The mind may be wounded and healing balm imparted to it
— Cowper, Maria Frances Cecilia [née Madan] (1726-1797)
Work Title
Date
1792
Metaphor
The mind may be wounded and healing balm imparted to it
Metaphor in Context
Say, can the tinkling of the neighbouring stream
The riches of the Gospel truths convey?
Or can the glow-worm, with her languid beam,
Unfold the glories of immortal day?
As soon shall these the wondrous task perform,
To wounded minds the healing balm impart,
As Man--vain, impotent, self-righteous worm--
With aught but faith console his aching heart.
(ll. 33-40, p. 272)
The riches of the Gospel truths convey?
Or can the glow-worm, with her languid beam,
Unfold the glories of immortal day?
As soon shall these the wondrous task perform,
To wounded minds the healing balm impart,
As Man--vain, impotent, self-righteous worm--
With aught but faith console his aching heart.
(ll. 33-40, p. 272)
Categories
Provenance
Reading
Citation
Lonsdale, R. Ed. Eighteenth Century Women Poets. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.
Date of Entry
07/23/2003
