To The Nightingale, Which The Author Heard Sing On New Year’s Day.

Whence is it that, amazed, I hear
From yonder wither’d spray,
This foremost morn of all the year,
The melody of May?


And why, since thousands would be proud
Of such a favour shown,
Am I selected from the crowd
To witness it alone?


Sing’st thou, sweet Philomel, to me,
For that I also long
Have practised in the groves like thee,
Though not like thee in song?


Or sing’st thou, rather, under force
Of some divine command,
Commission’d to presage a course
Of happier days at hand?


Thrice welcome then! for many a long
And joyless year have I,
As thou to-day, put forth my song
Beneath a wintry sky.


But thee no wintry skies can harm,
Who only need’st to sing
To make e’en January charm,
And every season spring.

William Cowper

William Cowper

William Cowper was an English poet and hymnodist known for his contributions to English literature and the Evangelical revival of the 18th century. He suffered from periods of severe depression and mental illness, which influenced much of his work. Despite his struggles, Cowper produced notable works including 'Olney Hymns' in collaboration with John Newton and 'The Task,' which gained considerable popularity. His poetry is often characterized by its introspective, religious, and sometimes melancholic themes.

William Cowper

English

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