The Poetry Corner

Catharina: The Second Part: On Her Marriage To George Courtenay, Esq.

By William Cowper

Believe it or not, as you choose, The doctrine is certainly true, That the future is known to the muse, And poets are oracles too. I did but express a desire To see Catharina at home, At the side of my friend Georges fire, And loshe is actually come! Such prophecy some may despise, But the wish of a poet and friend Perhaps is approved in the skies, And therefore attains to its end. Twas a wish that flew ardently forth From a bosom effectually warmd With the talents, the graces, and worth Of the person for whom it was formd. Maria[1] would leave us, I knew, To the grief and regret of us all, But less to our grief, could we view Catharina the Queen of the Hall. And therefore I wishd as I did, And therefore this union of hands: Not a whisper was heard to forbid, But all cryAmento the bans. Since, therefore, I seem to incur No danger of wishing in vain When making good wishes for her, I will een to my wishes again With one I have made her a wife, And now I will try with another, Which I cannot suppress for my life How soon I can make her a mother.