Classic Poem

Addressed to Henry Cowper, Esq., Clerk Assistant to the House of Lords

C OWPER , whose silver voice, task'd sometimes hard,
Legends prolix delivers in the ears
(Attentive when thou read'st) of England's Peers,
Let verse at length yield thee thy just reward.
Thou wast not heard with drowsy disregard,
Expending late on all that length of plea
Thy gen'rous pow'rs, but silence honour'd thee,
Mute as e'er gaz'd on Orator or Bard.
Thou art not voice alone, but hast beside
Both heart and head; and could'st with music sweet
Of Attic phrase and senatorial tone,
Like thy renown'd Forefathers, far and wide
Thy fame diffuse, prais'd not for utt'rance meet
Of others' speech, but magic of thy own.