The Rhyme of Reason

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.”

Proverb 3:27

Though mostly known for his hymns, “There is a Fountain” and “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” William Cowper’s life was a rich garden of spritual thought, artistically worded. Cowper was thought to be Benjamin Franklin’s favorite poet. His sarcastic terseness and sensical topics have made his collection of writings an enlightening read to me also.

This selection was originally part of a longer piece against slavery. Cowper mocked the duplicitous politicians of his day for their hypocrisy. Though the topic has changed, the typical method of confronting wrong-doing has not. Enjoy.

“Video meliora proboque, Deteriora sequor.”

Your scruples and arguments bring to my mind
A story so pat, you may think it is coined,
On purpose to answer you, out of my mint; 
But I can assure you I saw it in print

A youngster at school, more sedate than the rest,
Had once his integrity put to the test;
His comrades had plotted an orchard to rob,
And asked him to go and assist in the job.

He was shocked, sir, like you, and answered-- 'Oh no!
What! rob our good neighbour! I pray you don't go;
Besides, the man's poor, his orchard's his bread,
Then think of his children, for they must be fed'

'You speak very fine, and you look very grave,
But apples we want, and apples we'll have;
If you will go with us, you shall have a share,
If not, you shall have neither apple nor pear.'

They spoke, and Tom pondered-- 'I see they will go:
Poor man! what a pity to injure him so!
Poor man! I would save him some fruit if I could,
But staying behind would do him no good.'

'If the matter depended alone upon me,
His apples might hang till they dropped from the tree
But, since they will take them, I think I'll go too,
He will lose none by me, though I get a few.'

His scruples then silenced, Tom felt more at ease,
And went with his comrades the apple to seize;
He blamed and protested, but joined in the plan;
He shared in the plunder, but pitied the man.

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