The Mind
On Envy
Translated by William Cowper · From Translations
The Mind
Pity, says the Theban Bard,
From my wishes I discard;
Envy! let me rather be,
Rather far, a theme for thee!
Pity to distress is shewn:
Envy to the great alone--
So the Theban--But to shine
Less conspicuous be mine!
I prefer the golden mean
Pomp and penury between;
For alarm and peril wait
Ever on the loftiest state,
And the lowest, to the end,
Obloquy and scorn attend.
✦ ✦ ✦
Codex Note
Translated from the Greek.
Cite this poem
MLA
Cowper, William. “On Envy.” Translated by William Cowper. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/cowper/397/.
Chicago
Cowper, William. “On Envy.” Translated by William Cowper. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/cowper/397/.
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