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:--