A Little Wish

Grant me, gods, a little feat, Modern built, and furnish'd neat: Let it stand on rising ground, For a prospect all around; Call the mansion Cowper's Hill; From the mount a little rill Let meand'ring gently flow Thro' the verdant vale below. Add a little garden to't, Planted, wall'd, and well laid out; And a little bow'r therein, Little bower ever green; And a little shady grove, Or for study, or for love; And some little trees that bear Pippin, cherry, plumb, and pear; And the apricot and peach On the wall within my reach; And each fragrant flow'r that grows, Fragrant flower for the nose; And the rose in all its pride, Blooming rose, for blooming bride; Tulips too in richest shew, Tulips gay, as birth-night beau.

Let us now go in a door, And see what to ask for more: Grant, ye pow'rs, a little wine, For a guest that comes to dine, And a stock of mild and stale, Honest neighbours to regale, And October strong and mellow, Tubes and weed for hearty fellow; These in Cestrian moulds comprest, This of Brocas very best: Cordials too in cupboard be, Rum, arrack and ratifia; Now and then a little cup Serves to keep the spirits up.

As a sportsman, give me horses, Some for chace, and some for courses, And a pack of little hounds, To drive Reynard o'er the downs: Grant for these a fit estate, Nor too little, nor too great.

But if ask again I shall, I will ask what's all in all; Give a little pretty spouse, For to grace my little house; Let her have complexion fair, Sparkling eyes, and auburn hair, Skin as white as neck of swan, Smooth as down that grows thereon, Smiling looks, and ruby lips, Waist that tapers to her hips, And fine arms that easy fall, And soft hands, and fingers small, Skill'd to touch the warbling strings, When her lays, or mine she sings: Let her frank and pleasant be To my friends, as well as me; And with wit and beauty's charms, Glad my heart and bless my arms: Be the produce of our joys, Little girls and little boys.

O! the sweets of such a life! To be bless'd with such a wife! Grant but these, may I be poor, When I ask a little more.