. Oct. 18, 1765 16

To Major Cowper. Situation at Huntingdon; his perfect satisfaction, &c. Oct. 18, 1765 17

To Joseph Hill, Esq. On those who confine all merits to their own acquaintance. Oct. 25, 1765 18

To the same. Agreement with the Rev. W. Unwin. Nov. 5, 1765 18

To the same. Declining to read lectures at Lincoln's Inn. Nov. 8, 1765 18

To Lady Hesketh. On solitude; on the desertion of his friends. March 6, 1766 19

To Mrs. Cowper. Mrs. Unwin, and her son; his cousin Martin. March 11, 1766 19

To the same. Letters the fruit of friendship; his conversion. April 4, 1766 20

To the same. The probability of knowing each other in Heaven. April 17, 1766 20

To the same. On the recollection of earthly affairs by departed spirits. April 18, 1766 21

To the same. On the same subject; on his own state of body and mind. Sept. 3, 1766 22

To the same. His manner of living; reasons for his not taking orders. Oct. 20, 1766 23

To the same. Reflections on reading Marshall. March 11, 1767 24

To the same. Introduction of Mr. Unwin's son; his gardening; on Marshall. March 14, 1767 24

To the same. On the motive of his introducing Mr. Unwin's son to her. April 3, 1767 25

To Joseph Hill, Esq. General election. June 16, 1767 27

To Mrs. Cowper. Mr. Unwin's death; doubts concerning Cowper's future abode. July 13, 1767 26

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Reflections arising from Mr. Unwin's death. July 16, 1767 26

The origin of Cowper's acquaintance with Mr. Newton. 26

Cowper's removal with Mrs. Unwin to Olney. 27

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Invitation to Olney. Oct. 10, 1767 27

His devotion and charity in his new residence. 27

To Joseph Hill, Esq. On the occurrences during his visit at St. Alban's. June 16, 1768 27

To the same. On the difference of dispositions; his love of retirement. Jan. 21, 1769 27

To the same. On Mrs. Hill's late illness. Jan. 29, 1769 28

To the same. Declining an invitation. Fondness for retirement. July 31, 1769 28

His poem in memory of John Thornton, Esq. 28

His beneficence to a necessitous child. 29

To Mrs. Cowper. His new situation; reasons for mixture of evil in the world. 1769 29

To the same. The consolations of religion on the death of her husband. Aug. 31, 1769 30

Cowper's journey to Cambridge on his brother's illness. 30

To Mrs. Cowper. Dangerous illness of his brother. March 5, 1770 30

The death and character of Cowper's brother. 31

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Religious sentiments of his brother. May 8, 1770 31

To Mrs. Cowper. The same subject. June 7, 1770 32

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Expression of his gratitude for instances of friendship. Sept. 25, 1770 33

To the same. Congratulations on his marriage. Aug. 27, 1771 33

To the same. Declining offers of service. June 27, 1772 33

To the same. Acknowledging obligations. July 2, 1772 33

To the same. Declining an invitation to London. Nov. 5, 1772 33

The composition of the Olney Hymns by Mr. Newton and Cowper. 34

The interruption of the Olney Hymns by the illness of Cowper 35

His long and severe depression 35

His tame hares, one of his first amusements on his recovery. 35

The origin of his friendship with Mr. Bull. 35

His translations from Madame de la Mothe Guion. 35

To Joseph Hill, Esq. On Mr. Ashley Cooper's recovery from a nervous fever. Nov. 12, 1776 36

To the same. On Gray's Works. April 20, 1777 36

To the same. On Gray's later epistles. West's Letters. May 25, 1777 36

To the same. Selection of books. July 13, 1777 36

To the same. Supposed diminution of Cowper's income. Jan. 1, 1778 37

To the same. Death of Sir Thomas Hesketh, Bart. April 11, 1778 37

To the same. Raynal's works. May 7, 1778 37

To the same. Congratulations on preferment. June 18, 1778 37

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Disapproving a proposed application to Chancellor Thurlow. June 18, 1778 37

To the same. Johnson's Lives of the Poets. May 26, 1779 38

To the same. Remarks on the Isle of Thanet. July, 1779 38

To the same. Advice on sea-bathing. July 17, 1779 38

To the same. His hot house; tame pigeons; visit to Gayhurst. Sept. 21, 1779 39

To Joseph Hill, Esq. With the fable of the Pine-apple and the Bee. Oct. 2, 1779 39

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Johnson's Biography; his treatment of Milton. Oct. 31, 1779 40

To Joseph Hill, Esq. With a poem on the promotion of Edward Thurlow. Nov. 14, 1779 40

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Quick succession of human events; modern patriotism. Dec. 2, 1779 40

To the same. Burke's speech on reform; Nightingale and Glow-worm. Feb. 27, 1780 41

To Mrs. Newton. On Mr. Newton's removal from Olney. March 4, 1780 41

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Congratulations on his professional success. March 16, 1780 42

To the Rev. J. Newton. On the danger of innovation. March 18, 1780 42

To the Rev. W. Unwin. On keeping the Sabbath. March 28, 1780 43

To the same. Pluralities in the church. April 6, 1780 43

To the Rev. J. Newton. Distinction between a travelled man, and a travelled gentleman. April 16, 1780 44

To the same. Serious reflections on rural scenery. May 3, 1780 44

To Joseph Hill, Esq. The Chancellor's illness. May 6, 1780 45

To the Rev. W. Unwin. His passion for landscape drawing; modern politics. May 8, 1780 45

To Mrs. Cowper. On her brother's death. May 10, 1780 46

To the Rev. J. Newton. Pedantry of commentators; Dr. Bentley, &c. May 10, 1780 46

To Mrs. Newton. Mishap of the gingerbread baker and his wife. The Doves. June 2, 1780 47

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Cowper's fondness of praise--Can a parson be obliged to take an apprentice?--Latin translation of a passage in Paradise Lost; versification of a thought. June 8, 1780 47

To the Rev. J. Newton. On the riots in 1780; danger of associations. June 12, 1780 48

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Latin verses on ditto. June 18, 1780 49

To the same. Robertson's History; Biographia Britannica. June 22, 1780 49

To the Rev. J. Newton. Ingenuity of slander; lace-makers' petition. June 23, 1780 50

To the Rev. W. Unwin. To touch and retouch, the secret of good writing; an epitaph; July 2, 1780 51

To Joseph Hill, Esq. On the riots in London. July 3, 1780 51

To the same. Recommendation of lace-makers' petition. July 8, 1780 51

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Translation of the Latin verses on the riots. July 11, 1780 52

To the Rev. J. Newton. With an enigma. July 12, 1780 52

To Mrs. Cowper. On the insensible progress of age. July 29, 1780 53

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Olney bridge. July 27, 1780 54

To the Rev. J. Newton. A riddle. July 30, 1780 54

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Human nature not changed; a modern, only an ancient in a different dress. August 6, 1780 54

To Joseph Hill, Esq. On his recreations. Aug. 10, 1780 55

To the Rev. J. Newton. Escape of one of his hares. Aug. 21, 1780 56

To Mrs. Cowper. Lady Cowper's death. Age a friend to the mind. Aug. 31, 1780 56

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Biographia; verses, parson and clerk. Sept. 3, 1780 57

To the same. On education. Sept. 7, 1780 57

To the same. Public schools. Sept. 17, 1780 58

To the same. On the same subject. Oct. 5, 1780 59

To Mrs. Newton. On Mr. Newton's arrival at Ramsgate. Oct. 5, 1780 60

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Verses on a goldfinch starved to death in his cage. Nov. 9, 1780 60

To Joseph Hill, Esq. On a point of law. Dec. 10, 1780 60

To the Rev. John Newton. On his commendations of Cowper's poems. Dec. 21, 1780 60

To J. Hill, Esq. With the memorable law-case between nose and eyes. Dec. 25, 1780 61

To the Rev. W. Unwin. With the same. Dec. 1780 62

To the Rev. John Newton. Progress of Error. Mr. Newton's works. Jan. 21, 1781 62

To the Rev. W. Unwin. On visiting prisoners. Feb. 6, 1781 63

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Hurricane in West Indies. Feb. 8, 1781 63

To the same. On metrical law-cases; old age. Feb. 15, 1781 64

To the Rev. John Newton. With Table Talk. On classical literature. Feb. 18, 1781 64

To Mr. Hill. Acknowledging a present received. Feb. 19, 1781 64

To the Rev. John Newton. Mr. Scott's curacies. Feb. 25, 1781 65

To the same. Care of myrtles. Sham fight at Olney. March 5, 1781 65

To the same. On the poems, "Expostulation," &c. March 18, 1781. 66

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Consolations on the asperity of a critic. April 2, 1781 67

To the Rev. John Newton. Requesting a preface to "Truth." Enigma on a cucumber. April 8, 1781 68

To the same. Solution of the enigma. April 23, 1781 68

Cowper's first appearance as an author. 69

The subjects of his first poems suggested by Mrs. Unwin. 69

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Intended publication of his first volume. May 1, 1781 69

To Joseph Hill, Esq. On the composition and publication of his first volume. May 9, 1781 70

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Reasons for not showing his preface to Mr. Unwin. May 10, 1781 70

To the same. Delay of his publication; Vincent Bourne, and his poems. May 23, 1781 71

To the Rev. John Newton. On the heat; on disembodied spirits. May 22, 1781 72

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Corrections of his proofs; on his horsemanship. May 28, 1781 72

To the same. Mrs. Unwin's criticisms; a distinguishing Providence. June 5, 1781 73

To the same. On the design of his poems; Mr. Unwin's bashfulness. June 24, 1781 73

Origin of Cowper's acquaintance with Lady Austen. 74

Poetical epistle addressed to that lady by him. 75

Diffidence of the poet's genius. 76

To the Rev. John Newton. His late visit to Olney. Lady Austen's first visit. Correction in "Progress of Error." Intended portrait of Cowper. July 7, 1781 76

To the same. Humorous letter in rhyme, on his poetry. July 12, 1781 77

To the same. Progress of the poem, "Conversation." July 22, 1781. 77

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Though revenge and a spirit of litigation are contrary to the Gospel, still it is the duty of a Christian to vindicate his right. Anecdote of a French Abbé, A fete champetre. July 29, 1781 77

To Mrs. Newton. Changes of fashion. Remarks on his poem, "Conversation." Aug. 1781 78

To the Rev. John Newton. Conversion of the green-house into a summer-parlour. Progress of his work. Aug. 16, 1781 79

To the same. State of Cowper's mind. Lady Austen's intended settlement at Olney. Lines on cocoa-nuts and fish. Aug. 21, 1781 80

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Congratulations on the birth of a son. Remarks on his poem, "Retirement." Lady Austen's proposed settlement at Olney. Her character. Aug. 25, 1781 81

To the Rev. John Newton. Progress of the printing of his poem, "Retirement." Mr. Johnson's corrections. Aug. 25, 1781 82

To the same. Heat of the weather. Remarks on the opinion of a clerical acquaintance concerning certain amusements and music. Sept. 9, 1781 82

To Mrs. Newton. A poetical epistle on a barrel of oysters. Sept. 16, 1781 83

To the Rev. John Newton. Dr. Johnson's criticism on Watts and Blackmore. Smoking. Sept. 18, 1781 83

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Thoughts on the sea. Character of Lady Austen. Sept. 26, 1781 84

To the Rev. John Newton. Religious poetry. Oct. 4, 1781 85

To the same. Brighton amusements. His projected Authorship. Oct. 6, 1781 85

To the Rev. John Newton. Disputes between the Rev. Mr. Scott and the Rev. Mr. R. Oct. 14, 1781 86

To Mrs. Cowper. His first volume. Death of a friend. Oct. 19, 1781 87

Reasons why the Rev. Mr. Newton wrote the Preface to Cowper's Poems 87

To the Rev. John Newton. Remarks on the proposed Preface to the Poems. Mr. Scott and Mr. R. Oct. 22, 1781 87

To the Rev. W. Unwin. Brighton dissipation. Education of young Unwin. Nov. 5, 1781 88

To the Rev. John Newton. Cowper's indifference to Fame. Anecdote of the Rev. Mr. Bull. Nov. 7, 1781 89

To the Rev. Wm. Unwin. Apparition of Paul Whitehead, at West Wycombe. Nov. 24, 1781 90

To Joseph Hill, Esq. In answer to his account of his landlady and her cottage. Nov. 26, 1781 90

To the Rev. Wm. Unwin. Origin and causes of social feeling. Nov. 26, 1781 91

To the Rev. John Newton. Unfavourable prospect of the American war. Nov. 27, 1781 92

To the same. With lines on Mary and John. Same date 92

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Advantage of having a tenant who is irregular in his payments. Sale of chambers. State of affairs in America. Dec. 2, 1781 93

To the Rev. John Newton. With lines to Sir Joshua Reynolds. Political and patriotic poetry. Dec. 4, 1781 93

Circumstances under which Cowper commenced his career as an author 94

Letter to the Rev. John Newton, Dec. 17, 1781. Remarks on his poems on Friendship, Retirement, Heroism and Ætna; Nineveh and Britain 95

To the Rev. William Unwin, Dec. 19, 1781. Idea of a theocracy; the American war 96

To the Rev. John Newton; shortest day, 1781. On a national miscarriage; with lines on a flatting-mill 96

To the same, last day of 1781. Concerning the printing of his Poems; the American contest 97

To the Rev. William Unwin, Jan. 5, 1782. Dr. Johnson's critique on Prior and Pope 97

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 13, 1782. The American contest 98

To the Rev. William Unwin, Jan. 17, 1782. Conduct of critics; Dr. Johnson's remarks on Prior's Poems; remarks on Dr. Johnson's Lives of the Poets; poetry suitable for the reading of a boy 99

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Jan. 31, 1782. Political reflections 101

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 2, 1782. On his Poems then printing; Dr. Johnson's character as a critic; severity of the winter 102

To the Rev. William Unwin, Feb. 9, 1782. Bishop Lowth's juvenile verses; acquaintance with Lady Austen 102

Attentions of Lady Austen to Cowper 103

Letter from him to Lady Austen 103

She becomes his next door neighbour 103

To the Rev. William Unwin. On Lady Austen's opinion of him; attempts at robbery; observations on religious characters; genuine benevolence 104

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 16, 1782. Charms of authorship 104

To the Rev. William Unwin, Feb. 24, 1782. On the publication of his poems; his letter to the Lord Chancellor 105

To Lord Thurlow, Feb. 25, 1782, enclosed to Mr. Unwin 105

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 1782. On Mr. N.'s Preface to his Poems. Remarks on a Fast Sermon 105

To the same, March 6, 1782. Political Remarks; character of Oliver Cromwell 106

Decision and boldness of Cromwell 107

To the Rev. William Unwin, March 7, 1782. Remonstrance against Sunday routs 107

Remarks on the reasons for rejecting the Rev. Mr. Newton's Preface to Cowper's Poems 107

To the Rev. John Newton, March 14, 1782. On the intended Preface to his Poems; critical tact of Johnson the bookseller 108

To Joseph Hill, Esq., March 14, 1782. On the publication of his Poems 108

To the Rev. William Unwin, March 18, 1782. On his and Mrs. Unwin's opinion of his Poems 109

Improvements in prison discipline 109

To the Rev. John Newton, March 24, 1782. Case of Mr. B. compared with Cowper's 110

To the Rev. William Unwin, April 1, 1782. On his commendations of his Poems 110

To the same, April 27, 1782. Military music; Mr. Unwin's expected visit; dignity of the Latin language; use of parentheses 111

To the same, May 27, 1782. Dr. Franklin's opinion of his poems; remarkable instance of providential deliverance from dangers; effects of the weather; Rodney's victory in the West Indies 111

To the same, June 12, 1712. Anxiety of Authors respecting the opinion of others on their works 112

Reception of the first volume of Cowper's Poems 113

Portrait of the true poet 113

Picture of a person of fretful temper 113

PART THE SECOND.

To the Rev. Wm. Bull, June 22, 1782. Poetical epistle on Tobacco 114

To the Rev. Wm. Unwin, July 16, 1782. Remarks on political affairs; Lady Austen and her project 114

To the same, August 3, 1782. On Dr. Johnson's expected opinion of his Poems; encounter with a viper; Lady Austen; Mr. Bull; Madame Guion's Poems 116

The Colubriad, a poem 117

Lady Austen comes to reside at the parsonage at Olney 117

Songs written for her by Cowper 117

His song on the loss of the Royal George 118

The same in Latin 118

Origin of his ballad of John Gilpin 118

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Sept. 6, 1782. Visit of Mr. Small 119

To the Rev. Wm. Unwin, Nov. 4, 1782. On the ballad of John Gilpin; on Mr. Unwin's exertions in behalf of the prisoners at Chelmsford; subscription for the widows of seamen lost in the Royal George 119

To the Rev. William Bull, Nov. 5, 1783. On his expected visit 120

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Nov. 11, 1782. On the state of his health; encouragement of planting; Mr. P----, of Hastings 120

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Nov. 1782. Thanks for a present of fish; on Mr. Small's report of Mr. Hill and his improvements 121

To the Rev. William Unwin, Nov. 18, 1782. Acknowledgments to a beneficent friend to the poor of Olney; on the appearance of John Gilpin in print 121

To the Rev. William Unwin. No date. Character of Dr. Beattie and his poems; Cowper's translation of Madame Guion's poems 122

To Mrs. Newton, Nov. 23, 1782. On his Poems; severity of the winter; contrast between a spendthrift and an Olney cottager; method recommended for settling disputes 122

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Dec. 7, 1782. Recollections of the coffee-house; Cowper's mode of spending his evenings; political contradictions 123

To the Rev. William Unwin, Jan. 19, 1783. His occupations; beneficence of Mr. Thornton to the poor of Olney 124

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 26, 1783. On the anticipations of peace; conduct of the belligerent powers 124

To the Rev. Wm. Unwin, Feb. 2, 1783. Ironical congratulations on the peace; generosity of England to France 125

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 8, 1783. Remarks on the peace 125

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Feb. 13, 1783. Remarks on his poems 126

To the same. Feb. 20, 1783. With Dr. Franklin's letter on his poems 126

To the same. No date. On the coalition ministry; Lord Chancellor Thurlow 127

Neglect of Cowper by Lord Thurlow 127

Lord Thurlow's generosity in the case of Dr. Johnson, and Crabbe, the poet 127

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 24, 1783. On the peace 127

To the Rev. William Bull, March 7, 1783. On the peace; Scotch Highlanders at Newport Pagnel 128

To the Rev. John Newton, March 7, 1783. Comparison of his and Mr. Newton's letters; march of Highlanders belonging to a mutinous regiment 128

To the same. April 5, 1783. Illness of Mrs. C.; new method of treating consumptive cases 129

To the same. April 20, 1783. His occupations and studies; writings of Mr. ----; probability of his conversion in his last moments 129

To the Rev. John Newton, May 5, 1783. Vulgarity in a minister particularly offensive 130

To the Rev. William Unwin, May 12, 1783. Remarks on a sermon preached by Paley at the consecration of Bishop L. 130

Severity of Cowper's strictures on Paley 131

Important question of a church establishment 131

Increase of true piety in the Church of England 131

Language of Beza respecting the established church 132

To Joseph Hill, Esq., May 26, 1783. On the death of his uncle's wife 132

To the Rev. John Newton, May 31, 1783. On Mrs. C.'s death 132

To the Rev. William Bull, June 3, 1783. With stanzas on peace 133

To the Rev. William Unwin, June 8, 1783. Beauties of the green-house; character of the Rev. Mr. Bull 133

To the Rev. John Newton, June 13, 1783. On his Review of Ecclesiastical History; the day of judgment; observations of natural phenomena 133

Extraordinary natural phenomena in the summer of 1783 134

Earthquakes in Calabria and Sicily 134

To the Rev. John Newton, June 17, 1783. Ministers must not expect to scold men out of their sins 135

Tenderness an important qualification in a minister 135

To the Rev. John Newton, June 19, 1783. On the Dutch translation of his "Cardiphonia" 135

To the same, July 27, 1783. A country life barren of incident; Cowper's attachment to his solitude; praise of Mr. Newton's style as an historian 136

Remarks on the influence of local associations 136

Dr. Johnson's allusion to that subject 137

To the Rev. William Unwin, August 4, 1783. Proposed inquiry concerning the sale of his Poems; remarks on English ballads; anecdote of Cowper's goldfinches 137

To the same, Sept. 7, 1783. Fault of Madame Guion's writings, too great familiarity in addressing the Deity 138

To the Rev. John Newton, Sept. 8, 1783. On Mr. Newton's and his own recovery from illness; anecdote of a clerk in a public office; ill health of Mr. Scott; message to Mr. Bacon 138

To the same, Sept. 15, 1783. Cowper's mental sufferings 139

To the same, Sept. 23, 1783. On Mr. Newton's recovery from a fever; dining with an absent man; his niche for meditation 139

To the Rev. William Unwin, Sept. 29, 1783. Effect of the weather on health; comparative happiness of the natural philosopher; reflections on air balloons 140

To the Rev. John Newton, Oct. 6, 1783. Religious animosities deplored; more dangerous to the interests of religion than the attacks of its adversaries; Cowper's fondness for narratives of voyages 141

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Oct. 10, 1783. Cowper declines the discussion of political subjects; epitaph on sailors of the Royal George 142

To the Rev. John Newton, Oct. 13, 1783. Neglect of American loyalists; extraordinary donation sent to Lisbon at the time of the great earthquake; prospects of the Americans 142

To the same, Oct. 20, 1783. Remarks on Bacon's monument of Lord Chatham 143

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Oct. 20, 1783. Anticipations of winter 144

Cowper's winter evenings 144

The subject of his poem, "The Sofa," suggested 144

Circumstances illustrative of the origin and progress of "The Task" 144

Extracts from letters to Mr. Bull on that subject 144

Particulars of the time in which "The Task" was composed 145

To the Rev. John Newton, Nov. 3, 1783. Fire at Olney described 145

To the Rev. William Unwin, Nov. 10, 1783. On the neglect of old acquaintance; invitation to Olney; exercise recommended; fire at Olney 146

To the Rev. John Newton, Nov. 17, 1783. Humorous description of the punishment of a thief at Olney; dream of an air-balloon 147

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Nov. 23, 1783. On his opinion of voyages and travels; Cowper's reading 148

To the Rev. William Unwin, Nov. 24, 1783. Complaint of the neglect of Lord Thurlow; character of Josephus's History 148

To the Rev. John Newton, Nov. 30, 1783. Speculations on the employment of the antediluvians; the Theological Review 149

To the same, Dec. 15, 1783. Speculations on the invention of balloons; the East India Bill 150

To the same, Dec. 27, 1783. Ambition of public men; dismissal of ministers; Cowper's sentiments concerning Mr. Bacon; anecdote of Mr. Scott 151

To the Rev. William Unwin, no date. Account of Mr. Throckmorton's invitation to see a balloon filled; attentions of the Throckmorton family to Cowper and Mrs. Unwin 152

Circumstances which obliged Cowper to relinquish his friendship with Lady Austen 153

Hayley's account of this event 153

To the Rev. William Unwin, Jan. 3, 1784. Dearth of subjects for writing upon at Olney; reflections on the monopoly of the East India Company 154

To Mrs. Hill, Jan. 5, 1784. Requesting her to send some books 155

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Jan. 18, 1784. On his political letters; low state of the public funds 155

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 18, 1784. Cowper's religious despondency; remark on Mr. Newton's predecessor 156

To the Rev. William Unwin, Jan. 1784. Proposed alteration in a Latin poem of Mr. Unwin's; remarks on the bequest of a cousin; commendations on Mr. Unwin's conduct; on newspaper praise 156

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 25, 1784. Cowper's sentiments on East India patronage and East India dominion 157

State of our Indian possessions at that time 158

Moral revolution effected there 158

Latin lines by Dr. Jortin, on the shortness of human life 158

Cowper's translation of them 158

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 1784. On Mr. Newton's "Review of Ecclesiastical History;" proposed title and motto; Cowper declines contributing to a Review 158

To the same, Feb. 10, 1784. Cowper's nervous state; comparison of himself with the ancient poets; his hypothesis of a gradual declension in vigour from Adam downwards 159

To the same, Feb. 1784. The thaw; kindness of a benefactor to the poor of Olney; Cowper's politics, those of a reverend neighbour; projected translation of Caraccioli on self-acquaintance 160

To the Rev. William Bull, Feb. 22, 1784. Unknown benefactor to the poor of Olney; political profession 160

To the Rev. William Unwin, Feb. 29, 1784. On Mr. Unwin's acquaintance with Lord Petre; unknown benefactor to the poor of Olney; diffidence of a modest man on extraordinary occasions 161

To the Rev. John Newton, March 8, 1784. The Theological Miscellany; abandonment of the intended translation of Caraccioli 161

To the same, March 11, 1784. Remarks on Mr. Newton's "Apology;" East India patronage and dominion 162

To the same, March 15, 1784. Cowper's habitual despondence; verse his favourite occupation, and why; Johnson's "Lives of the Poets" 162

To the same, March 19, 1784. Works of the Marquis Caraccioli; evening occupations 162

To the Rev. William Unwin, March 21, 1784. Cowper's sentiments on Johnson's "Lives of the Poets;" characters of the poets 163

To the Rev. John Newton, March 29, 1784. Visit of a candidate and his train to Cowper; angry preaching of Mr. S 164

To the same, April 14, 1784. Remarks on divine wrath; destruction in Calabria 165

Effects of the earthquakes, and total loss of human lives 165

To the Rev. William Unwin, April 5, 1784. Character of Beattie and Blair; speculation on the origin of speech 166

To the same, April 15, 1784. Further remarks on Blair's "Lectures;" censure of a particular observation in that book 167

To the same, April 25, 1784. Lines to the memory of a halybutt 167

To the Rev. John Newton, April 26, 1784. Remarks on Beattie and on Blair's "Lectures;" economy of the county candidates, and its consequences 168

To the Rev. William Unwin, May 3, 1784. Reflections on face-painting; innocent in Frenchwomen, but immoral in English 168

To the same, May 8, 1784. Cowper's reasons for not writing a sequel to John Gilpin, and not wishing that ballad to appear with his Poems; progress made in printing them 170

To the Rev. John Newton, May 10, 1784. Conversion of Dr. Johnson; unsuccessful attempt with a balloon at Throckmorton's 170

Circumstances attending Dr. Johnson's conversion 171

To the Rev. John Newton, May 22, 1784. On Dr. Johnson's opinion of Cowper's "Poems;" Mr. Bull and his refractory pupils 171

To the same, June 5, 1784. On the opinion of Cowper's "Poems" attributed to Dr. Johnson 171

To the Rev. John Newton, June 21, 1784. Commemoration of Handel; unpleasant summer; character of Mr. and Mrs. Unwin 172

To the Rev. William Unwin, July 3, 1784. Severity of the weather; its effects on vegetation 172

To the Rev. John Newton, July 5, 1784. Reference to a passage in Homer; could the wise men of antiquity have believed in the fables of the heathen mythology? Cowper's neglect of politics; his hostility to the tax on candles 173

To the Rev. William Unwin, July 12, 1784. Remarks on a line in Vincent Bourne's Latin poems; drawing of Mr. Unwin's house; Hume's "Essay on Suicide" 174

To the same, July 13, 1784. Latin Dictionary; animadversions on the tax on candles; musical ass 174

To the Rev. John Newton, July 14, 1784. Commemoration of Handel 175

Mr. Newton's sermon on that subject 175

To the Rev. John Newton, July 19, 1784. The world compared with Bedlam 176

To the same, July 28, 1784. On Mr. Newton's intended visit to the Rev. Mr. Gilpin at Lymington; his literary adversaries 176

To the Rev. William Unwin, Aug. 14, 1784. Reflections on travelling; Cowper's visits to Weston; difference of character in the inhabitants of the South Sea islands; cork supplements; franks 177

Original mode of franking, and reason for the adoption of the present method 178

To the Rev. John Newton, August 16, 1784. Pleasures of Olney; ascent of a balloon; excellence of the Friendly islanders in dancing 178

To the Rev. William Unwin, Sept. 11, 1784. Cowper's progress in his new volume of poems; opinions of a visitor on his first volume 178

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Sept. 11, 1784. Character of Dr. Cotton 179

To the Rev. John Newton, Sept. 18, 1784. Alteration of franks; Cowper's green-house; his enjoyment of natural sounds 179

To the Rev. William Unwin, Oct. 2, 1784. Punctuation of poetry; visit to Mr. Throckmorton 180

To the Rev. John Newton, Oct. 9, 1784. Cowper maintains not only that his thoughts are unconnected, but that frequently he does not think at all; remarks on the character and death of Captain Cook 181

To the Rev. William Unwin, Oct. 10, 1784. With the manuscript of the new volume of his Poems, and remarks on them 182

To the same, Oct. 20, 1784. Instructions respecting a publisher, and corrections in his Poems 182

To the Rev. John Newton, Oct. 22, 1784. Remarks on Knox's Essays 183

To the same. Oct. 30, 1784. Heroism of the Sandwich islanders; Cowper informs Mr Newton of his intention to publish a new volume 184

To the Rev. William Unwin, Nov. 1, 1784. Cowper's reasons for not earlier acquainting Mr. Newton with his intention of publishing again; he resolves to include "John Gilpin" 184

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Nov. 1784. On the death of Mr. Hill's mother; Cowper's recollections of his own mother; departure of Lady Austen; his new volume of Poems 185

To the Rev. John Newton, Nov. 27, 1784. Sketch of the contents and purpose of his new volume 185

To the Rev. William Unwin, Olney, 1784. On the transmission of his Poems; effect of medicines on the composition of poetry 185

To the Rev. William Unwin, Nov. 29, 1784. Substance of his last letter to Mr. Newton 186

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Dec. 4, 1784. Aërial voyages 188

To the Rev. John Newton, Dec. 13, 1784. On the versification and titles of his new Poems; propriety of using the word worm for serpent 188

Passages in Milton and Shakespeare in which worm is so used 189

To the Rev. William Unwin, Dec. 18, 1784. Balloon travellers; inscription to his new poem; reasons for complimenting Bishop Bagot 189

To the Rev, John Newton, Christmas-eve, 1784. Cowper declines giving a new title to his new volume of Poems; remarks on a person lately deceased 190

General remarks on the particulars of Cowper's personal history 190

Remarks on the completion of the second volume of Cowper's Poems 190

Gibbon's record of his feelings on the conclusion of his History 191

Moral drawn from the evanescence of life 191

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 5, 1785. On the renouncement of the Christian character; epitaph on Dr. Johnson 191

To the Rev. William Unwin, Jan. 15, 1785. On delay in letter-writing; sentiments of Rev. Mr. Newton; Cowper's contributions to the Gentleman's Magazine; Lunardi's narrative 192

Explanations respecting Cowper's poem, entitled "The Poplar Field" 192

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Jan. 22, 1785. Breaking up of the Frost; anticipations of proceedings in Parliament 193

To the Rev. William Unwin, Feb. 7, 1785. Progress of Cowper's second volume of Poems; his pieces in the Gentleman's Magazine; sentiments of a neighbouring nobleman and gentleman respecting Cowper 193

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 19, 1785. An ingenious bookbinder; poverty at Olney; severity of the late winter 194

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Feb. 27, 1785. Inquiry concerning his health, and account of his own 195

To the Rev. John Newton, March 19, 1785. Uses and description of an old card table; want of exercise during the winter; petition against concessions to Ireland 195

To the Rev. William Unwin, March 20, 1785. Remarks on a Nobleman's eye; progress of his new volume; political reflections; celebrity of "John Gilpin" 196

To the Rev. John Newton, April 9, 1785. On the prediction of a destructive earthquake, by a German ecclesiastic 197

To the Rev. John Newton, April 22, 1785. On the popularity of "John Gilpin" 197

To the Rev. William Unwin, April 30, 1785. On the celebrity of "John Gilpin;" progress of Cowper's new volume; Mr. Newton's sentiments in regard to him; mention of some old acquaintances; discovery of a bird's nest in a gate-post 198

To the Rev. John Newton, May, 1785. Sudden death of Mr. Ashburner; remarks on the state of Cowper's mind; reference to his first acquaintance with Newton 199

To the Rev. John Newton, June 4, 1785. Character of the Rev. Mr. Greatheed; completion of Cowper's new volume; Bacon's monument to Lord Chatham 200

To Joseph Hill, Esq., June 25, 1785. Cowper's summer-house; dilatoriness of his bookseller 200

To the Rev. John Newton, June 25, 1785. Allusion to the mental depression under which Cowper laboured; Nathan's last moments; complaint of Johnson's delay; effects of drought; tax on gloves 201

To the Rev. John Newton, July 9, 1785. Mention of letters in praise of his Poems; conduct of the Lord Chancellor and G. Colman; reference to the commemoration of Handel; cutting down of the spinney 202

To the Rev. William Unwin, July 27, 1785. Violent thunder-storm; courage of a dog; on the love of Christ 203

To the Rev. John Newton, Aug. 6, 1785. Feelings on the subject of authorship; reasons for introducing John Gilpin in his new volume 204

To the Rev. John Newton, Aug. 17, 1785. Reasons for not writing to Mr. Bacon; Dr. Johnson's Diary; illness of Mr. Perry 205

Character of Dr. Johnson's Diary 206

Extracts from it 207

Arguments for the necessity of conversion 207

Johnson's neglect of the Sabbath 207

Testimony of Sir William Jones respecting the Holy Scriptures 208

To the Rev. William Unwin, Aug. 27, 1785. Thanks for presents; his second volume of Poems; remarks on Dr. Johnson's Journal; claims of who and that 208

To the Rev. John Newton, Sept. 24, 1785. Recollections of Southampton; recovery of Mr. Perry; proposed Sunday School 209

Origin of Sunday Schools 210

Their utility 210

Sentiments of the late Rev. Andrew Fuller on the Bible Society and on Sunday Schools 210

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Oct. 11, 1785. Cowper excuses himself for not visiting Wargrave; on his printed epistle to Mr. Hill 210

Renewal of Cowper's intimacy with his cousin, Lady Hesketh 211

To Lady Hesketh, Oct. 12, 1785. Recollections revived by her letter; account of his own situation; allusion to his uncle's health; necessity of mental employment for himself 211

To the Rev. John Newton, Oct. 16, 1785. On the death of Miss Cunningham; expected removal of the Rev. Mr. Scott from Olney; Mr. Jones, steward of Lord Peterborough, burned in effigy 212

To the Rev. William Unwin, Oct. 22, 1785. Progress of his translation of Homer; course of reading recommended for Mr. Unwin's son 213

To the Rev. John Newton, Nov. 5, 1785. On his tardiness in writing; remarks on Mr. N.'s narrative of his life; strictures on Mr. Heron's critical opinions of Virgil and the Bible; lines addressed by Cowper to Heron 214

Remarks on Heron's "Letters on Literature" 215

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Nov. 7, 1785. On the interruptions experienced by men of business from the idle 215

To Lady Hesketh, Nov. 9, 1785. Reference to his poems; he signifies his acceptance of her offer of pecuniary aid; his translation of Homer; description of his person 215

To the same, without date. His feelings towards her allusion to his translation of Homer 217

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Nov. 9, 1785. On Bishop Bagot's Charge 217

To the Rev. John Newton, Dec. 3, 1785. Causes which led him to undertake the translation of Homer; visit from Mr. Bagot; renewal of his correspondence with Lady Hesketh; complains of indigestion 217

To the same, Dec. 10, 1785. On the favourable reports of his last volume of poems; censure of Pope's Homer 218

To the Rev. William Unwin, Dec. 24, 1785. On his translation of Homer 219

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Dec. 24, 1785. On his translation of Homer 219

To the Rev. William Unwin, Dec. 31, 1785. On his negotiation with Johnson respecting the Translation of Homer; want of bedding among the poor of Olney 220

To Lady Hesketh, Jan. 10, 1786. His consciousness of defects in his poems; on his Translation of Homer 221

To the Rev. William Unwin, Jan. 14, 1786. On Mr. Unwin's introduction to Lady Hesketh; specimen of Cowper's translation of Homer, sent to General Cowper; James's powder; what is a friend good for? unreasonable censures 221

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 14, 1786. On his translation of Homer 222

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Jan. 15, 1786. Explanation of the delay in the publication of his proposals; allusion to Bishop Bagot 222

To the same, Jan. 23, 1786. Dr. Maty's intended review of "The Task;" Dr. Cyril Jackson's opinion of Pope's Homer 223

To Lady Hesketh, Jan. 31, 1786. Acknowledgment of presents from Anonymous; state of his health; progress of his translation of Homer; correspondence with General Cowper 223

To the same, Feb. 9, 1786. Anticipations of a visit from her; description of the vestibule of his residence 224

To the same, Feb. 11, 1786. He announces that he has sent off to her a portion of his translation of Homer; effect of criticisms on his health; promise of Thurlow to Cowper 225

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 18, 1786. On their correspondence; his translation of Homer; proposed mottoes 226

To Lady Hesketh, Feb. 19, 1786. Preparations for her expected visit; character of Homer; criticism on Cowper's specimen 226

To the Walter Bagot, Feb. 27, 1786. Condolence on the death of his wife 227

To Lady Hesketh, March 6, 1786. On elisions in his Homer; progress of the work 227

To the Rev. W. Unwin, March 13, 1786. Character of the critic to whom he had submitted his Homer 229

To the Rev. John Newton, April 1, 1786. Expected visitors 229

To Joseph Hill, Esq., April 5, 1786. Reasons for declining to make any apology for his translation of Homer 229

Motives which induced Cowper to undertake a new version 230

To Lady Hesketh, April 17, 1786. Description of the vicarage at Olney, where lodgings had been taken for her; Mrs. Unwin's sentiments towards her; letter from Anonymous; his early acquaintance with Lord Thurlow 230

To Lady Hesketh, April 24, 1786. On her letters; anticipations of her coming; General Cowper 231

To the same, May 8, 1786. On Dr. Maty's censure of Cowper's translation of Homer; Colman's opinion of it; Cowper's stanzas on Lord Thurlow; invitation to Olney; specimen of Maty's animadversions; recommendation of a house at Weston; blunder of Mr. Throckmorton's bailiff; recovery of General Cowper 232

To the same, May 15, 1786. Anticipations of her arrival at Olney; proposed arrangements for the occasion; presumed motive of Maty's censures; confession of ambition 233

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, May 20, 1786. His translation of Homer; reasons for not adopting Horace's maxim about publishing, to the letter 235

Secret sorrows of Cowper 235

To the Rev. John Newton, May 20, 1786. Cowper's unhappy state of mind; his connexions 236

Remarks on Cowper's depression of spirit 237

Delusion of supposing himself excluded from the mercy of God 237

Religious consolation recommended in cases of disordered intellect 237

To Lady Hesketh, May 25, 1786. Delay of her coming; visit to a house at Weston; the Throckmortons; anecdote of a quotation from "The Task;" nervous affections 238

To the same, May 29, 1786. Delay of her coming; preparations for it; allusion to his fits of dejection 239

To the same, June 4 and 5, 1786. Cowper rallies her on her fears of their expected meeting; dinner at Mr. Throckmorton's 240

To Joseph Hill, Esq., June 9, 1786. Relapse of the Lord Chancellor; renewal of correspondence with Colman; the Nonsense Club; expectation of Lady Hesketh's arrival 241

Arrival of Lady Hesketh at Olney 241

Influence of that event on Cowper 241

Extract from a letter from him to Mr. Bull 241

Description of a thunder-storm, from a letter to the same 242

Cowper's House at Olney 242

His intimacy with Mr. Newton 242

His pious and benevolent habits 242

He removes from Olney to the Lodge at Weston 242

His acquaintance with Samuel Rose, Esq. and the late Rev. Dr. Johnson 242

To Joseph Hill, Esq., June 19, 1786. His intended removal from Olney 242

To the Rev. John Newton, June 22, 1786. His employments; interruption given to them by Lady Hesketh's arrival; Newton's Sermons 243

To the Rev. Wm. Unwin, July 3, 1786. Lady Hesketh's arrival and character; state of his old abode and description of the new one at Weston; books recommended for Mr. Unwin's son 243

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, July 4, 1786. Particulars relative to the translation of Homer 244

To the Rev. John Newton, Aug. 5, 1786. His intended removal from Olney; its unhealthy situation; his unhappy state of mind; comfort of Lady Hesketh's presence 245

Cowper's spirits not affected apparently by his mental malady 246

To the Rev. William Unwin, Aug. 24, 1786. Progress of his Translation; the Throckmortons 246

To the same, (without date.) His lyric productions; recollections of boyhood 246

Extract of a letter to the Rev. Mr. Unwin 247

Lines addressed to a young lady on her birth-day 247

Proposed plan of Mr. Unwin for checking sabbath-breaking and drunkenness 247

To the Rev. Wm. Unwin, (no date.) Cowper's opinion of the inutility of Mr. Unwin's efforts 247

Exhortation to perseverance in a good cause 248

Hopes of present improvement 248

To the Rev. William Unwin, (no date.) State of the national affairs 248

To the Rev. William Unwin, (no date.) Character of Churchill's poetry 249

To the same, (no date.) Cowper's discovery in the Register of poems long composed and forgotten by him 250

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Aug. 31, 1786. Defence of elisions; intended removal to Weston 250

To the Rev. John Newton, Sept. 30, 1786. Defence of his and Mrs. Unwin's conduct 251

Explanatory remarks on the preceding letter 251

Amiable spirit and temper of Newton 251

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Oct. 6, 1786. Loss of the MS. of part of his translation 251

Cowper's removal to Weston 251

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Nov. 17, 1786. On his removal from Olney; invitation to Weston 253

To the Rev. John Newton, Nov. 17, 1786. Excuse for delay in writing; his new residence; affection for his old abode 253

To Lady Hesketh, Nov. 26, 1786. Comforts of his new residence; the cliffs; his rambles 254

Unexpected death of the Rev. Mr. Unwin 254

To Lady Hesketh, Dec. 4, 1786. On the death of Mr. Unwin 255

To the same, Dec. 9, 1786. On a singular circumstance relating to an intended pupil of Mr. Unwin's 255

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Dec. 9, 1786. Death of Mr. Unwin; Cowper's new situation at Weston 256

To the Rev. John Newton, Dec. 16, 1786. Death of Mr. Unwin; forlorn state of his old dwelling 256

To Lady Hesketh, Dec. 21, 1786. Cowper's opinion of praise; Mr. Throckmorton's chaplain 257

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Jan. 3, 1787. Reason why a translator of Homer should not be calm; praises of his works; death of Mr. Unwin 257

Cowper has a severe attack of nervous fever 258

To Lady Hesketh, Jan. 8, 1787. State of his health; proposal of General Cowper respecting his Homer; letter from Mr. Smith, M.P. for Nottingham; Cowper's song of "The Rose" reclaimed by him 258

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 13, 1787. Inscription for Mr. Unwin's tomb; government of Providence in his poetical labours 258

To Lady Hesketh, Jan. 18, 1787. Suspension of his translation by fever; his sentiments respecting dreams; visit of Mr. Rose 259

To Samuel Rose, Esq., July 24, 1787. On Burns' poems 260

Remarks on Burns and his poetry 260

Passages from his poems 261

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Aug. 27, 1787. Invitation to Weston; state of Cowper's health; remarks on Barclay's "Argenis," and on Burns 261

To Lady Hesketh, August 30, 1787. Improvement in his health; kindness of the Throckmortons 262

To the same, Sept. 4, 1787. Delay of her coming; Mrs. Throckmorton's uncle; books read by Cowper 262

To the same, Sept. 15, 1787. His meeting with her friend, Miss J----; new gravel-walk 263

To the same, Sept. 29, 1787. Remarks on the relative situation of Russia and Turkey 263

To the Rev. John Newton, Oct. 2, 1787. Cowper confesses that for thirteen years he doubted Mr. N.'s identity; acknowledgments for the kind offers of the Newtons; preparations for Lady Hesketh's coming 263

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Oct. 19, 1787. State of his health; strength of local attachments 264

To the Rev. John Newton, Oct. 20, 1787. His miserable state during his recent indisposition; petition to Lord Dartmouth in behalf of the Rev. Mr. Postlethwaite 264

To Lady Hesketh, Nov. 10, 1787. On the delay of her coming; Cowper's kitten; changes of weather foretold by a leech 265

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Nov. 16, 1787. On his own present occupation 266

To Lady Hesketh, Nov. 27, 1787. Walks and scenes about Weston; application from a parish clerk for a copy of verses; papers in "The Lounger;" anecdote of a beggar and vermicelli soup 266

To Lady Hesketh, Dec. 4, 1787. Character of the Throckmortons 267

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Dec. 6, 1787. Visit to Mr. B.'s sister at Chichely; Bishop Bagot; a case of ridiculous distress 267

To Lady Hesketh, Dec. 10, 1787. Progress of his Homer; changes in life 268

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Dec. 13, 1787. Requisites in a translator of Homer 268

To Lady Hesketh, Jan. 1, 1788. Extraordinary coincidence between a piece of his own and one of Mr. Merry's; "The Poet's New Year's Gift;" compulsory inoculation for small-pox 269

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Jan. 5, 1788. Translation of the commencing lines of the Iliad, by Lord Bagot; revisal of Cowper's translation; the clerk's verses 270

To Lady Hesketh, Jan. 19, 1788. His engagement with Homer prevents the production of occasional poems; remarks on a new print of Bunbury's 270

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 21, 1788. Reasons for not writing to him; expected arrival of the Rev. Mr. Bean; changes of neighbouring ministers; narrow escape of Mrs. Unwin from being burned 271

To Lady Hesketh, Jan. 30, 1788. His anxiety on account of her silence 272

To the same, Feb. 1, 1788. Excuse for his melancholy; his Homer; visit from Mr. Greatheed 272

Causes of Cowper's correspondence with Mrs. King 273

To Mrs. King, Feb. 12, 1788. Reference to his deceased brother; he ascribes the effect produced by his poems to God 273

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Feb. 14, 1788. A sense of the value of time the best security for its improvement; Mr. C----; brevity of human life illustrated by Homer 273

Commencement of the efforts for the abolition of the slave trade 274

To Lady Hesketh, Feb. 16, 1788. On negro slavery; Hannah More's poem on the Slave Trade; extract from it; advocates of the abolition of slavery; trial of Warren Hastings 274

To Lady Hesketh, Feb. 22, 1788. Remarks on Burke's speech impeaching Warren Hastings, and on the duty of public accusers 276

To the Rev. John Newton, March 1, 1788. Excuse for a lapse of memory in regard to a letter of Mr. Bean's 276

To the same, March 3, 1788. Arrival of Mr. Bean at Olney; Cowper's correspondence with Mrs. King 276

To Mrs. King, March 3, 1788. Brief history of his own life 277

To Lady Hesketh, March 3, 1788. Catastrophe of a fox-chace; Cowper in at the death 278

To the same, March 12, 1788. Remarks on Hannah More's works, and on Wilberforce's book; the Throckmortons 278

Cowper is solicited to write in behalf of the negroes 279

To General Cowper. 1788. Songs written by him on the condition of negro slaves 279

"The Morning Dream," a ballad 279

Efforts for the abolition of the Slave Trade 280

Wilberforce, the Liberator of Africa 280

Cowper's ballads on Negro slavery 280

The Negro's Complaint 280

The question why Great Britain should be the first to sacrifice interest to humanity answered by Cowper 280

Lines from Goldsmith's "Traveller," on the English character 281

Exposition of the cruelty and injustice of the slave trade, by Granville Sharp 281

Proof of the slow progress of truth 281

Extracts from Cowper's poems on Negro slavery 282

Case of Somerset, a slave, and Lord Mansfield's judgment 282

Final abolition of slavery by Great Britain, and efforts making for the religious instruction of the Negroes 282

Probability that Africa may be enlightened by their means 283

Cowper's lines on the blessings of spiritual liberty 283

Letter to Mrs. Hill, March 17, 1788. Thanks for a present of a turkey and ham; Mr. Hill's indisposition; inquiry concerning Cowper's library 284

To the Rev. John Newton, March 17, 1788. With a Song, written at Mr. N.'s request, for Lady Balgonie 284

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, March 19, 1788. Coldness of the spring; remarks on "The Manners of the Great;" progress of his Homer 284

To Samuel Rose, Esq., March 29, 1788. He expresses his wonder that his company should be desirable to Mr. R.; Mrs. Unwin's character; acknowledges the receipt of some books; Clarke's notes on Homer; allusion to his own ballads on Negro slavery 285

To Lady Hesketh, March 31, 1788. He makes mention of his song, "The Morning Dream;" allusion to Hannah More on the "Manners of Great" 286

Character of and extracts from Mrs. More's work 286

To Mrs. King, April 11, 1788. Allusion to his melancholy, and necessity for constant employment; improbability of their meeting 286

To the Rev. John Newton, April 19, 1788. Remarks on the conduct of government in regard to the Slavery Abolition question 287

To Lady Hesketh, May 6, 1788. Smollett's Don Quixote; he thanks her for the intended present of a box for letters and papers; renewal of his correspondence with Mr. Rowley; remarks on the expression, "As great as two inkle weavers" 288

To Joseph Hill, Esq., May 8, 1788. Lament for the loss of his library; progress of his Homer 288

To Lady Hesketh, May 12, 1788. Mrs. Montagu and the Blue-Stocking Club; his late feats in walking 288

To Joseph Hill, Esq., May 24, 1788. Thanks for the present of prints of the Lacemaker and Crazy Kate; family of Mr. Chester; progress of Homer; antique bust of Paris 289

To the Rev. William Bull, May 25, 1788. He declines the composition of hymns, which Mr. B. had urged him to undertake 290

To Lady Hesketh, May 27, 1788. His lines on Mr. Henry Cowper; remarks on Mrs. Montagu's Essay on the Genius of Shakespeare; antique head of Paris; remarks on the two prints sent him by Mr. Hill 290

To the same, June 3, 1788. Sudden change of the weather; remarks on the advertisement of a dancing-master of Newport-Pagnell 291

To the Rev. John Newton, June 5, 1788. His writing engagements; effect of the sudden change of the weather on his health; character of Mr. Bean; visit from the Powleys; he declines writing further on the slave-trade; invitation to Weston; verses on Mrs. Montagu 291

To Joseph Hill, Esq., June 8, 1788. On the death of his uncle, Ashley Cowper 292

To Lady Hesketh, June 10, 1788. On the death of her father, Ashley Cowper 292

To the same, June 15, 1788. Recollections of her father 293

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, June 17, 1788. Coldness of the season; reasons for declining to write on slavery; contrast between the awful scenes of nature and the horrors produced by human passions 293

To Mrs. King, June 19, 1788. He excuses his silence on account of inflammation of the eyes; sudden change of weather; reasons why we are not so hardy as our forefathers; his opinion of Thomson, the poet 294

To Samuel Rose, Esq., June 23, 1788. Apology for an unanswered letter; providence of God in regard to the weather; visitors at Weston; brevity of human life 294

To the Rev. John Newton, June 24, 1788. Difficulties experienced by Mr. Bean in enforcing a stricter observance of the Sabbath at Olney; remarks on the slave trade 295

To Lady Hesketh, June 27, 1788. Anticipations of her next visit; allusion to Lord Thurlow's promise to provide for him; anecdote of his dog Beau; remarks on his ballads on slavery 296

The Dog and the Water Lily 297

To Joseph Hill, Esq, July 6, 1788. He gives Mr. H. notice that he has drawn on him; allusion to an engagement of Mr. H.'s 297

To Lady Hesketh, July 28, 1788. Her talent at description; the lime-walk at Weston; remarks on the "Account of Five Hundred Living Authors" 297

To the same, August 9, 1788. Visitors at Weston; motto composed by Cowper for the king's clock 298

To Samuel Rose, Esq., August 18, 1788. Circumstances of their parting; he recommends Mr. R. to take due care of himself in his pedestrian journeys; strictures on Lavater's Aphorisms 298

Remarks on physiognomy, and on the merits of Lavater as the founder of the Orphan House at Zurich. Note 299

To Mrs. King, August 28, 1788. He playfully guesses at Mrs. King's figure and features 299

To the Rev. John Newton, Sept. 2, 1788. Reference to Mr. N.'s late visit; his own melancholy state of mind; Mr. Bean's exertions for suppressing public houses 300

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Sept. 11, 1788. Remarkable oak; lines suggested by it; exhortation against bashfulness 300

To Mrs. King, Sept. 25, 1788. Thanks for presents; invitation to Weston 301

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Sept. 25, 1788. A riddle; superior talents no security for propriety of conduct; progress of Homer; Mrs. Throckmorton's bullfinch 302

To Mrs. King, Oct. 11, 1788. Account of his occupations at different periods of his life 302

To the Rev. John Newton, Nov. 29, 1788. Declining state of Jenny Raban; Mr. Greatheed 303

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Nov. 30, 1788. Vincent Bourne; invitation to Weston 303

To Mrs. King, Dec. 6, 1788. Excuse for not being punctual in writing; succession of generations; Cumberland's "Observer" 304

To the Rev. John Newton, Dec. 9, 1788. Mr. Van Lier's Latin MS.; Lady Hesketh and the Throckmortons; popularity of Mr. C. as a preacher 304

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Jan. 19, 1789. Local helps to memory; Sir John Hawkins' book 305

To the same, Jan. 24, 1789. Accidents generally occur when and where we least expect them 305

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Jan. 29, 1789. Excuse for irregularity in correspondence; progress of Homer; allusion to political affairs 305

To Mrs. King, Jan. 29, 1789. Thanks for presents; Mrs. Unwin's fall in the late frost; distress of the Royal Family on the state of the King, and anecdote of the Lord Chancellor 306

To the same, March 12, 1789. Excuse for long silence, and for not having sent, according to promise, all the small pieces he had written; his poem on the King's recovery 306

To the same, April 22, 1789. He informs Mrs. K. that he has a packet of poems ready for her; his verses on the Queen's visit to London on the night of the illuminations for the King's recovery; disappointment on account of her not coming to Weston; Twinings' translation of Aristotle 307

To the same, April 30, 1789. Thanks for presents; his brother's poems 308

To Samuel Rose, Esq., May 20, 1789. Reference to his lines on the Queen's visit; character of Hawkins Brown 309

To Mrs. King, May 30, 1789. He acknowledges the receipt of a packet of papers; reference to his poem on the Queen's visit 309

To Samuel Rose, Esq., June 5, 1789. He commissions Mr. R. to buy him a cuckoo-clock; Boswell's Tour to the Hebrides; Hawkins' and Boswell's Life of Johnson 309

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, June 16, 1789. On his marriage; allusion to his poem on the Queen's visit 310

To Samuel Rose, Esq., June 20, 1789. He expresses regret at not receiving a visit from Mr. R.; acknowledges the arrival of the cuckoo-clock; remark on Hawkins' and Boswell's Life of Johnson 310

To Mrs. Throckmorton, July 18, 1789. Poetic turn of Mr. George Throckmorton; news concerning the Hall 310

To Samuel Rose, Esq., July 23, 1789. Importance of improving the early years of life; anticipations of Mr. R.'s visit 311

To Mrs. King, August 1, 1789. Grumbling of his correspondents on his silence; his time engrossed by Homer; he professes himself an admirer of pictures, but no connoisseur 311

To Samuel Rose, Esq., August 8, 1789. Mrs. Piozzi's Travels; remark on the author of the "Dunciad" 312

To Joseph Hill, Esq., August 12, 1789. Unfavourable weather and spoiled hay; multiplicity of his engagements; Sunday school hymn 312

To the Rev. John Newton, August 16, 1789. Excuse for long silence; progress of Homer 313

Remarks on Cowper's observation that authors are responsible for their writings 313

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Sept. 24, 1789. Coldness of the season 313

To the same, Oct. 4, 1789. Description of the receipt of a hamper, in the manner of Homer 314

To the Rev. Walter Bagot (without date). Excuse for long silence; why winter is like a backbiter; Villoison's Homer; death of Lord Cowper 314

To the Rev. Walter Bagot (without date). Remarks on Villoison's Prolegomena to Homer 314

Note on the reveries of learned men 315

To the Rev. John Newton, Dec. 1, 1789. Apology for not writing; Mrs. Unwin's state of health; reference to political events 315

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Dec. 18, 1789. Political reflections 316

Character of the French Revolution 316

Burke on the features which distinguish the French Revolution from that of England in 1688 316

Political and moral causes of the French Revolution 317

Origin of the Revolution in America 317

The Established Church endangered by resistance to the spirit of the age 318

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Jan. 3, 1790. Excuses for silence; inquiry concerning Mr. R.'s health; laborious task of revisal 318

To Mrs. King, Jan. 4, 1790. His anxiety on account of her long silence; his occupations; Mrs. Unwin's state 319

To the same, Jan. 18, 1790. He contradicts a report that he intends to quit Weston; reference to his Homer 319

Commencement of Cowper's acquaintance with his cousin the Rev. John Johnson 320

To Lady Hesketh, Jan. 22, 1790. Particulars concerning a poem of his cousin Johnson's; anticipations of the Cambridge critics respecting his Homer 320

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Feb. 2, 1790. He impugns the opinion of Bentley that the last Odyssey is spurious 320

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 5, 1790. Account of his painful apprehensions in the month of January 321

To Lady Hesketh, Feb. 9, 1790. Service rendered by her to his cousin Johnson; Cowper's lines on a transcript of an Ode of Horace by Mrs. Throckmorton 321

To the same, Feb. 26, 1790. He promises to send her a specimen of his Homer for the perusal of a lady; his delight at being presented by a relative with his mother's picture 322

To Mrs. Bodham, Feb. 27, 1790. He expresses his delight at receiving his mother's picture from her; lines written by him on the occasion; recollections of his mother; invitation to Weston; remembrances of other maternal relatives 323

To John Johnson, Esq., Feb. 28, 1790. He refers to the present of his mother's picture; he mentions his invitation of the family of the Donnes to Weston; inquires concerning Mr. J.'s poem 324

To Lady Hesketh, March 8, 1790. On Mrs. ---- opinion of his Homer; his sentiments on the Test Act; passage from his poems on that subject; ill health of Mrs. Unwin 324

To Samuel Rose, Esq., March 11, 1790. On the state of his health: he condemns the practice of dissembling indispositions 325

To Mrs. King, March 12, 1790. On her favourable opinion of his poems; his mother's picture and his poem on the receipt of it 325

To Mrs. Throckmorton, March 21, 1790. He regrets her absence from Weston; Mrs. Carter's opinion of his Homer; his new wig 326

To Lady Hesketh, March 22, 1790. His opinion of the style best adapted to a translation of Homer 326

To John Johnson, Esq., March 23, 1790. Character of the Odyssey; Cowper professes his affection for Mr. J. 327

To the same, April 17, 1790. Remark on an innocent deception practised by Mr. J.; Cowper boasts of his skill in physiognomy, and recommends the study of Greek 328

To Lady Hesketh, April 19, 1790. His revisal of Homer; anecdote of a prisoner in the Bastile, and lines on the subject 328

To the same, April 30, 1790. Message to Bishop Madan; remarks on General Cowper's approbation of his picture verses 328

To Joseph Hill, Esq., May 2, 1790. On the approaching termination of his employment with Homer 329

To Mrs. Throckmorton, May 2, 1790. Humorous account of a boy sent with letters to her in Berkshire; Cowper's adventure with a dog 329

To Lady Hesketh, May 28, 1790. He declines the offer of her services to procure him the place of poet laureat 329

To the same, June 3, 1790. He is applied to by a Welshman to get him made poet laureat 330

To John Johnson, Esq., June 7, 1790. Advice to Mr. J. on his future plans and studies; with remarks on Cowper's strictures on the University of Cambridge 330

Remarks on Cowper's exhortation respecting the divinity of the glorious Reformation 330

To Samuel Rose, Esq., June 8, 1790. Congratulations on his intended marriage; proposed riddle 331

To Mrs. King, June 14, 1790. His literary occupations; state of Professor Martyn's health; ill health of Mrs. Unwin 331

To Lady Hesketh, June 17, 1790. Grievance of going a-visiting; his envy of a poor old woman; inscriptions for two oak plantations 332

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, June 22, 1790. Snakes and ants of Africa; Bishop Bagot and his mutinous clergy 333

To Mrs. Bodham, June 29, 1790. Anticipations of a visit from her 333

To Lady Hesketh, July 7, 1790. State of Mrs. Unwin; remarks on the abolition of ranks by the French 334

To John Johnson, Esq., July 8, 1790. Recommendation of music as an amusement; expected visit from Mr. J. and his sister 334

To Mrs. King, July 16, 1790. On their recent visit to Weston; reference to his own singularities; regrets for the distance between them 334

To John Johnson, Esq., July 31, 1790. Warning against carelessness and shyness; proposed employments and amusements 335

To the Rev. John Newton, Aug. 11, 1790. On the state of Mrs. Newton's health; he refers to his own state, and declines the offer of trying the effect of animal magnetism 336

To Mrs. Bodham, Sept. 9, 1790. He informs her of the termination of his labours with Homer, and the conveyance of his translation to London by Mr. Johnson 336

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Sept. 13, 1790. On his marriage; Cowper's preface to his Homer; solution of the riddle in a former letter to Mr. R. 337

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Sept. 17, 1790. On the list of subscribers to his Homer 337

To Mrs. King, Oct. 5, 1790. On her illness; allusion to a counterpane which she had presented to him; reference to the list of subscribers to his Homer, and the time of publication 338

To the Rev. John Newton, Oct. 15, 1790. On the death of Mrs. Scott; translation of Van Lier's letters; concern for Mrs. Newton's sufferings 338

To the same, Oct. 26, 1790. His instructions to Johnson, the bookseller, to affix to the first volume of his poems the preface written for it by Mr. N.; fall of the leaves a token of the shortness of human life 338

On Christian submission to the divine will in regard to life and death 339

To Mrs. Bodham, Nov. 21, 1790. Character of her nephew, Mr. Johnson; Mrs. Hewitt 340

To John Johnson, Esq., Nov. 26, 1790. On the study of jurisprudence; visit from the Dowager Lady Spencer 340

To Mrs. King, Nov. 29, 1790. On the praises of friends; his obligations to Professor Martyn; progress in printing his Homer 341

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Nov. 30, 1790. On his professional exertions in behalf of a friend; revisal of proofs of his Homer 341

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Dec. 1, 1790. He retorts the charge of long silence, and boasts of his intention to write; progress in printing his Homer; his reasons for not soliciting the laureatship 341

To the Rev. John Newton, Dec. 5, 1790. Dying state of Mrs. Newton 341

Remarks on the doubts and fears of Christians 342

To John Johnson, Esq., Dec. 18, 1790. Cambridge subscription for Homer; progress in printing the work 342

To Mrs. King, Dec. 31, 1790. Thanks for the present of a counterpane; his own indisposition; his poetical operations 342

Cowper's verses on the visit of Miss Stapleton to Weston 343

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Jan. 4, 1791. On his own state of health; on the quantity of syllables in verse 343

To the Rev. John Newton, Jan. 20, 1791. On the death of Mrs. N. 344

To John Johnson, Esq., Jan. 21, 1791. He urges Mr. J. to come to Weston; caution respecting certain singularities 344

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Feb. 5, 1791. Thanks for subscriptions from Scotland, and for the present of Pope's Homer 344

To Lady Hesketh, Feb. 13, 1791. Influence of a poet's reputation on an innkeeper 345

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Feb. 26, 1791. He playfully gives Mr. B. leave to find fault with his verses; his sentiments respecting blank verse 345

To John Johnson, Esq., Feb. 27, 1791. Progress in printing Homer; neglect of his work by Oxford 346

To Mrs. King, March 2, 1791. Apology for forgetting a promise, owing to his being engrossed by Homer; success of his subscription at Cambridge; the Northampton dirge 346

To Joseph Hill, Esq., March 6, 1791. Progress in Printing his Homer 346

Commencement of Cowper's acquaintance with the Rev. James Hurdis 347

To the Rev. James Hurdis, March 6, 1791. He compliments Mr. H. on his poetical productions; thanks him for offers of service; excuses himself from visiting him, and invites him to Weston 347

To Joseph Hill, Esq., March 10, 1791. Simile drawn from French and English prints of subjects in Homer 347

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, March 18, 1791. On Dr. Johnson's taste for poetry; aptness of Mr. B.'s quotations; Mr. Chester's indisposition 347

To John Johnson, Esq., March 19, 1791. On the poems of Elizabeth Bentley, an untaught female of Norwich 348

To Samuel Rose, Esq., March 24, 1791. On his application to Dr. Dunbar relative to subscriptions to Cowper's Homer 348

To Lady Hesketh, March 25, 1791. Slight of Horace Walpole; a night alarm and its effects; remarks on a book sent by Lady H. 349

To the Rev. John Newton, March 29, 1791. Recollections of past times; difference between dreams and realities; reasons why the occasional pieces which he writes do not reach Mr. N.; expected visit of his maternal relations; his mortuary verses 349

To Mrs. Throckmorton, April 1, 1791. On the failure of an attempt in favour of his subscription at Oxford; remarks on a pamphlet by Mr. T. 350

To John Johnson, Esq., April 6, 1791. Thanks for Cambridge subscriptions 350

To Samuel Rose, Esq., April 29, 1791. Subscriptions to his Homer 351

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, May 2, 1791. Progress in printing Homer; visit from Mr. B.'s nephew; Milton's Latin poems 351

Dr. Johnson's remark on Milton's Latin poems 351

To the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, May 11, 1791. On a poem of Mr. B.'s 352

To Lady Hesketh, May 18, 1791. Complaint of her not writing; letter from Dr. Cogswell, of New York, respecting his poems 352

To John Johnson, Esq., May 23, 1791. On his translation of the Battle of the Frogs and the Mice 352

The Judgment of the Poets, a poem, by Cowper, on the relative charms of May and June 352

To Lady Hesketh, May 27, 1791. Tardiness of the printer of his Homer 353

To John Johnson, Esq., June 1, 1791. He congratulates Mr. J. on the period of his labours as a transcriber 353

PART THE THIRD.

Observations on Cowper's version of Homer 353

Reasons of his failure in that work to satisfy public expectation 354

Comparative specimens of Pope's and Cowper's versions 354

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis, June 13, 1791. Completion of his Homer; their mutual fondness for animals; a woman's character best learned in domestic life 355

To Samuel Rose, Esq., June 15, 1791. Man an ungrateful animal; visit from Norfolk relations 356

To Dr. James Cogswell, June 15, 1791. Acknowledgement of a present of books; his translation of Homer; books sent by him to Dr. C. 356

To the Rev. John Newton, June 24, 1791. Exhortation to more frequent correspondence; affectionate remembrance of Mr. N.; on the recent loss of his wife; value of Homer 357

To Mrs. Bodham, July 7, 1791. Apology for having omitted to send a letter which he had written; he declines visiting Norfolk; state of health of her relatives then at Weston 358

To the Rev. John Newton, July 22, 1791. His engagement in making corrections for a new edition of Homer; decline of the Rev. Mr. Venn; reference to the riots at Birmingham 359

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Aug. 2, 1791. Visit of Lady Bagot; riots at Birmingham 359

To Mrs. King, Aug. 4, 1791. State of her health; his own and Mrs. Unwin's; invitation to Weston; publication of his Homer 360

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis, Aug. 1791. His study being liable to all sorts of intrusions, he cannot keep his operations secret; reason for his dissatisfaction with Pope's Homer; recommendation of Hebrew studies 360

To John Johnson, Esq., Aug. 9, 1791. Causes for his being then an idle man 361

Cowper undertakes the office of editor of Milton's works 361

Regret expressed that he did not devote to original composition the time given to translation 361

Origin of Cowper's acquaintance with Hayley 362

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Sept. 21, 1791. He informs him of his new engagement as editor of Milton 362

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Sept. 21, 1791. Pleasure afforded by Lord Bagot's testimony in favour of his Homer; inquiry concerning persons alluded to in an elegy of Milton's 362

To the Rev. Mr. King, Sept. 23, 1791. On Mrs. K.'s indisposition 363

To Mrs. King, Oct. 22, 1791. Congratulation on her recovery; he contends that women possess much more fortitude than men; he acquaints her with his new engagement on Milton 363

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Oct. 25, 1791. Visit of Mr. Chester; poem of Lord Bagot's; condemnation of a remark of Wharton's respecting Milton 364

To John Johnson, Esq., Oct. 31, 1791. His delight to hear of the improved health of Mr. J. and his sister; his own state of health; his new engagement 364

To Joseph Hill, Esq., Nov. 14, 1791. On compound epithets; progress in his translation of Milton's Latin poems 365

To the Rev. John Newton, Nov. 16, 1791. Apology for not sending a poem which Mr. N. had asked for; Mr. N.'s visit to Mrs. Hannah More; her sister's application for Cowper's autograph; Cowper regrets that he had never seen a mountain; his engagement on Milton 365

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Dec. 5, 1791. Expectation of a new edition of his Homer; he defends a passage in it; his engagement upon Milton 366

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis, Dec. 10, 1791. His engagement upon Milton 366

To Samuel Rose, Esq., Dec. 21, 1791. Sudden seizure of Mrs. Unwin 366

Cowper's affliction on occasion of Mrs. Unwin's attack 367

To Mrs. King, Jan. 26, 1792. He describes the circumstances of Mrs. Unwin's alarming seizure; he asserts that women surpass men in true fortitude; his engagements 367

To the Rev. Walter Bagot, Feb. 14, 1792. On the indisposition of Mr. B. and his children; he professes his intention to avail himself of all remarks in a new edition of his Homer; course which he purposes to pursue in regard to Milton; his correspondence with the Chancellor 368

To Thomas Park, Esq., Feb. 19, 1792. Acknowledgment of the receipt of books sent by him; he signifies his acceptance of the offer of notices relative to Milton 368

To the Rev. John Newton, Feb. 20, 1792. Lines written by him for Mrs. Martha More's Collection of Autographs; his reply to the demand of more original composition; remarks on the settlement at Botany Bay, and African colonization 369

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis, Feb. 21, 1792. Reasons for deferring the examination of Homer; progress made in Milton's poems 369

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis, March 2, 1792. He expresses his obligations for Mr. H.'s remarks on Homer; he permits the tragedy of Sir Thomas More to be inscribed to him 370

To the Rev. John Newton, March 4, 1792. Departure of the Throckmortons from Weston; his dislike of change 370

To Mrs. King, March 8, 1792. On her late indisposition; testimonies concerning his Homer 371

To Thomas Park, Esq., March 10, 1792. On Mr. P.'s professional pursuits; he disclaims a place among the literati; and asks for a copy of Thomson's monumental inscription 371

To John Johnson, Esq., March 11, 1792. He mentions having heard a nightingale sing on new year's day, departure of Lady Hesketh; expected visit of Mr. Rose 372

Verses addressed to "The Nightingale which the author heard on new year's day, 1792" 372

To the Rev. John Newton, March 18, 1792. He assures Mr. N. that, though reduced to the company of Mrs. Unwin alone, they are both comfortable 372

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis, March 23, 1792. Remarks on Mr. H.'s Tragedy of Sir Thomas More 373

To Lady Hesketh, March 25, 1752. Cause of the delay of a preceding letter to her; detention of Mr. Hayley's letter to Cowper, at Johnson the bookseller's 373

To Thomas Park, Esq., March 30, 1792. Remarks on a poem of Mr. P.'s 374

To Samuel Rose, Esq., March 30, 1792. Spends his mornings in letter writing 374

To the same, April 5, 1792. Vexatious delay of printers; supposed secret enemy 374

To William Hayley, Esq., April 6, 1792. Expected visit of Mr. H.; Cowper introduces Mrs. Unwin, and advises him to bring books with him, if he should want any 375

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis, April 8, 1792. Apology for delay in writing; reference to Mr. H.'s sisters; and to an unanswered letter 375

To Joseph Hill, Esq., April 15, 1792. Thanks for a remittance; satirical stanzas on a blunder in his Homer; progress in Milton 376

To Lady Throckmorton, April 16, 1792. Lady thieves; report of his being a friend to the slave trade; means taken by him to refute it 376

Sonnet addressed to William Wilberforce, Esq., and published by Cowper in contradiction of the report above-mentioned 377

Remarks on a report respecting Cowper's sentiments relative to the Slave Trade 377

Reflections on Popularity 377

Letter to the Rev. J. Jekyll Rye. April 16, 1792. Cowper asserts the falsehood of a report that he was friendly to the Slave Trade 377

To the Printers of the Northampton Mercury; on the same subject, with a Sonnet addressed to Mr. Wilberforce 378

Remarks on the relative merits of rhyme and blank verse, with reference to a translation of Homer 378

Cowper's sentiments on the subject, and on translation in general 379

To the Lord Thurlow. On the inconvenience of rhyme in translation 379

Lord Thurlow to William Cowper, Esq. On the value of rhyme in certain kinds of poems; on metrical translations; close translation of a passage in Homer 380

To the Lord Thurlow. Vindication of Cowper's choice of blank verse for his translation of Homer; his version of the passage given by Lord T. 381

Lord Thurlow to William Cowper, Esq. On his translation of Homer 382

To the Lord Thurlow. On the same subject 382

Passages from Cowper's translation 382

Facts respecting it 383

To Mr. Johnson, the bookseller. Feb. 11, 1790. Cowper acknowledges his obligations to Mr. Fuseli, for his remarks on his translation of Homer 383

To the same. Sept. 7, 1790. On the same subject 383

Indignant remonstrance of Cowper's, addressed to Johnson on the alteration of a line in one of his poems 384

To Thomas Park, Esq. April 27, 1792. Remarks on some Poems of Mr. P.'s, and on his own literary engagements 384

Marriage of Mr. Courtenay to Miss Stapleton 385

To Lady Hesketh. May 20, 1792. On the marriage of Mr. Courtenay; Dr. Madan's promotion to a Bishopric; complimentary Sonnet produced by Cowper, addressed to Mr. Wilberforce; Lines to Warren Hastings, Esq. 385

To John Johnson, Esq. May 20, 1792. On the postponement of his Ordination, &c. 386

Hayley's visit to Cowper, and his account of it 386

Sonnet addressed by Cowper to Mrs. Unwin 386

Mrs. Unwin's paralytic attack 386

Kind attentions of Hayley 387

To Lady Hesketh. May 24, 1792. Seizure and state of Mrs. Unwin 387

To the same. May 26, 1792. State of Mrs. Unwin 387

Lines addressed to Dr. Austen 388

To Mrs. Bodham. June 4, 1792. On the postponement of Mr. Johnson's Ordination 388

To William Hayley, Esq. June 4, 1792. State of Mrs. Unwin 388

To the same. June 5, 1792. On the same subject 388

To the same. June 7, 1792. On the same subject 389

To the same. June 10, 1792. On the same subject; Lines addressed to Dr. Darwin 389

Origin of Darwin's Poem of the "Botanic Garden" 389

To Lady Hesketh. June 11, 1792. On his growing correspondence; improvement in Mrs. Unwin's health; events of the past two months; arrival of Mr. Johnson 390

To William Hayley, Esq. June 19, 1792. State of Mrs. Unwin; Ice-islands and cold summers; proposed visit to Hayley at Eartham 390

Remarks on a supposed change in the climate, with passages from Cowper's translation of a Poem of Milton's on that subject 391

To William Hayley, Esq. June 27, 1792. Intended journey to Eartham; Catharina, on her marriage to George Courtenay, Esq. 391

To the same. July 4, 1792. Suspension of his literary labours; his solicitude for Mrs. Unwin; his visit to Weston Hall 392

To the same. July 15, 1792. On the proposed journey to Eartham; translations from Milton; portrait of Cowper by Abbot 392

To Thomas Park, Esq. July 20, 1792. On the obstacles to his literary engagements; reference to Cowper's drawings, and to the Olney Hymns 392

To William Hayley, Esq. July 22, 1792. Preparations for the journey to Eartham 393

To the Rev. William Bull. July 25, 1792. On his sitting to Abbot for his portrait; his intended journey to Eartham 393

To William Hayley, Esq. July 29, 1792. His terror at the proposed journey; resemblance of Abbot's portrait 394

To the Rev. John Newton. July 30, 1792. State of Mrs. Unwin; intended journey to Eartham; recollections awakened by Mr. N.'s visit to Weston 394

To the Rev. Mr. Greatheed. Aug. 6, 1792. Account of his journey to Eartham, and situation there 395

To Mrs. Courtenay. Aug. 12, 1792. Particulars of the journey to Eartham, and description of the place 395

To Samuel Rose, Esq. Aug. 14, 1792. Invitation to Eartham 396

To the same. Aug. 18, 1792. Cowper wishes him to join the party at Eartham 396

To Mrs. Courtenay. Aug. 25, 1792. Epitaph on Fop; arrangements for the return to Weston; state of himself and Mrs. Unwin 396

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis. Aug. 26, 1792. On the death of his sister; invitation to Eartham 397

To Lady Hesketh. Aug. 26, 1792. Company at Eartham; his own state and Mrs. Unwin's; portrait of Cowper by Romney 397

To Mrs. Charlotte Smith. Sept. 1792. Sympathy of himself and Hayley in her misfortunes: remark on an expression in her letter; state of Mrs. Unwin 398

To Lady Hesketh. Sept. 9, 1792. Reasons for preferring Weston to Eartham; state of Mrs. Unwin; arrangements for their return; character of Mr. Hurdis 398

Cowper's occupations at Eartham 399

Account of Andreini's Adamo, which suggested to Milton the design of his Paradise Lost 399

To Mrs. Courtenay. Sept. 10, 1792. Reference to the French Revolution; state of Mrs. Unwin; remembrances to friends at Weston 400

Departure from Eartham 400

To William Hayley, Esq. Sept. 18, 1792. Cowper's feelings on his departure 400

To the same. Sept. 21, 1792. Particulars of his journey and arrival at Weston 401

To the same. Oct. 2, 1792. Unsuccessful attempt at writing 401

To the same. Oct. 13, 1792. Cowper's impatience for the arrival of Hayley's portrait; his intention of paying a poetical tribute to Romney 401

To Mrs. King. Oct. 14, 1792. Reference to the visit to Eartham 402

To the Rev. John Newton. Oct. 18, 1792. His employments at Eartham; and indisposition at Weston, urged as an excuse for not writing; reference to his visit to Hayley 402

To John Johnson, Esq. Oct. 19, 1792. On his expected visit; Cowper's unfitness for writing 403

To John Johnson, Esq. Oct. 22, 1792. Reflections on J.'s sitting for his picture 403

To William Hayley, Esq. Oct. 28, 1792. Cowper complains of his unfitness for literary labour, and the grievance that Milton is to him; sonnet addressed to Romney 403

To John Johnson, Esq. Nov. 5, 1792. Cowper's opinion of his Homer 404

To Samuel Rose, Esq. Nov. 9, 1792. Hindrances to his literary labours; Mrs. Unwin's situation and his own depression of spirits; he consents to the prefixing his portrait to a new edition of his poems 404

To the Rev. John Newton. Nov. 11, 1792. Apology for not writing to him; his gloomy state of mind 405

To John Johnson, Esq. Nov. 20, 1792. Thanks him for his verses; his engagement to supply the new clerk of Northampton with an annual copy of verses; reference to his indisposition 405

To William Hayley, Esq. Nov. 25, 1792. Acknowledgment of his friendship; his acceptance of the office of Dirge-writer to the new clerk of Northampton 405

To the Rev. John Newton. Dec. 9, 1792, Reasons for not being in haste with Milton; injurious effect of the season on his spirits 406

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Dec. 16, 1792. Political reflections with reference to the question of Parliamentary Reform, reformation of the Church, and the rights of Catholics and Dissenters 406

First agitation of the question of Parliamentary Reform 407

To Thomas Park, Esq. Dec. 17, 1792. Obstacles to his writing while at Mr. Hayley's, and since his return home; on Johnson's intention of prefixing his portrait to his poems 407

Anecdote of Mrs. Boscawen 407

To William Hayley, Esq. Dec. 26, 1792. The year '92 a most melancholy one to him 408

To Thomas Park, Esq. Jan. 3, 1793. Introduction of Mr. Rose to him; Cowper refers to a remedy recommended by Mr P. for inflammation of the eyes; his share in the Olney Hymns 408

To William Hayley, Esq. Jan. 20, 1793. Cowper's solicitude respecting his welfare; arrival of Hayley's picture 408

To the same. Jan. 29, 1793. On the death of Dr. Austen 409

To John Johnson, Esq. Jan. 31, 1793. Thanks for pheasants, and promises of welcome to a bustard 409

To Samuel Rose, Esq. Feb. 5, 1793. Revisal of Homer 409

To Lady Hesketh. Feb. 10, 1793. Necessity for his taking laudanum; he rallies her on her political opinions 410

To Samuel Rose, Esq. Feb. 17, 1793. Remarks on a criticism on his Homer in the Analytical Review 410

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis. Feb. 22, 1793. He congratulates Mr. H. on the prospect of his being elected Poetry Professor at Oxford; observations in natural history 410

To William Hayley, Esq. Feb. 24, 1793. Complains of inflamed eyes as a hindrance to writing; revisal of Homer; dream about Milton 411

Milton's Vision of the Bishop of Winchester 411

To the Rev. Walter Bagot. March 4, 1793. His ailments and employments; reference to the French Revolution 411

Letter from Thomas Hayley (son of William Hayley, Esq.) to William Cowper, Esq. containing criticisms on his Homer 412

To Mr. Thomas Hayley. March 14, 1793. In answer to the preceding 413

To William Hayley, Esq. March 19, 1793. Complains of being harassed by a multiplicity of business; his progress in Homer; reference to Mazarin's epitaph 413

Last moments of Cardinal Mazarin 413

To Samuel Rose, Esq. March 27, 1793. On the conclusion of an engagement with Johnson for a new edition of his Homer 413

To Joseph Hill, Esq. March 29, 1793. Reference to his pecuniary circumstances; preparations for a new edition of his Homer; remarks on an intended canal 414

To John Johnson, Esq. April 11, 1793. On sending his pedigree to the Herald's College; liberality of Johnson the bookseller; on Mr. J.'s determination to enter the church 414

Illustrious ancestry of Cowper 414

To William Hayley, Esq. April 23, 1793. His engagement in writing notes to Homer 415

To the Rev. John Newton. April 25, 1793. He urges business as an excuse for the unfrequency of his letters; his own and Mrs. Unwin's state; his exchange of books with Dr. Cogshall of New York; reference to the epitaph on the Rev. Mr. Unwin 415

To the Rev. Walter Bagot. May 4, 1793. On the death of Bishop Bagot 416

To Samuel Rose, Esq. May 5, 1793. Apology for silence; his engagement in writing notes to his Homer; intended revisal of the Odyssey 416

To Lady Hesketh. May 7, 1793. His correspondence prevented by Homer; Whigs and Tories 416

To Thomas Park, Esq. May 17, 1793. Chapman's translation of Homer; Cowper's horror of London and dislike of leaving home; epitaph on the Rev. Mr. Unwin; his poems on Negro Slavery 417

To William Hayley, Esq. May 21, 1793. Employment of his time; insensible advance of old age; "Man as he is" attributed erroneously to the pen of Hayley; notes on Homer 417

To Lady Hesketh. June 1, 1793. Desiring her to fix a day for coming to Weston; lines on Mr. Johnson's arrival at Cambridge 418

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis. June 6, 1793. Uses of affliction; suspension of his literary labours; proposed revisal of his Homer 418

To the Rev. John Newton. June 12, 1793. State of Mrs. Unwin's and his own health; reference to a new work of Mr. N.'s 418

To William Hayley, Esq. June 29, 1793. Sonnet addressed to Mr. H.; Cowper declines engaging in a work proposed by Mr. H.; "The Four Ages" 419

To the same. July 7, 1793. He promises to join Mr. H. in the production of "The Four Ages;" reference to his oddities; embellishments of his premises 419

Antique bust of Homer presented to Cowper by Mr. Johnson 420

Cowper's poetical Tribute for the gift 420

To Thomas Park, Esq. July 15, 1793. Chapman's translation of the Iliad; Hobbes's translation; Lady Hesketh; his literary engagements 420

To Mrs. Charlotte Smith. July 25, 1793. On her poem of "The Emigrants," which was dedicated to Cowper 421

To the Rev. Mr. Greatheed. July 27, 1793. He thanks Mr. G. for the offer of part of his house; reasons for declining it; promised visits 421

To William Hayley, Esq. July 27, 1793. Anticipations of a visit from Mr. H.; head of Homer and proposed motto for it; question concerning the cause of Homer's blindness; garden shed 422

To the Rev. John Johnson. Aug. 2, 1793. On his ordination; Flaxman's designs to the Odyssey 423

To Lady Hesketh. Aug. 11, 1793. Miss Fanshaw; present from Lady Spencer of Flaxman's designs 423

Explanation respecting Miss Fanshaw; verses by her; Cowper's reply; his lines addressed to Count Gravina 423

To William Hayley, Esq. Aug. 15, 1793. Epigram on building; inscription for an hermitage; Flaxman's designs; plan of an Odyssey illustrated by them; inscription for the bust of Homer 423

To Mrs. Courtenay. Aug. 20, 1793. Story of Bob Archer and the fiddler; Flaxman's designs to Homer 424

To Samuel Rose, Esq. Aug. 22, 1793. Allusion to scenery on the south coast of England; his literary occupations 425

To William Hayley, Esq. Aug. 27, 1793. Question respecting Homer's blindness; Flaxman's illustrations of Homer; recollections of Lord Mansfield; erection of Homer's bust 425

To Lady Hesketh. Aug. 29, 1793. On her intended visit to Weston; Miss Fanshaw 425

To the Rev. Mr. Johnson. Sept. 4, 1793. His agreeable surprise on the appearance of a sun-dial, a present from Mr. J.; revisal of his Homer 426

To William Hayley, Esq. Sept. 8, 1793. Flaxman's designs to Homer; anticipations of Mr. H.'s visit 426

To Mrs. Courtenay. Sept. 15, 1793. His improvements at Weston; the sun-dial; Pitcairne 427

To the Rev. Mr. Johnson. Sept. 29, 1793. Visits devourers of time; expected visiters at Weston 427

To William Hayley, Esq. Oct. 5, 1793. Demands upon his time; expected visiters; reference to H.'s Life of Milton 427

To the same. Oct. 18, 1793. Anticipations of his visit to Weston 428

To the Rev. John Newton. Oct. 22, 1793. Apology for not writing; reference to a late journey of Mr. N.'s; thanks for his last publication 428

To the Rev. J. Jekyll Rye. Nov. 3, 1793. Thanks for his support of Mr. Hurdis; reference to the application of the clerk of Northampton 428

Hayley's second visit to Weston 429

Invitation to Cowper and his guests from Lord Spencer to Althorpe, to meet Gibbon the historian, declined by him 429

To Mrs. Courtenay. Nov. 4, 1793. He complains of being distracted with business; Hayley's visit; epidemic fever; Mrs. Unwin 429

State of Cowper and Mrs. Unwin as described by Hayley 429

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Nov. 5, 1793. Lady Hesketh's visit to Wargrave; his house at Weston, and prospects from it 430

To the Rev. Walter Bagot. Nov. 10, 1793. Thanks him for his support of Mr. Hurdis; reference to the French Revolution 430

To the Rev. Mr. Hurdis. Nov. 24, 1793. Congratulations on his election to the professorship of poetry at Oxford; Hayley's visit; his Life of Milton; revisal of his Homer; invitation to Weston 430

To Samuel Rose, Esq. Nov. 29, 1793. Expected visit from him and Mr. (the late Sir Thomas) Lawrence; subject from Homer proposed by the latter for his pencil; a companion to it suggested by Cowper; intention of Lawrence to take Cowper's portrait for engraving 431

To the same. Dec. 8, 1793. Thanks him for books; history of Jonathan Wild; character of "Man as he is" 432

To William Hayley, Esq. Dec. 8, 1793. Inquiries concerning his Life of Milton; his own literary occupations 432

Suspension of Cowper's literary labours, and decline of his mental powers 432

Results of Cowper's literary labours on the works of Milton 432

Specimens of his translation of the Latin poem addressed by Milton to his father 433

Hayley's remarks on that poem 434

Passages from Cowper's notes on Milton 434

Fuseli's Milton Gallery 436

Origin of Hayley's acquaintance with Cowper 436

Hayley's first letter, with a sonnet addressed to Cowper 436

To Joseph Hill, Esq. Dec. 10, 1793. On a sprain received by Mr. H.; revisal of Homer; inquiry concerning Lord Howe's fleet 436

The idea of the projected poem of "The Four Ages," suggested by Mr. Buchanan 437

To the Rev. Mr. Buchanan. May 11, 1793. Complimenting Mr. B. on the sketch which he furnished for the poem 437

Increasing infirmities of Mrs. Unwin, and their effect on Cowper 437

His affecting situation at this period 437

Dissatisfaction of Lord Thurlow with a passage in Cowper's Homer, and his and Hayley's attempts to improve upon it 438

To William Hayley, Esq. Dec. 17, 1793. With a new version of the passage above mentioned; criticisms on their performances; his own notions of the principles of translation 438

To the same. Jan. 5, 1794. New translation of the before-mentioned passage; remarks on translation, and particularly of Homer 438

To the same, from the Rev. William Greatheed. April 8, 1794. He acquaints Mr. H. with the alarming situation of Cowper, and urges his coming to Weston 439

Hayley repairs to Weston 440

Lady Hesketh obtains the advice of Dr. Willis 440

Grant of a pension of 300_l._ per annum, by his Majesty, to Cowper 440

Plan for the removal of Cowper and Mrs. Unwin to Norfolk 441

Cowper's sensations on leaving Weston 441

Lines "To Mary," the last original production composed by him at Weston 441

Journey from Weston to North Tuddenham, in Norfolk 441

Stay at Tuddenham 441

Removal to Mundsley, a village on the coast 442

Letter from Cowper to the Rev. Mr. Buchanan, describing his present situation, and soliciting news of Weston 442

Cowper becomes settled at Dunham Lodge, near Swaffham 442

He is induced by the appearance of Wakefield's edition of Pope's Homer, to engage in the revisal of his own version 443

Death of Mrs. Unwin 443

Her Funeral and Inscription 443

Cowper's malady renders him insensible to her loss 443

Successful effort of Mr. Johnson to engage him to return to the revisal of Homer, which he had discontinued 444

Hayley's testimony to the affectionate offices rendered to Cowper by Mr. Johnson 444

Trial of the effect of frequent change of place 444

Visit from Dowager Lady Spencer 445

Attempts of Mr. Johnson to amuse him 445

Letter from Cowper to Lady Hesketh, referring to his melancholy situation 445

He finishes the revisal of his Homer 445

"The Cast-away," his last original production 445

His removal to Dereham 446

His translations of Latin and Greek epigrams, and of some of Gay's Fables into Latin 446

New version of a passage in his Homer, being the last effort of his pen 446

Appearance of dropsy 446

His last illness 446

His death 447

His burial, and inscription by Hayley 447

Remarks on the mental delusion under which he laboured to the last 447

Memoir of the early Life of Cowper, written by himself 449

Remarks on the preceding Memoir 460

Death of Cowper's friend, Sir William Russel 461

Cowper's attachment to his Cousin, Miss Theodora Jane Cowper 461

Nervous attacks, and their presumed causes 462

Distinguishing features in his malady 462

His depression did not prevent the free exercise of his mental powers 462

It was not perceptible to others 463

It was not inconsistent with a rich vein of humour 463

His own picture of his mental sufferings 463

His religious views not the occasion of his wretchedness, but a support under it 464

Sketch of the character, and account of the last illness of the late Rev. John Cowper, by his brother 465

Narrative of Mr. Van Lier 474

Notices of Cowper's friends 474

The Rev. W. Cawthorne Unwin 474

Joseph Hill, Esq. 475

Samuel Rose, Esq. 475

Lady Austen 476

Rev. Walter Bagot 476

Sir George Throckmorton 477

Rev. Dr. Johnson 477

Rev. W. Bull 477

Particulars concerning the person and character of Cowper 477

Cowper's personal character illustrated by extracts from his Works 478

Poetical portraits drawn by him 479

His poem on the Yardley Oak 481

Description of the Tree 481

Original poem on the subject, by the late Samuel Whitbread, Esq. 481

Cowper's moderation amidst literary fame 482

Anecdote of Dr. Parr 482

Cowper's sensibility to unjust censure 482

Letter to John Thornton, Esq. on a severe criticism of his first volume of poems in the "Analytical Review" 482

His excellence as an epistolary writer 482

Character of his Latin poems 483

The Wish, an English version by Mr. Ostler 483

Sublime piety and morality of Cowper's works 483

Beneficial influence of his writings on the Church of England 485

Concluding remarks 486

Essay on the genius and poetry of Cowper, by the Rev. J. W. Cunningham, A.M. 489

THE POEMS.

Preface to the Poems 499

Table Talk 501

The Progress of Error 507

Truth 512

Expostulation 516

Hope 522

Charity 528

Conversation 533

Retirement 540

The Task, in Six Books:--