Date: 1785

Wisdom is a pearl "with most success / Sought in still water, and beneath clear skies"

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: 1785

The mind may be "polish'd"

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: 1785

"Mark now the proof I give thee, that the brave / Need no such aids as superstition lends / To steel their hearts against the dread of death!"

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: 1786

One may steal "The gem of truth from his unguarded soul"

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: 1788

"Strong Genius, from whose forge of thought / Forms rise, to quick perfection wrought"

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: June, 1788

"Think, ye masters, iron-hearted, / Lolling at your jovial boards, / Think how many backs have smarted / For the sweets your cane affords."

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: 1791

"I have a mind more equal, not of steel / My heart is form'd, but much to pity inclined."

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: 1791

"My son! oh how could so severe a word / Escape thy lips? my fortitude of mind / Thou know'st, and even now shalt prove me firm / As iron, secret as the stubborn rock."

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: 1791

"Thou hast an iron heart! / For should that savage man and faithless once / Seize and discover thee, no pity expect / Or reverence at his hands"

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)

Date: 1791

"Thou hast an heart of iron, terrour-proof."

— Cowper, William (1731-1800)