Question

god made the country poem summary by william cowper in english literature

Answer 1

In the poem “God made the country” written by William Cowper the poet has tried to draw the distinction between a town and a city. He says that there though there are many facilities which can be availed in a town, but the people of the town lack the presence of happiness in their life. He talks about the fast and busy life of the town which do not have time to value emotions and feelings. Although there are fewer facilities in a country, the people here live in peace and harmony and are ready to help each other anytime.

Answer 2

God made the country, and man made the town.
What wonder then that health and virtue, gifts
That can alone make sweet the bitter draught
That life holds out to all, should most abound
And least be threaten'd in the fields and groves?
Possess ye, therefore, ye, who, borne about
In chariots and sedans, know no fatigue
But that of idleness, and taste no scenes
But such as art contrives, possess ye still
Your element; there only can ye shine;
There only mind's like yours can do no harm.
Our groves were planted to console at noon
The pensive wanderer in their shades. At eve
The moonbeam, sliding softly in between
The sleeping leaves, is all the light they wish,
Birds warbling all the music. We can spare
The splendour of your lamps; they but eclipse
Our softer satellite. Your songs confound
Our more harmonious notes: the thrush departs
Scar'd, and th' offended nightingale is mute.
There is a public mischief in your mirth;
It plagues your country. Folly such as yours,
Grac'd with a sword, and worthier of a fan,
Has made, which enemies could ne'er have done,
Our arch of empire, steadfast but for you,
A multilated structure, soon to fall..