The calm retreat, the silent shade

The calm retreat, the silent shade

Author: William Cowper
Published in 9 hymnals

Author: William Cowper

William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: The calm retreat, the silent shade
Author: William Cowper
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 9 of 9)
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A Selection of Sacred Songs #104

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A Selection of Sacred Songs. 2nd ed. #104

Hymns for Social Worship. 6th ed. #d223

School Service Book #d33

Songs for the School Room #d109

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The American School Hymn Book #LXXXIII

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The American School Hymn Book. (New ed.) #LXXXIII

The Harmoniad and Sacred Melodist #d114

The Sacred Minstrel #d86

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