Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade, Apt emblem of a virtuous maid Silent and chaste she steals along, Far from the world's gay busy throng: With gentle yet prevailing force, Intent upon her destined course; Graceful and useful all she does, Blessing and blest where'er she goes; Pure-bosom'd as that watery glass, And Heaven reflected in her face.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A virtuous woman moves quietly yet powerfully, blessing all she touches.
- In plain terms
- A good woman quietly influences the world.
- What can you take from it?
- Value modest strength and virtue.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does 'gentle yet prevailing force' mean?
- How can modesty be powerful?
Another view
Historical language may feel archaic.
More from William Cowper
'Regions Caesar never knew Thy posterity shall sway; Where his eagles never flew, None invincible as they.' Such the bard's prophetic words, Pregnant with cele…
Permalink to quote #6 Candid, and generous, and just, Boys care but little whom they trust, An error soon corrected- For who but learns in riper years That man, when smoothest he ap…
Permalink to quote #8 True Charity, a plant divinely nurs'd.
Permalink to quote #5
Related quotes
Goodness is achieved not in a vacuum, but in the company of other men, attended by love.
Saul BellowSaul Bellow quote #1 Nos vertus ne sont, le plus souvent, que de vices deguises.
Francois de La RochefoucauldFrancois de La Rochefoucauld quote #1 No seed shall perish which the soul hath sown.
John Addington SymondsJohn Addington Symonds quote #1