BRIEF ACCOUNT OF WILLIAM COWPER, ESQ. MR. R. COWPER was the son of John Cowper, D. D. Rector of Great Berkhamstead, Herts. He was born on the 15th of November, 1731. Descended of amiable and respectable parents, of noble affinity, and connected with persons of great worldly influence, his advancement in temporal affluence and honour seemed to demand no extraordinary mental endow ments. His opening genius discovered, however, a capacity for elegant literature, and he enjoyed the best advantages for improvement in so pleasing a pursuit. With uncommon abil ities, he possessed a most amiable temper; and he became not only the darling of his relations, but beloved and admired by his associates in education; some of whom, with inferior prospects, have since risen to distinguished reputation, and even to the highest professional rank. But the towering hopes, that were naturally built on so flattering a ground, were undermined at an early period. From childhood, during which he lost a much-loved parent, his spirits were always very tender, and of ten greatly dejected. * *Mr. Cowper appears to have long retained a very tender sense of this dispensation of Providence. We cannot refrain quoting part of a beautiful poVOL. I. A He was sent to Westminster school, preparatory to course of study which it was designed he should complet the university. Here, however, the natural timidity of temper so much depressed him, that his friends saw the imp priety of attempting to transport him to scenes of augmen turbulence and anxiety; and they entirely relinquished plan of sending him to Oxford: he was, therefore, entered the Temple, in order to prosecute those wishes and ho which were still indulged by his connexions. By a certain mode of arrangement, the patent place of cl of the House of Lords had been reserved for Mr. Cowper; a to this appointment he was directed to look forward, as a s tion highly advantageous to himself, and honourable to his fa em, written by him on receiving his mother's picture out of Norfolk. It hibits a most amiable pattern of filial affection. My mother when I learn'd that thou wast dead, |